Posted Tue Feb 26, 2013, 10:50am Subject: Back Flushing a Gaggia Expresso unit
I have the Gaggia Espresso model unit. I need to backflush it as I'm just not getting good results like I should. But I have seen Youtube videos that the backflush water comes into the catch pan under the head. I do not have that tube. Can my unit be backflushed or not?
What is the concern about the 3 way? Back flushing is necessary to keep the 3 way clean and functioning, not necessarily desirable just to be able to backflush. The 3 way main function, IIRC, is to relieve pressure after the brew. You have been functioning without a 3 way and apparently without difficulty. I would not let absence of a 3 way force me to a new machine unless tired of the machine spitting, and difficulty removing the PF after a brew. Just a thought as you seem otherwise happy with your machine :)
Posted Tue Feb 26, 2013, 12:47pm Subject: Re: Back Flushing a Gaggia Expresso unit
I got the machine some time ago and lost interest and time. I just brought it out after 4 years of not using it and did a good cleaning, but I think it is time I moved to another and better unit. I plan on using it more and more now. Getting good shots is so far all over the place that one day it get a perfect shot, then the next day I cant get one in 60 seconds and all things being the same. If anything I need to do a tear down and clean it all, but I feel a better unit is the next step.
D4F Senior Member Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Posts: 1,189 Location: USA Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Classic PID Grinder: Preciso
Posted Tue Feb 26, 2013, 1:06pm Subject: Re: Back Flushing a Gaggia Expresso unit
I am not sure if you want any more input, or have decided to upgrade already. I can understand about the 3 way now, you have not been using is all along as I thought.
If the machine heats normally, makes normal steam, and the pump runs normally, then you may want to use it for a while and get used to making espresso again. Of course you could have been making espresso all along on something else. Your machine is capable. The lack of 3 way can make it a bit messy if you try to rmove the PF without letting pressure bleed off, otherwise, if is about beans, grind, distribution, temperature. On SBDU machines you have to decide the temperature and the rest, so mostly about your use. PID can make it much easier to control temperature, vs surfing, but you may prefer an upgrade. My only point is that there is a learning curve. Shot timing variability is not likely the Gaggia, more likely you and your process -- beans, distribution, or grind...
Have you looked at the water as it comes out of the screen for good flow distribution. Did you remove and clean the screen, and perhaps the block above. That parts diagram above can be a big help.
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