Refurbished Gaggia Coffee de Luxe Espresso Machine

View Product Manual Here

There are several possible causes of this problem. Please follow the instructions below to solve it.

Solution 1

The The most common solution to this problem is to re-prime your machine. If the water tank runs out or becomes low, or if the water inlet tube floats up in the reservoir and brings in air, it can cause a bubble of air to get caught in the pump. Follow these steps to resolve the issue:

1. Unplug the machine and allow it to cool completely.
2. First you need to get a turkey baster or something that can inject water with some pressure. If you do not have anything suitable please call us to order a priming pump.
3. Look into the reservoir and find the soft tubes. There is usually 1 or 2. You will need to locate the inlet tube. It is usually the longer tube with a V-shaped cut or angled cut at the end. This is the tube you are going to inject water into. NOTE: if your machine has a water softener on it, remove this while priming.
4. Plug in your machine and turn it on.
5. Fill the turkey baster or priming pump with water.
6. Open the steam knob.
7. Press the brewing button. Note: Some models will need to have the steam and brew buttons depressed in order to have water only come out of the steam wand.
8. Now the pump will activate. Quickly make a tight seal with the priming pump/turkey baster and the inlet tube and force water into the tube.
9. As soon as you have injected the water, turn the pump off by turning off the brewing button (we recommend doing this step 2-3 times before going on to the next step).
10. Once you see water being pulled through the machine, replace the tube into a FULL water reservoir and let the water run out of the steam wand for 1 minute or until you no longer see sputtering. Your machine is now re-primed and ready to use again.

Solution 2

The second most common solution to this problem is that your pump has become dislodged from its mount. You may be able to reset it yourself at home. Do not perform this if your machine is still within its warranty period. Please call our technical help line for instructions.

Solution 3

If the first two solutions do not work, you may need a new pump. Please call us to set up a repair.

There are several possible causes of this problem. Please follow the instructions below to solve it.

The most common solution to this problem is to replace one of the thermostats. Your machine has one thermostat for steaming and one for brewing. To determine which thermostat you need to replace, follow these instructions:

1. Turn the machine on.
2. Immediately put the machine into steam mode.
3. Wait 20 minutes.
4. Open the steam valve.
5. If you get steam, you need a new brew thermostat. Call us to order a replacement and when you are ready to install it, follow Solution 1.
6. If you do not get steam, you either need to replace a fuse or you need a new steam thermostat. Most commonly, it is the fuse. Call us to order a replacement fuse and when you are ready to install it, follow Solution 2.

Solution 1: Replace the brew thermostat

Unplug your machine.
Remove the top panel on the machine as follows:

Gaggia Coffee and Coffee de Luxe- Remove the 2 screws on the top.

Gaggia Carezza
a) Remove the single screw in the funnel that leads to the reservoir.
b) Remove the screw on top of the steam knob.
c) Remove the steam knob.

Gaggia Espresso, Espresso de Luxe and Evolution- Remove the single long screw in the funnel that leads to the reservoir. Note: Be careful when removing the top, do not force it or it may crack.

Double check to make sure that it the machine is not plugged in.
With the top of the machine removed, you can see the brew boiler. It is the large, silver component right over the brew group with all of the wires going to it. Note: Your machine has 2 thermostats. One for steaming and one for brewing. The one at the back of the top of the boiler is the steam thermostat. The one at the bottom left side of the boiler is the brew thermostat.
Remove the 2 wires that are attached to the thermostat and use a wrench on the brass part of the thermostat to unscrew it.
Put a little heat transfer compound on the bottom of the new thermostat and carefully screw it back into place. Note: To tighten it, turn the brass part of the thermostat only. Be sure it is snug, but do not to overtighten it.
Insert the 2 wires on the thermostat.
Replace the top panel and screws.
Turn the main power switch on and test it out.

Solution 2: Replace fuse DM1040

The second most common solution to this problem is to replace a fuse in your machine. This is a relatively simple process that only requires a few tools. Please call us to order fuse DM1040. When you are ready to install this fuse, follow these instructions:

1. Unplug your machine.
2. Remove the top panel on the machine as follows:

Gaggia Coffee and Coffee de Luxe- Remove the 2 screws on the top.

Gaggia Carezza
a) Remove the single screw in the funnel that leads to the reservoir.
b) Remove the screw on top of the steam knob.
c) Remove the steam knob.

Gaggia Espresso, Espresso de Luxe and Evolution- Remove the single long screw in the funnel that leads to the reservoir. Note: Be careful when removing the top, do not force it or it may crack.

