Best espresso machine replacement parts according to redditors
We found 72 Reddit comments discussing the best espresso machine replacement parts. We ranked the 28 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 72 Reddit comments discussing the best espresso machine replacement parts. We ranked the 28 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Get a silicone one they are a lot better and last a lot longer.
https://www.amazon.com/Cafelat-Silicone-Group-Gasket-E61/dp/B00OX59S5Q/ref=pd_sim_79_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00OX59S5Q&pd_rd_r=2382e09f-c646-11e8-aaf5-4313d3dd6b24&pd_rd_w=ONDQC&pd_rd_wg=GEZgI&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=18bb0b78-4200-49b9-ac91-f141d61a1780&pf_rd_r=98B9YJR4DWX2ZFMGYFSZ&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=98B9YJR4DWX2ZFMGYFSZ
(2/2)
​
LIST OF PARTS/BUILD LIST TO GET TO WHERE WE ARE:
Gaggia Classic: new they come in around $3-$400, but you can pick up a refurb from Whole Latte Love for about $290, or even cheaper on the used market (I picked one up that was basically just out of the box for half a decade but never used for $250. After some cleaning she was in perfect condition)
https://www.wholelattelove.com/refurbished-gaggia-classic-brushed-ss-espresso-machine?source=googleps&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2eCjlYLJ4AIVrr3tCh1zHg6yEAYYBCABEgIaVvD_BwE
Mr Shades PID Kit: £89 - and worth every penny. How to get in touch with Mr Shades to get it I already explained above
https://coffeeforums.co.uk/showthread.php?27931-MrShades-Gaggia-Classic-PID-Kit-Complete-PID-kit-with-full-guide-%A389
Baratza Sette 270WI: They come in at around $550 new for the latest, and most updated WI model (that we think is the move for overall durability and ease of use). There are other 270 and W models all available for cheaper, but the most desirable WI model dskot got refurbished from Baratza’s site for $450, but only when they have them available.
https://www.amazon.com/Baratza-270Wi-Grind-Weight-Conical-Grinder/dp/B01G82WTZ2/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?hvadid=267969625121&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9021717&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12162448283058120052&hvtargid=kwd-470582918388&keywords=baratza+sette+270wi&qid=1550621304&s=gateway&sr=8-3-spons&tag=googhydr-20&psc=1&smid=A302OQK4GZWXCC
20g VST PF Basket: $20 - Competition grade baskets from VST just help to take out another potential layer of uneven extraction, closer examined by having bottomless PF’s. We’ve also noticed this just helps the consistency of shots a little better, but like I said earlier, we’re not certain if it was more due to the PID or the basket, as we put them in at the same time. Not meant to be a scientific review, all you gotta know is this thing will help your extractions.
https://store.vstapps.com/products/vst-precision-filter-baskets
Tamper: $57 (or much cheaper) We would recommend getting a precision tamp to work better within the VST basket, which is precision machined to 58.4mm. Just fits together a lot nicer than a standard 58mm tamp, and will prevent any further potential for uneven distribution, but realistically, you can get just any 58mm tamper. I got the Cafelat precision zebra wood tamp linked below, but recently upgraded to the Eazytamp 5 star pro because I’m lazy and find myself tamping unevenly, but this is just part of my OD nature in doing things. There are cheaper options depending on the wood you choose from them, just look on amazon to whatever fits your preference. Just whatever you do, DO NOT drop your tamper on the floor or counter. I learned the hard way on accident and had to buy another because they will dent/bend and any chance of precision is now out the window, but thats my fault, and not just because of the type of metal they use.
https://www.amazon.com/Cafelat-Zebra-Wood-Tamper-58-35mm/dp/B01MG3ZDKH/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=cafelat+tamper&qid=1550621500&s=gateway&sr=8-6
EVERYTHING BEYOND THIS POINT IS OPTIONAL, BUT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO HELPING YOU MAKE GREAT, AND CONSISTENT EXTRACTIONS
Distribution tool: $18 - We both went the cheap route, and got the OCD knockoff tool from amazon. There are a handful of other options from the Pullman, OCD, BT Wedge, and so on, but are all very expensive, and for $18, we didn’t think it could be a bad move. Major differences are the 3 fins vs 4 fins on the OCD, and also very likely any type of precision milling will not be there on the knockoff, but realistically, they do the same thing, and we’ve both been able to get near perfect center streams almost every time within 10-15 sec of extraction. Only reason why it would take longer or wouldn’t go perfect center is bc I’ll occasionally lop side my tamp, or in the beginning when we didn’t necessarily understand how to properly use the tool yet (Once height is dialed, I use 6 counterclockwise turns to distribute, followed by 4 clockwise turns to smooth the top. There are plenty of videos and tutorials online on how to get your tool dialed in if you decide to get one)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077BZ4CV6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Bottomless PF (PortaFilter): $35-65 Few different options here - just make sure you get one that will work with the Gaggia classic, or most Gaggia machines as they have different flange positions than most other machines or E61 group heads. Cheaper/simple black version is on the first link, but if you’d prefer to go down the same route I did and get the walnut handle, I bought the one off of ebay from Portugal. I know there are a few other links on the web for a walnut handled PF for the Gaggia, but I only care to include things from experience, and even though I can’t really tell you if it’s legit/high-quality wood or not, I’m more than happy with it and it’s looks.
