Gaggia Super-Automatic Machines: Brew Unit/Group Anatomy and Maintenance

Learn about the parts of Gaggia super-automatic espresso machine brew units (brew groups) and how to maintain them, as well as basic weekly maintenance and deep cleaning procedures.

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Gaggia Espresso Machine Brew Unit/Group Anatomy and Maintenance

For the brew unit on any Gaggia super automatic espresso machine, what we recommend is on a weekly basis, remove the brew unit and give it a good rinse with just warm water focusing on all of the parts that contact coffee. You can do this at the end of the day and allow it to air dry overnight. With the brew unit removed, you can also either wipe out or vacuum out any grounds in that brew unit area. On the same schedule that you're descaling the machine, you can do the more thorough cleaning of the brew unit with soap and water and scrubbing.

1. Deep clean and relubricate brew unit.
2. Be careful when taking apart the selector valve. It contains small parts that are easy to lose or may not function properly if replaced incorrectly.
3. Removing the shower screen for cleaning will resolve most clog issues.
4. The brew unit o-ring being dried out, loose, cracked, or damaged will be the main source of connection issues in the brew unit area. Check the o-rings on the boiler spout as well.

1. Brew Unit Anatomy/Parts (00:00)
2. Basic Weekly Maintenance (06:10)
3. Brew Group Cleaning & Lubrication (08:43)
4. Maintenance Schedule (09:09)
5. Valve Identification (11:02)
6. Valve Removal (12:05)
7. Head Removal (14:55)
8. Shower Screen Remove & Clean (15:57)
9. O-Ring Change Lubricate (18:26)
10. Gaggia Group Service Kit (18:57)
11. Track Lubrication Grease (20:47)
12. Reassembly (24:08)
13. Spring Orientation (25:47)
14. Soaking Entire Group? (28:00)
15. Cleaning Inside the Machine (28:37)
16. Internal O-Ring Lubrication (29:42)
17. Drain Hole Cleaning (30:44)

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Applicable machines include all models for:

• Gaggia Accademia
• Gaggia Anima
• Gaggia Babila
• Gaggia Brera
• Gaggia Cadorna
• Gaggia Magenta
  
• Gaggia Naviglio
• Gaggia Velasca
• Older Gaggia machines with similar brew units/groups

Associated Parts:

• Gaggia Decalcifier Liquid Descaler
• Gaggia Brew Group Service Kit
• Gaggia Coffee Clean Tablets
• Urnex Rinza Milk Frother Cleaner 32 oz

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 or lack of maintenance are not covered.