3. With the top of the machine removed, you can see the brew boiler. It is the large, silver component right over the brew group with all of the wires going to it.
4. Locate the Phillips-head screw on top of the boiler that is holding down a brass-colored clip. It should be on the left-hand side if you are facing the front of the machine.
5. Under the brass-colored clip, locate the semi-clear soft tube with wires coming out of both ends of it. The fuse link is in this soft tube.
6. Remove the Phillips-head screw and cut the 2 small plastic ties at either end of the rubber tube.
7. Slide the rubber tube toward the front of the machine. You may have to move the switches on the machine if they are in the way. You will also have to cut 2 or three plastic ties that hold the wires together so that you may move the rubber tube forward.
8. Leave the rubber tube on the wires so that you can slide it back over the new fuse.
9. Taking note of where each wire connects to the, cut the wires that lead to both sides of the fuse. Note: Cut it very close to the existing crimp connector so that the wires will not be overly shortened.
10. Strip the wires that you just cut back about ¼-inch. This will expose the metal part of the wires.
11. Before you install the new fuse, make sure that that the rubber tube will be long enough to cover the whole fuse and that it connects with at least ¼-inch to spare. Cut the fuse shorter if necessary.
12. Install the new fuse (it does not matter which way it faces) using the crimp connectors provided. The connectors are 2 different sizes. The small one is for the single wire from the front of the boiler and the larger connector is for the 2 wires coming from the back of the boiler.
13. Crimp the connectors onto the wire and fuse firmly, but not so firm as to cut the connector.
14. Gently tug on the fuse and the wire to make sure that there is no movement and the connection is secure.
15. Slide the rubber tube over the fuse. Note: Make sure that that all exposed wires and the fuse are inside of the rubber tube.
16. Install new wire zip ties on the ends of the fuse link and replace any that where cut when moving the rubber tube.
17. Replace the brass-colored clip and Phillips-head screw, making sure that the fat part of the fuse link is located under the clip.
18. Make sure that the fuse and rubber tube are securely held in place by the clip. Put the machine back together, plug it in and test it out.

Solution 3

If the first two solutions do not work, please call us to set up the machine for repair. We are an authorized repair center and can accept your machine for a repair.

There are several possible causes of this problem. Please follow the instructions below to solve it.

Solution 1

This problem can occur if the metal filter basket in the portafilter is damaged around the edges, or if coffee has built-up on the edges. Ensure that your filter basket is clean around the edges, and if it is damaged, replacements are available on our Parts Page below.

Solution 2

The most common solution to this problem is to replace the group head gasket. You should install a new about once a year. It is easy to install and you can do it from home. First, you will need to get a new gasket. Please call us to order, or visit our parts page linked below. The gasket is a large, black circular rubber piece in the group head. This is where your machine makes a seal for pressure brewing. To replace it, follow these instructions:

1. Unplug the machine.
2. Remove the reservoir, drip tray and drip pan and carefully lay the machine on its back.
3. Use a short Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the shower screen (if you damage the shower screen and/or screw, we have replacements available and they are not too expensive).
4. Under the shower screen you will see the “Shower Holding Plate” that is held in place with 2 Allen screws. Remove the 2 Allen screws with a 5mm Allen wrench. Note: If the shower holding plate comes out after removing the 2 Allen screws, skip to step 6.
If the shower holding plate does not come out after removing the 2 Allen screws, use a large flat blade screwdriver to gently pry out the Shower Holding Plate. Note: Be careful not to damage the ridge that the shower screen fits up into. If it still does not come out, you may need to apply some descaler solution in the gaps with a turkey baster or something similar. Be careful not to break or scratch the holding plate, but if this piece is damaged, you can purchase a replacement from us, and it is relatively inexpensive.
5. Now locate the group gasket. It is a black rubber ring. You need to pry off the rubber gasket. It should easily come out. If it does, skip to step 8.
6. If the rubber gasket is difficult to remove by hand, find a couple of screws that you might have lying around. They do not have to be any special size, but a sheet metal screw with a 5/16-inch or 1/4-inch six sided head and a ratchet works best. Screw them into the old gasket. Make sure that they are across from each other. Note: Do not screw them in completely through the gasket—just screw them in far enough to get a good grip. You can judge this by looking at the new gasket you are going to install. The gasket depth is about 5/16-inch.
7. Use pliers to pull on the screws and work the old gasket out. Pull one side and then the other until it comes out.
8. At this point, it is a good idea to clean the shower screen and group head. DO NOT use a pin to clean out the holes in the shower screen. It can cause future clogs because it will enlarge the small holes.
9. Clean and dry the slot in the machine that the gasket fits into.
10. Slide a new gasket into place.
11. Replace the Shower Holding Plate and Shower Screen.
12. Tip the unit back up and install the drip pan, drip tray and water reservoir.
Fill the reservoir and plug the machine in and your machine should be ready to brew again.

Parts Page

You should install a new group gasket about once a year. It is easy to install and you can do it from home. First, you will need to get a new gasket. Please call us to order, or visit our parts page linked below. The gasket is a large, black circular rubber piece in the group head. This is where your machine makes a seal for pressure brewing. To replace it, follow these instructions:

1. Unplug the machine.
2. Remove the reservoir, drip tray and drip pan and carefully lay the machine on its back.
3. Use a short Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the shower screen (if you damage the shower screen and/or screw, we have replacements available and they are not too expensive).
4. Under the shower screen you will see the “Shower Holding Plate” that is held in place with 2 Allen screws. Remove the 2 Allen screws with a 5mm Allen wrench. Note: If the shower holding plate comes out after removing the 2 Allen screws, skip to step 6.
If the shower holding plate does not come out after removing the 2 Allen screws, use a large flat blade screwdriver to gently pry out the Shower Holding Plate. Note: Be careful not to damage the ridge that the shower screen fits up into. If it still does not come out, you may need to apply some descaler solution in the gaps with a turkey baster or something similar. Be careful not to break or scratch the holding plate, but if this piece is damaged, you can purchase a replacement from us, and it is relatively inexpensive.
5. Now locate the group gasket. It is a black rubber ring. You need to pry off the rubber gasket. It should easily come out. If it does, skip to step 8.
6. If the rubber gasket is difficult to remove by hand, find a couple of screws that you might have lying around. They do not have to be any special size, but a sheet metal screw with a 5/16-inch or 1/4-inch six sided head and a ratchet works best. Screw them into the old gasket. Make sure that they are across from each other. Note: Do not screw them in completely through the gasket—just screw them in far enough to get a good grip. You can judge this by looking at the new gasket you are going to install. The gasket depth is about 5/16-inch.
7. Use pliers to pull on the screws and work the old gasket out. Pull one side and then the other until it comes out.
8. At this point, it is a good idea to clean the shower screen and group head. DO NOT use a pin to clean out the holes in the shower screen. It can cause future clogs because it will enlarge the small holes.
9. Clean and dry the slot in the machine that the gasket fits into.
10. Slide a new gasket into place.
11. Replace the Shower Holding Plate and Shower Screen.
12. Tip the unit back up and install the drip pan, drip tray and water reservoir.
13. Fill the reservoir and plug the machine in and your machine should be ready to brew again.

