galiyosha Senior Member Joined: 22 May 2003 Posts: 15 Location: Slovakia Expertise: I love coffee
Grinder: Anfim commercial Vac Pot: Hario Nouveau Roaster: Caffé Rosto
Posted Sun Oct 26, 2003, 9:40am Subject: First machine -- Isomac Giada or Gaggia Evolution (if price is equal)?
Hi there,
I'm finally buying a first espresso machine. (I already saved up for a good grinder -- probably the Gaggia MDF as I'm tight on budget and can't afford the Rocky that is overpriced in Europe and costs usually over 300 euro.) I was aiming for the Gaggia Evolution that is reasonably prices here, but ran into an opportunity to buy a once-only used Isomac Giada for a slightly lower price than the Gaggia Evolution. The Isomac is probably mislabeled, as the label on it says it is a Cappuccina model, but judging by the look, it definitely is the Giada.
To me, the only drawback of the Isomac is the 53 mm portafilter that doesn't look quite as massive as the one on Gaggia. Everything else is better: steel body (though I found a post regarding relatively poor quality of it), brass boiler (Gaggia has that proprietary aluminium one I don't like very much), pressure gauge... Neither one has a solenoid valve, so I'll have to live without it.
My question is: Does the 58 mm portafilter make the Gaggia Evolution a better machine than the Isomac Giada? I don't really care about the plastic housing and can live with the aluminium boiler -- if shots from the Gaggia would be better than the ones from Isomac. Shot quality is all that matters to me.
If you were in my situation, which one would you buy? Thanks for your opinions!
corey Senior Member Joined: 26 Sep 2003 Posts: 1,148 Location: Perth, Australia Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Synesso, Marzocco Grinder: Mazzer Robur
Posted Sun Oct 26, 2003, 8:08pm Subject: Re: First machine -- Isomac Giada or Gaggia Evolution (if price is equal)?
As you will find on this forum, a quality grinder is perhaps the first thing you should think about. A rocky would be a very good purchase. You mentioned that shot quality is important, therefore you will need a quality grinder. You could buy a cheaper one but you will pobably find that you want to upgrade it very soon. Buy a good quality grinder in the first place and save yourself the hassle. Regarding machines the 58mm advantage is that of standard size. With a 58mm you have a greater choice of filter baskets and tampers to use in the future. 58mm is industry standard for espresso. Gaggia and Isomac are both reputable brands but have you considered the Silvia? It is more expensive but you do get what you pay for. Think carefully otherwise you might find yourself spending more money in upgrades. Hope this helps.
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