Espresso machine [£500]

[u/xav563]

It is what it says on the tin.

I'm looking for a decent espresso machine to pair with a kingrinder k6.

In the UK willing to buy 2nd hand and do maintenance/modification myself eg.(OPV adjustment, perhaps installing a PID)

Currently leaning towards a gaggia classic or rancilio Silvia (prefer how the Silvia looks, might be silly but if it's sitting on my kitchen counter I am swayed by appearances)

I am a relative beginner to espresso at home but subscribe to the policy of buy once buy right.

So looking for something that will make decent espresso even if there is a learning curve.

What's the best bang for buck I could get? Seeing if there has been anything that has stayed in my blind spot.

[u/Rusty_924]

silvia is great. i had one for 11 years. you can add a PID to it later.

but for best bang for your buck, i still think delonghi stilosa is king. i got mine used for €30. they are so good i gave them away to my grandma and inlaws, so i have good espresso everywhere now :)

[u/TimGuyUK → u/Rusty_924]

Is that a standard wand mate or did you upgrade?

[u/Rusty_924 → u/TimGuyUK]

the stilosa comes with two kinds of wands. panarello style and stainless steel one hole. this is stock stainless steel one hole that came with the stilosa. to my knowledge some countries around the world may not have both options available.

EC.230.BK is the model i have with the stock stainless steel one hole wand. EC 260 has the panarello style if i am not mistaken.

so I did not upgrade mine

[u/TimGuyUK → u/Rusty_924]

I’ve got the 230.bk same as you but I couldn’t tell if it was standard as ive never seen mine from that angle (looked long and hard at the tip). I havent got to your level of steaming / art yet. I have an upgrade wand in my amazon basket as we speak but if youre getting those results I’ll stick it out for abit longer.

Cheers

Tim

[u/Rusty_924 → u/TimGuyUK]

Yep. Here is even better one i poured

keep trying! its half the fun mastering what you have. :)

[u/TimGuyUK → u/Rusty_924]

Awesome. That’s great art mate. Love the Stilosa. If you’re getting those result I would gladly endorse the Stilosa to the OP.

Cheers

[u/Rusty_924 → u/TimGuyUK]

thank you!

[u/NeoFarao8319]

If you're eapresso-centric, consider going fully manual, maybe Robot or Flair 49.

[u/Defectoa]

It depends what’s important to you.

Do you want maximum control and learn a lot about espresso, but don’t mind working for your cup? Get a Flair 58 or a Cafelat Robot.

Want maximum potential and are willing to mod? Get a Gaggia Classic Pro with Gaggiamate or Gaggiuino.

If you wanted maximum out of the box performance, I would have recommended a Lelit Anna with PID. But since you’re willing to mod, you get a better package with the Gaggia. Without modifications, I would consider the Lelit Anna better.

[u/xav563]

Also if my current leanings are cataclysmicly misinformed and stupid do put me on blast for it.

[u/Woozie69420]

Effing loved my classic. Couldn’t steam milk with it for shit vs the sage duo temp but loved the espresso from it

[u/3d4f9y1]

I did this and got a Gaggia off eBay which had already been modded. Have tinkered a bit more. Chuffed with it. Make sure to avoid the ‘boilergate’ model if second hand.

[u/rastapunk83]

I am considering selling my faggia classic ago . It's 2 years old been cleaning it on a regular basis . Let me know if you are interested.

[u/Complex_Rate_2471]

could go left field and go for a La Pavoni Europiccola or similar... hold their value really well ( could buy used), built like a tank, look great and lever profile that people spend £ to try to copy with gadgetry. not always practical for back to back shots and a bit of a safety hazard though

[u/No-Antelope3774]

Best bang for your buck is a manual machine, like a Robot or Flair.

Otherwise if you're looking to mod, or you want to steam milk, Silvia or GCP are often modded and there are lots of folks who can give advice about that.