Official coffee geek thread - modding Gaggias etc
Discussion
Having just replaced a malfuntioning old machine with a shiny new one, have a ready source of spares to try some mods in pursuit of the perfect espresso...
First on the list will probably be a bottomless portafilter (advantages supposed to be big bouncy crema, and more room for bigger cups etc, downside is that imperfect grind and tamping technique may end up with coffee all over the gaffe)
Variable pressure and a gauge appeals too
First on the list will probably be a bottomless portafilter (advantages supposed to be big bouncy crema, and more room for bigger cups etc, downside is that imperfect grind and tamping technique may end up with coffee all over the gaffe)
Variable pressure and a gauge appeals too
The new one is a Classic; the replaced one is a Baby Class. I imagine they are very similar internally (although the reservoir and solenoid evacuation port are very differently arranged) but the Classic is by a large margin the better performer in terms of speed of shot pulling and quality of the brew (even allowing for newness etc; the Baby was always marginal for some reason and I wonder if it was a special di pomeriggio di Venerdì).
Had intended to replace it with a commercial grade machine when it was time to pension it off but withdrawal symptoms took over when it died (again) last week and the Classic was on offer at a good price (assuming the bugger works for a reasonable time). So the Baby is now available for tinkering...
The steam wand on the Baby is a better component than the Classic's so that might be on the list to switch.
Had intended to replace it with a commercial grade machine when it was time to pension it off but withdrawal symptoms took over when it died (again) last week and the Classic was on offer at a good price (assuming the bugger works for a reasonable time). So the Baby is now available for tinkering...
The steam wand on the Baby is a better component than the Classic's so that might be on the list to switch.
Okay... original portafilter (off the Baby) now converted into a naked job after 20 mins with a holesaw and file etc. First surprise encountered (of many I suspect).
For some odd reason, and without any indication on the packaging or bumph for the new machine, Gaggia have changed the filter basket design from the traditional 'strainer' type to a 'pressurised' format that has just one tiny pin hole in the centre rather than the watering can arrangement we're all used to.
As my original Baby basket was showing signs of blockage, I just popped the new one into the converted naked portafilter, then got a demitasse full of foamy 'crema' with nothing else (save lots of steam) for my trouble. The new style baskets clearly need the spouted PF (and a plastic widget that fits in the spout) to convert the foam back to liquid coffee. It's espresso Jim but not as we know it...
I think this change (plus maybe increased pumping pressure to match) accounts for the apparent difference in performance of two outwardly similar machines.
So, an hour with a pin later, one unblocked traditional basket in the modded PF, and....ermm.... no crema at all (on the same grind)! Aghhh
A much finer grind later, *very* robust tamping, and we have traditional espresso again (although not quite the bouncy fluffy crema with inky sweet black velvet underneath yet, that I was hoping for).
Maybe time for a shiny new traditional basket (seems the pin method is not approved for basket maintenance)... may also need a burr set for the grinder!
For some odd reason, and without any indication on the packaging or bumph for the new machine, Gaggia have changed the filter basket design from the traditional 'strainer' type to a 'pressurised' format that has just one tiny pin hole in the centre rather than the watering can arrangement we're all used to.
As my original Baby basket was showing signs of blockage, I just popped the new one into the converted naked portafilter, then got a demitasse full of foamy 'crema' with nothing else (save lots of steam) for my trouble. The new style baskets clearly need the spouted PF (and a plastic widget that fits in the spout) to convert the foam back to liquid coffee. It's espresso Jim but not as we know it...
I think this change (plus maybe increased pumping pressure to match) accounts for the apparent difference in performance of two outwardly similar machines.
So, an hour with a pin later, one unblocked traditional basket in the modded PF, and....ermm.... no crema at all (on the same grind)! Aghhh
A much finer grind later, *very* robust tamping, and we have traditional espresso again (although not quite the bouncy fluffy crema with inky sweet black velvet underneath yet, that I was hoping for).
Maybe time for a shiny new traditional basket (seems the pin method is not approved for basket maintenance)... may also need a burr set for the grinder!
Pupp said:
Okay... original portafilter (off the Baby) now converted into a naked job after 20 mins with a holesaw and file etc. First surprise encountered (of many I suspect).
For some odd reason, and without any indication on the packaging or bumph for the new machine, Gaggia have changed the filter basket design from the traditional 'strainer' type to a 'pressurised' format that has just one tiny pin hole in the centre rather than the watering can arrangement we're all used to.
As my original Baby basket was showing signs of blockage, I just popped the new one into the converted naked portafilter, then got a demitasse full of foamy 'crema' with nothing else (save lots of steam) for my trouble. The new style baskets clearly need the spouted PF (and a plastic widget that fits in the spout) to convert the foam back to liquid coffee. It's espresso Jim but not as we know it...
I think this change (plus maybe increased pumping pressure to match) accounts for the apparent difference in performance of two outwardly similar machines.
So, an hour with a pin later, one unblocked traditional basket in the modded PF, and....ermm.... no crema at all (on the same grind)! Aghhh
A much finer grind later, *very* robust tamping, and we have traditional espresso again (although not quite the bouncy fluffy crema with inky sweet black velvet underneath yet, that I was hoping for).
Maybe time for a shiny new traditional basket (seems the pin method is not approved for basket maintenance)... may also need a burr set for the grinder!
So basically you've broken it with a holesaw? For some odd reason, and without any indication on the packaging or bumph for the new machine, Gaggia have changed the filter basket design from the traditional 'strainer' type to a 'pressurised' format that has just one tiny pin hole in the centre rather than the watering can arrangement we're all used to.
As my original Baby basket was showing signs of blockage, I just popped the new one into the converted naked portafilter, then got a demitasse full of foamy 'crema' with nothing else (save lots of steam) for my trouble. The new style baskets clearly need the spouted PF (and a plastic widget that fits in the spout) to convert the foam back to liquid coffee. It's espresso Jim but not as we know it...
I think this change (plus maybe increased pumping pressure to match) accounts for the apparent difference in performance of two outwardly similar machines.
So, an hour with a pin later, one unblocked traditional basket in the modded PF, and....ermm.... no crema at all (on the same grind)! Aghhh
A much finer grind later, *very* robust tamping, and we have traditional espresso again (although not quite the bouncy fluffy crema with inky sweet black velvet underneath yet, that I was hoping for).
Maybe time for a shiny new traditional basket (seems the pin method is not approved for basket maintenance)... may also need a burr set for the grinder!
Gassing Station | Food, Drink & Restaurants | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff