My old generic espresso machine died. I upgraded to a Gaggia Baby Class...

At the Capresso Infinity FINEST setting no matter my tamp, I can't get more than 13 seconds of extraction. (I did try no tamp (just leveling) to ensure channeling wasn't an issue)

The espresso crema looks FANTASTIC, tricking me into a desired expectation however, the espresso is a bit bitter/off.

Does the Gaggia require a higher grind than the Capresso Infinity can produce?

The cheapest Gaggia MDF or Rancilio Rocky Doserless is around $300...

If my issue really is the grinder, could anyone recommend something in the $200 range? Ty

Nemox Lux Plus ought to do it.
http://www.1st-line.com/machines/home_m...rinder.htm

Rad7777 wrote:At the Capresso Infinity FINEST setting no matter my tamp, I can't get more than 13 seconds of extraction.

The coffee is fresh, right? Sorry, whenever I read reports of a fast pour from a new espresso machine owner, I gotta ask.

Assuming your beans were roasted in the past two weeks or so (as Dan noted) many of the folks in the Gaggia users' group like the Tranquilo in that price range.

Wow thanks for the replies. Yes the roast is fresh, this week with 36hrs air. I have an Iroast and get my beans from sweetmarias.

Will look at both those grinders, the price point looks good. ty

I will try the local roaster tomorrow morning just in case. Will try to give an update by mid-day, thanks!

Alright got back from the local roaster an hour ago, it is not my beans... However, I have confirmed it is indeed my grind. I asked them to grind me 1/4" of my espresso blend along with 1/4" of their standard espresso blend. Both blends, theirs and mine, with their grind, gives me a solid shot of ~24 seconds.

So, today I have the task of looking for a new grinder! woohoo

If anyone has any more recommendations for a Gaggia Baby Class, I'd love to hear them. Ty

Lelit makes a nice little stepless grinder that sells for about $270.

http://www.1st-line.com/machines/home_mod/lelit/PL53.htm

Ty all for the advice... A got a Rocky for $250 so I am happy (doserless)!

I will reply with results as soon as I get it.

Congrats on the Rocky,

Now go and check out the Rocky mods threads to make it useful for what you want.

-Cecil