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Main
Date: 17 Jul 2006 21:31:41
From: Mike Hartigan
Subject: Carezza opinions?
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I've tiptoed to the edge a few times, first almost buying a Silvia,
then almost buying a Saeco Magic superautomatic, then almost thinking
about buying a $39 Mr. Coffee espresso maker. Well, I've finally
done it. I've read a few reviews on the Gaggia Carezza and, with a
few minor exceptions, they're all good. FWIW, it scored a 7.8 with
13 reviews on CoffeGeek. Brass grouphead and 58mm portafilter, 1370
watt 3.5oz boiler (what does that mean?) '8 oz of hot water in 20
seconds', etc, etc, etc. I bought it new from Amazon.com for only
$173.95 with free shipping, so if I tire of it and want to upgrade,
it's not a big deal. The item is on back order, which means that I
have a few weeks to change my mind before I'm committed, so I thought
I'd solicit comments from people who might have some idea of what
they're talking about (not do disparage the customer 'reviews' on
amazon, but I think you know what I mean). Judging from what I've
read, it's pretty high on the 'bang for the buck' scale. It's not a
Silvia, but it's only a bit more than 1/3 the price of a Silvia.
What can I realistically expect? Is it any less capable of making
'the best damn shot I ever had!' than a more expensive unit?
-Mike
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Date: 17 Jul 2006 21:57:18
From: Cordo
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions?
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The Carezza is a great machine, though you'll need an espresso grinder, like
the Gaggia MDF.
You might want to consider canceling the order and ordering for a few bucks
more from Wholelattelove since you get more immediate service and technical
support.
C
"Mike Hartigan" <mike@hartigan.dot.com > wrote in message
news:MPG.1f26040c4b872be49897d8@newsgroups.comcast.net...
> I've tiptoed to the edge a few times, first almost buying a Silvia,
> then almost buying a Saeco Magic superautomatic, then almost thinking
> about buying a $39 Mr. Coffee espresso maker. Well, I've finally
> done it. I've read a few reviews on the Gaggia Carezza and, with a
> few minor exceptions, they're all good. FWIW, it scored a 7.8 with
> 13 reviews on CoffeGeek. Brass grouphead and 58mm portafilter, 1370
> watt 3.5oz boiler (what does that mean?) '8 oz of hot water in 20
> seconds', etc, etc, etc. I bought it new from Amazon.com for only
> $173.95 with free shipping, so if I tire of it and want to upgrade,
> it's not a big deal. The item is on back order, which means that I
> have a few weeks to change my mind before I'm committed, so I thought
> I'd solicit comments from people who might have some idea of what
> they're talking about (not do disparage the customer 'reviews' on
> amazon, but I think you know what I mean). Judging from what I've
> read, it's pretty high on the 'bang for the buck' scale. It's not a
> Silvia, but it's only a bit more than 1/3 the price of a Silvia.
> What can I realistically expect? Is it any less capable of making
> 'the best damn shot I ever had!' than a more expensive unit?
>
> -Mike
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Date: 18 Jul 2006 07:01:57
From: Mike Hartigan
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions?
|
In article <e9hpn6$gva$1@news.Stanford.EDU >,
cordoveroRemoveThis@RemoveThisyahoo.com says...
> The Carezza is a great machine, though you'll need an espresso grinder, like
> the Gaggia MDF.
>
> You might want to consider canceling the order and ordering for a few bucks
> more from Wholelattelove since you get more immediate service and technical
> support.
Wholelettelove wants $26 more + shipping. While I appreciate good
service, I can't justify the price.
>
> C
>
> "Mike Hartigan" <mike@hartigan.dot.com> wrote in message
> news:MPG.1f26040c4b872be49897d8@newsgroups.comcast.net...