Parts Page

Comments (1)

There are several possible causes of this problem. Please follow the instructions below to solve it.

Solution 1

The most common solution to this problem is to ensure that the inner piece of the frothing wand is properly in place. To do this, follow these instructions:

Click here for a diagram
Note: Your wand may look slightly different than the wand pictured in the diagram, but the same instructions apply.

1) Remove the black plastic outer sleeve of the Frothing Wand (some models have a metal outer sleeve). If done correctly, the “sleeve” has been removed, but the inner wand with red or black washer, is still connected to the machine.
2) The part of the sleeve assembly that you have removed is comprised of 2 pieces, the frothing sleeve and the center piece. The center piece can be seen if you look into the top of the wand.
3) Using a pencil (eraser end), or similar shaped object, push down on the center piece until an audible “click” is heard. The “click” means that the centerpiece is back into the proper position. When in the proper position, the center piece visibly sticks out the bottom of the sleeve about ¼-inch. It looks like a bird beak.
4) Now put the sleeve back on the machine and your machine should be ready to froth again.
Note: To prevent clogging, purge the steam wand after frothing milk and wipe off any excess milk with a wet cloth. We still recommend a thorough cleaning periodically as the milk can still build up inside the wand. The wand can easily be taken totally apart for cleaning.

Solution 2

The second most common solution to this problem is that the pinhole near the tip of the Frothing Wand has become clogged. If this happens, the machine will heat the milk but no froth will form. To fix this, follow these instructions:

1) Remove the black plastic outer sleeve of the Frothing Wand (some models have a metal outer sleeve). If done correctly, the “sleeve” has been removed, but the inner wand with red or black washer, is still connected to the machine.
2) Hold the Frothing Wand in your hand so you can see the top portion clearly (the top being the part that usually attaches to the machine, and the bottom is the part that goes into the milk).
3) There is a single pinhole on the side of the Frothing Wand about ¼-inch down from the top. It is very small—literally a pinhole. You will need to clear this out. A sewing needle or pushpin is small enough to fit through. Make sure this is thoroughly cleaned out.
4) Now put the sleeve back on the machine and your machine should be ready to froth again.
Note: To prevent clogging, purge the steam wand after frothing milk and wipe off any excess milk with a wet cloth. We still recommend a thorough cleaning periodically as the milk can still build up inside the wand. The wand can easily be taken totally apart for cleaning.

Solution 3

If the first two solutions do not work, you may need to replace your frothing wand. Visit our Parts page below to purchase a replacement.

Parts Page

Comments (2)

There are several possible causes of this problem. Please follow the instructions below to solve it.

Solution 1

The most common solution to this problem is to ensure that your wand is installed properly. To do this, follow these instructions:

Click here for a diagram
Note: Your wand may look slightly different than the wand pictured in the diagram, but the same instructions apply.

1. Slide the Nut (#1 in the diagram) up onto the steam wand with the threads facing down.
2. Slide the Hard Plastic Gasket (#2) up with the flat edge facing down. There is a rounded edge on the gasket as well as a flat edge. The flat edge should face down.
3. Slide the Soft Rubber Gasket (#3) up onto the steam wand. If your wand has a ribbed area or lines in the steam wand, position the gasket on this area for a good grip.
4. Slide the Inner Wand (#4) onto the steam wand until it stops. Make sure the inner wand is as far up as it can go (even if you have to push the rubber gasket (#3) up slightly farther).
5. Tighten the Nut (#1) down firmly onto the Inner Wand (4). You will have to hold the Inner Wand (4) as you are tightening the nut (#1). Note: Do not tighten the nut too much, as it may crack.
6. Slide the Frothing Sleeve (#5) onto the Inner Wand (#4) all the way up until it stops.

Solution 2

Another possible cause of this problem is that you may be missing the soft rubber gasket (#3). Please call us to order a new wand or visit our parts page below.

Solution 3

Another possible cause of this problem is that the rubber gasket (#3) may be worn out and needs to be replaced. Please call us to order a new wand or visit our parts page below.

Parts Page

The most common solution to this problem is to replace a fuse in your machine. This is a relatively simple process that only requires a few tools. Please call us to order fuse DM1040. When you are ready to install this fuse, follow these instructions:

1. Unplug your machine.
2. Remove the top panel on the machine as follows:

Gaggia Classic and Gaggia Coffee- Remove the 2 screws on the top.

Gaggia Carezza
a) Remove the single screw in the funnel that leads to the reservoir.
b) Remove the screw on top of the steam knob.
c) Remove the steam knob.

Gaggia Espresso- Remove the single long screw in the funnel that leads to the reservoir. Note: Be careful when removing the top of the Gaggia Espresso, do not force it or it may crack.

