Standard non pressurised filter for Gaggia Classic

The Toff

Looking at threads on here, it seems that the pressurised filters that come with the Gaggia Classic cause a lot of problems. I've seen a lot of people buying non pressurised baskets and having their issues resolved. I'm making the move to espresso, and getting a Classic while the prices are still low.
1. Do I need to buy a new full portafilter or just a basket? The baskets are only a fiver, portafilters around 50 euro.
2. Where can I pick up one of these baskets? Another forum linked to this site: http://www.happydonkey.co.uk/search.php?mode=search&page=1 Any other sites that I could use?
3. Also, while I'm at it, any other accessories that I should pick up for maintanance etc?
Is this a must buy? http://www.happydonkey.co.uk/hd0184-gaggia-backflushing-basket.html
Thanks.

P.S Apologies in advance if I make ye cringe with my incorrect terms/ignorance. I try my best, I'm just used to filter brewing!

Sinfonia

If the Classic is shipped with a pressurised basket (which it may not be, happened to two different posters who ordered from Amazon though), all you need is a standard basket (or preferably a VST basket if you don't mind the €30). No need for a new portafilter anyway.

Definitely get a blind basket or a rubber backflush disc. Personally I prefer the rubber disc. Read up on good backflushing practice. You'll need to buy the cleaning detergent that goes into backflushing too.

Also, buy some descaler for your machine. Based on water hardness in my area (which I looked up!), I only need to descale once every 4 months or so, so a box of 12 sachets that I bought should last 3 years! If you're anywhere in Dublin (outside Lucan) your water hardness will be the same.

In terms of everything else, the main thing would be to get a good tamper, because the little plastic one that comes with the machine is effectively pointless (I'm serious, it's too small for the basket size and has no weight whatsoever).

The Toff

Thank you. Which tamper would you recommend? I've heard nothing but terrible things about the Gaggia plastic tamper.
Looking at this, http://www.home-barista.com/espresso-machine-cleaning.html#_how , I'm starting to wonder if going espresso is right for me. It seems like an awful amount of work for what would end up being only a few espressos a week. To be honest, I enjoy an occasional espresso from 3fe, but I almost always order filter. I'm not a big fan of milk based drinks either, so I'm wondering if i should spend the money on a square mile/hasbean subscription, and stick to the various filter brew methods. I really love what I get from french press and aeropress.

Also, I'm currently based in Drumcondra, after moving from Cork. If I move it probably won't be too far from here. Is there some water hardness results online or did you get it tested yourself?

Sinfonia

Honestly, compared to presses etc. the maintenance can be hard work, the initial expense is high, and the technique needed for pulling any half-decent shots takes some work.
You can still make delicious strong short coffees with the Aeropress, the main thing missing being the crema that real espresso will give you.

The water hardness info was online somewhere, it was based on which reservoirs Dublin gets its water from, and seemingly only Lucan has harder water than the rest of Dublin because it takes water from a different reservoir.

The Toff

I've spent about six hours researching entry level machines and I just don't have the passion for espresso/milk drinks that would make it worthwhile. I was doing it for the sake of it more than anything. I've saved myself a few bob anyhow!