https://www.amazon.com/Bottomless-Portafilter-Gaggia-Filter-Basket/dp/B00KRR4K2K/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=176952831569&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9021717&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4233166420998163957&hvtargid=kwd-46401287557&keywords=gaggia+classic+bottomless+portafilter&qid=1550622553&s=gateway&sr=8-1&tag=googhydr-20
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bottomless-Portafilter-Gaggia-6-6-mm-Wings-Walnut-Wood-Handle/222827423587?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Rancilio Silvia Steam wand: $25 - a very easy mod (just an unscrew and trade of the nut to connect it to the machine, (don’t use the extra washer from the Rancilio wand)) to upgrade the machines milk steaming capabilities. Also plenty of videos online how to do so. I decided to go with the Silvia wand instead of the pannerello for the extra durability (full metal wand vs plastic part trade off) and also easier to keep the Silvia wand clean and sanitary. Up to your personal preference, I get good results with the Silvia wand but have heard and seen good things from the pannerello alternative.
Acaia Lunar: $225 - will probably put you over the top of the $1k range, and isn’t directly necessary, but is a very useful tool to time your shots accurately, as well as have a very accurate scale setup to weigh everything out. Great for logging your shots and helping to develop recipes for different beans. You can essentially do the same thing with a normal scale sensate down to .1 grams, and then either a timer or your phones timer, but if you have the bread for the lunar, it’s definitely well worth it with it also being water resistant (they say in a video you can’t list something as waterproof unless it can operate under water, and you obviously can’t get an accurate reading of coffee weight while the thing would be underwater).
And finally, if you care to go down the exact same route I did with wrapping it, you can basically buy any type of automotive 3M wrap (color and finish of your choice) and just take off all the components and wrap the front facade. Little tedious, but if you like the look it’s well worth it.
That should basically do it for the full writeup of where we’re at with our home setups, and hopefully can aid in giving you some insight to what you might want to do with yours. Might be a lot to digest, but hopefully we included enough detail and info to get you started. If not, feel free to ask either of us any questions, or if you’d care for any of our suggestions on if any piece of this caffeinated puzzle would be worth it or not, just shoot away in the comments.
Outside of that, happy extracting :)
​
(2/2)
What a steal! I got mine for $250 and considered it a good deal.
links to the things mentioned
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002G40VNO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NAAJRH1/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZ24BH2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OXGXW8O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MY2EB10/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Looks pretty standard. Just measure it, outside diameter.
https://www.cerinicoffee.com/bialetti-moka-express-replacement-gaskets/
If you want to use the evil company: https://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-Replacement-Gasket-Filter-Espresso/dp/B000SOLUBQ is probably the one.
My understanding (could be wrong) is that the Breville portafilter is proprietary. I can't help you with the price, but it is in stock at Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JG1PXLC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
​
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077BZ4CV6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Caveat: I'm an espresso noob, but think I'm sufficiently well informed to address this.
​
Your OXO conical burr grinder is at the low and cheap end of espresso-capable grinder, so it will likely become the first upgrade. I don't know if the one in the Barista Express is better, but upgrading it will only be possible by upgrading the whole expensive device. There are other grinder-related arguments against machines with built-in grinders.
The New Classic Gaggia (Pro), one of which I recently purchased for $418 after discount from Whole Latte Love, comes with a plastic tamper which you should not use. I bought an Apexstone leveler for $18 which sits on a $10 mat and does close to a perfect job [See caveat]. It's one of the best entry level machines because it does the basics very well - pushing sufficiently hot water [See caveat] through coffee in a proper filter basket (i.e. not the pressurised filter) in a proper 58mm plated brass portafilter. It also comes with a proper steam wand which can be used shortly after a press of one of the three buttons which operate the machine, which is normal for a single boiler machine.
Most of the modifications discussed relate to the not-New/pro Classic (which does not preclude modifying the New/Pro Classic).
​
Before buying I was also watching the price of the Breville BES840CBXL for a long time since it's competitively priced and looks much nicer, matching my the Smart Grinder Pro, however others' experience with the product and both my and others' experience with the manufacturer recommend the Gaggia. Note that the cheaper Breville grinder - the Dose Control Pro - is the better choice between the two for just espresso.
