i decided to get the stuff to do good espresso at home.

i should have a gaggia factory in a few days, 16cup boiler model.
to grind the beans i decided to try this grinder, hope it does ok. i considered getting a manual grinder but just decided to try that one.

now, to be sure...is the portafilter on the factory a 51mm size?
where can i find a tamper for that? i've seen 49mm and 53mm tampers.

where should i look to find a something like a bottomless portafilter this machine if i decide to do that? could i find one that may hold a little more grounds than the stock one?

i was considering a semi auto machine, but i got the factory for $346 as a refurb* from wll...


*most likely something someone returned under the 30day buyer's remorse thing.

EPNW will supply you with a 51mm Tamper (I have an EPNW EP5 with 51mm flat bottomed tamper that I use with MY factory. Works just fine!). As to bottomless P/F, EPNW (again) will make one for you but it's not cheap....

piwonka wrote:i should have a gaggia factory in a few days, 16cup boiler model...
i was considering a semi auto machine, but i got the factory for $346 as a refurb from wll.

Great entry into the lever universe. Great price, too.

piwonka wrote:to grind the beans i decided to try this grinder, hope it does ok. i considered getting a manual grinder but just decided to try that one.

Looks like a Nemox Lux: slow and noisy, but does a fine job grinding for espresso.

piwonka wrote:now, to be sure...is the portafilter on the factory a 51mm size?
where can i find a tamper for that? i've seen 49mm and 53mm tampers.

The newer Pavoni and Gaggia levers (Millenium models) take 51mm portafilters/baskets/tampers. Not many options, other than Reg Barber and EP tampers (available at Espresso Parts).

piwonka wrote:where should i look to find a something like a bottomless portafilter this machine if i decide to do that? could i find one that may hold a little more grounds than the stock one?

Espresso Parts sells them for a somewhat inflated price (don't forget to specify the correct machine type). You can do better at Parts Guru by ordering the the Pavoni Millenium portafilter (w/o spouts) and getting it chopped at EP (or see here).

Not sure why you'd want a larger basket. The Gaggia does just fine with the stock double.

Enjoy your new machine!

i just got my factory.
i got an illy tamp that fits the single basket great but is tight in the double basket...darn it.

also, is there nothing that retains the basket in the factory portafilter?

piwonka wrote:also, is there nothing that retains the basket in the factory portafilter?

No, there is nothing stock. You could try rubber bands and/or source some o-rings to get a friction fit. I just pull the basket out, let it set a few moments on a towel and knock it out when it is cool enough to handle. For whatever reason, the pucks I get on the Gaggia Factory are quite dry and never messy to deal with in this manner. I am playing with a spring lever at the moment and my experiences with that machine are the exact opposite; wet, soupy, messy and hot!