Like many out there, the Gaggia Classic was my initial foray into espresso or as I like to call it ‘proper coffee’. A second hand jobbie, I coupled it with a refurbed Brasilia RR55OD 64mm burr grinder and that has been my set-up for about 8 years. Had lots of fun with the Gaggia, stripping down, cleaning, treating and changing bits and pieces too (fun and games blowing up two PIDS) over the years, as well as setting the pump pressure to 9 bar. Of course added a decent tamper, knock box, frothing jug, upgrading to an IMS basket and brass shower screen and naked portafilter and some Brewista scales. Of course, none of that would have been any good without beans and to my surprise and delight, there are a lot of roasters out there and so many different beans to choose from.
Since then my interest has been peaked by different ways of making a decent cup of Java and not just for home, and so I’ve added an Aeropress, a Clever Dripper, a Mocca Pot, ROK hand Grinder and ROK Espresso Lever machine to my coffee paraphernalia.
My journey continues as I’ve just literally today, sold the Gaggia and purchased a dual boiler machine. There have been some great, friendly, knowledgeable people on forums who have helped along the way, kindly dispensing their coffee expertise and wisdom and because of that, I’m still loving every minute of it.