Bullet-Proof design...Quality of components...Heating time...Un-Picky about grind quality...Ability to remove water tank from front (a plus if under counter)
Negative Product Points
Steam quantity/wand
Detailed Commentary
Hands down winner as compared to Silvia. My Silvia was a pain in the ass to make a consistent shot as compared to the Gaggia Classic. My Siivia also has an awful group head surround made of chrome plated plastic that is flaking off after only a year! Simply unacceptable for this supposed top-of-the-line model. Using my Vaneli's Stainless steel 58mm tamper (highly underrated & overlooked), the Classic pulls consistent shots all the time with deep rich crema. I always use Terroir Espresso beans (simply the best folks) along with my MDF grinder and filtered water and always acheive a great balance of grind which produces some better, some less but always great crema laden shots. The steam wand, while not the greatest, gets the job done....if that's your cup of tea. Mine is straight espresso and this machine takes a no-nonsense approach to acheiving just that.....
Buying Experience
1st Line is an outstanding on-line company that I can reccommend w/o hesitation.