> > I've tiptoed to the edge a few times, first almost buying a Silvia,
> > then almost buying a Saeco Magic superautomatic, then almost thinking
> > about buying a $39 Mr. Coffee espresso maker. Well, I've finally
> > done it. I've read a few reviews on the Gaggia Carezza and, with a
> > few minor exceptions, they're all good. FWIW, it scored a 7.8 with
> > 13 reviews on CoffeGeek. Brass grouphead and 58mm portafilter, 1370
> > watt 3.5oz boiler (what does that mean?) '8 oz of hot water in 20
> > seconds', etc, etc, etc. I bought it new from Amazon.com for only
> > $173.95 with free shipping, so if I tire of it and want to upgrade,
> > it's not a big deal. The item is on back order, which means that I
> > have a few weeks to change my mind before I'm committed, so I thought
> > I'd solicit comments from people who might have some idea of what
> > they're talking about (not do disparage the customer 'reviews' on
> > amazon, but I think you know what I mean). Judging from what I've
> > read, it's pretty high on the 'bang for the buck' scale. It's not a
> > Silvia, but it's only a bit more than 1/3 the price of a Silvia.
> > What can I realistically expect? Is it any less capable of making
> > 'the best damn shot I ever had!' than a more expensive unit?
> >
> > -Mike
>
>
>
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Date: 18 Jul 2006 13:11:40
From: Cordo
Subject: Gaggia Baby on Clearance
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When I went to check on prices for Mike, I noticed that WLL is selling
Baby's for $350 new, both in silver and black. (I have the black, and I
highly recommend the silver instead, unless you have a black color scheme in
your kitchen already.)
I thought some of you should know. I like the Baby a lot, and that's not a
bad price, though that's a subjective opinion.
C
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Date: 18 Jul 2006 20:24:44
From: Robert Harmon
Subject: Re: Gaggia Baby on Clearance
|
That's a good price for a damn good machine. Thanks for the heads up!
BTW, one thing to keep in mind - the resale value of Baby's are abysmally
low. Most people don't seem to understand that they're Classics in Baby
clothing.
--
Robert (likes all things, especially foolish things so bring it on) Harmon
http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
"Cordo" <cordoveroRemoveThis@RemoveThisyahoo.com > wrote in message
news:e9jf9k$4i8$1@news.Stanford.EDU...
> When I went to check on prices for Mike, I noticed that WLL is selling
> Baby's for $350 new, both in silver and black. (I have the black, and I
> highly recommend the silver instead, unless you have a black color scheme
> in your kitchen already.)
>
> I thought some of you should know. I like the Baby a lot, and that's not
> a bad price, though that's a subjective opinion.
>
> C
>
>
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Date: 18 Jul 2006 13:44:35
From: Cordo
Subject: Re: Gaggia Baby on Clearance
|
> BTW, one thing to keep in mind - the resale value of Baby's are abysmally
> low. Most people don't seem to understand that they're Classics in Baby
> clothing.
The plastic Gaggia exteriors don't keep up as well as the metal exteriors.
Were I buying new, and I were on a very limited budget, I'd try to wait
around and get a refurb Gaggia Coffee in the $230 range, if I wanted it to
stay looking pretty for a long time.
C
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Date: 19 Jul 2006 05:01:05
From: D. Ross
Subject: Re: Gaggia Baby on Clearance
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Date: 18 Jul 2006 20:56:18
From: Robert Harmon
Subject: Re: Gaggia Baby on Clearance
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True, I've yet to see an Espresso, Baby, or Carezza with the lovely patina
(read "rust") that develops on Classics & Coffees.
--
Robert (duck & cover) Harmon
http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
"Cordo" <cordoveroRemoveThis@RemoveThisyahoo.com > wrote in message
news:e9jh7c$63k$1@news.Stanford.EDU...
> The plastic Gaggia exteriors don't keep up as well as the metal exteriors.
> Were I buying new, and I were on a very limited budget, I'd try to wait
> around and get a refurb Gaggia Coffee in the $230 range, if I wanted it to
> stay looking pretty for a long time.
