4 ms·

A bit less DIY but similar functionally is the kit Shades of Coffee sells that also adds PID to the Gaggia classic. If you're just after the functionality of a

A bit less DIY but similar functionally is the kit Shades of Coffee sells that also adds PID to the Gaggia classic. If you're just after the functionality of a cheap espresso machine with PID that takes a lot less effort.

quickthrower2 3y ago
For even less effort buy a breville bambino.
- dkdbejwi383 3y ago
  I've been tempted a few times, especially by the fast (efficient) heat up times. But I have a bunch of 58mm tampers, dosing funnels, etc, so the 54mm portalfilter is a bit offputting!
  - quickthrower2 3y ago
    As a Barista express person going 54mm is a regret. 58 is more versatile and compatiable. But the recommendation was more for budget purchases. Breville also do a dual boiler with 58mm which is more expensive but if you live in Australia is amazingly good value (often $900AU which is about $600US). If you have more money still get a La Marzocco or whatever :-) My taste is to avoid fiddly things that need too much skill like heat exchangers etc.
speed_spread 3y ago
If anybody's interested in a packaged solution, Auber Instruments has been making PIDs and timers for Gaggia and Rancilio machines for a looong time. Their support is also top notch. (I use their PID with my Silvia) https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6&sort=20a https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6&s...
- matthewmcg 3y ago
  I have one. It’s made my machine so much better. Once you find a grind setting and dose weight that works well for your beans, you get perfectly reproducible shots.
  - antoniuschan99 3y ago
    What Grinder do you use? I have a Gaggia as well been using Baratza Encore but it’s not really for Espresso but now they have the Encore Esp for espresso
    - matthewmcg 3y ago
      I've got the Virtuoso. The '586 (?) model with improved burrs. It's bulletproof. I did have to replace a few of the plastic parts that act like mechanical fuses when I tried to grind a batch of coffee that had a pebble in it.

quickthrower2 3y ago

For even less effort buy a breville bambino.

dkdbejwi383 3y ago
I've been tempted a few times, especially by the fast (efficient) heat up times. But I have a bunch of 58mm tampers, dosing funnels, etc, so the 54mm portalfilter is a bit offputting!
- quickthrower2 3y ago
  As a Barista express person going 54mm is a regret. 58 is more versatile and compatiable. But the recommendation was more for budget purchases. Breville also do a dual boiler with 58mm which is more expensive but if you live in Australia is amazingly good value (often $900AU which is about $600US). If you have more money still get a La Marzocco or whatever :-) My taste is to avoid fiddly things that need too much skill like heat exchangers etc.

speed_spread 3y ago

If anybody's interested in a packaged solution, Auber Instruments has been making PIDs and timers for Gaggia and Rancilio machines for a looong time. Their support is also top notch. (I use their PID with my Silvia) https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6&sort=20a https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6&s...

matthewmcg 3y ago
I have one. It’s made my machine so much better. Once you find a grind setting and dose weight that works well for your beans, you get perfectly reproducible shots.
- antoniuschan99 3y ago
  What Grinder do you use? I have a Gaggia as well been using Baratza Encore but it’s not really for Espresso but now they have the Encore Esp for espresso
  - matthewmcg 3y ago
    I've got the Virtuoso. The '586 (?) model with improved burrs. It's bulletproof. I did have to replace a few of the plastic parts that act like mechanical fuses when I tried to grind a batch of coffee that had a pebble in it.