3. With the top of the machine removed, you can see the brew boiler. It is the large, silver component right over the brew group with all of the wires going to it.
4. Locate the Phillips-head screw on top of the boiler that is holding down a brass-colored clip. It should be on the left-hand side if you are facing the front of the machine.
5. Under the brass-colored clip, locate the semi-clear soft tube with wires coming out of both ends of it. The fuse link is in this soft tube.
6. Remove the Phillips-head screw and cut the 2 small plastic ties at either end of the rubber tube.
7. Slide the rubber tube toward the front of the machine. You may have to move the switches on the machine if they are in the way. You will also have to cut 2 or three plastic ties that hold the wires together so that you may move the rubber tube forward.
8. Leave the rubber tube on the wires so that you can slide it back over the new fuse.
9. Taking note of where each wire connects to the, cut the wires that lead to both sides of the fuse. Note: Cut it very close to the existing crimp connector so that the wires will not be overly shortened.
10. Strip the wires that you just cut back about ¼-inch. This will expose the metal part of the wires.
11. Before you install the new fuse, make sure that that the rubber tube will be long enough to cover the whole fuse and that it connects with at least ¼-inch to spare. Cut the fuse shorter if necessary.
12. Install the new fuse (it does not matter which way it faces) using the crimp connectors provided. The connectors are 2 different sizes. The small one is for the single wire from the front of the boiler and the larger connector is for the 2 wires coming from the back of the boiler.
13. Crimp the connectors onto the wire and fuse firmly, but not so firm as to cut the connector.
14. Gently tug on the fuse and the wire to make sure that there is no movement and the connection is secure.
15. Slide the rubber tube over the fuse. Note: Make sure that that all exposed wires and the fuse are inside of the rubber tube.
16. Install new wire zip ties on the ends of the fuse link and replace any that where cut when moving the rubber tube.
17. Replace the brass-colored clip and Phillips-head screw, making sure that the fat part of the fuse link is located under the clip.
18. Make sure that the fuse and rubber tube are securely held in place by the clip. Put the machine back together, plug it in and test it out.

If this solution does not work, please call us to set up the machine for repair. We are an authorized repair center.

The shower screen is located right above where the portafilter attaches to the brew group. It is used to evenly disperse water over the coffee grounds when you brew. As a daily maintenance routine, you should remove the portafilter after brewing and then press the brew button for a few seconds to let the water clean off any grounds that may be stuck to the screen.

More thorough cleaning should be done about once every other week to keep the machine working at its best. To clean the shower screen thoroughly, follow these instructions:

1. Use a short Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screw in the center of the shower screen. The shower screen should fall out into your hand.
2. Soak the screen and screw in descaler and use an old toothbrush or group brush to clean them. DO NOT push a pin through the holes in the screen. It can cause future clogs because it will enlarge the small holes.
3. Rinse the shower screen and screw thoroughly.
4. Replace the shower screen and screw.

Gaggia Shower Screen

Group Brush

First, descaling and decalcifying are the same thing. When you descale your machine, you are removing the calcium and mineral build-up in the boiler, brew group, frothing wand, and other related parts. You should descale your machine every 2-3 months. If you use reverse osmosis water or distilled water, you should descale about every 5-6 months.

The first thing you will need is a descaling agent. Urnex Cleancaf or Durgol are the best for almost all espresso machines and coffee makers. Do NOT just use any product that claims to remove calcium and lime. Many products you can purchase at the local store can be harsh enough to ruin your boiler and cause leaks. Some are even poisonous. CLR or Dip it! are general descalers and are made more for coffee carafes. Lemon juice or vinegar can be absorbed into some of the components of the machine causing a very sour taste. Make sure the cleaner that you select is specifically for espresso machines and/or coffee machines.

To descale your machine, follow these steps:

1) Remove the machine’s water reservoir.
2) Empty all liquid from the reservoir.
3) Mix the cleaner/descaler according to the manufacturer’s directions.
4) Return the water reservoir to the machine.
5) Turn the machine on.
6) Place a large container underneath the steam wand to collect the decalcifying solution.
7) Place another small container underneath the brew spout to collect more of the decalcifying solution.
8) Set up your machine so that hot water -NOT steam- will be emitted from the steam wand when the steam valve is opened.
9) To start the decalcifying process, press the "brew" button (some models must have the brew and steam buttons pressed in order for water to exit the wand only).
10) While pressing the "brew" button, open the steam valve.
11) Allow about 8 oz of water to be dispensed from the machine.
12) Turn off the brew button.
13) Close the steam valve.
14) Allow the machine to sit for the amount of time specified on the cleaner packaging. If no time is specified, 5-6 minutes is usually enough.
15) Repeat steps 9 through 14 until all of the decalcifying solution has drained into the containers.
16) Remove the containers and discard the collected liquid.
17) Rinse the water reservoir thoroughly and then fill it with your usual water for brewing.
18) Place the water reservoir back in its normal position.
19) Rinse out the decalcifying solution by repeating steps 6 through 10 until the water reservoir is empty again. You can repeat the rinsing cycle if you wish.

Your machine should now be ready to brew again.

Why Decalcify?