>
> C
>
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Date: 18 Jul 2006 18:12:54
From: Cordo
Subject: Re: Gaggia Baby on Clearance
|
You could be right about the rust. I have an Espresso and a Baby, but have
never owned one of their metal covered machines.
C
"Robert Harmon" <r_h_harmon@Zhotmail.com > wrote in message
news:SVbvg.1651$157.1318@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> True, I've yet to see an Espresso, Baby, or Carezza with the lovely patina
> (read "rust") that develops on Classics & Coffees.
> --
> Robert (duck & cover) Harmon
> http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
> http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
>
> "Cordo" <cordoveroRemoveThis@RemoveThisyahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:e9jh7c$63k$1@news.Stanford.EDU...
>> The plastic Gaggia exteriors don't keep up as well as the metal
>> exteriors. Were I buying new, and I were on a very limited budget, I'd
>> try to wait around and get a refurb Gaggia Coffee in the $230 range, if I
>> wanted it to stay looking pretty for a long time.
>>
>> C
>>
>
>
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Date: 19 Jul 2006 06:46:15
From: Mike Hartigan
Subject: Re: Gaggia Baby on Clearance
|
In article <e9jh7c$63k$1@news.Stanford.EDU >,
cordoveroRemoveThis@RemoveThisyahoo.com says...
>
> > BTW, one thing to keep in mind - the resale value of Baby's are abysmally
> > low. Most people don't seem to understand that they're Classics in Baby
> > clothing.
>
> The plastic Gaggia exteriors don't keep up as well as the metal exteriors.
But is it safe to say that the plastic does not affect the brew?
> Were I buying new, and I were on a very limited budget, I'd try to wait
> around and get a refurb Gaggia Coffee in the $230 range, if I wanted it to
> stay looking pretty for a long time.
While I have my limits with respect to looks, I'm more into function
than form.
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Date: 19 Jul 2006 12:21:16
From: Cordo
Subject: Re: Gaggia Baby on Clearance
|
> But is it safe to say that the plastic does not affect the brew?
It does not.
> While I have my limits with respect to looks, I'm more into function
> than form.
I like the Baby a lot. It does not have a cup warmer, which worried me
before I got into espresso machines, but now I think it's a stupidly hyped
thing for the home. With Bodum Pavina (/Assam/Canteen) shot glasses now
available, cup heating is a bit of a thing of the past for me. Plus, with
heating flushes for a Gaggia (to heat up the brew group) or a cooling flush
for an HX preceding any shot pulling, my cups get plenty hot anyway from all
that hot water, without any need to leave them on top of a machine.
C
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Date: 18 Jul 2006 03:10:16
From: Robert Harmon
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions?
|
Hi Mike,
1 - Cancel the order & get a Carezza on eBay for $150 or less.
2 - Carezza is a Gaggia, meaning it's the same mechanically as all the rest
of their line. They're the equal of any other home machine & superior to all
but a few.
3 - Toss the cheapo plastic tamper & get one with some weight to it.
4 - Same with the "crema" disk - toss it or better yet sell it on eBay
(someone will buy it).
3 - If you haven't already done so buy a good quality espresso grinder.
4 - Forget about preground coffee; the best is not worth using a few hours
after the can is opened.
5 - Oh, and get a good grinder. Can't say that enough, in fact you're far
better off with a cheap espresso machine (Delonghi, Krupps, etc) and a top
quality grinder than the other way around.
--
Robert (duck & cover) Harmon
http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
"Mike Hartigan" <mike@hartigan.dot.com > wrote in message
news:MPG.1f26040c4b872be49897d8@newsgroups.comcast.net...
snip
>The item is on back order, which means that I
> have a few weeks to change my mind before I'm committed,
snip
> -Mike
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Date: 18 Jul 2006 06:56:57
From: Mike Hartigan
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions?
|
In article <siYug.5832$vO.758@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.net >,
r_h_harmon@Zhotmail.com says...
> Hi Mike,
> 1 - Cancel the order & get a Carezza on eBay for $150 or less.
