Classic Pro

1000€ +20% margin gets you - assming you are in EU: Turin Legato V2( MiiCoffe apex/AvX DB). Brew boiler for coffee and separate steam thermoblock, opv adjustment, PID + rest for a grinder and accesories; Base Bambino and competent grinder (54mm advantage and full thermoblock); Sage Dual Boiler on sa

Considering you're under $750 and need both a grinder and an espresso maker — a breville bambino, a grinder in the $200-$300 range, and then the remainder of the budget on accessories/cleaning supplies/water treatment would probably be the way to go. Things like a gaggia classic pro might be better

A 50ml boiler for 40ml shots will do that... GCP was good 15 years ago when there was $400 Gaggia or the much more expensive 4-figure E61 group option. Now we've got loads of good machines to choose from.

Inversely, look at the Gaggia classic pro. Not relatively expensive, but still a lot of money for a machine that you still need to do a bunch of little tricks or a rather costly mod to make sure your water temperature is adequate.

Agreed, price is high for the PCB/screen version he has installed. No option for updates. He could buy a used GCP on FB for $300 and gaggia mate kit and still have $300 for whatever he wants.

Not sure why you're being downvoted. OP did ask if it was worth it. As a previous owner of a Gaggia Classic Pro, even I would say that it's worth looking at Gemilais given Imarflex's massive markup on these machines.

I've seen this exact thingie mentioned in the gaggiuino's alternate component list, here is the link: https://www.printables.com/model/647745-gaggia-classic-pro-evo-neon-lamp-clip. Sadly it's just a 3D print, maybe those others links are better, but damn 8e for that ?

I have the Lelit Victoria PL91T at home. Chosen after long comparisons. Went from a Gaggia Classic Pro. Way better experience. Cannot recommend more. Excellent price/quality ratio for me.

Terrible deal, I sold my Gaggia Classic pro with gaggimate for $600 on marketplace

I just got my Ele last week, I cannot recommend it enough coming from a gaggia classic pro 2019. If you can stretch the budget for it you won't be disappointed.