Brand new GCP 500.00
Mods figure another 350
Bottomless portafilter 70
Chat with WLL and you’ll get accessories cheaper
As a matter of fact they will match Amazon price on the machine
You’ll have 1000.00 into it and it’ll be better than any 4000.00 machine
A study? I think you are taking it too seriously. While you await for studies, people are enjoying their mods. The boiler itself will not be affected by 12 bar pressure or the increased temperature. The gaskets / o-rings are made for high temps. Suppose that the gasket should last 5 years... Maybe replace it in 3 years if that makes you happy. In the meantime, enjoy the improvements!
I have 2 machines (GC and E24) Gaggiuino modded and love the features and the results.
The Gaggia Classics from Europe come with 11-12 bar springs. The OPV will release any excessive pressure, that's what they do. Hundreds of persons with modified Gaggia Classics (Gaggiuino, Gaggimate, Crematune) without any boiler longevity issues. The common issues I have seen have to do with aluminum boiler pitting due to frequent descaling and other issues, not a slightly increased pressure or temperature.
A study? I think you are taking it too seriously. While you await for studies, people are enjoying their mods. The boiler itself will not be affected by 12 bar pressure or the increased temperature. The gaskets / o-rings are made for high temps. Suppose that the gasket should last 5 years... Maybe replace it in 3 years if that makes you happy. In the meantime, enjoy the improvements!
I have 2 machines (GC and E24) Gaggiuino modded and love the features and the results.
This one has a solenoid because the metallic pipe is there on the back-left of the drip tray. I think this one will have an adjustable OPV, but I may be wrong. That is the thing I would validate before buying, as I would be interested in modding it with Gaggiuino or Gaggimate and the OPV is needed. If it has the OPV and it is new, unused, I think this is a very good price.
Edit: If you could get a picture of the sticker with the year and model of the machine, we could check. The sticker is usually on the bottom of the machine. There is a table here that shows which models are ready to mod or not for Gaggiuino. https://gaggiuino.github.io/#/?id=home
I understand it is basically a Gaggia Classic and can be modded without issue. Are you in a country with 220/240V? I also read that this machine is more prone to rusting, specially on the bottom, under the drip tray and water tank.
I powder coated my second hand GC before it got any rust.
https://preview.redd.it/llejdej2nn8g1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2a6b4800a50f9f4c3e0265386e2ca67fecc23ff6
first set up is e24 and df64 v2. i immediately got the gaggiamate mod but while i was waiting for the mod to arrive for a week, i wish i had the bambino. so if you’re not planning on modding the bambino might be best. if you can mod then 1000% gaggia.
better than a gcp for a beginner to make espresso. unmodded gcp has serious temp issues that can make consistency a huge problem for someone that doesn’t want to go through the process of learning all the little tricks to get the stock machine to turn out a good shot. bambino can be very beginner friendly for someone starting out.
Maybe a Gaggia Classic Pro E24 if he likes to tinker. Cheaper than the Silvia and more durable/repairable than the Bambino.
Crema is more a function of the coffee than the machine.
GCP is a tank of a machine. If you like to tinker then the internals can be customized to make it one of the best machine that can compete with 4000USD machines. (Look up Gaggiuino).
Some cons: The stock machine has 12 bars of pressure which many consider quite high so need to buy a low pressure spring, like 9 bar. Also there is no PID so have to temperature surf for lighter roast. For steaming milk, the stock steam gets empty quite fast, so need to time that as well.
If you want just espresso then Flair is a good choice. Lelit Anna is another option within your budget with PID but the portafilter is 57mm.
315_Jessie
