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Gaggia Classic and family - 2006/07/28 11:34Cheers to all! My new Gaggia Classic arrived and is replacing a 'Breville' pump machine, a brand out of Australia (found THAT out AFTER buying it, not recommended). I have yet to plug it in as I have never owned a boiler machine before and I understand there are a few extra steps when preparing the machine for use. I downloaded the 'step-by-step' manual from Glenn (thanks, Glenn!) but to be brutally honest I am almost intimidated by this beautiful machine. I've set it up, polished it to a nice sheen, given it a coat of protectant, but I'm afraid I'm going to miss a step and fry the boiler. Other than Glenn's manual, any other tips or hints regarding the Gaggia machine?
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Dave
Visitor
Re:Gaggia Classic and family - 2006/07/28 19:37> Any hints?
Lots of them.
Unfortunately I'm just running off and the security feature just ate my first reply. Do stay tuned, however, and ask lots of questions.
Use very fresh coffee, preferrably ground just prior to pulling your shot. Fill the double basket level with the brim prior to tamping: this is a good ballpark for the correct dose in the double basket (the single cannot be filled that high). Distribute the coffee as evenly as possible inthe basket before tamping, and tamp with 30 lbs if this is comfortable. Be careful if tamping with the nearly useless plastic tamper to tamp the entire puck and not just the middle.
Allow your machine 15 minutes to heat up. The ready light will come on much sooner, but the grouphead hasn't heated up sufficiently at this point, while the boiler has (it is very fast).
Ask, practice, and we'll do all we can to help!
Dave
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victoriasdad
User Junior Barista
Posts: 12
Karma: 1
Re:Gaggia Classic and family - 2006/07/29 10:54Thanks, I am trying all the tips in the book. I guess it IS true that you have to fill the double basket to the brim and tamp, seems to me that is a "crutch" though, obviously 2 scoops won't cut it. I -think- i had an espresso this morning that came close to what I got out of my old/new Breville machine. Sad to say, as much as I hated that thermoblock machine with its 51mm baskets and non-standard everything it made for a pretty good shot. I traded for the Gaggia after finding out from nearly everyone that the Gaggia was "the machine" to have in that price range. I know there's a learning curve. Boy, that Gaggia can really MOVE across the counter when you turn the portafilter handle! I guess it's like everything, the best takes time. I'm willing to give it a go if SHE (Gaggia) is. But as you say, the tamper is a joke. You absolutely REQUIRE a good tamper with this machine. After I screw the machine down to the kitchen counter, I'll order a Reg Barber tamper. Cheers! Scott
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