Gaggia Classic Pro Manual Coffee Machine (Grey, Blue, Red) $589.99 Delivered (Was $639.99) @ Costco (Membership Required)

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XabiFernando on 28/09/2021 - 11:29 costco.com.au (3932 clicks)
Last edited 28/09/2021 - 12:50 by 1 other user

Very good price for a popular machine. Red, Blue and Grey all available.

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              browser on 30/09/2021 - 09:57

              @G-rig: My comment about portafilter from Alipexpress relates "Bambino Plus", which comes with a rather plasticky handle, but being a 54mm variant it is usually cheaper than 58mm, and should be available for around $30 delivered.

              Check for compatibility even with 58mm portafilters, while baskets are usually interchangeable, the portafilter might not, due to size/position or even number of locking tabs can be different across manufacturers.

              I have resisted bottomless portafilter for a long time, just didn't feel the need for it. The primary function of it is to visually identify channelling issues, but I use other methods and I can tell that coffee pucks are fine. However, I finally got one for other reasons, namely:

              • Increased height clearance from not having a spout.
              • Ease of cleaning, the bottom is exposed.
              • Ease to remove basket, just push from the bottom.
              • More direct path for extraction, lead to better timing.
              • To a lesser extend, less metal to dissipate heat.

              A couple of disadvantages:

              • Not possible to use a double spout for 2 cups, probably not a concern for most users.
              • Channelling issues may lead to a mess from coffee shooting sideways, proper distribution and tamping techniques should correct this over time.
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                G-rig on 30/09/2021 - 10:29

                @browser: Ah no worries, I have only noticed the bottomless style portafilters recently but probably been out for a few years now. A lot of mods aren't really essential but could treat it as more of a hobby and to improve the quality of the shot right.

                Seems like a few good reasons there, the stock one is fairly solid, so would be a waste sitting around (but could sell with machine if/when the time comes).

                • clearance - I've got the lowered drip tray and longer pipe from Shadesofcofffee, much better and can use normal height mugs.
                • cleaning & removing - yes
                • ensures tamping technique is level etc
                • visually good to see/fancy.

                The pucks look ok, and can see coffee coming out of both side so hard to say if I need one. The gloss handle ones that SOC sell for ~$40 (plus probably postage) look pretty nice, they ship with a triple basket, think double would be fine. Ironically a triple would be good to make two cups at once.
                No way I'd spend $80+ on one.

                Cheers

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                  browser on 30/09/2021 - 11:41

                  +1

                  @G-rig:

                  the stock one is fairly solid, so would be a waste sitting around

                  Exactly my reason, stock is stainless, feels solid and well made, with zero compatibility concerns.

                  Aliexpress ones whilst functional, definitely inferior than stock. Despite large number of five star reviews, I think people don't look into the material it is made in, my guess is chrome plated cast aluminium, it feels light and not as durable.

                  The thought of spending money for something with lesser quality to replace another that works perfectly fine is hard to overcome.

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  Polak on 01/10/2021 - 08:48

  For the noobs, This is a great reliable robust machine out of the box, It is not necessary to mod the unit as pointed out by all the experts here, it makes a perfectly good Latte in the mornings, this current model is made in Italy replacing the previous substandard model, Segafredo service is also excellent, the only thing you have to get is a decent tamper, you don't need a duel boiler as steam is up in seconds, adding to it's versatility as a small footprint benchtop machine.

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    G-rig on 01/10/2021 - 10:03

    Agree, got the original version in 2008 and still going strong. Only one service. What year is the previous 'substandard model' pre 2018 I assume? It's good the old ones need an OPV kit upgrade as it has an adjustable OPV mounted on the back right of the boiler and two hoses coming into the water reservoir.

    Still makes great coffee for what it is, good enough to get your technique tuned. You could spend $2-20k on a machine.

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