Lucca A53

For the espresso machine, I have been looking at the Profitec pro 600, Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, Rancilio Silvia Pro Espresso Machine, LUCCA A53 Mini Espresso Machine by La Spaziale. As of right now, I'm leaning towards the Profitec pro 600, Rancilio pro, and the Lucca A53.

In terms of features the Lucca A53 and the Profitec Pro 300 are the most capable on that list while the ECM Mechanika and Appartamento seem equally the least capable. I like the Lucca the best on paper but the 53mm portafilter is a dealbreaker for me personally though this may not matter to others.

Gaggia Classic Pro + Sette 30/270 -> Lucca A53 Mini + Specialita = More consistent/balanced espresso shots, much better milk drinks, easier/quicker workflow with less waste. The difference between a $150 appliance to a "decent" machine (GCP) is massive.

Just upgraded from a Gaggia Classic Pro (without PID) + Sette 30(w/270) to a Lucca A53 Mini + Specialita. It was worth it. Handily.

But yeah, an engineer buddy of mine diagrammed out why a hx was not for me (after the Gaggia experience I wanted repeatable and consistent temps) so double-boiler was my choice. My final cut was Profitec 300, 600, Bianca and a Lucca A53 Mini. I couldn't live with the black plastic of the Lucca and I didn't like the looks of the 300, nor the lame switch that I would break on the front. I also wanted good steam so the stretch seemed worth it.

Good steam, can add pre-infusion, no flow control, but dual boiler in your preferred price range. Clive sells their version as the Lucca A53, Chris Coffee sells the current standard version. Clive's version, at least comes with a 3-yr warranty, which should get you through grad school :). Saturated brew group rather than E61, 53mm PF, but a good price for a solid machine.

I just got the Lucca A53 Mini with optional pre-infusion and shot timer, it's been amazing, especially for milk drinks. Compared to the Gaggia Classic Pro it replaced, the texture and even taste of the milk from the significantly stronger steam pressure have made much better drinks. Enough that I've actually been drinking more Mochas through the day than I have before (so has the family).

LUCCA A53 Mini (La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II) w/pre-infusion (shot timer optional). I also have the Specialita with it, and it works fine too.

I looked at the mini Vivaldi/Lucca a53, but I don't love the non-standard portafilter or its overall appearance or how huge it is. Considered Lelit Bianca but it's really a bit too much $.