Modding the classic

Modding the Classic is something that has gone on for many years by Gaggia enthusiasts. You may have seen Rancillio Silvia steam wand fitted to the pre-2015 models. This was quite common. This, of course, is no longer necessary as the 2019 Classic has the professional steam wand as standard.

OPV
Another common adjustment, rather than a modification, that users carried out on the pre-2015 model was the adjusting of the Over Pressure Valve. On the 2019 model the
OPV is on the top of the pump rather than being fitted to the boiler. It is not as easy as the older model. It seems to be a question a lot of enthusiasts seem to ask. I find that enthusiasts somehow find a way of adjusting things on the Classic. As a manufacturer's agent we need to warn against any internal adjustments or modifications as this will invalidate the manufacturer's warranty. The machine's default pressure for opening the solenoid is 9 bar. This is what the factory setting is. This is what you have even on professional machines. It is therefore not necessary to change this unless you want to perform unusual trials . Yes, it can have an impact on achieving different results on coffees depending on the fineness of the grind. I personally am happy changing the grind or the pressure I apply when tamping the coffee or increasing or decreasing the amount of coffee you put in to try out different tastes in coffee. Pre-infusing the coffee also can help.
 
PID
Another modification I see done is, fitting a PID controller. This is probably a good thing as it keeps the temperature range at a smaller range – say 85 -90 degrees, rather than the normal of 72 – 92 degrees. Fitting a PID is not something that you can easily do at home. Any modification can invalidate the warranty on the machine.

Simple Modifications
There are some simple modifications which can make a big difference to the quality of coffee. Two of these simple modifications are fitting a filter seal for the brew head and a professional shower disc. We now have a E61 silicone seal [blue] and a professional shower disc on our website. They are £5 each and they are both excellent. What it does is that it gives a bit more flexibility when you are fitting the portafilter on to the machine. It is easier to fit. You can put 18-19g of coffee in a 16g basket and still manage  to fit  the portafilter with relative ease  because the silicone seal is springy and flexible.

The pro shower disc has 2 layers – a metal layer with larger holes and a mesh layer. This allows the water to flow in a more controlled way from the brewhead.

Both items are available to buy on this website. If you need further advice, why not come and see us live and talk to us on Zoom.