Gaggia Refurbished Machines

Whole Latte Love refurbishes customer-returned espresso machines by carefully inspecting them, separating and cleaning accessories, and performing a full functional test process to confirm each machine operates like new. This includes timing heat-up, checking water flow through the brew group and steam wand, listening for pump and valve performance, watching for leaks during heat-up and under pressure, verifying brew and steam temperatures, and confirming pump pressure with gauges and specialized thermometers. After testing, machines are drained, wiped down, inspected again, and repackaged to arrive safely, with the goal of meeting factory specs before resale.

Tools Needed

• Timer (to measure heat-up time and test-run durations)
• Pump pressure gauge (to check brew pressure at the brew group)
• SCAA thermometer device with digital meter (to measure brew temperatures)

Referenced Parts

• Brew group
• Steam wand
• Boiler
• Pump
• Solenoid valves
• Steam knob / steam valve
• Thermostats
• Grinder (on super-automatic machines)
• Brew group drive motors and gears (on super-automatic machines)

Video Guide

Step-by-Step Instructions

Unbox And Inspect

1. Remove the machine from the box and perform a visual inspection for any damage.
2. If everything looks good, move the machine to your testing bench or work area for functional checks.

Separate Accessories

1. Remove all included accessories from the packaging.
2. Set the accessories aside to be cleaned individually at a cleaning station or sink area.

Set Up Checklist

1. Use the machine-specific checklist (example shown: Gaggia Classic) to ensure you complete each test in order.
2. Place the machine on the bench and make sure it is ready to power on for testing.

Time Heat Up

1. Turn the machine on.
2. Start a timer and record how long it takes for the machine to reach operating temperature.

Check Water And Scale

1. Run water through the brew group.
2. Run water through the steam wand.
3. Look for signs of scale in the water output.

Listen And Watch Leaks

1. Turn the pump on and listen to the pump and solenoid valve sounds to evaluate overall condition.
2. As the machine heats up, watch the brew group and steam wand area for dripping or leaks.
3. If a problem is identified, tear down the machine as needed and correct the issue before continuing.

Run Hot Water Test

1. Run hot water through the steam wand.
2. Time how long it takes and measure the temperature.
3. Use this to confirm pump output volume and boiler temperature performance.
4. Check that the thermostats appear to be functioning correctly based on the results.
5. Turn the steam valve/steam knob to confirm it operates smoothly.

Test Brew Water Flow

1. Run water directly from the machine to the brew group with no portafilter installed.
2. Check the water temperature.
3. Time how long it takes to dispense 6 oz of water to confirm there is free flow through the brew circuit.

Measure Pump Pressure

1. Attach a pump pressure gauge to the brew group.
2. Check pump pressure to confirm it is where it should be.
3. While the system is pressurized, check again for any leaks, including through the steam wand.

Verify Brew Temperature

1. Install the SCAA thermometer device with its digital meter.
2. Measure actual brew temperatures using the device.

Test Steam Performance

1. Switch the machine to steam mode.
2. Time how long it takes to reach steam temperature (based on the indicator light behavior).
3. If timing is not correct, treat it as a sign there may be a thermostat issue.
4. While in steam mode, check for leaks at the brew group since system pressure is higher.
5. Open the steam knob and confirm you have strong steam pressure from the wand.

Drain And Sign Off

1. When testing is complete, drain the boiler(s).
2. Complete sign-off to confirm the machine is ready for the next stage.

Test Super Automatics

1. For super-automatic machines, listen not only for the pump and valves, but also for the motors that drive gears, the brew group, and the grinder.
2. Confirm steam performance and brew temperatures using the appropriate test approach for that style of machine.
3. Perform real-world testing by making espresso to confirm function, correct flow, and that grinders are calibrated.

Clean And Reinspect

1. Move the machine to a cleaning station.
2. Wipe the machine down thoroughly.
3. Perform another inspection of the housing and overall appearance to ensure nothing looks off.

Package For Shipping

1. Bring the cleaned machine to the packaging station.
2. Fit the machine with custom packaging and a proper box to help ensure it arrives in great condition.

Safety Warnings & Notices

• Hot surfaces and hot water: During heat-up, hot water testing, and steam testing, the boiler, steam wand, and water output can be hot enough to burn. Keep hands clear of the wand tip, use caution around hot water discharge, and allow components to cool before handling.
• Pressurized system: When checking pump pressure and during steam mode, the hydraulic system is under significant pressure and leaks may appear. Keep your face and hands away from fittings and outlets, and stop testing if you see spraying water or sudden steam release.
• Disassembly risk: If scale is found and the boiler is taken apart for cleaning, incorrect reassembly can cause leaks or damage. Only proceed if you are comfortable with careful reassembly and verifying seals, or contact Whole Latte Love support for guidance.
• Electrical safety: Testing requires the machine to be powered on. Avoid wiping down or handling wet areas near electrical components while the machine is plugged in.