g00py Senior Member Joined: 4 Dec 2012 Posts: 1 Location: Texas Expertise: Just starting
Posted Tue Dec 4, 2012, 5:47am Subject: ESAM3300 Magnifica or Gaggia Classic
I have a local pastor I know selling a Magnifica ESAM 3300 for $300-350. It was purchased 7/2011 so about a year and half old, works fine. Warranty isn't transferable. I don't have a grinder so I'd be getting that next month. My biggest worry is the durability of something like the Magnifica, the reviews were mostly great on amazon and here, but some spotted longevity issues as it is a superauto.
Skill Level: Beginner. I'm experienced with teas, but not with espresso.
Purpose: I drink almost exclusively lattes or americano. Not sure I've ever had espresso straight. I doubt I could notice a 10-20% variance in flavor for a while.
Questions:
Would a Gaggia Classic from amazon + grinder (next month) be a better long term option than a Magnifica or do you think I would be fine with a Magnifica for quite a while? I like the idea of saving $200 on buying another grinder and just using the Magnifica's, but am gun shy on it being a money pit. :-)
Are they truly a moneypit and nearly impossible to repair? I'm in houston so I guess there would be someone who could do repairs locally.
How much more time does a Gaggia classic with a seperate grinder take to prepare a double shot compared to a Magnifica? Thanks for the tips for a newb.
dorkroast Senior Member Joined: 3 Oct 2012 Posts: 78 Location: CA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Classic Grinder: Mazzer Mini Roaster: Popcorn Pumper
Posted Tue Dec 4, 2012, 9:59am Subject: Re: ESAM3300 Magnifica or Gaggia Classic
I have no experience with the Magnifica so I'll just answer the very last part of your question-
Assuming that the machine is preheated..... I can make a latte using the Classic in less than 5 minutes. I do it the slow way- I hand pour beans into my grinder, grind them, put them in the portafilter, tamp, clean up, pull two shots.
Generally during the pull I grab milk from the fridge and put it in the pitcher. When the shot is done I flip the switch for steam, wait about 30 seconds then steam milk. Takes about a minute to steam up the milk, then I put my drink together.
You could rush through it faster- but the routine I use keeps things consistent and keeps me paying attention to what's going on with my drink. Besides, it's part of the fun.
Enjoy whatever you get. Just make sure you splurge on a good grinder if you get a Classic or you will be disappointed in the machine.
IMAWriter Senior Member Joined: 4 Jul 2002 Posts: 5,464 Location: Brentwood, TN Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Nothing at the moment Grinder: Vario-W,Preciso-Esatto/KyM... Vac Pot: Adcraft SS, Yama 8 cup Drip: Brazen.Chemex, Hario, Clever... Roaster: Behmor 1600, CO/UFO combo
Posted Wed Dec 5, 2012, 12:31am Subject: Re: ESAM3300 Magnifica or Gaggia Classic
g00py Said:
Would a Gaggia Classic from amazon + grinder (next month) be a better long term option than a Magnifica or do you think I would be fine with a Magnifica for quite a while? I like the idea of saving $200 on buying another grinder and just using the Magnifica's, but am gun shy on it being a money pit. :-)
Are they truly a moneypit and nearly impossible to repair? I'm in houston so I guess there would be someone who could do repairs locally.
How much more time does a Gaggia classic with a seperate grinder take to prepare a double shot compared to a Magnifica? Thanks for the tips for a newb.
IMO, any decent machine such as a Gaggia, and a proper espresso grinder will make a much better drink, or straight espresso than a $2000 Super Auto. And YES, SA's cannot 9usually) be home serviced, but must be returned. There goes $100 shipping back and forth. MOST machines such as a Gaggia, Silvia, and up to HX machines (Heat exchanger, you don't have to wait to steam) can be serviced at home. parts are plentiful, and most parts replacements are DIY.
An excellent grinder can be had for $250 and up. Many here have had excellent results with a $250-$350 grinder and a $400 machine. Add $75 for a proper tamper, cleaning supplies, milk pitcher. Many here also purchase a "Bottomless" portafilter (about $60) which allows you to see your pour, so you can spot any problems with channelling, etc.
Do yourself a favor, peruse our Grinder and machine Consumer Reviews, and feel free to ask more ON TOPIC questions on this thread.
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. No commercial posting of any nature will be tolerated; only private sales by private individuals, in the "Buy and Sell" forum. No cross posting allowed - do not post your topic to more than one forum, nor repost a topic to the same forum. Who Can Read The Forum? Anyone can read posts in these discussion boards. Who Can Post New Topics? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post new topics. Who Can Post Replies? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post replies. Can Photos be posted? Anyone can post photos in their new topics or replies. Who can change or delete posts? Any CoffeeGeek member can edit their own posts. Only moderators can delete posts. Probationary Period: If you are a new signup for CoffeeGeek, you cannot promote, endorse, criticise or otherwise post an unsolicited endorsement for any company, product or service in your first five postings.
= No New Posts since last visit 