Gaggia Syncrony

heggie

How is this machine? looking to start having proper coffee at home, and like the way this has a grinder built in, any opinions? thanks

Gran Hermano

heggie wrote: »

How is this machine? looking to start having proper coffee at home, and like the way this has a grinder built in, any opinions? thanks

Have no hands on experience with this model, but reviews online seem
mixed. I'd always go for a separate espresso machine and grinder - less
to go wrong and easier to upgrade individual components at a later date
should you see fit.

heggie

thanks for the reply, I like my coffee, but im not sure im bothered getting a separate grinder and thought this looked good, maybe i'd be better going down the separate route tho

Gran Hermano

heggie wrote: »

thanks for the reply, I like my coffee, but im not sure im bothered getting a separate grinder and thought this looked good, maybe i'd be better going down the separate route tho

Sorry heggie, was juggling work whilst writing my earlier reply.

What price were you looking at for the Syncrony? Chances are
buying an entry level Gaggia espresso machine and a Gaggia MDF
grinder would cost roughly the same. Buying separates means
you can mix and match between manufacturers, you are not limited
to just Gaggia gear.

Let us know your budget and the type of coffee drinks you like. I'm
sure myself and the others here will be able to suggest a few options.

Hasta luego..

heggie

thanks, well I'd have a budget of probably about 400 (i'm able to get a discount in a shop that stocks some coffee gear, so if theres something well worth getting with a retail price above that I can cut it by about 20%) I like americano, cappucinos etc but I woudn't drink coffee black often. Also, I couldnt really have any huge machine so size may be an issue

Gran Hermano

I've just had a check on Argos - they're useful for getting average
pricing for Ireland quickly.

Gaggia Cubika Stainless Steel Espresso Machine.

Cat # 050/2962 €224

Gaggia Evolution Espresso Machine.


Cat # 050/3428 €264


Between the two entry level models above, I'd go for the Evolution
another review here

heggie

ok cool, so that with a grinder?

Gran Hermano

heggie wrote: »

ok cool, so that with a grinder?

Afraid not, you're looking at another €150+ for a decent grinder.
Do a search on the forum for 'grinder'. I'd recommend either the Gaggia
MDF or Iberital MC2. A good grinder is crucial. With a budget of €400
and 20% off you should be able to get both. If the shop you can get the
discount in only stocks certain brands let us know.

heggie

oh yeah, I meant that + a grinder, I'll check those out, thanks for the help

Mr Magnolia

I can't add any more to the excellent advice Gran Hermano as pointed out. Let us know what you decide and how you get on

Edit/ buy a good tamper too.

Slaphead07

heggie wrote: »

thanks, well I'd have a budget of probably about 400 (i'm able to get a discount in a shop that stocks some coffee gear, so if theres something well worth getting with a retail price above that I can cut it by about 20%) I like americano, cappucinos etc but I woudn't drink coffee black often. Also, I couldnt really have any huge machine so size may be an issue

I have had the Syncrony logic for a few years now and I love it... this is after several manual Gaggia machines over the years. The thing is though, all I want is well made and consistent espresso - the Syncrony does this at the push of a button. It does have a steamer for cappuccinos or lattes but if you're going to that much trouble you might as well have a good old "lock and load" machine anyway.
In short there's nothing wrong with the Syncrony - it produces very good coffee everytime. It's just not for everyone.

heggie

another noob question, what do you guys use to foam your milk?

Gran Hermano

heggie wrote: »

another noob question, what do you guys use to foam your milk?

There's a steam wand on the side of the espresso machine which will
accommodate all your milk foaming and frothing.

heggie

great, thanks for all the help!

the beer revolu

My sister has a sychrony and it makes terrible coffee (even when I give her top notch beans) but that may be down to lack of cleaning and maintenance.

the beer revolu

If you're going for a manual machine;

The big factor with Gaggia models is that the cheaper models have aluminium filter holders while the Classic and other models have chromed brass.
The brass holds the heat much better giver a hotter coffee without having to use hotter water.
The brass ones have a much nicer feel and weight too.

I've used both and it really is a big factor.

hshortt

The Classic uses Black Plastic filter holders..... cheapens the whole package.

Cheers

RE*AC*TOR

hshortt wrote: »

The Classic uses Black Plastic filter holders..... cheapens the whole package.

Cheers

Mine doesn't.

hshortt

RE*AC*TOR wrote: »

Mine doesn't.

I'll hazard a guess then that yours is the Silver Classic. My experience is with the Black Classic and the portafilter holder is black plastic with black plastic spouts.

Cheerio,
Howard

Mr Magnolia

I've the stainless Classic too. I can't believe they supply a black plastic portafilter with the other machine.

RE*AC*TOR

Yeah silver / metal. The portafilter and spouts are chromed brass. There is a black plastic handle.