Cleaning Products page

The most common solution to this problem is to clean the group valve assembly. This is the small valve that stops the flow of water after you stop brewing. It can sometimes clog with coffee or scale build-up. It is easy to clean and to replace if necessary. To clean it, follow these instructions:

1. Unplug the machine.
2. Remove the reservoir, drip tray and drip pan and carefully lay the machine on its back.
3. Use a short Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the shower screen (if you damage the shower screen and/or screw, we have replacements available and they are not too expensive).
4. Under the shower screen you will see the “Shower Holding Plate” that is held in place with 2 Allen screws. Remove the 2 Allen screws with a 5mm Allen wrench. Note: If the shower holding plate comes out after removing the 2 Allen screws, skip to step 6.
5. If the shower holding plate does not come out after removing the 2 Allen screws, use a large flat blade screwdriver to gently pry out the Shower Holding Plate. Note: Be careful not to damage the ridge that the shower screen fits up into. If it still does not come out, you may need to apply some descaler solution in the gaps with a turkey baster or something similar. Be careful not to break or scratch the holding plate, but if this piece is damaged, you can purchase a replacement from us, and it is relatively inexpensive.
6. Now look up inside the brew group and you will see what looks like a bolt with a hole in it. Unscrew the bolt from the machine and you will see a spring and rubber valve seat, resembling a rubber ball. Note: If you do not see the spring and rubber valve seat you will have to take the bolt apart and you will find those parts inside the bolt.
7. The piece at the very end resembles 2 nuts together. Unscrew this piece and clean it with descaler and a brush thoroughly before putting it back together (the group valve is also available for purchase if needed).
8. At this point, you should test the machine to see if water will come out. Sit the machine back up and reinsert the water tank with some fresh water in it.
9. Press the brew button. Note: If water comes out of the group head, proceed to the next step. If no water comes out, please call technical support.
10. Before reassembling your machine, it is a good idea to clean the shower screen and group head. DO NOT use a pin to clean out the holes in the shower screen. It can cause future clogs because it will enlarge the small holes.
11. Reassemble the machine.
12. Tip the unit back up and install the drip pan, drip tray and water reservoir.
13. Fill the reservoir and plug the machine in and your machine should be ready to brew again.

If this solution does not work, please call us to set up the machine for repair. We are an authorized repair center.

Gaggia Shower Screen

Visit our Parts page

I would recommend a more powerful grinder that can offer a consistent, finer grind. Many grinders under $50 can grind for the occasional espresso, but should be used primarily for drip coffee and French press. Prices for heavier-duty espresso grinders start at about $70, and usually have a low-speed, gear-reduction motor or a low-speed, direct drive motor. For an espresso grinder that can offer the consistency that you need to get the great shot that your espresso machine is capable of providing, you should consider the Gaggia MDF. This is the grinder designed to match Gaggia machines. For more information on the different types of grinders, please read our article I have attached below, titled "Coffee Grinder Buying Guide."

As an alternative, you could buy vacuum-sealed containers and have someone grind your espresso into those for you to try and keep your ground coffee as fresh as possible.

In regards to your question about the perfect crema device, it has been discontinued due to its inconsistency, as it required quite a bit of adjustment before it yielded ideal results. For the best espresso, follow what we call "The Golden Rule," which I have attached for you below. One final note- if you haven’t already, I recommend investing in a 58mm tamper. This will also help you to get a more even shot.

Coffee Grinder Buying Guide
The Golden Rule
Tampers
Vacuum Coffee Saver
Gaggia MDF

Refurbished machines, excluding Capresso models, come with a six-month warranty covering limited parts and labor through Whole Latte Love. Before a machine can be offered through the Outlet, our technical staff carefully inspects it to ensure it is in perfect working order, so you can always be sure you’re getting the best in quality and performance. Each refurbished machine comes complete with all components that are necessary for proper use.

Capresso refurbished machines come with a full one-year warranty and all repairs will go directly through the manufacturer. Before these machines were made available for resale, Capresso’s own technicians carefully inspected each machine to ensure it is in perfect working order. Each refurbished Capresso machine comes complete with all the accessories that normally come with a new product.

For more information on our refurbished machines, please read the article linked below and visit the Whole Latte Love Outlet.

Whole Latte Love Refurbs

Whole Latte Love Outlet

Comments (1)

Both the Gaggia Coffee and Coffee de Luxe are housed in enameled carbon steel, but the Coffee has black housing, while the Coffee de Luxe has silver housing. Both units have the Turbo Frother frothing wand, but the Coffee de Luxe also comes with Gaggia’s auto frother, which attaches in place of the frothing wand and can steam and froth automatically. Those are the only differences, so you’ll get the same high quality espresso with either one. However the coffee de Luxe will give you more options when making lattes and cappuccinos.

It still sounds like you’re adding too much coffee to the portafilter. Make sure you’re using level scoops of coffee, as a heaping amount will prove to be too much. In addition, you should only add 1 scoop when you’re using the single shot basket and 2 scoops when you’re using the double shot basket.

There are a few things that will help get your espresso hot. The first, which you mentioned, is letting the machine heat up a little longer before you use it. Make sure that the temperature ready light comes on before you try to use the machine. After the machine says its up to temperature, you’ll also want to run a "blank shot". This is simply activating the brew function while the empty portafilter is in place to allow hot water to come through the brew group and portafilter. In addition, you should preheat the cup you’ll be brewing into with hot water. Cold brew groups, portafilters, and cups will absorb the heat from your espresso, making it colder and reducing the amount of crema you get. Preheating all of these components prevents that from happening and helps you to get the perfect shot.

You are correct - this light indicates when the machine is heating (not lit) and when it is at the proper temperature (lit). It is common for the light to turn off during or after brewing, as the machine pulls more water into the boiler and heats it, and before steaming, when the boiler is heating the water to steam temperature. Once the machine is heated to the proper temperature, the light will turn on again to alert you.

