Siliconslave's how to make espresso thread

joffy · 7 Sep 2013 at 19:22

Just a quick question...
Is a machine like the Gaggia Claasic a big improvement and worth the expense over an Aeropress?

Raymond Lin · 7 Sep 2013 at 19:30

I think so, but then again they make different coffee, an aeropress doesn't make espresso, a Gaggia does.

It's not so much as better, but different.

joffy · 7 Sep 2013 at 19:34

Raymond Lin said:
I think so, but then again they make different coffee, an aeropress doesn't make espresso, a Gaggia does.

It's not so much as better, but different.

Cheers. Thing that puts me off a machine is it sounds like a lot of hassle to keep it maintained?

Raymond Lin · 7 Sep 2013 at 19:39

joffy said:
Cheers. Thing that puts me off a machine is it sounds like a lot of hassle to keep it maintained?

Not really.

You add water in the tank, top up when necessary, I change all of it if I haven't made one in a couple of days.

Now and again flush it through with some powder.

Once every couple of years change to rubber seal and clean the shower head.

Day to day just use it, wash the portafilter and wipe the shower head down.

OCdude · 7 Sep 2013 at 21:12

Got all my bits setup today

Although annoyingly I can't find a set of pliers, so I haven't been able to install the Rancilio wand yet.

The nice chap at Happydonkey threw in some free beans with my order, so i've got some practice fodder for my grinder

Hopefully it won't take too long for me to get it dialled in perfectly!

joffy · 8 Sep 2013 at 10:56

Well I've gone for it and ordered a Classic. What else will I need? Already have a Porlex hand grinder.
A double shot basket?
Tamper.
Steamer jug.
Will make sure it's all good and reliable for a while before replacing the steam wand.

Jolteh · 8 Sep 2013 at 11:31

They normally come with both a single and double shot basket anyway, but if it's a new classic then they'll be pressurized baskets which you'll need to take out and hurl it at the bin.

Then buy an unpressurised basket to replace it.

OCdude · 8 Sep 2013 at 11:51

joffy said:
Well I've gone for it and ordered a Classic. What else will I need? Already have a Porlex hand grinder.
A double shot basket?
Tamper.
Steamer jug.
Will make sure it's all good and reliable for a while before replacing the steam wand.

I opted for a bottomless portafilter, tamper, couple of steamer jugs, head cleaning brush, anti limescale cleaner (along with a sealed basket for backflushing), shot glasses, espresso cups, tamping mat and a knock-off basket!

joffy · 8 Sep 2013 at 12:37

OCdude said:
I opted for a bottomless portafilter, tamper, couple of steamer jugs, head cleaning brush, anti limescale cleaner (along with a sealed basket for backflushing), shot glasses, espresso cups, tamping mat and a knock-off basket!

Sounds good!

Raymond Lin · 8 Sep 2013 at 14:27

and one of these.

http://www.hasbean.co.uk/collections/cleaning-products/products/steamy-wanda-coffee-tool

I use it to clean give the tubes a scrape once in a while.

joffy · 9 Sep 2013 at 10:36

My classic was delivered this morning. There's a thin, black plastic plate that fits under the drip tray. Is it needed?

Siliconslave · 9 Sep 2013 at 12:45

joffy said:
My classic was delivered this morning. There's a thin, black plastic plate that fits under the drip tray. Is it needed?

not seen one of those before, but i'm guessing its a recent addition - no idea what its for but a photo might help? No (badly translated) manual in the box? they tend to help a little

joffy · 9 Sep 2013 at 12:55

Siliconslave said:
not seen one of those before, but i'm guessing its a recent addition - no idea what its for but a photo might help? No (badly translated) manual in the box? they tend to help a little

The only mention of it in the manual is a diagram of the parts.

I have a bigger worry... Just tried priming the machine for the first time, but no water or steam at all.
There was a screeching noise when I first tried, but now nothing, it just heats up. Water tank is filled up. :confused:

Raymond Lin · 9 Sep 2013 at 12:58

Siliconslave said:
not seen one of those before, but i'm guessing its a recent addition - no idea what its for but a photo might help? No (badly translated) manual in the box? they tend to help a little

It's not recent, I have it in mine, and I've had it for like 5 years.

You pressing the right switches?

There is air in the boiler when you first turn it on so it takes about 10 seconds for water to go through.

joffy · 9 Sep 2013 at 13:05

Raymond Lin said:
It's not recent, I have it in mine, and I've had it for like 5 years.

You pressing the right switches?

There is air in the boiler when you first turn it on so it takes about 10 seconds for water to go through.

Yeah I followed the guide, opened steam knob all way, turned on each switch. I did get a little steam for a few seconds. Tried leaving it for a minute, but all it does is heat up.

UPDATE; Just tried giving the rubber hoses a suck to remove any air bubbles that might be blocking it and I now get steam from the wand, but still no water. The filter head made the steamy noise for a few secs, but still no water.

Also asking on the coffeeforums uk, but they just been hacked by Syrians! So hope you guys can help.

Raymond Lin · 9 Sep 2013 at 13:41

Try, press the left switch (machine on switch).
Press the right switch.

That should start suction and bring water through to the shower head. You can do this before the water has heated up.

joffy · 9 Sep 2013 at 13:48

Raymond Lin said:
Try, press the left switch (machine on switch).
Press the right switch.

That should start suction and bring water through to the shower head. You can do this before the water has heated up.

No joy Ray, just makes a farty hissing sound as it heats up.

Raymond Lin · 9 Sep 2013 at 14:01

Sounds like a RMA then, sorry !

joffy · 9 Sep 2013 at 14:07

Raymond Lin said:
Sounds like a RMA then, sorry !

GGGGGRRRR!!! :mad:

Thanks for the suggestions. Oh, what is that black plate thing for then?

MachM · 9 Sep 2013 at 15:16

I've read through the last few pages of this thread with interest. I've used a moka pot to make pseudo-espresso for ages, I could be awfully tempted to invest in something else and the various posts of big shiny machines and wonderful looking coffee aren't helping!

The ability to acquire 'stuff' is always a bonus too. "Do I need this?", "of course I do" is how the conversation would go. I think it's called Acquisition Disorder.