Posted Tue Dec 11, 2012, 8:17am Subject: Re: which machine to buy
Just a quick comment. 1st line has the Le Lit PL53 grinder for $269. It is a good espresso grinder but don't buy it if you are going to change grinds often. Once set for espresso it can be adjusted within a narrow range but changing to a coarse grind for French Press involves a massive number of turns on the adjusting screw. I own one and have been very happy with it although the throat is small and sometimes you have to stirr the beans to get them to feed into the burrs.
I cannot comment on the Anniversary special they are running which combines the PL53 with the PL41 Espresso Machine because I've never owned the PL41. Check the discussions for both machines.
Posted Tue Dec 11, 2012, 5:13pm Subject: Re: which machine to buy
I actually went through this same quandry recently, and decided on the Gaggia Classic. I really did like the looks of the newer Breville models, but the thought of some electric screen or grinder part failing gave me pause.
I like that the Gaggia has less time to get up to temp. I usually am only making drinks for myself, so the ability to pull rapid shots right after one another wasn't a big deal (I understand that is a Rancilio specialty on account of the larger boiler.) Also, the Gaggia was cheaper.
I was initially drawn to the Gaggia Baby, mostly for looks. After a call to WLL and some youtube videos, the Gaggia Classic seemed more repairable and slightly higher quality.
Incidentally, when I picked up the Breville Cafe Roma, it was on Craigslist for $50. I figured I might do this for a month and then lose interest, so why invest a lot of money. 9 months later here I am upgrading. . . .
I think I"m headed in the Baratza direction for a grinder. Not sure which one yet, unless I find a great deal somewhere. . . . .
Posted Tue Dec 11, 2012, 5:13pm Subject: Re: which machine to buy
I actually went through this same quandry recently, and decided on the Gaggia Classic. I really did like the looks of the newer Breville models, but the thought of some electric screen or grinder part failing gave me pause.
I like that the Gaggia has less time to get up to temp. I usually am only making drinks for myself, so the ability to pull rapid shots right after one another wasn't a big deal (I understand that is a Rancilio specialty on account of the larger boiler.) Also, the Gaggia was cheaper.
I was initially drawn to the Gaggia Baby, mostly for looks. After a call to WLL and some youtube videos, the Gaggia Classic seemed more repairable and slightly higher quality.
Incidentally, when I picked up the Breville Cafe Roma, it was on Craigslist for $50. I figured I might do this for a month and then lose interest, so why invest a lot of money. 9 months later here I am upgrading. . . .
I think I"m headed in the Baratza direction for a grinder. Not sure which one yet, unless I find a great deal somewhere. . . . .
Don't skimp on the grinder! You can brew better espresso with a capable grinder and an entry level espresso machine than with a crap grinder and a commercial machine. The Baratza Preciso is generally agreed to be the entry level grinder for espresso. You can always do better of course. You sould spend as much money as needed on a decent grinder and see what's left for your machine upgrade.
*** "This drink of the Satan is so delicious that it would be a shame to leave it to the infidels." (Pope Clement VIII on coffee)
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