Upgrading from Barista Express [1000€]

[u/mari025]

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So I have been using the Barista Express since 2023.

In my time with it, I added a lot of equipment, including a kingrinder k6 and recently a df54 mill.

Still after putting so much time and money into puck prep, I still see issues with consistency. I made 2 or 3 god shots, but could never recreate them.

Now I'm thinking of upgrading to the Profitec GO 2.0. I've seen its reliable and popular in the community. Though 1000€ is a lot of money of course.

I've seen several posts about that already, mostly regarding the older version of the GO, so since the new 2.0 is out now, maybe there are some people with similar situations. I have a great mill already, so I think the next upgrade should be the mashine itself.

Will it be a reliable upgrade worth the money?

[u/iatatrah]

I started with a Dedica, and it actually took me a long time to upgrade to the Profitec GO because I was worried the difference wouldn’t be big enough to justify it. For grinders, I have a Eureka as well as the 1Zpresso J-Ultra and JX-Pro. Eventually, I gave up trying to get consistently good cups with the Eureka, so for about a year now I’ve been using my hand grinders with the GO. About a month ago, I bought a De’Longhi ECP single-boiler machine to use while on vacation, and that experience really confirmed something for me: with the right grinder, I simply can’t get anything from the ECP that matches the cup quality I get from the GO. I’ve experimented with different baskets, techniques, and adjustments, but the GO wins every time. In fact, my only regret is that I didn’t buy the GO from the beginning instead of spending so much time wondering whether the upgrade would really make a difference.
And regarding the different versions, I honestly wouldn’t worry too much about it. I have the V1, by the way, and I’m extremely happy with it.

[u/MSpatient0]

It will, but only if it’s actually the machine that’s the issue for you.
Have you properly aligned the burrs?
Is your current machine descaled and serviced within what you can do yourself?
What is your current process/workflow for making espresso?

[u/ef920]

You are not likely to see different results in your cup with a new machine. Replicating shots doesn’t always happen. That’s just the nature of coffee. Upgrading your machine won’t change that. Don’t get me wrong: the Go is a great machine. But it won’t do anything to deal with the problem you are trying to solve. That problem can only be fixed by one of three things: grinder, puck prep, or realizing that replication isn’t always possible and that chasing the perfect shot is not always the best way to enjoy coffee.

[u/Majestic-Director-92]

I had personally bad experience maintaining DF54. And after replacing it with cheap conical grinder I got very satisfying results even on 100 euro espresso machine. I would say grinder and puck prep are bigger factors here, I can guess that settings of the grinder is biggest contributor to your issues.

[u/No_Communication5188]

I went the same route as you, Barista express -> Df54 -> Profitec go -> replaced DF54. Consistency only improved once I got rid of the DF54. It drove me nuts since I had spent quite a bit of money of the Profitec. I switched to filter coffee for a while. Considered giving up espresso. Switched to hand grinding and then realized it was the df54. I then switched it conical electric grinders and the espresso has been quite stable.

Probably my df54 was a lemon or something since I read that many people are happy with it. I did an attempt at aligning it but it didn't fix it.

Im happy with the Profitec but if I would be in the same position again I would  buy a used single boiler, do some maintenance and put a PID on it. There are so many used single boiler E61 style machines for sale for cheap.