Okay so I just got this beauty for a steal (pre-2015 model, $100). What's next?
My list includes:
A used Iberital MC2, Gaggia MDF, Baratza Encore/Precisio, or other electric grinder. Price used, must be under $100
Proper metal tamper
Bottomless Portafilter (are these a meme or do they actually work?)
VST or other similarly good basket (same question as above)
I'll also be looking into the various mods: OPV, water pre-heater, PID, Pressure gauge etc.
What do you think?
Also, Espresso general thread.
>>7881670
>are these a meme or do they actually work?
what do you mean "work"? they don't improve your cofee if that's what your asking. it's more useful as a tool to see if you are tamping correctly and for timing shots. you should prioritize a non-pressurized portafilter basket that will fit your machine. as that will give you better control over your shots
>>7881847
also swap out the steam wand for one without the pannarello (i.e. a traditional stainless steel wand)
>>7881856
That's also on my list just really low, because I never drink milk in my coffee.
>>7881847
As far as I know it comes with a non-pressurized portafilter, it looks like this. There are two non-pressurized baskets and one pressurized one in the box.
>>7881847
>they don't improve your cofee
Yeah that's what I was asking. Do you reckon a premium basket like the VST is necessary?
Getting a cheap espresso machine is a huge waste of money. The quality is generally abysmal and they break incredibly quickly. Invest in a decent one or don't buy one at all.
>>7882731
the stock classic portafilter basket is pressurized
>>7882757
>Gaggia Classic
>Not decent
What on earth are you talking about.
>>7883690
>he doesn't even have a synesso cyncra at home
Are you lost? The poorfag thread is here
boards.4chan.org/ck/thread/7883354
>>7883715
>boards.4chan.org/ck/thread/7883354
Why the fuck would I have a huge commercial unit with functions I don't need (e.g. multiple portafilters) and ridiculous maintenance at home, when my local cafe has literally this exact machine. You're not impressing anyone nouveau-riche fool.
>>7883729
>people like espresso because it's impressive to others
I'm sorry but if you just want strong bitter coffee you know you can just get folgers crystals right?
>>7883715
>synesso cyncra
In fact the cafe has the MVP Hydra so it's even better than your shitty entry-level Synesso. I buy my coffee for $2 per cup. It would take me 10,000 cups of espresso to justify buying that machine lel. You've been fleeced anon.
>>7883737
>people like espresso because it's impressive to others
Who are you quoting?
Also, the espresso you make is not 100 times better than the one I make, but your machine costs 100x mine, so you're basically an idiot. You are the one who bought a shiny piece of metal to impress autistic baristas. No-one will ever care and the difference to your coffee will be miniscule. Nice fail m8.
>>7883690
it's decent but don't kid yourself the thing is a standard 15-bar entry level consumer machine. dime a dozen. not even best in price class
