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Date: 06 Dec 2006 16:57:26
From: Cadman
Subject: Gaggia Titanium SS Purchase
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Hi All,
Been following the discussions for awhile now and been a coffee
drinker for most of my 45 years
Last few years I have been getting more and more hooked on espresso
and have decided to buy a super automatic,
This will be my Christmas gift to myself, with my wife's name on the
card I guess, anyway she agrees finally with the purchase.
I have decided pretty much on the Gaggia Titanium SS what do you think
…. Good choice?
My real question is where would you recommend buying it, I was going
to do it online and most places offer free shipping for the $1500
price tag.
I just wanted some feed back on the best online places to shop for
espresso machine and supplies, since I'm sure this purchase will only
create the need for more accessories
Thanks for you comments
Wayne
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Date: 07 Dec 2006 02:52:18
From: ZZ
Subject: Re: Gaggia Titanium SS Purchase
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"Cadman" <someone@whocares.net > wrote in message
news:k1fen2p9n9bgm2r91ih2a8vij4vkdp6687@4ax.com...
> Hi All,
> Been following the discussions for awhile now and been a coffee
> drinker for most of my 45 years
> Last few years I have been getting more and more hooked on espresso
> and have decided to buy a super automatic,
> This will be my Christmas gift to myself, with my wife's name on the
> card I guess, anyway she agrees finally with the purchase.
> I have decided pretty much on the Gaggia Titanium SS what do you think
> .. Good choice?
> My real question is where would you recommend buying it, I was going
> to do it online and most places offer free shipping for the $1500
> price tag.
> I just wanted some feed back on the best online places to shop for
> espresso machine and supplies, since I'm sure this purchase will only
> create the need for more accessories
> Thanks for you comments
> Wayne
I made the mistake years ago thinking a super-automatic was the way to go to
make decent espresso. If you want a quick way to make a pretty good coffee a
super-automatic is one way to go, but if you want to really make some good
espresso shots a semi-auto is the way to go. You have minimal control over,
temp, tamp, grind on a super-automatic, and that's what you need to make
good/great espresso among other variables. Although I liked my Saeco
super-automatic, I had no idea the quality I was missing until my recent
purchase of a semi-automatic.
One question before the recommendations though. Have you considered a direct
plumb machine? It's very simple. Or do you want a reservoir machine?
ZZ
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Date: 07 Dec 2006 10:43:09
From: pltrgyst
Subject: Re: Gaggia Titanium SS Purchase
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On Thu, 07 Dec 2006 02:52:18 GMT, "ZZ" <ZZ@no.com > wrote:
>I made the mistake years ago thinking a super-automatic was the way to go to
>make decent espresso. If you want a quick way to make a pretty good coffee a
>super-automatic is one way to go, but if you want to really make some good
>espresso shots a semi-auto is the way to go...
>
>You have minimal control over,
>temp, tamp, grind on a super-automatic, and that's what you need to make
>good/great espresso among other variables...
The SA's I've seen offer no control over anything but grind and water volume.
But at finest grind, minimum water volume (30ml), and "extra strong" setting, my
Jura SAmakes a good espresso with good crema within four minutes of a cold
start. There is no combination of settings at which it makes an acceptable
coffee (Americano) of any volume over 4 ounces.
I can beat the espresso quality with my Gaggia Classic, but it takes
considerably more time and effort.
My drip machine, OTOH, makes 32 ounces of excellent coffee in eight minutes from
a cold start.
My opinion: if you want decent, quick espresso, buy a good super-auto. If you
want good coffee, don't.
-- Larry
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Date: 07 Dec 2006 07:31:05
From: Cadman
Subject: Re: Gaggia Titanium SS Purchase
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The direct plumb would be a nice option but maybe not
practical now with this unit since the location of the unit may have
to change as I merge it into the kitchen enviorment, I have not seen
many models that offer this option.
