Espresso Machine for the Garage

[j44ke]

At least that's where I'd put it. Next to the mop sink on top of the beer fridge full of Spindrift (lemon). Cups are under the work bench.

Quick Mill Compatto 0820



Realize there are traditional favorites (Gaggia, Rancillio) but this one comes in red.

[Clyde]

https://blancazi.shop/product/brevil...4vTwvnxQFB_rWA

Don’t forget this.

[dashDustin]

You didn't ask, but I'm gonna give it to you anyway.

My problem with Quick Mill presently is small parts availability in the US. Gaggia parts are all over. Quick Mill, not so much. Ask me how I know.

Just kidding, don't ask me. It'll just make me sad.

But also...I don't need any ideas for our revamped garage...but dang, I'm thinking a Gaggia might be a good addition now. Though I'd want an espresso machine with an enclosed reservoir. Hmmmmm....

[j44ke]

You didn't ask, but I'm gonna give it to you anyway.

My problem with Quick Mill presently is small parts availability in the US. Gaggia parts are all over. Quick Mill, not so much. Ask me how I know.

Just kidding, don't ask me. It'll just make me sad.

But also...I don't need any ideas for our revamped garage...but dang, I'm thinking a Gaggia might be a good addition now. Though I'd want an espresso machine with an enclosed reservoir. Hmmmmm....

Did you try Chris Coffee? They have some sort of relationship with QuickMill. I haven't had problems getting parts to our machine. Yet (hopefully not famous last words.)

[dashDustin]

Did you try Chris Coffee? They have some sort of relationship with QuickMill. I haven't had problems getting parts to our machine. Yet (hopefully not famous last words.)

Mmmm hmmmm. Ordered a pump from them. They said it was the same pump. Shows up - not the same pump. But it works, so I’m not complaining a whole lot. Took way too long to find a pump.

Who knew there were so many different types of rotary vane pumps!

[SlowPokePete]

My friend in the city does complete rebuilds of these...

https://www.instagram.com/p/CrZv2f_u1Gi/

SPP

PS .... see? I already forgot how to post an Instagram link the fancy way lol

[dashDustin]

I got you.

This is really, really cool.

[j44ke]

A friend across the river in Woodstock has an ancient looking one of those that keeps putting out great shots. He tinkers with it periodically to keep it going (brought parts to match up with him to Italy when he joined us in Lucca one year) but not dead yet.

Obviously some parts in espresso machines are ridiculously customized, but a lot of things like pumps are pretty standard. And pumps are really the weak point in any espresso machine, because it all starts with cranking the pressure. When we had a DeLonghi super automatic, I replaced the pump twice. Each time I received a different looking pump as the replacement even though I used the same part number. That must be because DeLonghi or whoever handles their parts stocking matches on specs not appearance. And as long as the inlet and outlet are in the same general orientation, it is all good.

Rubber washers are more of a PITA. Material has to be the same and diameter of the washer itself and then of the rubber has to be the same otherwise it won’t work.

[zetroc]

I've got that machine (Faema Family/Faema Contessa) but finding parts has been challenging. It does make good espresso.

[Ras72]

At least that's where I'd put it. Next to the mop sink on top of the beer fridge full of Spindrift (lemon). Cups are under the work bench.

Quick Mill Compatto 0820



Realize there are traditional favorites (Gaggia, Rancillio) but this one comes in red.

Whatchu got as a grinder for that lil'pup?

[Dmoeny]

Why not an Olympia Lever?

[j44ke]

Whatchu got as a grinder for that lil'pup?

Oh right - you can tell I presently use a super automatic. I don't actually have this machine, just dreaming about adding one to the garage. But a friend has one of the Fellow grinders and likes it. Maybe that one? Seemed nice and small.

[j44ke]

Why not an Olympia Lever?

You mean the $3800 ones? My garage is nice, but it isn't that nice.

This is the current iteration of basic Gaggia model that people seem to like.

[Dmoeny]

Fair enough… last I looked on eBay there were a number going for under 1k. But I see nothing now, so that ship may have sailed. I had a Gaggia for years before the Cremina and outside of the aluminum boiler that eventually died, it was great.

[dashDustin]

The thread has cost me way too much time, as I’m now looking for an inexpensive machine and a single dose grinder.

[darkmother]

The thread has cost me way too much time, as I’m now looking for an inexpensive machine and a single dose grinder.

No kidding. I keep trying to talk myself out of buying an espresso machine, knowing full well that I will eventually fail.

[dashDustin]

No kidding. I keep trying to talk myself out of buying an espresso machine, knowing full well that I will eventually fail.

You mean you don’t have one yet? Time’s a wastin. my main machine has a permanent spot in my kitchen on an island devoted specifically to coffee.

[rwsaunders]

If I were putting a machine in my garage because I didn’t want to walk to the kitchen, I’d find a used Nespresso Vertuo or the original machine on Craigslist and start from there.

https://www.nespresso.com/us/en/choose-your-technology

[j44ke]

If I were putting a machine in my garage because I didn’t want to walk to the kitchen, I’d find a used Nespresso Vertuo or the original machine on Craigslist and start from there.

https://www.nespresso.com/us/en/choose-your-technology

In Paris, seems like all the boutique roasters produce Nespresso pods with their coffee inside, and the pods are usually biodegradable (one uses some form of mulberry paper.) But the pump on the model in my wife's apartment is too weak to get the water through actual good coffee nicely ground. And the temperature is too low. Nespresso needs to make a temp and pressure adjustable adjustable. In the meanwhile, I'm tempted to crack it open and replace the pump with something beefier, though that may just create a Nespresso machine that shoots pods across the room.

[johnmdesigner]

I'm just seeing this.
We just bought a Gaggia Classico for $399 on sale. And a Barzata grinder for $199.
It's working pretty good with just a short learning curve.
Of course Jorn's choice is way cuter. Reminds me of my 70's Industrial Design classes.