The Coffee de Luxe, like all Gaggia espresso machines, is capable of brewing with both ground coffee and pods. It comes with 2 filter baskets: 1 double shot basket that only accommodates ground coffee and 1 single shot basket that will hold either ground coffee or ESE certified coffee pods like those made by Lavazza. Illy, and Espressione. To learn more about these pods, simply follow the links below.

Products

There are 3 main differences between the Coffee de Luxe and the Classic, the first of which is that the Classic has a 3-way solenoid valve. This valve releases excess pressure and water from the brew group after brewing and deposits it in the drip tray. Since the Coffee de Luxe doesn’t have this feature, you’ll simply need to wait a few seconds before removing the portafilter after brewing to let the brew group naturally depressurize.

The second difference is that the Coffee de Luxe has an auto frothing attachment in addition to its Turbo Frother. The Classic is only equipped with the Turbo Frother. The third difference is the housing material for each machine - the Classic has a stainless steel body, whereas the Coffee de Luxe is housed in enameled carbon steel.

None of these things will have an effect on the quality of the coffee these machines can brew - internally they’re virtually identical - so your decision will come down to which features will suit you best.

http://www.wholelattelove.com/Compare.cfm?next=1

It sounds like you may not be letting the machine refill and reheat after steaming the first time. Since the Gaggia’s boiler has only a 3.5 oz capacity, this will be necessary between steaming. When you’re done with the first cup, close the steam valve. When the temperature ready light comes back on, you should be all set to steam for your second cup.

This machine is intended for home use only and would not be able to handle the capacity you would need in this setting. However, you may want to take a look at our Expobar line of espresso machines. These machines have heat exchanger boilers (in the case of the Brewtus II, there are actually 2 boilers) that will allow you to brew shot after shot with little down time and let you switch between brewing and frothing without waiting. You can learn more about Expobar espresso machines by following the links below.

Products

Since coffee oils come in contact with the shower screen every day, they can sometimes stick that screw into place. I would recommend creating a solution with a teaspoon of Urnex Cleancaf (what you use to descale the machine) and a cup of hot water. Then, using a group brush (or toothbrush), scrub the shower screen with the solution. This should break up any oils and residues that are stuck up there and allow you to remove the screw. If this doesn’t seem to do the trick, please contact us directly at 888-411-5282 for further assistance. You can purchase and learn more about Urnex Cleancaf by following the link below.

Products

It sounds like your Starbucks grinder simply doesn’t grind fine enough for use with the Carezza. Although it probably works well with pressurized style portafilters, the Carezza has a commercial style portafilter that is particularly sensitive to the grind setting you use. As an alternative, we would recommend taking a look at the Gaggia MDF or the Baratza Virtuoso, both of which will perform well with this machine. You can learn more about these grinders by following the links below.

Products

The "kicking on and off" is simply the heating element regulating the temperature in the boiler, and is normal. However, it is not recommend that you leave the machine on for extended periods when it is not being used. This can result in the boiler running dry, which can cause serious problems. We recommend turning the machine off completely if it is not going to be used within half an hour. Since the Coffee de Luxe only takes about 6 minutes to heat up, it won’t take to long to get it going again!

There are a few main differences between the Silvia and Coffee de Luxe that should help you make your decision. The first of these is the boiler size - the Silvia has a 12 oz boiler, while the Coffee de Luxe has a 3.5 oz boiler. Although this won’t make much of a difference for brewing, the Silvia’s larger capacity will provide better steam pressure for a longer amount of time - a definite plus if you’ll mainly be making milk based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. However, the Gaggia has a Turbo Frother that makes frothing and steaming a little easier, while the Silvia has a standard steam wand that will take a bit of practice to master.

The other main differences between these machines are their housing materials (the Coffee de Luxe’s is enameled carbon steel versus the Silvia’s stainless steel housing) and the Silvia’s 3-way solenoid valve. Although the solenoid valve won’t effect brewing quality, it removes excess pressure and water from the brew group after brewing, leaving a mostly dry puck that’s easy to "knock" out of the portafilter.

Taking these differences into consideration, it should be easy for you to determine which features suit you best in order to make a decision.

There are several possible causes of this problem. Please follow the instructions below to determine the cause:

Solution 1

The most common cause is an uneven tamp. Make sure that you’re not tamping more heavily on one side of the portafilter, as water will try to find its way through the path of least resistance - the more lightly tamped side. If you’ve determined that this isn’t the case, you may want to clean the shower screen. Follow Solution 2 for instructions.

Solution 2

The shower screen is located right above where the portafilter attaches to the brew group. It is used to evenly disperse water over the coffee grounds when you brew. As a daily maintenance routine, you should remove the portafilter after brewing and then press the brew button for a few seconds to let the water clean off any grounds that may be stuck to the screen.

More thorough cleaning should be done about once every other week to keep the machine working at its best. To clean the shower screen thoroughly, follow these instructions:

1. Use a short Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screw in the center of the shower screen. The shower screen should fall out into your hand.
2. Soak the screen and screw in descaler and use an old toothbrush or group brush to clean them. DO NOT push a pin through the holes in the screen. It can cause future clogs because it will enlarge the small holes.
3. Rinse the shower screen and screw thoroughly.
4. Replace the shower screen and screw.

To get hot water from the Gaggia Coffee de Luxe, you wait until the machine is up to brew temperature, at which point the green temperature ready light will come on. Then you turn the steam knob to open the steam valve and push the brew button. This will give you hot water. Once you’re done, close the steam knob and turn off the brew button.