The '$150 or less' units are, for the most part, refurbs. Not
necessarily bad, but I prefer new. The new units on ebay exceed
Amazon's price when you include shipping.
> 2 - Carezza is a Gaggia, meaning it's the same mechanically as all the rest
> of their line. They're the equal of any other home machine & superior to all
> but a few.
> 3 - Toss the cheapo plastic tamper & get one with some weight to it.
> 4 - Same with the "crema" disk - toss it or better yet sell it on eBay
> (someone will buy it).
> 3 - If you haven't already done so buy a good quality espresso grinder.
I'm using a Starbucks-branded Solis 166. We'll see how that goes.
> 4 - Forget about preground coffee; the best is not worth using a few hours
> after the can is opened.
Never even considered it. I'm a home roast kind of guy :)
> 5 - Oh, and get a good grinder. Can't say that enough, in fact you're far
> better off with a cheap espresso machine (Delonghi, Krupps, etc) and a top
> quality grinder than the other way around.
This seems to be a pretty universal mantra.
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Date: 18 Jul 2006 15:47:31
From: North Sullivan
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions?
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On Tue, 18 Jul 2006 06:56:57 -0500, Mike Hartigan
<mike@hartigan.dot.com > wrote:
>> 3 - If you haven't already done so buy a good quality espresso grinder.
>
>I'm using a Starbucks-branded Solis 166. We'll see how that goes.
>
I limped along with a Solis Mulino for awhile; you'll be much happier
with a better grinder. I think the Tagex Mazzers are still around on
ebay. I picked up a fourth Mazzer a few weeks ago for around $200
after shipping was added.
North Sullivan
(3 for the shop; 1 for home)
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Date: 18 Jul 2006 04:50:16
From: Keith R.
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions?
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<<getagoodgrinder >>
I've had mine for two years. I'm very happy with it. It is my
backup/office machine to my Isomac. As I drink mainly espresso I often
think about selling the Isomac but I remember why I bought the Isomac
in the first place (wife makes milk drinks & uses hot water tap daily).
<<getagoodgrinder >>
I bought a refurb from wholelattelove so it was much cheaper.
<<getagoodgrinder >>
I think it will keep you happy...
<<getagoodgrinder >>
Oh, and you might want to look into getting a good grinder... ;)
Keith R.
Warrenton, VA USA
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Date: 18 Jul 2006 07:27:28
From: St. John Smythe
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions?
|
Mike Hartigan wrote:
> I've tiptoed to the edge a few times, first almost buying a Silvia,
> then almost buying a Saeco Magic superautomatic, then almost thinking
> about buying a $39 Mr. Coffee espresso maker. Well, I've finally
> done it. I've read a few reviews on the Gaggia Carezza
<snip >
> Is it any less capable of making
> 'the best damn shot I ever had!' than a more expensive unit?
The machine is fine, the price is O.K., but just to reiterate what's
already been said, remember that a good grinder is the more important
part of the equation.
--
St. John
Deliberation, n.:
The act of examining one's bread to determine which side it is
buttered on.
-Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary"
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Date: 18 Jul 2006 07:03:58
From: Mike Hartigan
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions?
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In article <e9igj0$rmn$2@n4vu2.n4vu.com >, sinjen@n4vu.com says...
> Mike Hartigan wrote:
> > I've tiptoed to the edge a few times, first almost buying a Silvia,
> > then almost buying a Saeco Magic superautomatic, then almost thinking
> > about buying a $39 Mr. Coffee espresso maker. Well, I've finally
> > done it. I've read a few reviews on the Gaggia Carezza
> <snip>
> > Is it any less capable of making
> > 'the best damn shot I ever had!' than a more expensive unit?
>
> The machine is fine, the price is O.K., but just to reiterate what's
> already been said, remember that a good grinder is the more important
> part of the equation.
I'm beginning to think that a good grinder is pretty important ;-)
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Date: 18 Jul 2006 10:00:37
From: J. Clarke
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions?
|
Mike Hartigan wrote:
> In article <e9igj0$rmn$2@n4vu2.n4vu.com>, sinjen@n4vu.com says...
