coffee forum, ?????, ?????, fresh coffee beans and tea house

[satimis]

Gaggia Classic
http://www.gaggia.com/macchine-da-caffe.asp?macchine-per-espresso-manuali_7_Classic

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[bib]

no promotion price for such traditional model.

2nd hand online or NEW in SOGO.
no extra expensive price of gaggia products in hk.

THX

[satimis]

[bib]

I recommend Gaggia Classic more.
less electronics, less chance out of order...
this model is a good model,
most important issue is what grinder you are going to get ??
Espresso only : Eureka Mignon.
Espresso + Filter/Drip/Syphon :
Tiamo 700S *best bearing and burr in same kind grinder !
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=13831903684 <- reliable source for HK coffee geek.
Taiwan buying 220V, I have no idea warranty is better get it from China...
THX

[satimis]

[bib]

[satimis]

Hi bib,

Thanks for your info and links.

I'll do some homework on "Compak K-3 Elite". Usually before finalising my selection I'll read reviews both of users and experts. There are many valuable information there.

I have another consideration on grinder, the "Mazzer Mini", which is also available here.

High-end Espresso Grinder Reviews
http://www.home-barista.com/espresso-grinder-reviews.html

Regarding the steamer of Gaggia Classic, both New Baby and Baby Class provided with ball-joint steamer but NOT for Classic.

See the comparison in the video:
Gaggia New Baby Espresso Machine
http://www.wholelattelove.com/Gaggia/new_baby.cfm


Edit:
===

If NOT influenced by the reviews I'll select Gaggia New Baby Twin which is sold in Sogo at abt 4.9k. It has twin boilers.

[bib]

[satimis]

I have my broken Cappuccino machine fixed 2 hours ago.
=========================================

I own a Saeco semiautomatic expresso machine, Via Veneto, Cappuccino Combi, which has been used for >10 years until its boiler stopped working recently, no hot water coming out from the brew head nor steam generated.

See photo:
http://ubuntuone.com/0l9LwyIxAVrPxTGlobvgz4

The said machine is provided with a built-in burr grinder and a flexible pipe connecting the milk container which is not provided. During frothing, milk is sucked via syphone action.

I never use this attachment which is still in its own box unpacked. The machine was completely manufactured in Italy with Saeco and its address stamped on the machine body, vividly marked "Made in Italy". Nowadays most coffee machines available in Hong Kong are either completely manufactured in China OR assembled in China with key parts/components imported from Western Europe (not Eastern Europe) claiming made in Italy, with a paper sticker fixed inside the machine.

After the acquisition of Saeco by Philips I can't procure maintenance service from Saeco's then agent here. Therefore I decided fixing it myself. Through intensive browsing on Internet I found its mechanical drawing as well as electrical drawing (the wiring diagram). Finally I discovered the problem coming from the defective thermostat. Unfortunately I failed to find its replacement here even in Shenzhen, in the electronic and electric malls. A few days ago I bought a broken electric appliance in Apliu Street, Shamshuipo. I removed its thermostat, modifying it and replacing the broken thermostat aforesaid with it. Fortunately it worked.

I thoroughly cleaned the cappuccino machine, both internally and externally. Now the machine looks like a brand new product.

My broken Saeco revives!!!


I'm still prepared to get a new grinder and a new semiautomatic espresso machine. But there is no urgent need. I'll perform more homework finding the right equipment at the right price.

Actually I'm in favour of The BREVILLE BES900 Dual Boiler Coffe Maker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOtLQ7jU2tU

It earns high appraising.

But it is NOT available here. I'll wait to see whether the situation will change soon OR Gaggia New Baby Twin getting improved on its twin boiler.

Sunbeam EM 7000 Espresso
http://vimeopro.com/livestreamaustralia/sunbeam-cafe-series/video/40904859

will be released soon. It is a direct competition with BREVILLE BES900 Dual Boiler Coffe Maker.

If Gaggia Classic costs 4.2~4.4k as mentioned by you previously why not paying a few hundred dollars more for a twin boiler machine with ball-joint steamer. That is my opinion.


Descaling:-
========
I use 5% acetic acid mixed with equal part of water for descaling. It works without problem (citric acid has the same effect). But after descaling I have to flush the cappuccino machine with water removing the acid odour. Pls advise where can I purchase descaling agent in good price here? TIA

[bib]

[satimis]

[bib]

[satimis]