Posted Sat Apr 28, 2012, 5:39am Subject: Why no recommendations for Gaggia Evolution as low low-end machine?
Just curious why people don't recommend the Gaggia Evolution as a low-end machine? Roughly half the price of the Classic and uses the same boiler as the Classic. No 3-way valve and a plastic case but what would you expect for about $200? If the Evolution is anything like the old "Espresso" model, the quality of the espresso is just like the Classic which is recommended.
I do not think that the "safety valve" or OPV is adjustable. 3-way and adjustable OPV are significant improvements. The Classic is easier to learn, use, and maintain.
Posted Sat Apr 28, 2012, 10:22am Subject: Re: Why no recommendations for Gaggia Evolution as low low-end machine?
D4F Said:
I do not think that the "safety valve" or OPV is adjustable. 3-way and adjustable OPV are significant improvements. The Classic is easier to learn, use, and maintain.
I started with a Gaggia Espresso (plastic body) and later upgraded to a Classic. (The Espresso was ancient and the plastic had turned yellow.) I went back to the Espresso for a few months while I would adding a PID to the Classic. Used the Classic with PID until I upgraded again. I didn't find much difference in use except for the PF sneeze. The maintenance was a wash. The 3-way valve on the Classic got clogged by scale after I descaled the machine. I had to adjust the pea valve on the Espresso because it was leaking. Maybe if I had adjusted the OPV the machines would have been easier to use. As for learning, that is subjective.
D4F Senior Member Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Posts: 1,198 Location: USA Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Classic PID Grinder: Preciso
Posted Sat Apr 28, 2012, 10:38am Subject: Re: Why no recommendations for Gaggia Evolution as low low-end machine?
coffee_no_sugar Said:
(The Espresso was ancient and the plastic had turned yellow.) I didn't find much difference in use except for the PF sneeze. The maintenance was a wash. The 3-way valve on the Classic got clogged by scale after I descaled the machine. I had to adjust the pea valve on the Espresso because it was leaking. Maybe if I had adjusted the OPV the machines would have been easier to use. As for learning, that is subjective.
You originally asked why the Evolution is not recommended. I gave some reasons, granted a lot is subjective. I think that with OPV adjustment to 9 bar, the Classic is easier to learn, more forgiving. I have heard of 3-way clogging, but not so frequently that I would think it a common problem. Perhaps the descale was overdue? And the PF sneeze makes use a little less fun. The ability to backflush with 3-way helps clean the group end, and that is an easy part of maintenance.
You mentioned the "upgrade" to the Classic, and I note that you put the PID on the Classic. Sounds like a good recommendation for a Classic over the Espresso.
Posted Sat Apr 28, 2012, 5:53pm Subject: Re: Why no recommendations for Gaggia Evolution as low low-end machine?
D4F Said:
You originally asked why the Evolution is not recommended. I gave some reasons, granted a lot is subjective. I think that with OPV adjustment to 9 bar, the Classic is easier to learn, more forgiving. I have heard of 3-way clogging, but not so frequently that I would think it a common problem. Perhaps the descale was overdue? And the PF sneeze makes use a little less fun. The ability to backflush with 3-way helps clean the group end, and that is an easy part of maintenance.
You mentioned the "upgrade" to the Classic, and I note that you put the PID on the Classic. Sounds like a good recommendation for a Classic over the Espresso.
I bought the Classic used and the 1st descaling of my Classic dislodged a nice big piece of scale which clogged up the solenoid valve. It's rare but not unheard of problem.
I think whether the Evolution -> Classic upgrade is good depends on the buyer's finances. For some Coffeegeeks, $200 is a small amount. For someone getting into espresso, $400 for a Classic is a deal buster. I am sure that I wouldn't have upgraded to the Classic if I had to pay $400. For $35+shipping for a used machine, it was a good upgrade.
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