Coffee Appreciation

Will it fit in a naked portafilter for when I need that in my life

Yes

Motta tamper ordered ✅

Phwoar!!!

My only grievance is it could be maybe 2-3mm wider for the perfect fit

1 Attachment

Is it a 58 or a 58.4? The extra .4 does make a difference (I need to upgrade myself).

58 unfortunately. But it’ll do for now.

@hippy kindly sent me a spare 58mm - it definitely does the job well enough that upgrading seems a little hard to justify.

Have any of you done the shower screen mod on the classic?

I added this one: https://www.theespressoshop.co.uk/en/IMS-Gaggia-Precision-Shower-Screen-%C3%B8-55mm---GA200IM/m-2010.aspx

I read that you have to find the right rotation and screw pressure for it to work. I guess I never found that combination as I often/always get sharp jets of hot water directly from the screen. Then you try to loosen/tighten the screw with a short screwdriver and get a stream of boiling water run straight down the screw and down your sleeve.

We've been having some fantastic shots of the Saka Classic Bar (70/30) - needs a finer grind than the Crema Bar and I'm putting a bit more in too. The texture and lingering sweetness is tremendous....I'll definitely order some more from them. Haven't really noticed any difference in quality of product with the fresh roast over the last bag of Passalacqua (which was a year out.)

Might try a local, lighter roast next to mix things up a bit.

Possible solution? Or just some trial and error

1 Attachment

Have you found it really speeds up the shot?

I was pulling somewhere between 20&40s before, now it's over in about 10s, even when I ground on 1 on my grinder. The taste is great and more defined, but less cremation and texture in general. But as we all now know you can just blend your coffee for "crema".

The pressure adjust mod is absolute night and day on the classic. I couldn't recommend it enough.

Have any of you done the shower screen mod on the classic?

I added this one: https://www.theespressoshop.co.uk/en/IMS­-Gaggia-Precision-Shower-Screen-%C3%B8-5­5mm---GA200IM/m-2010.aspx

I read that you have to find the right rotation and screw pressure for it to work. I guess I never found that combination as I often/always get sharp jets of hot water directly from the screen. Then you try to loosen/tighten the screw with a short screwdriver and get a stream of boiling water run straight down the screw and down your sleeve.

I have it and it's always been slap it on and forget for me I always align the logo to the machine. my one qualm about it is it's a fucking pain to clean if it gets covered in oils and you are doing a deep clean. like dig it out of every single hole with a pointy thing one by one kind of chore.

Phwoar!!!
My only grievance is it could be maybe 2-3mm wider for the perfect fit

that's what she said

Less cremation.

Something we can all aim for.

I'm finding that I'm going quite fine on the Niche dial for espresso (5 and 2 for decaf) - I've calibrated it correctly. Also think the fines aren't coming out uniform size

Any recommendations for refurbed/'warehouse' equipment (grinders in particular)? I'm bored of hand grinding for my machine, but don't really have the funds for a new Encore/Svart. Are there other budget options out there?

I'm only grinding for filter, never espresso, if that makes any difference in terms of finding something suitable.

Got a drill? Most hand-grinders have a hex or penta bit on top, hex fits neatly with a drill, penta bit adapters are pretty easy to find also.

I spent a good few years using my Porlex & Rhino with a drill and was a nice middle-ground before taking the plunge with a proper motorised grinder.

Do they stand up to sustained power tool usage? I only use a driver on my Hario manual grinder when I'm doing a 30g of finer grind for iced coffee, and I always feel a bit bad cos the plastic bushing gets a bit too warm for my liking.

You could get lucky with an ebay auction
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304086446983?hash=item46ccf6f387:g:5PMAAOSw68hhA7ge

Already watching that one, but yes, the dreaded Bay is always an option.

@mmccarthy, tried the drill thing, got worried overloading plastic parts (but thank you anyway, it's definitely a solution)

Not sure about the Hario ones, I can stand by their V60s & Siphon, but their hand-grinders always felt super flimsy to me (also for a long while the handle attached to a slot almost like a flathead screwdriver so wouldn't be suitable for hooking up to a drill). But yeah my Porlex & Rhino were both fine. Though they don't really have any plastic bits aside from the supports holding the burrs in place.

Ah that's a shame, is it a Hario you've got also? If you've already got a drill and are using it for filter only a Rhino grinder is around £30 or so which is pretty decent for the price. There was another decent looking hand-grinder suggested a few pages back with metal burrs that's around £50 and had some pretty decent reviews. Can't remember the name but think it began with a 'T'

@allsop got a Rhino hand grinder I should probably sell if you want a cheap option for £25 posted. rarely used and fits a drill

Ah that's kind thank you, but I'm really looking for excuse/means of going 'proper' electric.