Posted Thu Sep 4, 2008, 8:37am Subject: Is a Gaggia Carezza a good first machine?
I am a newb and don't have an espresso machine yet. I wasn't really in a rush to get one, but locally there is a Gaggia Carezza barely used for under $100. Would this be worth the jump. Even though I'm not totally into espresso at the moment, like my grinder, I don't want to get something that I will want to replace in 6 months or a year.
Posted Thu Sep 4, 2008, 9:06am Subject: Re: Is a Gaggia Carezza a good first machine?
Hello Jeremy,
A Gaggia Carezza at less than $100 is a pretty good deal for sure. Many folks (myself included) started with a Gaggia machine. They are nice little machines that with good technique, good beans and most importantly a great grinder will produce very good coffee. I had a Gaggia Coffee Deluxe and was very happy with it. I upgraded but that's because I wanted to rather then felt I needed too. A Gaggia that can be had for a good deal can be a great stepping stone to home espresso, if you don't like making espresso at home the Gaggias resell well.
Either way it sounds like you know you'll need a really good grinder regardless of machine you buy, save your money for that and grab the Carezza if you still can ($100 is a pretty good deal assuming it has no faults).
drtzali Senior Member Joined: 9 Jun 2007 Posts: 443 Location: NY Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Nuova Simonelli MAC Cup... Grinder: MACAP MK7R Vac Pot: um. Electrolux? Drip: Drop Roaster: Not that advanced yet...
Posted Thu Sep 4, 2008, 5:23pm Subject: Re: Is a Gaggia Carezza a good first machine?
Carezza is an awesome first machine. but you have an excellent chance of wanting to upgrade within the first year, particularly if you get more into espresso, and more specifically into making milk-based drinks. I loved mine while I had it and highly recommend it.
compliance Senior Member Joined: 9 Aug 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Los Angeles Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Carezza Grinder: krups for now Drip: cuisinart
Posted Fri Sep 5, 2008, 2:39pm Subject: Re: Is a Gaggia Carezza a good first machine?
Grab it. I picked one up on craig's list a month ago, and it's my first machine as well. It's been great so far. When you get the itch to upgrade you'll get most or all of your money back selling it. It's a no lose situation basically. They are very good starter machines.
Posted Sat Sep 6, 2008, 3:14pm Subject: Re: Is a Gaggia Carezza a good first machine?
I jumped on it. Made a great shot last night, but today attempted a couple of double shots and the liquid first came out dark and then looked light and thin. When I stopped the machine (after both cups were full) and removed the filterholder, there was a bunch of water still on top of the grounds. I think maybe I tamped them too much, or used to fine a grind. I don't know, but I can't wait to figure it out!
SJM Senior Member Joined: 17 Nov 2004 Posts: 1,129 Location: CA Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Mon Sep 8, 2008, 7:59am Subject: Re: Is a Gaggia Carezza a good first machine?
jtoddaz Said:
I jumped on it. Made a great shot last night, but today attempted a couple of double shots and the liquid first came out dark and then looked light and thin. When I stopped the machine (after both cups were full) and removed the filterholder, there was a bunch of water still on top of the grounds. I think maybe I tamped them too much, or used to fine a grind. I don't know, but I can't wait to figure it out!
The Carezza is a good machine. You will be glad you got it. There are several things you need to attend to:
Give the machine a good (excellent, thorough, deep) cleaning, including descaling it with citric acid. Be sure that your beans are fresh (no more than 10 days from roast date) Be sure you have a capable grinder.
Was trying to make a point here. The object is to pull a total of 1 1/2 - 2 oz in ~25 seconds with ~14 grams in a double basket. Perhaps I misunderstood but if you are truly saying you got 2 cups full from the double basket that explains the bad taste.
Grinding too fine will stall the machine i.e. no water makes it thru the grind.
Tamping too hard? Lots of opinions about tamping but odds are you are not doing it too hard. Set the bathroom scale on the counter and tamp on it just to get an idea of the force you are using. 30# will get you in the ballpark.
Yes, a wet puck is normal if the machine doesn't have a 3 way valve.
Posted Mon Sep 8, 2008, 1:46pm Subject: Re: Is a Gaggia Carezza a good first machine?
Thanks for the replies. I've been getting great shots. Being new, I just wasn't sure if the water on the puck was normal. I already have upgraditis, though. I really think its a problem I have, no matter what arena. I really want a more commercial looking machine with a cupwarmer on top. This might get expensive. I know the right thing to do would be to get my technique down on this machine, and then move on, but at this point its not really rational behavior anyways!
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