Espresso: Espresso Machines Need help in deciding between the Gaggia classic and the Saeco Via Venezia Stefano's Espresso Care Repair - Parts - Sales Factory Authorized & Trained Technician www.espressocare.com   Not Logged in: log in updated topics   new posts   new unanswered   search   faq   sign up   Discussions > Espresso > Machines > Need help in...   view previous topic | view next topic | view all topics showing page 1 of 3 last page next page Author Messages BrookNYC Senior Member Joined: 20 Nov 2012 Posts: 36 Expertise: Just starting Posted Tue Nov 20, 2012, 1:53pm Subject: Need help in deciding between the Gaggia classic and the Saeco Via Venezia   This will be my first espresso machine. I am a complete novice and would like to start out simple at first. My one must have is that it must have a pressurized portafilter because my husband will NOT even attempt to tamp. I would also like to stay under $500. I plan on using espresso grinds until I can buy a good grinder. Both my husband and I prefer lattes if that makes a difference when choosing a machine. I would prefer a model that will not break down within the first 3 years. After tons of research I narrowed my list  down between the Saeco Via Venezia and the Gaggia classic. Which one is best in your opinion? back to top Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,324 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W Posted Tue Nov 20, 2012, 2:12pm Subject: Re: Need help in deciding between the Gaggia classic and the Saeco Via Venezia   I would probably get the gaggia over the saeco new.  But really if I were in your shoes, I would look for a used saeco for 80-100 on craigslist.  Then spend the rest of the money on a good grinder.   Coffeenoobie Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com) back to top BrookNYC Senior Member Joined: 20 Nov 2012 Posts: 36 Expertise: Just starting Posted Tue Nov 20, 2012, 2:20pm Subject: Re: Need help in deciding between the Gaggia classic and the Saeco Via Venezia   I rather buy new because I would like to get a warranty. I am not handy and would prefer to just send it off to be fixed. I am purchasing from Amazon since they have a 3 year warranty for $39.99. If I stick to making espressos at home, I will buy a grinder in another 6mo. First I need to save some money. I visit Starbucks at least 2x a day and so does my husband. We need something in this house ASAP. back to top Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,324 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W Posted Tue Nov 20, 2012, 2:33pm Subject: Re: Need help in deciding between the Gaggia classic and the Saeco Via Venezia   The grinder is more important to the set up than you realize. Considering your situation I suggest a nice grinder and a drip set up or moka pot.   Coffeenoobie Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com) back to top BrookNYC Senior Member Joined: 20 Nov 2012 Posts: 36 Expertise: Just starting Posted Tue Nov 20, 2012, 2:37pm Subject: Re: Need help in deciding between the Gaggia classic and the Saeco Via Venezia   If I have to buy a grinder right away I can. How much for a decent grinder? back to top Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,324 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W Posted Tue Nov 20, 2012, 2:52pm Subject: Re: Need help in deciding between the Gaggia classic and the Saeco Via Venezia   My husband will not touch the machine either. That is fine, I just do it for him.   "New to Coffee" See what is shown in the photo I think that might be a good way to start with a good grinder.  Then get great beans.  Then get a good machine.  You probably don't have a good espresso show room around you, but if you can get to one or have a friend with a machine it would help you a lot to get some hands on.  There might even be other Coffeegeeks in your area willing to give you a tour of their machines. Amazon Grinders: Hario-MSS-1B-Mini-Coffee-Grinder - Cheapest but hand powered Baratza Preciso Baratza Vario Baratza Vario W (my fav)   Coffeenoobie Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com) back to top Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,324 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W Posted Tue Nov 20, 2012, 2:54pm Subject: Re: Need help in deciding between the Gaggia classic and the Saeco Via Venezia   Steaming milk for 2 drinks on any Single boiler machine will take a while.  Be sure to read "How to Buy an Espresso Machine" "First machine - 300-400$" "For $200-$300 price range is the Gaggia Espresso Pure the best choice?" "Decent Espresso Machines for $300"   Coffeenoobie Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com) back to top BrookNYC Senior Member Joined: 20 Nov 2012 Posts: 36 Expertise: Just starting Posted Tue Nov 20, 2012, 4:27pm Subject: Re: Need help in deciding between the Gaggia classic and the Saeco Via Venezia   Thanks I read all the threads. I will buy a Rancilio Rocky grinder and I am leaning more towards the Saeco Via Venezia simply because I am a little concerned with how few retailers sell the Gaggia. WLL still sells the Gaggia but without an extended warranty which leaves me with having to purchase it from Amazon. I can order the Via Venizia and the Grinder from SCG who I think will give me more personalized service plus I can still get an extended warranty. Please let me know if this is a good decision. I wonder if anyone knows why SCG doesn't sell Gaggia? back to top Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,324 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W Posted Tue Nov 20, 2012, 4:33pm Subject: Re: Need help in deciding between the Gaggia classic and the Saeco Via Venezia   That would be a nice starter set up.  My guess is that seattlecoffeegear is not a gaggia vendor.  Gaggia classic has a better rep than the saeco but really for the price the saeco is not a bad starter machine.  If you upgrade the machine you will not be happy with the rocky for long.  But for now it is fine. I have not bought anything from SCG but they seem nice in person and the videos they do are really helpful.   Coffeenoobie Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com) back to top BrookNYC Senior Member Joined: 20 Nov 2012 Posts: 36 Expertise: Just starting Posted Tue Nov 20, 2012, 7:31pm Subject: Re: Need help in deciding between the Gaggia classic and the Saeco Via Venezia   I hope to be ok with the Ranchillo Rocky grinder because I plan on upgrading to the Silvia in a year or so if I can convince my husband to tamp at that time. I can't make an espresso for him because he leaves for work around 5am and I don't get up until 6am to get my kids ready for school and I am not waking up an hour earlier just to make his drink. back to top showing page 1 of 3 last page next page view previous topic | view next topic | view all topics Discussions > Espresso > Machines > Need help in...   updated topics   new posts   new unanswered     search   faq   sign up   Not Logged in: log in Discussions Quick Jump: Select Espresso Discussions --Espresso Machines --Lever Espresso Machines --Grinders - Espresso --Espresso Mods and Restorations --Espresso Blends --Questions and Answers --Latte Art and Etching --Barista Jams Around the World --General Discussion Coffee Discussions --Machines and Brewing Methods --Home Roasting Talk --Questions and Answers --General Discussion Columns, How-Tos, and Reviews --Holiday Gift List Feedback --CoffeeGeek Columnist Feedback --Detailed Review Feedback --Products First Look Feedback --Quickshot Review Feedback --Guide Article Feedback --How-To Article Feedback --CoffeeGeek Podcast Feedback Members Forum --Bug Reports and Suggestions --Buy, Sell and Trade --Retail Coffee Jobs Offered / Wanted Ads --Coffee Recipes --Cafe and Bean Reviews --CoffeeGeek Site Info and News --General Off Topics World Regional --United States West --United States Central --United States East --Western Canada --Eastern Canada --United Kingdom --Western Europe --Eastern Europe, Nordic Countries, and Russia --Central and South America --Australia, New Zealand and Asia Symbols: = New Posts since your last visit      = No New Posts since last visit     = Newest post Forum Rules: No profanity, illegal acts or personal attacks will be tolerated in these discussion boards. 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