>> Mike Hartigan wrote:
>> > I've tiptoed to the edge a few times, first almost buying a Silvia,
>> > then almost buying a Saeco Magic superautomatic, then almost thinking
>> > about buying a $39 Mr. Coffee espresso maker. Well, I've finally
>> > done it. I've read a few reviews on the Gaggia Carezza
>> <snip>
>> > Is it any less capable of making
>> > 'the best damn shot I ever had!' than a more expensive unit?
>>
>> The machine is fine, the price is O.K., but just to reiterate what's
>> already been said, remember that a good grinder is the more important
>> part of the equation.
>
> I'm beginning to think that a good grinder is pretty important ;-)
Exceedingly so. Do NOT cheap on the grinder--by the time I quit trying to
save money on the grinder and got a Rocky I had spent enough all up to have
paid for a Mazzer. The grind is one of your primary controls. If you
can't adjust it precisely enough then it's going to be almost impossible to
get a decent shot and it _will_ be impossible to get them consistently
across different blends and roasts.
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
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Date: 18 Jul 2006 03:08:55
From: J. Clarke
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions?
|
Mike Hartigan wrote:
> I've tiptoed to the edge a few times, first almost buying a Silvia,
> then almost buying a Saeco Magic superautomatic, then almost thinking
> about buying a $39 Mr. Coffee espresso maker. Well, I've finally
> done it. I've read a few reviews on the Gaggia Carezza and, with a
> few minor exceptions, they're all good. FWIW, it scored a 7.8 with
> 13 reviews on CoffeGeek. Brass grouphead and 58mm portafilter, 1370
> watt 3.5oz boiler (what does that mean?) '8 oz of hot water in 20
> seconds', etc, etc, etc. I bought it new from Amazon.com for only
> $173.95 with free shipping, so if I tire of it and want to upgrade,
> it's not a big deal. The item is on back order, which means that I
> have a few weeks to change my mind before I'm committed, so I thought
> I'd solicit comments from people who might have some idea of what
> they're talking about (not do disparage the customer 'reviews' on
> amazon, but I think you know what I mean). Judging from what I've
> read, it's pretty high on the 'bang for the buck' scale. It's not a
> Silvia, but it's only a bit more than 1/3 the price of a Silvia.
> What can I realistically expect? Is it any less capable of making
> 'the best damn shot I ever had!' than a more expensive unit?
Unless you've had a God shot from a champion barista, the Gaggia will
occasionally produce for you "the best damned shot you've ever had". And
one day you will have developed your skills to the point that it will
happen with some regularity. At that point you will likely also have
specific requirements that you are looking for in your next machine.
>
> -Mike
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
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Date: 18 Jul 2006 07:03:07
From: Mike Hartigan
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions?
|
In article <e9i2m801p2k@news2.newsguy.com >,
jclarke.usenet@snet.net.invalid says...
> Mike Hartigan wrote:
>
> > I've tiptoed to the edge a few times, first almost buying a Silvia,
> > then almost buying a Saeco Magic superautomatic, then almost thinking
> > about buying a $39 Mr. Coffee espresso maker. Well, I've finally
> > done it. I've read a few reviews on the Gaggia Carezza and, with a
> > few minor exceptions, they're all good. FWIW, it scored a 7.8 with
> > 13 reviews on CoffeGeek. Brass grouphead and 58mm portafilter, 1370
> > watt 3.5oz boiler (what does that mean?) '8 oz of hot water in 20
> > seconds', etc, etc, etc. I bought it new from Amazon.com for only
> > $173.95 with free shipping, so if I tire of it and want to upgrade,
> > it's not a big deal. The item is on back order, which means that I
> > have a few weeks to change my mind before I'm committed, so I thought
> > I'd solicit comments from people who might have some idea of what
> > they're talking about (not do disparage the customer 'reviews' on
> > amazon, but I think you know what I mean). Judging from what I've
> > read, it's pretty high on the 'bang for the buck' scale. It's not a
> > Silvia, but it's only a bit more than 1/3 the price of a Silvia.