Although you can’t make true drip coffee with this machine, it will produce 2 other things that are extremely similar. The first is an americano, which is simply a double shot of espresso with 6 to 8 oz of hot water added to it. The second is a cafe crema, which is 6 to 8 oz of water pressure brewed through coffee that is more coarsely ground than what you would normally use for espresso. Of the 2 an americano tastes more like drip coffee, but the robust flavor of a cafe crema is usually good enough that people are ready to drop the drip forever. For more information on the types of drinks you can make with an espresso machine, follow the link below to our article on the subject.

Articles

The double shot filter basket can be purchased from our website by following the link below or by calling us at 888-411-5282.

Products

Because this machine does not have a 3-way solenoid valve, pressure remains in the brew group after brewing. If you remove the portafilter immediately after brewing, the release of this pressure causes the portafilter to "sneeze" water and coffee grounds at you. To avoid this, you’ll want to let the portafilter sit in place for 15 or 20 seconds after brewing to allow the pressure to dissipate naturally.

There are several things that go into getting great crema on your shots, the first of which is the coffee. Grinding your own beans immediately before brewing is the optimal situation and will help to produce more crema. The age of your beans can also be a factor, so you’ll want to take this into account as well. You’ll also want to make sure you’re adhering to the Golden Rule when brewing - for a double shot, using 14 grams of coffee you should get 2 to 2.5 oz of espresso in 20 to 25 seconds.

However, one of the largest contributors to crema is temperature - a cold cup, group head, or portafilter will dramatically decrease the amount of crema you see. I would recommend both preheating your cups by rinsing them with hot water and running a "blank shot" prior to brewing. To pull a blank shot, simply attach the empty portafilter to the machine and activate brewing for a few seconds. This will ensure the group head and portafilter are up to brew temperature. Combining this with the preheated cups will prevent these components from absorbing the heat (and thereby decreasing your crema) from your espresso. For more information on what goes into the perfect shot, follow the links below to our articles on the subject.

Articles

We only carry this item in a 110/120v model that cannot be switched to work at a different voltage, and unfortunately, we do not carry any 220v/240v models at this time. I would recommend contacting Gaggia’s international offices for infromation on 220/240v availability. You can visit their website by following the link below.

Gaggia Italy webiste

It is not recommended that you put your portafilter in the dishwasher. On a daily basis, you’ll want to rinse the portafilter and wipe it out with a paper towel or cloth after brewing to make sure any coffee grounds are removed. When you go to descale the machine (every 3 months or so, depending on use), you should soak the portafilter head and filter baskets in a solution of hot water and a tablespoon of descaler, like Urnex Cleancaf. This will work well to keep your portafilter clean.

Since we are an authorized Gaggia repair center, we carry all Gaggia parts. Please call us at 888-411-5282 to place an order.

The largest difference between these machines is the type of portafilter each of them has. The Coffee de Luxe has a commercial style portafilter - it is the same size as those found on commercial machines (58mm). This type of portafilter is rather dependent on the user (you) being able to control the fineness of the ground coffee as well as the tamp pressure (the pressure you apply to compact the grounds. It is highly recommended that you purchase a grinder to accompany this type of machine. The Espresso Pro, on the other hand, has a pressurized style portafilter. This type of portafilter is less dependent on your being able to control the grind fineness and tamp pressure because the portafilter itself produces the resistance that is necessary to properly brew espresso. (Although preground coffee work well and a grinder isn’t necessary per se, it is still recommended because freshly ground coffee simply tastes better than preground) That being said, because you have more control over the variables with the Coffee de Luxe, you have a greater potential to create fabulous espresso with some work. The Espresso Pro would produce good, consistent espresso more easily than with the Coffee de Luxe, but doesn’t allow you the flexibility to "tweak" that the Coffee de Luxe does. You can learn more about the different types of portafilters by following the link below to our article called Comparing Portafilters. I have also provided some links to grinders that would be compatible with either machine.

Besides the difference in portafilters, there are a few minor variations between these machines. First off, the boiler is a little larger on the Coffee de Luxe, which means that it will be able to produce better steam pressure for a longer amount of time. Secondly, the reservoir of the Espresso Pro is smaller as well, which has no affect on coffee brewing, but just means you’ll have to refill more often. You can view the specs of these machines side by side when you click on the link below to our Compare-O-Matic.

Articles

It is not recommended that you leave this machine on when it is not in use. The main reason for this is that it does not have an auto-fill feature (like prosumer machines do), so the water can fully evaporate from the boiler. In addition, leaving it on for extended periods can decrease the life of the heating element over time. I would recommend turning the machine off if you won’t be brewing with it again within an hour.

The only functional difference between the two machines is the automatic frothing attachment. This attachment on the Coffee de Luxe sucks milk out of an external container, froths it, and drops it directly into your cup.  This allows you to froth and steam your milk for cappuccinos or lattes without doing so manually.  The Coffee de Luxe also includes a Gaggia Turbofrother, which is the only frothing attachment the Coffee comes with.  It is simpler to use than a standard steam wand, but does require that you froth the milk yourself in a frothing pitcher. 

The Coffee de Luxe finish is a more lustrous silver/gray metallic as compared to the flat dark gray "anthracite" or eggshell white of the regular Gaggia Coffee.

As of right now the Coffee de Luxe along with the rest of the Gaggia home use espresso machines have the curve double spots available.  

The first thing I would recommend is to try the following test: Heat the machine to steam temperature.Take an 8 oz. pitcher of 40 degree water and place the steam wand into the water. Heat the water to 160 degrees and time this event.

