Gaggia Classic Extras

Antony101

Antony101

Antony101

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Joined
4 Jul 2011
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England
I recently bought a Gaggia Classic due to advise on this forum, I also got a new wand for it as recommended. The machine has been flawless for as long as I've had it.

I'm just wondering if anyone can recommend me a good place to get shot glasses as the last few I've had don't seem to have level or matching markings.

I'm also wondering what the difference between the one and two cup filters is, is it literally just that one is for one cup and the other is for two? I'm also wondering if it's possible to get a filter that doesn't have the little black plastic thing in there so it's easier to keep clean.

Any other things I can do to improve my coffee would be great, I've started using Pact for my coffee as it is very nice and extremely convenient. How many grams of coffee should I be using to make two shots of espresso, and can you use measuring spoons to weigh it?
 
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I've just ordered one and thought I'd bump this instead of starting a new thread. Anyone have experience modding their GC?

I'll get a Rancilio wand, and no doubt mod the OPV down to 9 bar as is receommended. I have also read that the standard baskets aren't very good, any suggestions there?

Cheers!
 
The only thing I've done to mine is change the wand, other than that it has been wonderful.

I wanted to change the basket in mine too because of the little black thing that creates pressure, I'd rather tamp my coffee myself.

Never got a reply to my question though so have no idea what to order.

EDIT: About to order this:
http://www.happydonkey.co.uk/hd0183-gaggia-double-filter-basket.html
 
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In the Silconslave's How to Make an Espresso thread there are quite a few posts from those of us that have OPV modded our Classics. It's really easy to do.

The happydonkey basket looks okay though I also found a very cheap one from ebay did the job too. Personally I now really like my naked portafilter and you will also want to replace the default tamper that comes with the Classic as it's too small for some reason. This one is good and cheap.
 
Oh, I'm also forgetting. Any advice on cleaning? I barely cleaned my old cheap one, but I want to start out on the right path with my Gaggia.

Cheers
 
As long as you aren't really lax about regular cleaning you should never really need to deal with the intake tubes being really disgusting. I just sometimes use a vinegar solution in the tank to help clean it all.

You'll want to periodically clean the entire thing with something to remove any built up limescale. There are tons of options for this (Ray already linked to one of them). Depending on the hardness of the water in the area you live in you may need to do this a few times a year or virtually never. I've only done it once in about two or so years with my Classic and there was literally no limescale build up. Manchester water is awesome though ;)
 
We don't get limescale anywhere in Scotland afaik. It's never an issue thankfully.

The vinegar solution is a good idea, and I'll check out those cleaning tablets too. Thanks!
 
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