The next step towards
perfect espresso
Science applied to home espresso with a Classic
NOTE:
This is an honest, decent website with all the known disadvantages, downsides, cons detailed in each product description.
No usual marketing BS would be found like discounts, black friday, clearance, last pieces, nor phrases like "Get your's today" ....
Prices shown are the cheapest what I can offer the products for.
SHOULD YOU MODIFY YOUR CLASSIC?
In general the Classic is an affordable, simple, serviceable, durable investment for a long time, so for many of us it’s worthy to spend some more money on it along the pursuit of perfect espresso at home. Especially because a well maintained Classic doesn’t devaluate badly.
Out of the box the Classic has a lot of potential missed by the manufacturer to keep the pricetag at the entry level of espresso machines while maintaning the infamous durability. Saying that, I do actually mean machines rather than appliances made of plastic in a non-repairable manner.
Temperature control is the most obvious. To ensure longevity of the machine the 2 mechanical thermostats controlling the boiler temperature in brew and steam mode has a rather large hystersis (window) to lower the number of switching during usage. This results in a temperature rollercoaster. In brew mode the output water temperature can vary between 90-100C (195-215F), meanwhile in steam mode there is an even wider window causing the boiler temperature to swing between 127-150C (250-296F).
Brew pressure is at least as important in espresso making as consistent and stable temperature. This is set to a rather high 12 bar value from factory (except North American market Evos from 2023), however it is quite easy to get this dialled in to 6-9 bars -according to user preference – one way or the other, depending on the model variant.
Low pressure preinfusion is also enabled by a flow control dimmer to increase the integrity of the puck so reducing the risk of channelling. This techique is widely spread in both commercial and high-end consumer machines. Pressure profiling comes from lever machines and by many of us it is believed certain lightroast specialty coffee highly benefits of a non-flat pressure profile. It also opens with endless opportunities to play with espresso making at home for those whom consider this as a hobby.
The Community behind Classics and especially modifications is simply amazing regardless if it is on Reddit, Facebook, coffeeforums, Instagrtam, YouTube or wherever else they could be.
You are happy with the cup quality out of your machine, and not considering digging deeper in the rabbit hole to experience the unknown and learn more about espresso.
In general if you do not feel comfortable with:
- loosing the warranty
- opening a machine which is oprated at mains voltage
- performing modifications you do not competely understand
- following written, photo illustrated or video installation guides
- performing a modification without the ability to get it checked by a professional
It is undecided yet if the home espresso hobby is for you or the weapon of choice could be from another brewing method.
You would prefer something working perfecty and completed out of the box and you’re willing to pay the higher price these machines selling for and also accepting the likelyhood of a larger footprint on the countertop.
You can’t afford it yet. Which is completely fine, do not feel an urge to upgrade, there are very good techniques to come around the mayor imperfections of the Classic, like temperature surfing, steam arm bypass preinfusion, etc… The most important goal is to enjoy the ride.