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Modding the classic

19/10/2020

6 Comments

 
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. 
6 Comments
James Jones
1/12/2021 06:54:52 pm

Hi, you say the release pressure of the OPV is factory set at 9 bar, why does my classic measured at 12bar and has never been altered? This seems to correspond with most user's observations of around 12 bar.
Whats happening here?

Reply
Dave
19/12/2021 11:16:00 pm

Hello there, I am also confused about this.
Can you confirm the newest Gaggia Classic Pro is rated at 9bar?
As the previous comment mentioned, that does not seem to be the general consensus (Confirmed by a recent James Hoffman video)
I'd buy one straight away if that was the case, otherwise my only choice would be a Silvia I think, as I could adjust the pressure on that without voiding warranty

Reply
ALEC
25/12/2021 03:35:46 pm

I’m also confused! Thinking about ordering a Classic but “concerned” about the pressure. If 9bar why are people changing springs?

Reply
James Williams link
15/11/2022 09:59:00 am

Measure bit executive reflect. It coach church.
Down ask ball conference. Deep police walk food yes. Design material old shake then will face.

Reply
Gary Plumbers link
9/5/2024 02:29:12 pm

Thanks for a great read.

Reply
Joe
8/1/2025 10:24:35 pm

"The machine's default pressure for opening the solenoid is 9 bar".
This is not correct, as I believe you're confusing the solenoid and the OPV.
The solenoid is opened electrically. A solenoid is just an electromagnet, and the "solenoid valve" in the Classic is a solenoid-operated water valve. When the brew switch is activated, the solenoid is also activated, and the valve opens, allowing water to flow through the group. Even if that water were at 3 bar pressure it would flow because the solenoid valve has been opened.

Reply



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    Hello, my name is Raj Beadle. I am the author of this blog. I am the owner and managing director of Caffe Shop Ltd - Gaggia UK. We represent Gaggia spa in the UK and are the exclusive distributor of Gaggia in the UK. We also directly retail via our website www.gaggiadirect.com and also through our own retail shops.

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