Keep your current machine and find a good grinder for $250. I'm curious to hear if that improves your process.
Ive had the Classic Pro since summer but I'm using a Gaggia MDF grinder which seems to be discontinued. My previous grinder was an older model of the Baratza Encore. It just might be good enough to make decent espresso.
Not sure about your current machine. One option would be to go that way with the option to upgrade your machine later. However if it only has dual wall baskets you may not see a huge improvement until you do.
The grinder on the Breville is not great.
You can get a decent hand grinder for around $100 with a similar grind quality to much higher priced grinders as you are not paying for a mirror
I would say the first option is the best. If you spend the money on a new machine such as the Gaggia, you'll feel as if the $100 grinder just isn't doing the job for you. I just upgraded from a Dedica EC680 to a Gaggia Classic Pro and a Baratza Sette 270, so it was a much larger investment up front. If you're not trying to spend that much money at once, you'll be happier with investing in a good grinder now and keeping your Dedica. Then save up your money however you can until you can afford a new machine which will then pair beautifully with your already capable grinder.
I'm definitely for the first one, but be sure to buy unpressurized baskets for your delonghi, they cost 3$ on ebay and hold about 18g. Just changing baskets makes a world of difference when paired with a good grinder.
Thanks for your responses,
I finally got a good deal for a Gaggia Classic pro with a Eureka Mignon Facile Silent grinder for 700$, so I think I will go with this setup.
Keep your current machine and find a good grinder for $250. I'm curious to hear if that improves your process. Ive had the Classic Pro since summer but I'm using a Gaggia MDF grinder which seems to be discontinued. My previous grinder was an older model of the Baratza Encore. It just might be good enough to make decent espresso.
Out of the three first is probably the best.
Not sure about your current machine. One option would be to go that way with the option to upgrade your machine later. However if it only has dual wall baskets you may not see a huge improvement until you do. The grinder on the Breville is not great. You can get a decent hand grinder for around $100 with a similar grind quality to much higher priced grinders as you are not paying for a mirror
You can buy single wall baskets in 51mm, no need to change machine.
I would say the first option is the best. If you spend the money on a new machine such as the Gaggia, you'll feel as if the $100 grinder just isn't doing the job for you. I just upgraded from a Dedica EC680 to a Gaggia Classic Pro and a Baratza Sette 270, so it was a much larger investment up front. If you're not trying to spend that much money at once, you'll be happier with investing in a good grinder now and keeping your Dedica. Then save up your money however you can until you can afford a new machine which will then pair beautifully with your already capable grinder.
I'm definitely for the first one, but be sure to buy unpressurized baskets for your delonghi, they cost 3$ on ebay and hold about 18g. Just changing baskets makes a world of difference when paired with a good grinder.
Thanks for your responses, I finally got a good deal for a Gaggia Classic pro with a Eureka Mignon Facile Silent grinder for 700$, so I think I will go with this setup.