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european coffee - 2005/11/23 22:00Up until about two months ago, I made my coffee this way in the morning. One heaping tablespoon fine grind coffee in a long coffee cup, add boiling water to 1/2 in. of the top. Let it sit while I was doing my ablutions. Stir and drink it up. Always tasted fine to me.
Well we went to Europe this fall. When I ordered coffee, I got espresso, every time!!. This is good stuff, even when watered down.
I'd like to make my own, I head for work at about 3am, so you can forget about coffee shop stops, and I'm sorry but Tim's just don't make it.
I tried one from Canadian Tire, but frankly it was not up to my expectations. Oh it made coffee all right, just leaked everywhere, it was that plastic reservoir seal, must be a poor design. Took it back.
Anyhow I believe I have narrowed it down to a Gaggia Baby. I can afford this. The only thing holding me back? I don't know if they have a separate reservoir, which is gravity feed and depends on a rubber seal to stop it from leaking all over counter. I looked at the one from starbucks, seemed OK but got mixed reviews, I did like the sealed reservoir though. Any one out there who can tell me?
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dave
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Re:european coffee - 2005/11/24 03:21The Baby Gaggia, like other Gaggia espresso machines, has a simple bucket reservoir, with a tube dropped into it to feed the pump. They work just fine. No, it isn't actually a bucket; I just mean that it works like one.
Most Gaggia machines have the same internal components, the exception being that some, like the Baby and Classic, have a 3-way solenoid valve and others do not. This valve serves to release pressure following each shot, making it easier to pull multiple shots and allowing you to backflush the machine for routine cleaning of the group.
The other difference between models, aside from the external styling and chassis material, shows up in the different sizes of their reservoirs and drip trays. In general: good pump, fairly good thermal stability from a brass group and portafilter, very fast in heating up / switching from brew to steam to brew temp due to the small boiler, capable of an excellent shot.
A Gaggia would serve you very well. Don't forget that, in addition to fresh coffee, you need a GOOD grinder paired with any espresso machine. You will not find such a beast in a department store and I would suggest doing some research on espresso grinders before making your purchases. Let us know how we can help!
DaveDave is an Ottawa resident and Coffee Expert
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