> > What can I realistically expect? Is it any less capable of making
> > 'the best damn shot I ever had!' than a more expensive unit?
>
> Unless you've had a God shot from a champion barista, the Gaggia will
> occasionally produce for you "the best damned shot you've ever had". And
> one day you will have developed your skills to the point that it will
> happen with some regularity. At that point you will likely also have
> specific requirements that you are looking for in your next machine.
That's sort of my plan. Maybe by then I'll take a closer look at
Silvia.
> > -Mike
>
>
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Date: 01 Aug 2006 17:25:43
From: FrJeff
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions?
|
Mike,
I bought the Carezza and the MDF from WLL just 10 days ago and I am
impressed.
My first (and nearly all subsequent) pulls have been better by far than
my local Starbucks and Seattle's Best. I have found no fault (other
than the steamer wand being too low to fit my milk easily).
I am totally new at this. Measured my tamp pressure on the digital
bathroom scale and followed the "Golden Rule". I'm pulling consistent
double shots in 25-30 seconds with loads of crema. Just nirvana!
I don't remove the water res.; I just take my filtered water from the
sink to the top of the machine and pour it in.
The Gaggia MDF is a super grinder value as well. Get a good grinder!
Enjoy!
Fr. Jeff
Mike Hartigan wrote:
> I've tiptoed to the edge a few times, first almost buying a Silvia,
> then almost buying a Saeco Magic superautomatic, then almost thinking
> about buying a $39 Mr. Coffee espresso maker. Well, I've finally
> done it. I've read a few reviews on the Gaggia Carezza and, with a
> few minor exceptions, they're all good. FWIW, it scored a 7.8 with
> 13 reviews on CoffeGeek. Brass grouphead and 58mm portafilter, 1370
> watt 3.5oz boiler (what does that mean?) '8 oz of hot water in 20
> seconds', etc, etc, etc. I bought it new from Amazon.com for only
> $173.95 with free shipping, so if I tire of it and want to upgrade,
> it's not a big deal. The item is on back order, which means that I
> have a few weeks to change my mind before I'm committed, so I thought
> I'd solicit comments from people who might have some idea of what
> they're talking about (not do disparage the customer 'reviews' on
> amazon, but I think you know what I mean). Judging from what I've
> read, it's pretty high on the 'bang for the buck' scale. It's not a
> Silvia, but it's only a bit more than 1/3 the price of a Silvia.
> What can I realistically expect? Is it any less capable of making
> 'the best damn shot I ever had!' than a more expensive unit?
>
> -Mike
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Date: 01 Aug 2006 12:18:32
From:
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions? - followup
|
I fired up my new Carezza yesterday. As I hoped (and quite
unexpectedly, I might add), I actually got 'the best damn shot I ever
had!' Curiously, it was the very first shot I pulled from this
machine! Indeed, it was the first shot I had ever pulled from ANY
machine! The second shot was even better! And so on, and so on, ...
Nice, 1/8" layer of rich crema, tons of body, hair growing out of my
ears. What more can I say? Which leads me undeniably to one of two
conclusions -- either this machine is, indeed, the best damned espresso
maker ever made, or I've never really had a good espresso. While I
suspect the latter, I find it hard to accept because I've had many
espressos over the years that I've truly enjoyed - that's the reason I
bought this. But every shot I pulled last evening was far better than
anything I had ever had in the past. I'm using a Full City Harrar
(sadly, roasted just past blueberries), that has rested for 5 days.
It's astounding! Once I get my technique down, I'll start
experimenting with other beans/roasts. Looking forward to a long
relationship with this.
