Now for some details on this machine. Starting with the exterior housing, it is all steel and appears to be powder coated. Only a couple of chips, which I will treat to prevent any rusting. The styling of the case is very simliar to the Gaggia Classic with it's square shape and tapered front which makes sense given the date of manufacture, 01/1999.
Looking inside, I was very pleased with the components used to build this machine. First to note is the all brass boiler, a feature found in mostly high end machines. Brass retains heat much better than stainless steel or aluminum and it wont corrode the way the Gaggia aluminum boiler will over time (and yes, I still have my original Gaggia Classic and have repaired others too, and pitting/corrosion is always a problem).
The brass steam value is nice as well, since the inner stem can be remove by taking out a white plasic retainer and unscrewing the stem. This will make maintenance nice if the value ever begins to leak and needs new o-rings. This is far superior to the Gaggia Classic, as you can not remove the stem and they always suffer from eventual leaky steam values...the only recourse is to replace the whole value. Who wants to spend $45 for a steam valve because of a faulty $0.30 o-ring! The steam wand has 3 holes, not just one which should make steaming milk go very fast.
There is no solenoid valve on this unit, which to some, might be a negative, but I have never found a few drips at the end of a pull to be a big deal. Plus you dont need to backflush this machine. With or without the solenoid valve, liquids will end up in the drip tray so not a big minus to me.
Overall, this should be a solid performer. No circuit board, no "timed" pulls, just a simple, high quality setup which is why it has lasted 13 years so far, and should last another 13 years.
Next up? The boiler....
ah...1999...a young college kid just learning the role of coffee in a man's life. albeit, i have to admit i was more into the speedway (gas station) cappuccino's at this point. but never the less i've blossomed into a real man. a real man that can thank you mike. thanks for teaching me about the bean and how to best put the bean in my cup. next purchase...one espresso maker. i shall convince my loving wife that it is indeed a necessity. you sir are one of my hero's.
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