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A bit less DIY but similar functionally is the kit Shades of Coffee sells that also adds PID to the Gaggia classic. If you're just after the functionality of a cheap espresso machine with PID that takes a lot less effort.

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If anybody's interested in a packaged solution, Auber Instruments has been making PIDs and timers for Gaggia and Rancilio machines for a looong time. Their support is also top notch. (I use their PID with my Silvia)

https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6&s...

I have one. It’s made my machine so much better. Once you find a grind setting and dose weight that works well for your beans, you get perfectly reproducible shots.

What Grinder do you use? I have a Gaggia as well been using Baratza Encore but it’s not really for Espresso but now they have the Encore Esp for espresso

I've got the Virtuoso. The '586 (?) model with improved burrs. It's bulletproof. I did have to replace a few of the plastic parts that act like mechanical fuses when I tried to grind a batch of coffee that had a pebble in it.

For even less effort buy a breville bambino.

I've been tempted a few times, especially by the fast (efficient) heat up times. But I have a bunch of 58mm tampers, dosing funnels, etc, so the 54mm portalfilter is a bit offputting!

As a Barista express person going 54mm is a regret. 58 is more versatile and compatiable.

But the recommendation was more for budget purchases. Breville also do a dual boiler with 58mm which is more expensive but if you live in Australia is amazingly good value (often $900AU which is about $600US). If you have more money still get a La Marzocco or whatever :-)

My taste is to avoid fiddly things that need too much skill like heat exchangers etc.

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