Espresso!

[Newfie]

I guess I should start this post by saying:

"Hi, my name is Jim, and I love coffee!".

Many of you may remember about 6 weeks ago I posted about intending to buy a Saeco fully atuomatic machine. Well, I listened to advice (on several boards) and did my homework. I read, asked, studied, investigated, sampled, yadda yadda for 5 weeks and last week I pulled the trigger. I am now the proud owner of a Gaggia MDF grinder and a Gaggia Classic semi-automatic Espresso machine.

I figure that while I'm still on a very steep learning curve, my techniques are decent enough to show off.

Here's a double shot starting to pour last night before supper:

Here's the same shot just as I shut off the water flow to the Portafilter. The picture doesn't do it justice, but there's a "Guinness" effect that is simply awesome:

Here again is that shot from above to show the Crema. The Crema is a little light, but that may be due to the age of the beans. Those of you who enjoy an Espresso will see that I let the pour "Blonde Out" just a little too long, but hey, I'm still a Newbie to this, so ........ :

Here's a Cappuccino I made for the Bride when she got home from work:

All in all, I'm very pleased with my selection of machine and the progress in technique. I won't bore anyone with the details of how I got from wanting a fully-auto machine to this set-up, but if anyone's interested, feel free to PM me and I'll give you the lowdown!!

 

[garrettbuckeye]

Awesome! I am definately jealous. Are you a fan of espresso porn as I am?

well if you are...

 

[Newfie]

I love those pics of a nice pour through a bottomless Portafilter. Unfortunately, the PF on my Gaggia can't be modded to bottomless. Eventually, someone will make one, or I'll find one that's already out there.

Garrett, is that your machine or just some pics you found? Looks like the Rancilio logo on the PF handle.

BTW, It was the Espresso Porn thread from yesterday that entices me to take these pics after work yesterday.

 

[vin#]

Nice switch! I wouldn't go with a full-auto either. In the future, I'm thinking about getting the Silvia.

That's a nice looking machine! :thumbs:

 

[garrettbuckeye]

Oh how I wish they were my pics. That's just from the thread I posted yesterday. I haven't a clue who's taken them, but I'd like them even more if they were taken from my kitchen.

The pics inspired me too... to drink!

 

[Newfie]

Nice switch! I wouldn't go with a full-auto either. In the future, I'm thinking about getting the Silvia.

That's a nice looking machine! :thumbs:

Thanks Vin.

The Sylvia was on my short list, but the vast majority of users who are "Completely Satisfied" with that machine have spent $2-300 to have the PIF done. It's apparently a very moody machine without that add-on.

 

[insight]

Oh man it looks so good... you are making me want to do bad things to my credit

 

[vin#]

Nice switch! I wouldn't go with a full-auto either. In the future, I'm thinking about getting the Silvia.

That's a nice looking machine! :thumbs:

Thanks Vin.

The Sylvia was on my short list, but the vast majority of users who are "Completely Satisfied" with that machine have spent $2-300 to have the PIF done. It's apparently a very moody machine without that add-on.

Did you mean the thermocouple mod? I was planning on doing it myself when I get the machine. It should save me a few bucks. I also plan on getting the bottomless PF as well.

I need to save up the money first, but it's hard not to spend it on cigars. :laugh: The part that took me by suprise is the grinder! Some people recommend the Rancilio Rocky, but it's $300! I haven't done a lot of research on grinders yet, but I know it's important.

Actually, the Gaggia Classic was my first choice. I'm not sure why I end up picking the Silvia over the Gaggia Classic. I think it was because of the boiler. I don't remember, but I don't think you can go wrong with either machines.

 

[Newfie]

Did you mean the thermocouple mod? I was planning on doing it myself when I get the machine. It should save me a few bucks. I also plan on getting the bottomless PF as well.

Yes, the Thermocouple & Temp Controller Mod. The Silvia is in the vicinity of $550-600, and when you add the cost of the PID, you are getting very close to a double boiler or HX machine, with a much higher capacity. Don't get me wrong, I'm not condemning your choice, I'm just saying my reasoning for not getting the Sylvia. And yes, the bottomless PF is said to be the best training aid there is, plus the shots are awesome to look at (as per your pic above). :love:

The part that took me by suprise is the grinder! Some people recommend the Rancilio Rocky, but it's $300! I haven't done a lot of research on grinders yet, but I know it's important.

Many people advised me to go with the Mazzer Mini. They say it's the best out there and I've read alot about people upgrading from the Rocky to the MM. For the most part, I went kinda low budget with my choices as if (when :whistling: ) I upgrade, this Gaggia pair will be relegated to my office, and I figured it would be a great beginner set-up as well.

Actually, the Gaggia Classic was my first choice. I'm not sure why I end up picking the Silvia over the Gaggia Classic. I think it was because of the boiler. I don't remember, but I don't think you can go wrong with either machines.

The Gaggia has an aluminium boiler, and a little smaller capacity than the Sylvia's brass one. The Gaggia has a double heating element, and I haven't run out of hot water or steam yet. I had 2 guys over from work the other day for lunch and was pulling double shots as fast as I could, and it kept up no problem. I can pull 2 shots to make Capps for the Bride & I, and it goes to steaming temp faster than I can get the pitcher out of the freezer, pour ~ 6 oz milk in it and get the thermometer set up. By the time the milk gets to 150 deg f, it's starting to lag on the steam, but jeez, that's asking an awful lot from a machine of this price range.

 

[enerjay]

AS I LIKE TO SAY MIDDLE CLASS CRACK...PLEASE