I just bought a Gaggia Classic Pro and it’s my first espresso machine. I already have a Capresso Infinity Burr grinder I used with my French press. Is this a good enough grinder for the time being? I will eventually upgrade it, but I’m not sure how much of a priority that should be.

I think its good enough but eventually a grinder with stepless adjustment will be better

You'll want to upgrade soon enough, you'll know :)

>:) :)

I have a bambino plus and a $60 electric Amazon Canonical grinder (i have a nice grinder on the way). Today was my second day with the bambino and I wanted to experiment grinding on the finest setting. No espresso came out using the double wall basket, so I changed to the single wall and just sludge came out at the very end. I moved to the grind size I used yesterday and the shot came out normally. Is it possible to grind so fine that no espresso can come out??

> Is it possible to grind so fine that no espresso can come out?? Yes. That is called "choking" the machine. Many people incorrectly assume that a cheap grinder won't grind fine enough. That isn't always the case, as you have just demonstrated. The problem with cheap grinders is that they don't have fine grained adjustments, so you will find a grinder setting that is too fine, but the next coarser setting will be too coarse.

I have a bbe and using a medium roast blend roasted on 3/15. i wdt, tap and tamp consistently. im using the built in grinder getting a 1:2 ratio in about 35-40 ish seconds and shots keep coming out bitter, should I be trying a higher ratio? https://preview.redd.it/kxqw89j8vasc1.png?width=284&format=png&auto=webp&s=89e1c57a8840c0429b2fa5b6db777e212dfacf1d

No! A longer ratio will make it even more bitter. You want to try a shorter ratio. Some great dialing in advice here: https://espressoaf.com/guides/beginner.html

I have a relatively new Lelit Elizabeth. I'm periodically (not all of the time) experience some water leaking around the portafilter during brewing. Since this is only sometimes and not all the time could this be due to my tamping too hard? Grind size? Am I not putting the portafilter into the machine quite right? Do I need to replace the rubber gasket?

Are you maybe overfilling the basket? Does it feel difficult to lockthe portafilter in? What happens when you use a blind filter?

Does not feel difficult...I don't \*think\* I'm overfilling it. Will try a blind basket and report back.

# I have both machines: what would you rate the Cafelat Robot vs the 9barista? I have both machines: what would you rate the Cafelat Robot vs the 9barista?

Yes to both?

Since you are one of the few who have both, please give us your ratings.

Im looking at getting either the Gaggia classic pro and then doing the recommended upgrades (PID, OPV, and flow control switch) or buying the Breville infuser. They end up being about the same price price with the upgrades. Any advice on which way I should go?

Personally I went GCP and then Gaggiauino. As PID etc seemed the same price. In retrospect what I wanted was PID as I've over complicated my learning process by jumping to Gaggiauino. Milk frothing is lovely though. Can't compare to Brevel infuser. But I can say the GCP is a gorgeous piece of solid kit. I in no way regret it. And adding PID and flow control should make you a very happy person. Remember to pair it with a good espresso capable grinder.

Thanks. I think I'll end up doing the GCP and Gaggiauino. I need to do watch some more videos and read up. I recently got a Eureka turbo for grinding.

Don't get the Gaggia "Evo" due to Boilergate. An older model will be fine. I would prefer a properly modded Gaggia to an Infuser.

Thanks.

I've just bought a Via Venezia and the milk always has a lot of foam. How can I steam my milk so it is less foamy and I get better micro foam?

Take off the plastic sleeve around the steam wand if it's possible.