**Hey yall,**

**I wanted to share a bit of my journey and a few reflections after spending 2.5 years on the Breville Barista Express, over a year with the MiiCoffee DF54, and recently transitioning to my Mahlkonig E64 WS & Gaggia Classic Pro.**

**To be completely honest, I wasn’t even planning on upgrading anytime soon. But a recent move across the country pushed me to list my BBE and DF54 for sale, and that turned into an unexpected fresh (& tasty) start for my espresso corner.**

**1. The Move & Scoring Marketplace Deals**  
**Once I sold my old gear & moved (about a month’s time), I started scouring Facebook Marketplace and ended up pulling off two incredible steals:**  
**-Mahlkönig E64 WS: The seller had literally only run 3 grinds through it (basically brand new) and I scored it for \~$400 off MSRP. (Guy wanted to get the X54) It occasionally throws a minor "hopper dismounted" error message that's an easy fix, but the grind-by-weight workflow and consistency are insane. I've officially hit my endgame grinder.**  
**-Gaggia Classic Pro: The previous owner had already installed a PID, upgraded thermostat, new solenoid, OPV springs, low-profile drip tray, bottomless portafilter, multiple steam wand tips, and threw in a bunch of spares (puck screens, tamper, funnel, gaskets, O-rings).**  
**Down the road, I’m looking into doing the Gagguino mod on the GCP. I'm still undecided on what my ultimate "endgame" machine will be, but I love the GCP compared to the BBE.**

**2. The Difference in the Cup**  
**The biggest takeaway from switching to the GCP + E64 WS setup has been the noticeable jump in shot quality. I pull shots from beans Ive found to love and the difference has been delicious to say the least. I'm pulling completely different tasting notes and clarity compared to what I was getting out of the BBE and DF54.**

**It’s a great reminder that beyond your gear, finding fresh beans roasted to your liking & knowing what kind of drinks you actually like is half the battle.**

**3. Workflow & Fundamentals > Tool Overload**  
**Like many on this sub, I fell hard into the upgraditis trap early on. At one point, I convinced myself I needed** ***every single puck-prep tool*** **on the market (take a look at my BBE picture) to optimize my workflow down to the millisecond.**

**While tools like a good WDT or a bottomless portafilter are great for spotting channeling, scaling back has made me realize all you really need is:**  
**-A solid grinder**  
**-An accurate scale (weighing dose in and output correctly)**  
**-A machine that reliably heats up and builds proper pressure**  
**-Understanding thermal prep, extraction timing, and pressure dynamics will always give you better coffee than buying a drawer full of accessories.**  
**\*p.s. there are definitely some fun to have tools, so make sure you pick out what keeps the hobby fun & exciting for you**

**4. Chase the Shot for YOU**  
**It’s easy to get lost on here, seeing godshots/drinks & endless opinions on how you "should" make espresso. But at the end of the day, chase the perfect shot/drink for YOU and no one else (or family/friends if you’re making coffee for them too lol). If you & the people you love, love the drink in your cup, regardless of what anyone on the internet says, you won.**

**Anyone else have a life change, move, or sudden gear sale or break force an unexpected setup overhaul for you?**

Stop buying puck prep gadgets. (2.5 years of upgrade-itis taught me the hard way) - (half-kidding)