About this Video

• Video Title: ECM Classika PID vs Gaggia E24 - OWNER HONEST Review After 18 Months
• Channel: Espresso Hackers
• Speakers: One (the video's owner)
• Duration: 00:15:47

Introduction

This video provides an honest, owner-based comparison between the ECM Classika PID and the Gaggia Classic E24 espresso machines after 18 months of use. The speaker focuses on the pros and cons of each machine, highlighting key differences in features, build quality, and performance, to help viewers decide which machine best suits their needs and budget.

Key Takeaways

• Price Difference: The ECM Classika PID is significantly more expensive than the Gaggia Classic E24.
• Build Quality: The ECM Classika PID boasts superior build quality with mostly metal components, while the Gaggia Classic E24 uses more plastic.
• Performance Similarity: Despite the price difference, the espresso quality produced by both machines is very similar in day-to-day use. Side-by-side testing revealed minimal differences perceptible only under controlled conditions.
• Features and Convenience: The ECM Classika PID offers features like a built-in PID, pressure gauge, and a universal portafilter. The Gaggia Classic E24 heats up faster but lacks these features (though PID can be added).
• Cost-Benefit: The Gaggia Classic E24 provides excellent value for its price, especially with its brass boiler, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious consumers.

The speaker notes that both machines offer similar temperature stability. While some believe the E61 group head on the ECM Classika PID might lead to unpredictable temperatures after extended heating, the speaker did not observe this issue with the PID-equipped machine. The Gaggia Classic E24, lacking a stock PID, recovers temperature in about 4 minutes after brewing, with minimal impact on shot quality. The speaker concludes that the PID on the ECM Classika PID does offer a noticeable improvement, although the difference might be less significant for those not doing side-by-side comparisons.

Both machines have almost the same width (around 20cm for the Gaggia, 24.5cm for the ECM). The ECM Classika PID is taller (40cm vs 35cm for the Gaggia without legs, 39cm with legs), but the difference is minimal when accounting for the Gaggia's optional legs. The most significant difference is in depth: 45cm for the ECM versus 24cm for the Gaggia. The ECM is also much heavier, weighing 18.5kg compared to the Gaggia's 8.5kg.

The speaker states that in day-to-day use, and without doing side-by-side tests, they couldn't discern a difference in taste between the espresso from the two machines. In a blind taste test, they believed they would likely not be able to distinguish between them. A very slight difference in body was noted in favor of the Gaggia in a side-by-side comparison, but this was minimal.

The speaker found the espresso quality from both machines to be virtually indistinguishable in everyday use. Neither demonstrably outperformed the other in terms of taste. The ECM Classika PID offers better features (PID, pressure gauge, universal portafilter), resulting in potentially more control and convenience, but not necessarily better performance in terms of espresso quality.

The Gaggia Classic E24 is presented as the better value and "bang for your buck" option due to its significantly lower price point while delivering comparable espresso quality. The speaker even suggests they might sell their ECM Classika PID because the Gaggia E24 provides the same results for a fraction of the cost.