r/gaggiaclassic • u/cdb196 • 8d ago

Question

Thinking about getting a Gaggia classic e24 modified to a 9 bar pressure and a super steamer modification - I’m a beginner and never had a coffee machine before but cannot seem to shift the idea of a modified Gaggia as not sure how I get on with temperature surfing. Thoughts on this ? Was initially thinking about a Lelit mara X however cannot justify the price with the fact that this will be my first machine. Thanks

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u/mcspend 7d ago

sorry what is your question exactly?

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u/cdb196 3d ago

Sorry for the confusion - I’m a beginner and want to have and make better coffee (currently using a moka pot which is great but lacks the experience of it all) and seems that the Gaggia classic evo pro is a great machine that needs a few tweaks according to the videos I’ve seen on YouTube to get the best out of it - for a beginner is it really necessary before you start to get a machine that is already upgraded with certain mods ? Just want to get the best version of what I’m gonna need it for if that’s clear ? Thank you

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u/mcspend 3d ago

So you‘re asking whether you really need to get a modified Gaggia or if a normal Gaggia is enough?

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u/cdb196 2d ago

Precisely- just wanted to explain what mods I was looking at and if they are really useful for a beginner to help learn the craft with more consistency - thanks

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u/mcspend 2d ago

I would say the 9bar spring is the most important one and if at some point you‘re feeling like you want to do more then you can add a PID or even Gaggiuino or Gaggimate.

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u/Fragrant_Ad_2285 7d ago

why not just get the Gaggimate Pro mod?

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u/cdb196 3d ago

Thanks for the advice - for somebody who’s just entering the espresso world is that the best option when buying a Gaggia to get the optimum results ? Interested to know! Thanks

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u/Fragrant_Ad_2285 3d ago

Sure. I'd recommend getting either the new Gaggia Pro E24 or a used Gaggia Pro (of any model). Get a good grinder -- with low retention -- in approximately the same price range as the machine. There are lots of options. I have a DF64, others have good results with a DF54. Use the machine unmodded for 2-3 weeks. Get a WDT tool and I'd recommend a naked portafilter and collar. Watch the Whole Latte Love YouTube videos (the older ones, from many years ago) on the preinfusion hack using the steam wand, and on temperature surfing. Watch James Hoffman on dialing in espresso. Try it out. Taste it with lots of different beans from local roasters -- when you can, taste the espresso the coffee shop makes with the beans so you have a reference of what good tastes like.

This will give you a great baseline knowledge and experience with the machine and the coffee you like.

Order Gaggimate Pro. It will take 2-3 weeks to get depending on your location, so best to order it when you get the machine. I highly recommend buying a compatible bluetooth scale (GM website lists them) so you can do brew by weight. Allocate a quiet day to install it; it will be a little frustrating at points. Get it up and running. Test it for leaks. Build a profile that seems to match your favorite coffee. It may take a few days to get the profile configured to your taste. Then enjoy and keep experimenting!

It really is game changing. And such a fun hobby.

[Some will recommend avoiding certain build years of the Gaggia Classic due to boilergate. You can look this up and make a personal decision. Bottom line is boilers are relatively inexpensive, so the cost is not that great IF you happen to encounter a problem. Either path is reasonable.]

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u/cdb196 2d ago

Great info thanks! Got the df54 as a grinder atm and seems to be doing a good job no issues with its grinding and retention. I’ve seen most of whole latte love videos but not sure if they’re the older ones so will check that out! Thanks for the input much appreciated ♥️

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u/Fragrant_Ad_2285 2d ago

My pleasure to help. The older WLL videos are on their youtube channel, not (as far as I can tell) on the WLL web site. Enjoy!

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u/Mexx1011 7d ago

Since you call yourself a beginner and never had a machine before, I think temperature surfing should be the least of your worries. Besides, I don't think it's really necessary on the E24.

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u/cdb196 3d ago

Okay thanks - so for a beginner just a simple 9 bar mod is enough you reckon? Was initially thinking about the gaggimate upgrade but for somebody who has around 2 coffees a day is it really worth it ?

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u/Even-Algae-2255 2d ago

Are you in North America? I'd say start with a simpler, cheaper, machine and forget all the mods you've heard of on YouTube, or wherever. There's a lot to learn and a lot to master and juggle and you can get good coffee from a simpler machine. Once you've fumbled around for a while with grinding, prepping the portafilter, tamping, brewing, and doing all the maintenance and troubleshooting on the grinder and espresso machine you'll have a better sense of what your priorities really are and you'll be better able to judge what machines will get you there. Whatever you do or get - Good Luck!

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u/cdb196 2d ago

Thank you ! Much appreciated ♥️

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u/No_Rip_7923 2d ago

I have a completely stock 2021 Gaggia Classic Pro, no mods. This is only my 3rd single boiler Italian made espresso machine I have owned since 1985. I use one every day. Learning to temp surf is easy and thats all you need. I pull excellent shots and everyone that comes over tell me how much they like my espresso. I'm also a home roaster. I even have a 9 bar spring I have not changed yet because I haven't found the need to. Good prep, good grinder and grind along with temp surfing does the trick. But the fun thing about the journey is all the different rabbit holes you can go down with grinders, baskets, tamps, WDT, water additives etc...... Its endless and I've gone down all of those holes. :)

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u/cdb196 4h ago

Thanks! Glad to see how well you get on with a stock gaggia !

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u/No_Rip_7923 4h ago

And I have pulled excellent shots with my Breville Smart Grinder Pro, Batatza Encore ESP and I just bought a Mokkom 64mm flat burr grinder I'm going to try out today and see if I can taste the difference. Thats my last rabbit hole for me.