So when the pandemic started and working from home meant getting suddenly cut off from the free coffee at work, I bought myself an espresso machine.
My setup has worked well for me with various mods over 3 years. But now I think I'm ready to move on to the next level: wondering if folks on here are into coffee making gear and have some advice.
Current Setup:
I picked up what you might consider the Honda Civic DX of machines: the DeLonghi Stilosa EC260. It was on sale for $80.
Mods:
But in true Revscene style, I spent more in mods than I did on the coffee making vehicle in the first place.
Right off the bat I threw out the plastic pressurized portafilter and replaced it with a bottomless.
Ripped out the pannarello steam wand and retrofitted one from a Rancilio Silvia for latte art action.
Replaced the stock shower screen with an IMS Precision.
Grinder:
I originally had a Bodum Bistro conical burr grinder but it went up in acrid smoke after a year. So now I have a Breville Smart Grinder Pro (conical burr).
Asking RS for Advice:
I want to move on from the Civic DX to a GTI. What would the recommendation be?
On the short list so far -
The Breville Bambino Plus:
Pros:
-Auto milk foaming!
-Programmable shot timing for one-press coffee making.
-3-second heat-up time.
-Stock PID.
-Breville quality and usability.
Cons:
-Stepping up from a beater, only to still be using a 54mm portafilter?? Humiliating.
or
The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro:
Pros:
-Full size 58mm portafilter.
-Looks sick af in yellow.
Cons:
-Lack of PID means learning how to temperature surf, though it could be done with a mod. Machine is pricey enough I'm not sure I'd want to void the warranty.
-Not enough room (stock) to put a full size mug under the portafilter for when you're feeling like a savage and not using a shot glass like you should.
Any other angles to consider? Other machines to add to the short list?
PS - I realize the grinder's kinda borderline for dosing consistency, but I think it can be recovered with this single-dose hopper w/ bellow that I found.
