fenderapache Senior Member Joined: 20 Sep 2004 Posts: 43 Location: nyc Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Fri Dec 7, 2012, 1:38pm Subject: Problem with Gaggia Classic
Gaggia Classic stainless bought new in 2010 is exhibiting some issues. First, the 3 way solenoid isn't working after I pull a shot and the puck is completely watery and often sprays grinds all over the kitchen when I go to empty it. Additionally, the machine came with the pressurized portafilter basket which has been fine until recently. Now, the machine tends to spray coffee all over during a shot. Lastly, it oftens clogs and won't pour a shot at all.
Now, I a descale every month. I clean it after shot and generally keep it in great shape. So, I'm not sure what to do. I am trying to decide if I should buy a non-pressurized portafilter and a backflush disk or if I should sell it get a different machine. I am set with a grinder and use fresh beans that I buy every week.
Posted Fri Dec 7, 2012, 2:10pm Subject: Re: Problem with Gaggia Classic
If you haven't been backflushing, then the valve is almost certainly blocked with coffee and oils. Get a backflush disk and some coffee machine cleaner appropriate for the machine (i.e. compatible with the aluminum boiler), and try and clean it out first. Also, remove and clean behind the dispersion screen if you haven't been doing that. You may have to dismantle the machine partly to get the 3-way cleaned out however - this isn't too hard to do.
A non-pressurized portafilter is the next upgrade once the machine is working. If you are mainly doing espresso shots then there's no pressing need to upgrade the machine itself, but fixing the machine will get you a much better price for it if you do upgrade.
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