The semi automatic is enticing, but when I think about incorporating
those extra steps to make a great espresso into my busy life I think I
would miss out on something (probally espresso), someday I may want to
experiment with great espresso, now I'm just wanting the push of a
button good espresso, I saw a automatic demonstrated at Starbucks, it
was a DeLonghi Magnifica and I must say the espresso was not bad,
better than some shots from starbucks that I have gotten (it always
seems to be the luck of the draw there, and sadly they are the best
around here for espresso). I don't have a lot of options around here
to compare automatic machines, or great espresso for that matter, but
my online research has led me to the Gaggia. Seattle coffee gear seems
to be my choice right now for the purchase, I've never dealt with them
I guess it's just the web site that has my interest, I will call and
talk to a real person there first before I buy, but I will try and do
that with whatever site I go with for the purchase. I will check the
recommendations made here also.
I have considered the Capresso IMPRESSA S9 Avantgarde but not
sure how much more this machine offers that the Gaggia, there is quite
a price difference
Wayne
>I made the mistake years ago thinking a super-automatic was the way to go to
>make decent espresso. If you want a quick way to make a pretty good coffee a
>super-automatic is one way to go, but if you want to really make some good
>espresso shots a semi-auto is the way to go. You have minimal control over,
>temp, tamp, grind on a super-automatic, and that's what you need to make
>good/great espresso among other variables. Although I liked my Saeco
>super-automatic, I had no idea the quality I was missing until my recent
>purchase of a semi-automatic.
>
>One question before the recommendations though. Have you considered a direct
>plumb machine? It's very simple. Or do you want a reservoir machine?
>
>ZZ
>
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Date: 07 Dec 2006 14:59:07
From: ZZ
Subject: Re: Gaggia Titanium SS Purchase
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"Cadman" <someone@whocares.net > wrote in message
news:t90gn2t719m4kje10nv7lf0v9b880fbki2@4ax.com...
>
> The direct plumb would be a nice option but maybe not
> practical now with this unit since the location of the unit may have
> to change as I merge it into the kitchen enviorment, I have not seen
> many models that offer this option.
> The semi automatic is enticing, but when I think about incorporating
> those extra steps to make a great espresso into my busy life I think I
> would miss out on something (probally espresso), someday I may want to
> experiment with great espresso, now I'm just wanting the push of a
> button good espresso, I saw a automatic demonstrated at Starbucks, it
> was a DeLonghi Magnifica and I must say the espresso was not bad,
> better than some shots from starbucks that I have gotten (it always
> seems to be the luck of the draw there, and sadly they are the best
> around here for espresso). I don't have a lot of options around here
> to compare automatic machines, or great espresso for that matter, but
> my online research has led me to the Gaggia. Seattle coffee gear seems
> to be my choice right now for the purchase, I've never dealt with them
> I guess it's just the web site that has my interest, I will call and
> talk to a real person there first before I buy, but I will try and do
> that with whatever site I go with for the purchase. I will check the
> recommendations made here also.
> I have considered the Capresso IMPRESSA S9 Avantgarde but not
> sure how much more this machine offers that the Gaggia, there is quite
> a price difference
> Wayne
>
>
>
>
>>I made the mistake years ago thinking a super-automatic was the way to go
>>to
>>make decent espresso. If you want a quick way to make a pretty good coffee
>>a
>>super-automatic is one way to go, but if you want to really make some good
>>espresso shots a semi-auto is the way to go. You have minimal control
>>over,
>>temp, tamp, grind on a super-automatic, and that's what you need to make
>>good/great espresso among other variables. Although I liked my Saeco
>>super-automatic, I had no idea the quality I was missing until my recent
>>purchase of a semi-automatic.
>>
>>One question before the recommendations though. Have you considered a
>>direct
>>plumb machine? It's very simple. Or do you want a reservoir machine?
>>
>>ZZ
I get up at 4:00am for work, the last thing I want to do is get bogged down
making good espresso, believe me, the last thing I want is hassles in the
morning. With that being said, it sounds like you are convinced you would
like a super-automatic.
I'm with daveb on this one as well, $1500.00 to purchase a super-automatic
is very steep. Especially the quality to price you will get from it.
ZZ
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Date: 06 Dec 2006 17:24:53
From: daveb
Subject: Re: Gaggia Titanium SS Purchase
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hello, Wayne.
let me be frank --
1) Superautomatics emphatically are NOT the way to the best espresso.
2) Saeco makes several models that are the same internally for about
$500
3) Free shipping is not 'free'. The wholesale cost of a titanium is
about $800.00
4) NEVER buy a refurb super.
5) Saeco owns gaggia.
Dave
Saeco / Gaggia service SE
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Date: 07 Dec 2006 05:40:18
From: daveb
Subject: Re: Gaggia Titanium SS Purchase
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we are not making much headway......
It takes about ONE MINUTE to make a great espresso -- Semi
automaically.
and spending $1500 for a machine?? whoa.
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Date: 07 Dec 2006 00:12:00
From: Todd94590
Subject: Re: Gaggia Titanium SS Purchase
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Hi Wayne,
I went through a similar thought process as you are now when I took the
plunge. Fortunately I took plenty of time to research different
machines, and even more time really considering exactly what I wanted;
at first I thought of the simple push a button and drink the espresso,
further along I came to the realization that I am much more of a
hands-on, likes-to-tinker-with-stuff type. I ended up buying a Quick
Mill machine.
Call it lucky for me that I live 30 miles from Sweet Maria's, and was
able to actually look at all their machines to assist in my decision,
too. (sweetmarias.com) As far as other online places to look for
machines, try chriscoffee.com. coffeegeek.com has a weath of
information about machines.
Having the machine I do, it does take up some real estate on the
counter, including the grinder, so that's another thing to consider,
and a super-duper auto would save on the space. But overall, around
here, I think most will advise against them.
Todd in Vallejo
Cadman wrote:
> Hi All,
> Been following the discussions for awhile now and been a coffee
> drinker for most of my 45 years
> Last few years I have been getting more and more hooked on espresso
> and have decided to buy a super automatic,
> This will be my Christmas gift to myself, with my wife's name on the
> card I guess, anyway she agrees finally with the purchase.
> I have decided pretty much on the Gaggia Titanium SS what do you think
> .... Good choice?
> My real question is where would you recommend buying it, I was going
> to do it online and most places offer free shipping for the $1500
> price tag.
> I just wanted some feed back on the best online places to shop for
> espresso machine and supplies, since I'm sure this purchase will only
> create the need for more accessories
> Thanks for you comments
> Wayne
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Date: 07 Dec 2006 12:35:58
From: Omniryx@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Gaggia Titanium SS Purchase
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I rag on Dave a good bit but he and Larry are dead on target here. SAs
just don't make the best cup. I've been sitting here trying to
estimate how long it takes me to make two doubles for myself each
morning.
Glance at machine while letting dog out to assure that timer has turned
it on and that the PID shows correct temp. (2 seconds)
Take shower and put on bathrobe. Let dog in.
Grind and pull a double. Not too picky about the first of the day (2-3
minutes)
Dress and get stuff ready for office.
Grind and pull a double. Make grinder adjustments if necessary based
on first cup. (2-4 minutes)
Wash and dry PF and cup. Wipe down machines and counter. Make sure
power is off (2-3 minutes)
If you do not have 6-10 minutes each morning to invest in yourself and
your own pleasure, the answer is to reorganize your life, not buy a
fast machine that makes crappy coffee.
At least that's what I think.
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Date: 07 Dec 2006 12:14:20
From: daveb
Subject: Re: Gaggia Titanium SS Purchase
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very well stated.
dave
184
pltrgyst wrote:
>
> My opinion: if you want decent, quick espresso, buy a good super-auto. If you
> want good coffee, don't.
>
> -- Larry
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Date: 07 Dec 2006 20:45:29
From: ZZ
Subject: Re: Gaggia Titanium SS Purchase
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"daveb" <davebobblane@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1165522460.747777.171380@80g2000cwy.googlegroups.com...
> very well stated.
>
> dave
> 184
>
> pltrgyst wrote:
>
>>
>> My opinion: if you want decent, quick espresso, buy a good super-auto. If
>> you
>> want good coffee, don't.
>>
>> -- Larry
I guess it's debatable, but my super-auto made very good cafe americanos
(coffee to me), but the espressos were another story, consistently sub par.
I figured when I spent $1200.00 on a super-automatic machine it would be a
do it all in a superior way, I was wrong.
ZZ
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