coffee forum, ?????, ?????, fresh coffee beans and tea house

[phile]

Hi all,

I am new to this forum and was thinking to buy a good prosumer expresso machine as Xmas gift for myself. Grateful if any C-hings here can shed me some light and help me to make up my mind.

Have done some researches over the past few weeks and am still struggling as to which one to buy. Below is my shortlist.

1) Gaggia Classic - see rave reviews of this machine all over the place. though it doesn't look as good and durable as other 2 candidates. Will probably go for it if no better altenative.

2) Isomac Maverick - good size and it looks more solidly built than the Classic. Dislike 57mm filter and unsure about it's performance as not much review on the internet. no 3 ways solenoid value, does it matter?

3) Isomac Venus - like the outlook of this Machine than the other 2. 58mm filter and 3 ways solenoid value. Again unsure about it's performance.

Would be really helpful if any Maverick or Venus user can share your expeirence.

Rancilio Silvia is quite ideal in term of size and everything but seems thermo stability is a known issue so not being considered.

Knowing Expobar office pulsar or leva are probably the best semi-pro machines out there in the market. Unfortunately, do not have space for these monsters!

Would be interested to know if there is any other better alterantive than the above.

Thanks in advance!

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1. Gaggia Classic?????review, ??forum???????, ?????????~

2. Isomac Venus 喺??????, ?????????? ~

3. ???Maverick, ??????????, ????????????, ????????, ?solenoid valve?????, ???????? ~