WRT the machine, itself - while not unattractive, its plastic exterior
is not exactly an attention grabber. The drip tray is effective, but
of poor design, IMO. And the reservoir is difficulty to remove/replace
without crushing the plastic tubes (I'll probably fix that with my
Dremel). It's simple, straightforward, and very intuitive. The brass
PF and stainless filter baskets have a very nice heft and feel. The
only thing I have an urge for right now is a more formidable tamper
(someone mentioned that in an earlier post).
-Mike
Mike Hartigan wrote:
> I've tiptoed to the edge a few times, first almost buying a Silvia,
> then almost buying a Saeco Magic superautomatic, then almost thinking
> about buying a $39 Mr. Coffee espresso maker. Well, I've finally
> done it. I've read a few reviews on the Gaggia Carezza and, with a
> few minor exceptions, they're all good. FWIW, it scored a 7.8 with
> 13 reviews on CoffeGeek. Brass grouphead and 58mm portafilter, 1370
> watt 3.5oz boiler (what does that mean?) '8 oz of hot water in 20
> seconds', etc, etc, etc. I bought it new from Amazon.com for only
> $173.95 with free shipping, so if I tire of it and want to upgrade,
> it's not a big deal. The item is on back order, which means that I
> have a few weeks to change my mind before I'm committed, so I thought
> I'd solicit comments from people who might have some idea of what
> they're talking about (not do disparage the customer 'reviews' on
> amazon, but I think you know what I mean). Judging from what I've
> read, it's pretty high on the 'bang for the buck' scale. It's not a
> Silvia, but it's only a bit more than 1/3 the price of a Silvia.
> What can I realistically expect? Is it any less capable of making
> 'the best damn shot I ever had!' than a more expensive unit?
>
> -Mike
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Date: 01 Aug 2006 23:37:02
From: Robert Harmon
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions? - followup
|
Congrats on the new Gaggia. Any of their semi-auto espresso machines makes
an excellent place to start. I don't know if you're aware of it or not but
there are no functional differences between the Espresso at the bottom of
their lineup to the Classic at the top. The internal working/brewing parts
are identical from machine to machine.
Fresh beans & new machine nets you just 1/8" crema, and this is the best cup
you've ever had? This machine, if properly dosed with good beans that are
properly ground, should produce a solid 1/2" or better layer of crema. When
I can get a word in edgewise with my friends I suggest grinding to the point
of choking the machine with a no-tamp dose, then raising the burrs until a
good flow is obtained. If the beans are fresh you'll get loads of crema
using this method. What grinder are you using? If it can't manage a
uniformly fine grind you'll be unhappy with the results no matter what
machine/bean combination you use.
Do a search on Google for "Styrofoam cup temperature test for espresso
machines". The three things that most effect the crema output are quality of
beans, temperature of the water, & the grind.
--
Robert (duck & cover) Harmon
http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
<ls1mike@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1154459912.218698.142600@s13g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>I fired up my new Carezza yesterday. As I hoped (and quite
> unexpectedly, I might add), I actually got 'the best damn shot I ever
> had!' Curiously, it was the very first shot I pulled from this
> machine! Indeed, it was the first shot I had ever pulled from ANY
> machine! The second shot was even better! And so on, and so on, ...
> Nice, 1/8" layer of rich crema, tons of body, hair growing out of my
> ears. What more can I say? Which leads me undeniably to one of two
> conclusions -- either this machine is, indeed, the best damned espresso
> maker ever made, or I've never really had a good espresso. While I
> suspect the latter, I find it hard to accept because I've had many
> espressos over the years that I've truly enjoyed - that's the reason I
> bought this. But every shot I pulled last evening was far better than
> anything I had ever had in the past. I'm using a Full City Harrar
> (sadly, roasted just past blueberries), that has rested for 5 days.
> It's astounding! Once I get my technique down, I'll start
> experimenting with other beans/roasts. Looking forward to a long
> relationship with this.
