Once you go Gaggia...

[Bogie]

...you'll never go back.

Anyone want a "postage cost only" Krups steam-pressure machine?

Now for the replies asking what this is about...

"Let's do the breve, with an extra shot or two..."

[Gaelen]

Ah, Bogie...
Tiny as my kitchen is, I have to admit I *do* have five separate devices with which to make the nectar of the gods in several incarnations.
Only a basic stovetop expresso maker, the Italian oldie but goodie I've had for years...but there's still a little space in a top cupboard that allows for inventory expansion when I find the perfect combination of space-saving and effective. :)

[Bogie]

Let's see...

Coffee maker is a Krups... Actually not bad. Grinder is a Cuisinart burr for regular, and I've been using a Krups burr grinder for the fine stuff.

Sitting on the shelf are a Mellita "grind it and brew it" and a Cuisinart "grind it and brew it." They get plugged in down in The Bunker when I have housepests for a match, etc., and coffee consumption peaks at about 6:30 ayem... Don't really like 'em all that much, because they're a hassle to clean. Bought the Cuisinart first, then the Mellita.

In the trailer, I've got a Mr. Coffee and a Black & Decker... Again, camping, matches, etc., and you NEED coffee...

I've got a Coleman dealie that sits on top of a stove, but it's a real hassle. That's why I have a generator...

I've also got a Chemex that I really like, but only on slow weekends...

Other than that... Let's see... Bogie's Shrine of Caffeine contains beer, condiments, beer, some cold cuts and cheese, beer, bacon, beer, eggs, beer, sausage, beer, and plenty of half-n-half...

[Mitra]

We had a Gaggia at one time, and it was one of the better espresso makers we've tried (though not as good as my latest one), but it exploded. The next one was a Jura: a Swiss machine that makes coffee very efficiently, but without passion. It grinds the coffee, filters the water, and tells you when it needs to be emptied, cleaned, descaled &c. The latest addition (last week) is a la Pavoni (the chrome one with a lever). This is the best. It's fussy. If you don't get the grind and the tamping just right, you'll be drinking dishwater. If you forget and remove the coffee holder too soon it sprays hot coffee grounds all over the room. In fact, we've had one before, but there was no thermal cutout, and the water tank was very small, so if you forgot to turn it off (which of course, I did in the end) it burnt itself out :rolleyes: But when you do get it right.... it makes wonderful coffee (and the new one has a bigger water tank and a thermal cutout). We've still got the Swiss one (in the kitchen - basement) la Pavoni is in the "office" at the top of the house, and the stovetop espresso maker, filter & papers, cafetiere and little turkish brass jug all lurk in various corners just in case they're needed ;).

[Bogie]

The little bugger works pretty well overall, without a lot of thought... Almost bought a Saeco, but this one had decent reviews, and I like the "industrial" portafilter.

Ferinstance, when I set the automatic dealies up in The Bunker when I have housepests, they each have a little sign and sticky arrow. The sign says: "Don't touch anything - Just push the damn button!"

First time housepests tend to wanna meddle. Then they jump when the thing starts grinding.

[Bangs]

Ahhhhh. I knew I'd found a nice board when the conversation turned to java. Sorry I can't help you with the Krups, Bogie. I have an older pump Krups I'm rather attached to, but unlike most of you, it's my only source of jones juice so it gets quite a workout every day.

My first machine was one I brought back from Germany in 1971, way before the espresso craze here. It was 220v, of course, so after replacing the plug, it had a place of honor in the laundry room--the only place I had an outlet :D Many fine times spent with friends, gathered around the dryer...

[LisaS]

everytime I see this in the list of posts I start hearing "Radio GaGa" in my head -

[Bogie]

You know it's bad when you text your shooting buddies, prior to going to a week-long camping trip at the range, and the message is... "I scored 3.5 keys of Hawaiian!!!"

I'm sure I'll now get a visit from both F-Troop and the DEA...

[Gaelen]

Bogie, let us know how that DEA visit turns out...
BTW, I saw the most wonderful stainless steel french press at the flea market Sunday...still NIB. If it's there next weekend (regular vendor) it's *mine* !

Gaelen, who only got rid of the FDA auditor a few weeks ago--one government regulatory agency visit per quarter is more than enough! :rolleyes:

[ira500]

The pump on my Gaggia just died. Fortunately, have the trusty old Moka stovetop machine, and just ordered a Briel.
I'm not just a coffee junkie, I've even become hooked on roasting my own.

[Kathy]

I use a stovetop espresso maker. Are the fancy ones really worth it? I like my Bialetti 6-cup (shot), which I use every morning. I use Lavazza Qualita Oro, and it really fires me up in the morning. I actually drink the whole pot. :eek:

[ira500]

The electric semi automatic espresso machines, like gaggia or Briel, etc, really do put out a superior espresso than a stove top espresso model. More crema, and you use less coffee. Which means that over the course of 40 years or so, it'll pay for itself.
Since my Gaggia dies, I'm using a stovetop maker and I'm reasonably happy with it til my new electric machine comes.