If it takes under two minutes, the machine is probably behaving normally. However, if you still think there is a problem, feel free to call us at 888-411-5282.

If it takes longer than two minutes, you may have a bad steam thermostat. If this is the case, contact our customer service representatives at 888-411-5282 and they can have it sent out to you with instructions on how to replace the part.

When steaming/frothing with the Gaggia Coffee De Luxe you do need to use either the attachment or the sleeve.  Unfortunately, the metal wand that is underneath the attachment is too short for use by itself. 

This is normal.  The vibration pump in and of itself is a noisy component.  What is happening is that the pump is dry when we first engage it.  Then once water is fed into the pump, it quiets down.  This noise is typical with this style pump and shouldn’t be cause for concern.

Very basically, the Golden Rule states that using the correct amount of coffee (based on a single or double shot) should produce a shot of espresso in 20 to 25 seconds. Changing the grind setting or the amount of tamp pressure you are using will change how quickly the shot is produced. Follow the links below to find more in depth discussions of the Golden Rule.

Golden Rule
Purchasing Coffee & Brewing Espresso PART I
Purchasing Coffee & Brewing Espresso PART II
Rituals of Making Espresso

Comments (2)

It is very important that you pull a couple of blank shots before brewing. With the portafilter in place, without coffee, pump two to four ounces of water to heat all of the components to brew temperature. This will ensure proper brew temperature and should be done after initial warm up and if the machine has been sitting idle for any significant amount of time. This should solve your problem, but if not, feel free to contact one of our representatives at 888-411-5282.

Gaggia is a great choice for your needs. Gaggia is the only line of espresso machines in the lower price range with a commercial style portafilter and brew group. The commercial style offers the ability to brew the best quality espresso while other machines offer the easier to use pressurized style that produce a less flavorful shot of espresso. The Gaggia Evolution is a beautiful machine and will produce excellent espresso at a moderate price. As you go up in price within the Gaggia line you gain better quality housing, internal construction as well as a three-way solenoid valve (Baby and Classic). The Classic is at the top with stainless steel housing and three-way solenoid valve. The Rancilio Silvia is similar to the Classic with a commercial style portafilter and brew group, stainless steel housing and three-way valve. The two machines differ in boiler material and size. The Gaggia has a 3.5 oz. aluminum boiler and the Rancilio has a 12 oz. brass boiler. Because of the smaller boiler with two heating elements the Gaggia may better suit efficiency requirements. In less time than it takes to dump the spent grounds and refill the portafilter with ground coffee, the machine is ready to brew the next shot.

Products

• Gaggia Classic
• Gaggia Evolution
• Rancilio Silvia

• Different Styles of Espresso Machines
• Comparing Portafilters
• Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

When you’re using pods, you’ll need to empty the drip tray, refill the water reservoir, and descale the machine just as often as if you were using ground coffee. The biggest difference is seen in cleaning the portafilter. Instead of knocking out the spent grounds, rinsing it, and wiping it out to remove any leftover grounds, you’ll simply knock out the pod and give the portafilter head a quick rinse before you’re ready to go again.

We have answered all of the question you have asked in the "Guide to Gaggia" and the "Instructional CD" that we included with your machine. We also have some reading material on our site that explains the Golden Rule and how to purchase coffee for you machine. Your Gaggia has a capability of producing awesome shots and it sounds like you are doing pretty well for your first day.  If your first couple of shots are bitter, or possibly sour it is because the machine and all of its brewing components are not hot yet. Espresso is very sensitive to temperature.  Before you start brewing your espresso do a couple of blank shots to preheat the portafilter and the brew group.  Blank shots are when you run hot water through the portafilter and brew group to heat it. The 30 to 35 seconds pull is a little bit to long.  You may want to have it ground a little coarser and speed it up to around 25 seconds. Your long shot timing can cause the bitterness but it also may be a flavor characteristic of your coffee. In your second question you asked if the machine is sensitive to the grind fineness.  Like all machines with a commercial style portafilter it is sensitive to the grind setting but it can also produce the best espresso because of it.

The new and old Gaggia machines are very similar. They have changed the boiler design slightly but the functionality has remained the same. The main difference between the Baby Gaggia and the Gaggia Coffee Deluxe is that the Baby has a three-way solenoid valve. This is a valve that open up and relieves the water pressure on the coffee when you are done brewing, leaving a nice dry puck. The Gaggia Coffee Deluxe and the entire line of Gaggia machines under the Baby Gaggia do not have the three-way solenoid valve. When you are done brewing with these machines you will have about 1/8” of water on top of the coffee. The coffee will still come out in puck form, it won’t be as dry as the Baby Gaggia (or Gaggia Classic) but it will still be much easier to clean up than a machine with a pressurized portafilter. All of the Gaggia machines have a commercial style portafilter. The Gaggia Coffee Deluxe also has an auto frothing attachment. It will suck the milk out of a pitcher and froth it directly into your cup.

It is normal for some water to be leaking through the brew group anytime the boiler is heating up. If has increased over time then a part called the “Group Valve Assembly” probably needs cleaning. It is a small spring-loaded valve with a rubber valve seat. Minerals or any other kind of debris can cause it not to seal completely. Our Fixing A Leak article explains how this part works and has pictures of it. Also to keep this water from going into your coffee cup move it from under the brew group and let the water drip into the drip tray or a spare cup. If you want to take it apart and clean it yourself we can help you with this. We would be happy to get the machine back here for service or direct you to a service center near you.