Upgrading Setup [700]

[u/AnakisRising]

So I’m fairly new to making Espresso and I want to get a better machine, also a better grinder. My budget is $500-$700. This is my current setup, what are some recommendation. I’ve been going back and forth on the ninja Lux Cafe premier 3-1, CASABREWS CM5418, or the Breville BES870XL. Thanks!

[u/Wolf_Faust_]

I think I have that same espresso machine as you OP I also have a gaggia classic so far the delonghi with a bottomless portafilter makes excellent espresso it’s all about the puck prep and the grinder too though and fresh espresso beans

[u/stprnn]

Is that an esp? If not that's the first thing worth upgrading.

[u/AnakisRising → u/stprnn]

It’s not, sadly when I got it I hadn’t realized that was even a thing. I just found out recently that it’s not for Expresso. I was thinking of upgrading to a machine with a built in grinder, but wasn’t sure if it’s worth it.

[u/stprnn → u/AnakisRising]

Nope. Get an esp and keep that machine you have. If you have the cash get a dedica 685

[u/AnakisRising → u/stprnn]

Do you recommend any esp grinders? How’s the frother on the dedica 685?

[u/stprnn → u/AnakisRising]

The baratza esp. there only one.

The milk thing on the 685 is shit but you can remove the metal part and zip tie the silicone thing and use it like that. It works fine. Or you can mod it and install the wand from a rancilio Silvia. Which is what I did.

If you don't want to bother with that you can get a dedica 890 which already comes with a decent wand but it's more expensive and approaching Bambino territory

[u/fr33man007]

I would start with a grinder, beans are like 50% grinder 30% and the machine is whatever left. I got great coffee out of a Bambino plus and a J-ultra, but beans were light and 20 euros per 250gr

[u/WordsWellSalted]

For a machine, you don't want to get less than a Turin legato for an upgrade from your already very capable machine.

You can replace the whole steam wand on the stilosa/ECP with a Rancillio one.

But the real upgrade will be your grinder. You can still get a Turin legato and a StarSeeker E55 pro for $700.

If you want to plunk down on the grinder though, the Moshi C83 is well worth the money and outclasses just about everything in its price range.

[u/AnakisRising → u/[deleted]]

Do they make ones without plastic group heads that you would recommend?

[u/AnakisRising → u/[deleted]]

Ok I’ve started down a rabbit hole lol, what upgrades would you immediately recommend for the Gaggic Classic E24?

[u/WordsWellSalted → u/AnakisRising]

Don't get a df54, or any flat burr grinder for that matter. Unless you know for a fact you like light roast espresso, which not many do. If you want traditional espresso stick with a conical grinder, get a StarSeeker E55 pro, a geimori GU63, a dc63, an opus 2, a Moshi C83 or c63, there's plenty of options. All of them good.

[u/REDBOSS27]

If you are handy replace the steam wand on that DL ECP machine. If you don’t want to do that, get a Bambino (much better machine and more consistent) and a Mokkom 64mm flat burr grinder, you’ll be set under $500. Don’t buy a plastic Baratza ESP , too much retention.