>
> WRT the machine, itself - while not unattractive, its plastic exterior
> is not exactly an attention grabber. The drip tray is effective, but
> of poor design, IMO. And the reservoir is difficulty to remove/replace
> without crushing the plastic tubes (I'll probably fix that with my
> Dremel). It's simple, straightforward, and very intuitive. The brass
> PF and stainless filter baskets have a very nice heft and feel. The
> only thing I have an urge for right now is a more formidable tamper
> (someone mentioned that in an earlier post).
>
> -Mike
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Date: 01 Aug 2006 19:11:12
From: Mike Hartigan
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions? - followup
|
In article <yARzg.6840$gF6.2557@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net >,
r_h_harmon@Zhotmail.com says...
> Congrats on the new Gaggia. Any of their semi-auto espresso machines makes
> an excellent place to start. I don't know if you're aware of it or not but
> there are no functional differences between the Espresso at the bottom of
> their lineup to the Classic at the top. The internal working/brewing parts
> are identical from machine to machine.
>
> Fresh beans & new machine nets you just 1/8" crema, and this is the best cup
> you've ever had? This machine, if properly dosed with good beans that are
> properly ground, should produce a solid 1/2" or better layer of crema.
Keep in mind that this is my first experience making espresso. As
the evening wore on (and my hands were moving ever faster), things
were getting better and better. 1/8" was simply following the
instructions on 'how to make your first espresso' with no clue what a
30 lb tamp feels like.
> When
> I can get a word in edgewise with my friends I suggest grinding to the point
> of choking the machine with a no-tamp dose, then raising the burrs until a
> good flow is obtained. If the beans are fresh you'll get loads of crema
> using this method. What grinder are you using? If it can't manage a
> uniformly fine grind you'll be unhappy with the results no matter what
> machine/bean combination you use.
I'm using a Starbucks branded Solis 166. I've got it grinding as
fine as it goes without having made any internal adjustments. It
looks good, but I'm a bit short of a 'no-tamp' dose.
> Do a search on Google for "Styrofoam cup temperature test for espresso
> machines". The three things that most effect the crema output are quality of
> beans, temperature of the water, & the grind.
>
|
| | | | |
Date: 03 Aug 2006 21:43:06
From:
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions? - followup
|
Mike Hartigan <mike@hartigan.dot.com > wrote:
chine.
> >
> > Fresh beans & new machine nets you just 1/8" crema, and this is the best cup
> > you've ever had? This machine, if properly dosed with good beans that are
> > properly ground, should produce a solid 1/2" or better layer of crema.
>
Won't the depth of crema depend on the diameter of the cup? Isn't it
possible you're both getting the same amount, but he's using a wider
cup?
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Date: 01 Aug 2006 12:45:24
From: Cordo
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions? - followup
|
> of poor design, IMO. And the reservoir is difficulty to remove/replace
> without crushing the plastic tubes (I'll probably fix that with my
> Dremel).
Isn't it like the other Gaggia's, where you almost never remove the
reservoir, but simply pour water through a funnel at the top of the machine
under a removable trap door?
C
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Date: 01 Aug 2006 16:46:45
From: Mike Hartigan
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions? - followup
|
In article <eaob0e$6t5$1@news.Stanford.EDU >,
cordoveroRemoveThis@RemoveThisyahoo.com says...
> > of poor design, IMO. And the reservoir is difficulty to remove/replace
> > without crushing the plastic tubes (I'll probably fix that with my
> > Dremel).
>
> Isn't it like the other Gaggia's, where you almost never remove the
> reservoir, but simply pour water through a funnel at the top of the machine
> under a removable trap door?
That's an option. But I use RO water and I need to bring the
reservoir to the tap for that. Although I suppose I can just as
easily use a pitcher. I guess just that hadn't occurred to me yet.
|
| | | | |
Date: 01 Aug 2006 14:52:22
From: Cordo
Subject: Re: Carezza opinions? - followup
|
> That's an option. But I use RO water and I need to bring the
> reservoir to the tap for that. Although I suppose I can just as
> easily use a pitcher. I guess just that hadn't occurred to me yet.
Yeah, you don't want to keep bending those tubes.
C
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