This is normal with the Barista Express. The tamper that it comes with is junk. It’s neat how it fits into the machine with a magnet, but it doesn’t fit well and it’s very light-weight and can be difficult to tamp consistently with.
I’d encourage you to spend $20-$30 on an upgrade.
FWIW, I got this for my BES and I have no regrets: LuxHaus 53mm Espresso Tamper - Premium Barista Coffee Tamper with 100% Flat Stainless Steel Base https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071VC715S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nUW2BbBJPGKPC
I bought this one last year for my 300, the 8mm red one
Cafelat Silicone Group Gasket - E61 https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00OX59S5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yVc2Cb8D2NR2G
My Silvia is from 2001, and is still cranking out shots.
Use filtered water. Backflush with Cafiza regularly (2 weeks?). If the seller doesn't provide you with a blind backflush portafilter insert, that's a red flag, meaning he/she wasn't maintaining it well.
Get a starter kit of Cafiza, Urnex and Grindz off Amazon or other retailer. Just like a new car purchase, I would clean the heck out of everything. Old oils and residues will give you poor tasting shots and affect everything you do.
For myself, I did this upgrade recently. Recommended to change the portafilter gasket every 2-3 years anyway.
A well maintained Silvia is a 20 year machine. If you get one in great condition and plan on keeping it that way, I would also consider a PID kit. Drastically improves the accuracy of the heat, improving the shot.
Home-Barista.com is another forum that might help you in this process.
Not quite the same scale as pictured (but I bet it is the same internals)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PLXTYCN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I think the picture is the same leveler I bought:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077BZ4CV6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And since I was uncertain about leveling vs tamping at the time:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MTJ9224/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
All three items are doing exactly what I want.
What I am using since starting my collection over the last 14 months:
Tamper
Tamping mat
Distribution tool
Decent Pitchers (got the 3 set)
My Weight Scale
Bottomless Portafilter for Gaggia Classic
What grinder are you using? That is something you should consider investing money in more-so than anything else.
Here is the link, Breville shower screen and inner holder. Custom tune up kit for 58mm Breville BES900XL BES920XL BES980XL. IMS Precision Shower Screen and Brass inner holder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P8JYXD5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ve9MDbXT12RP3
What machine do you have?
I actually just upgraded it to the Rancilio Silvia wand - it seems to be a better steam output so far and much less difficult to clean: Rancilio Silvia Steam Wand Version 1 Replacement (Aftermarket Part) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TYYG7UA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_LBA9wbGY7B3SP
My Gaggia is an older model so it was a bit tough to get the wand seated. It's really very tight now, so much so that I need to set it in position and it doesn't really rotate that easily. Yours might be a bit easier.
I was using a Rancilio branded bottomless portafilter for the recent years. This one is the modern version of what I had:
https://smile.amazon.com/Rancilio-Silvia-Bottomless-Portafilter-Version/dp/B00TECLIQA/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1492630010&sr=1-1&keywords=silvia+bottomless
But most 58mm ones should work fine. It also depends if you want to go spouted or bottomless. Here's a current spouted one:
https://smile.amazon.com/Rancilio-Portafilter-Complete-Standard-Double/dp/B01N558KL6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1492630048&sr=8-3&keywords=silvia+portafilter
Here you go. Different diameters available.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H6L97SD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_QmI1Db0P5VWNT
Congrats! I have the same machine (w/Sette 270) also bought second hand and it has served me very well. A few things that will help you with getting excellent shots consistently:
-Get a scale (if you don't have one already)! Preferably with .1 gr precision. This cheapo one I have isn't perfect but has worked for me: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073TVC1N8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
-Practice tamping on a bathroom scale (30lbs) so you can develop a feel for the right amount of pressure
-Grooming devices aren't crucial but I've found one to be helpful with distribution, here's an inexpensive one that's well-made: https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Distributor-Leveler-tool-Distribution/dp/B077BZ4CV6/ref=sr_1_11_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1538574694&sr=8-11-spons&keywords=espresso+tamper&psc=1
-Use fresh coffee, ideally no more than 2 weeks off roast. The more espresso you make the more you'll see the impact that freshness of the beans has on the resulting appearance, texture and taste.
-If you really want to get nerdy then buy a bottomless portafilter (I found mine cheaper on eBay). They are unforgiving of grinding/tamping issues and will give you an indication when something is off.
Have fun and enjoy the coffee!
I never got any splashing. I do have a pretty strict workflow though.
I single dose into my MonFlat into a LW blind shaker then I distribute into my basket and use a distribution tool ( https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Distributor-Leveler-tool-Distribution/dp/B077BZ4CV6/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1540521611&sr=1-4&keywords=distribution+tool) and then a eazytamp to ensure consistent pressure.
