Coffee Appreciation

Pin's already on the way, I just wanna drink nice coffee at home... I have enough hobbies as it is... ;]

I've never seen one of those pins before. Recent change?

They changed the design of the basket a year ago

.

From 2006 but not sure if the design is the same. Interesting.

http://www.home-barista.com/tips/help-with-gaggia-espresso-perfect-crema-device-and-machine-t1810.html

Go naked portafilter TS. You know it makes sense.

So, is that a recent thing?

The basket is different and designed to work with the pin. there are two layers to the bottom of the basket, the one that you can see in the pic and one underneath with a single hole, the pin ensures that the coffee coming out of the single hole does so at a standard rate/pressure, this increases the pressure and means that even an idiot can get a half decent coffee with crema. It does however, as far as I understand it make it almost impossible to make a really good shot. I think Bombcup mentioned advised people to get rid of them a while a go.

even an idiot can get a half decent coffee with crema.

Sounds about right...

Go naked portafilter TS. You know it makes sense.

I'll try anything once... Point me in the right direction, Texas...

http://www.happydonkey.co.uk/gaggia-domestic-portafilter.html

Have inherited an Innova Dream machine (now renamed Ascaso Dream) which is about 5 years old and not working. It needs (I think) a new heating element, but I'm struggling to find one on the web. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Intend to attempt the repair myself, unless someone tells me that it is a job for a professional....

http://www.happydonkey.co.uk/gaggia-domestic-portafilter.html

Any difference in quality between this one and a proper Gaggia one? There's a £20 price difference, see... Tho' I saved a fortune on the RRP of the machine itself, I should probably just cough up the extra £20... A place on the Kings Road has them in stock, I can pick one up on the way to work tomorrow...

I didn't know you could buy them from Gaggia stockists I bought mine based on this recommendation.

I'm gonna need a new tamper too...

WTF have I let myself in for? I'm allergic to caffeine FFS!?!

Apparently the Rapha / Chris King ones are good ;)

I'd love a CK tamper...

It's like buying Campagnolo. Got myself an Italian tamper by Motta and also the tamping stand.

I measured the Gaggia baskets with a set of digital calipers to make sure it would be a good fit whilst also asking myself "what the fuck am I doing?". However, it's very good.

TS, I think I'd skip the perfect crema basket and use a standard one.

Sounds like the bug has bitten hard - I would get a regular double basket for the classic in lieu of the crema enhancing gadget. As for tampers, it doen't matter as long as it fits well, Reg Barber are very accurately turned.

Do you have a grinder?

Do you have a grinder?

Hahahahahahaha!!! poker face

I have a 10 year old Russell Hobbs grinder that I've been mainly using for spices recently... Gonna keep using pre-ground for now...

Went a bit mad and bought a Motta tamper, a naked portafilter and a little knock box at the Coffee Machine on the Kings Road...

Have always wanted a Gaggia but could never justify £300+ for a machine... My Bialetti is going in the cupboard for a while...

Got given a grinder today. A bodum antigua. Its cleaned up nicely, and I've put a sachet of Grindz cleaning thingies through it. I just need to put in an order with Hasbean now! Looking forward to experimenting at the weekend.

Having been using a basic Francis & Francis machine with one of those cheapo krups grinders on the lowest setting after my Dualit espressivo broke (I used preground with it and it was never that fantastic), I got myself a porlex mini, stuck it on 3 clicks from the lowest and the difference is like night and day. Now im getting some great shots with Monmouth espresso. Joe, shell out for a porlex mini (its only about £30) and start grinding your own, so worth it its incredible.

I'll try that, Ben... :]

I'll try that, Ben... :]

porlex mini

So so worth it!

El Salvador Finca Argentina Washed 2011-2012 Crop.
Indonesia Sulawesi Celebes Toraja Kalosi.
Rwanda Kigoma Fully Washed Red Bourbon.

On their way. Figured I'd try out all the continents ;)

I got one from John Lewis, you should find one in any kitchenware shop. I use my vac pot straight on the flame without any problems.

You were right. Thank you.

Any Gaggia Classic owners need a new/spare water tank?

Maybe, whats the part number?

How often should I be cleaning my porlex grinder, as in the ceramic burrs part? I've noticed it smells noticeably different (worse) now compared to how it smelt when I'd just ground some beans (4 hours ago) which is hardly surprising. I'll keep having a sniff and put off cleaning it until tomorrow.