Gaggia Classic Pro: Portafilter Fitment Issues
It certainly can be tricky to get everything working properly, or even be sure that everything IS working properly! With a brand new gasket, the portafilter may still be a bit to the left of center. As long as your portafilter is not shifting to the left during brewing or blasting off of the machine entirely, that is okay.
As you break the gasket in, it will shift more towards the center or past center. If you're going very far past center, that will be a good indicator that the gasket needs to be replaced. We recommend replacing the Gaggia Group Gasket annually. The video below will give you a bit more thorough of an explanation of what to expect when connecting your portafilter. If you want a softer gasket for your Classic, this Silicone Gasket will allow you to turn the handle farther:
Note: Do not use excessive force when attaching the portafilter or it can damage or break the group head gasket.
If you're having difficulty getting a solid seal on your portafilter, you may be experiencing one of the following problems.
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Too much coffee may be dosed into the portafilter.
- The proper dosing for your machine's baskets is 7g for the single basket and 14g for your 2 double sized baskets.
- If there's too much coffee in the portafilter it can press into the shower screen and prevent the portafilter from attaching properly. Reduce the amount of coffee in the portafilter or test the machine with an empty portafilter. If the portafilter attaches properly, then the filter basket was simply overdosed.
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Check the filter baskets for dings, dents, or any sort of warping.
- A filter basket that is malformed can prevent the portafilter from attaching.
- Try attaching the portafilter with the basket removed, or with a different basket to see if it fits on correctly.
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The group gasket has slipped out of place or needs replacing.
- From time to time, the group gasket may become misaligned or wear out.
- This video will walk you through the process of removing and replacing the gasket.
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Coffee has built up in the groove of the group head where the ears of the portafilter fit into.
- If you've been using your machine for a while, it's likely that coffee residue has built up in the groove of the group head where the ears of the portafilter fit. You should perform regular group head maintenance to prevent this issue.
Associated Parts:
Warranty Disclaimer: Failure of normal wear and tear items such as group gaskets, seals, and shower screens are not covered under warranty. Issues due to scale build-up, coffee oil build-up, or lack of maintenance are not covered.
