espresso machine

[stefan]

Re: espresso machine

Any thoughts on this machine?

http://www.espressotec.com/store/pc/...p?idproduct=21

I know you had the classic before. This would be a gift for my girlfriend (and me) for her b-day, I am looking for a machine for day to day use with out breaking the bank (still in school).

Thanks for any input.

My gaggia was really pretty good. I have no complaints. The only thing that is looked at as a bit of a negative on it is the aluminum alloy boiler. It heats up super fast, but corrodes faster too. On that note, mine was super old, and still going. After several years you may notice the odd fleck of something coming out when you flush it.. but apparently even then its no big deal, because if you are making espresso, the beans wold filter that anyways.. so I've read.

The pump is pretty much the same as in the Sylvia i got.

My steamer wand on mine dripped a tiny bit after using, but again, this was probably an age thing. Overall, it's pretty solid.

Worth noting that a decent grinder really makes a big difference.

Coffeecrew has a review on the classic, which is pretty simmilar. Not much bad to say about the functionality.
http://www.coffeecrew.com/content/view/13/27/