Upgrade path (from Gaggia Classic)

Gran Hermano

I thought I'd start a new thread rather than continue off topic on the Silva thread.

I've spent some time today having a quick look online for an upgrade
to my Gaggia Classic. It won't be an immediate purchase but I can
see the credit card taking a hit over the next few months for a new
espresso machine.

Contenders at the moment are:
http://www.chriscoffee.com/products/home/espresso/anita

http://www.happydonkey.co.uk/iberital-1-group-coffee-machines.html (either model)

http://www.pennineteaandcoffee.co.uk/commercialcoffeemachine/Nuova_Simonelli.htm

I'll just need to leave enough cash for a Behemor (whenever they get released)

I've a couple of concerns over these machines,
- the warm up time, especially in the morning when I need to be in and out of the kitchen with an espresso in 15 minutes.
- size/weight and kitchen counter 'real estate' as some of these machines are on the super size scale.
- availability in Europe (nevermind Ireland).

I'd appreciate any thoughts from Boardsies who've experience in this area
(And apols to Mr M as we both know what happens once this talk of upgrades happens!)

RE*AC*TOR

Oscar has neither a vacuum release valve nor an OPV. As you may have read I had to buy and install and Izzo Vivi OPV into my Oscar to bring the brew pressure down to the desired area. This was a total PITA, and although it is working great now, it's not something you want to have to do with a brand new machine. The lack of a vacuum release valve means the steam wand has to be opened when the machine is turned on so the pressure stat gets a true reading. This means you can't really put it on a timer. Heat up time is about 15mins - so not too bad. Also it comes with a 4 hole steam tip, which is fine if you want to steam a gallon of milk, but for enough milk for one or two lattés it's a nightmare. Just got myself a two hole tip (also an Izzo part) and the difference is night and day, back in the zone of delicious microfoam.

If you are looking at spending up to £1299 (like the Iberital) then I'd seriously consider the La Spaziale Vivaldi Mini
http://www.bellabarista.co.uk/bellabarista_detail.asp?ProductID=337

or the Dalla Corte Mini
http://www.bellabarista.co.uk/bellabarista_detail.asp?ProductID=318

Both are dual boiler machines with brew temperature control. This is a big step up from single boiler HX machines which can be tricky getting the flushing down to perfection for the right brew temp. With the dual boiler fellows there is no learning - correct temp off the bat. Plus you can experiment with brew temps (i know - another variable!).

Mind you if it was me, and I was spending up to that range, I'd go the whole hog and get an Izzo Alex Duetto.

http://www.bellabarista.co.uk/bellabarista_detail.asp?ProductID=383

Similar twin boiler, temp control, but it has a rotary pump, and can be run off mains or tank. It's steep at £1445, but unless you're gonna get a GS3 it's untouchable.

If size / real estate is a major concern - consider the Dalla Corte Mini, I have no idea how they packed so much into something so small.

Bear in mind with the Dalla Corte and Spaziale you'll have to get a new tamper as they use 53mm (i think) portafilters. The Izzo is standard E61 58mm.

Mr Magnolia

Fair play Gran Hermano, I've been pondering the cost of an upgrade against the improvment in coffee. I'll do a bit of reading and come back with my €0.02.



Aside/ I've finally fitted the rancilio steam wand to the Classic, I'm off for a latte.

Gran Hermano

Fear not I'll be doing plenty of reading and researching before purchasing myself.
I just need to decide whether I should pick up a machine in the 800 euro bracket or skip a step and look at those mentioned above.
Reactor, many thanks for the links.

Mr Magnolia

Another consideration would be a better machine may* expose any flaws in the iRoast2? Would the behmor1600 be more suitable or would it fall by the wayside to?

I'm just putting my thoughts down here folks, feel free to comment.




*The iRoast2 is great and I'd recommend it in a heart-beat but I don't think it's ever going to hold up against some of the commercially roasted quality beans. No matter what bean I've roasted it just seems to fall a little short of some of what I've bought roasted. Will the behmor be a great improvment? Am I talking out of my hat?

RE*AC*TOR

You're not talking out your hat - i'd just replace "some" with "most".

Behmor will be an improvement (drum vs air roast), but should still fall short of an expert job.

ch2008

I love my classic, its great! (with the rancillio wand attached that is)

Mr Magnolia

Well it doesn't look like the Behmor 1600 is going to be on my letter to Santa this Christmas, it's probably not going to be available until the new year. What to do now?

I was seriously impressed by the coffee I had from RE*AC*TOR's Oscar recently, so much so that an upgrade is playing on my mind again. I wonder how much of my recent experience was down to the roasted bean and how much was down to the Oscar's output [to be fair, the skill of the barista should also be factored in]? Aarrgh!