​
With all of the above I get zero issues from my first naked shot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dwE995wNV8
Yes this shot is WAY too fast this was my first shot. It only gets better from here :)
​
58mm Stainless Steel Coffee Tamper Coffee Distributor Leveler Tool Coffee Bean Press Tool Four Angled Slopes Base Black https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07PJ48P46/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.ZiODbTY8JXFE
This is the one I bought, $28 from amazon ca
Depending on the quality of the gasket and metal filter it came with, you may want to pick up a new set. You need a very tight seal and if the rubber has aged poorly, you won't get that no matter how hard you try.
They're pretty cheap. Here's a link on Amazon for replacement filter/gasket set for the traditional Bialetti six-cup moka pot. I've never heard of an electric kettle built in to a moka pot, so you'd want to make sure you're getting the right size first, as the sizing on these gaskets/filter replacement sets are very specific (measured by diameter).
I will preface this by saying I worked in coffee for a good chunk of time before getting my Rocket so I think the familiarity with those type of machines was beneficial. But I will say that your concern about a better machine being inconsistent has not been my experience. The Rocket will have a different learning curve than what you’ve had before, for sure. But I probably spend 2min max in the morning pulling shots and I make consistently better coffee than even the fancy coffee shop in town. You’ll have to get more and more familiar with the variables that affect extraction to be able to change things on the fly. But a better machine, especially a big of a jump as a Rocket, will make learning a lot easier and if you do your homework you will end up with consistently good shots.
Also, get a distribution tool. It will take out some inconsistent variables in tamping especially if you’re new to it. This link
I would use this stuff to descale the machine. It goes into the water tank.
http://www.amazon.com/Durgol-Universal-Express-Multipurpose-Decalcifier/dp/B000NGQR4E?ie=UTF8&keywords=Durgol&qid=1465490177&ref_=sr_1_3&sr=8-3
And use this stuff (NEVER IN THE WATER TANK!!!)
http://www.amazon.com/Urnex-Cafiza-Espresso-Machine-Cleaner/dp/B001418KNS?ie=UTF8&keywords=Cafiza&qid=1465491567&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
with a
Backflush insert like this every other week.
http://www.amazon.com/Espresso-Supply-58-Milimeter-Backflush-Insert/dp/B0016C8ZO4?ie=UTF8&keywords=Blond%20Portafilter&qid=1465491618&ref_=sr_1_sc_1&sr=8-1-spell
Gaggia Tune Up Kit. IMS Precision... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KV61LWG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Cafiza
Dezcal
Backflush disk if you don't have one
Silvia group head gasket with new better shower screen
Boom, this will last you for ten years, and you have a new machine!
Ey! Welcome to the Gaggia fam! Check out r/gaggiaclassic
A couple of things I bought to help my espresso game a little easier
This is the frothing pitcher I use. I've found it to be simple to use. Although look up videos to learn how to properly steam milk if youre like me and dont know.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016ZOFTGY/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I found a calibrated tamper to help with tamping at 30lbs pressure. I'm thankful for this guy
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N977TNG/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also use this distributor to help level my grind before tamping
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077BZ4CV6/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Gonna need a good tamping mat too. This is cheap and works well
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077C41TJS/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
A knock box is really convenient. I found a decent priced one that gets the job done
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FHYFP6N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
​
Also, if you have the Classic 2015 model. I'd suggest replacing the steam wand with the Rancilio Sylvia model wand. It fits, and people mod their classic to get better performance with steaming.
https://www.amazon.com/Rancilio-Silvia-Version-Steam-Wand/dp/B018F88X34/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=rancilio+silvia+steam+wand&qid=1569554756&s=home-garden&sr=1-1
r/gaggiaclassic has more if you really wanna get crazy! I've enjoyed my gaggia for the 8 months that I've had it. Just keep up with the maintenance and its said to last years. I have no buyer's remorse whatsoever
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TYYG7UA/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Coffee Distributor/Leveler tool, Coffee Distributor 58mm, Coffee Distribution Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077BZ4CV6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.OTDDb414EZ6E
I use this one:
Coffee Distributor/Leveler tool, Coffee Distributor 58mm, Coffee Distribution Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077BZ4CV6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_D9YADbA3TCPAB
It's the gasket. Try a cafelat silicone gasket.
Cafelat Silicone Group Gasket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OXA72RW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SohyCb7A840VZ
I'm using a MeCoffee PID. While I'm happy with it, I don't know if I would suggest going with it depending on how confident you are. It has some great features that I love, but one major flaw. There seems to be a software bug with the steam function that can cause the boiler to go into a thermal runaway. There's a bit of a workaround but it's not ideal. I also have an old phone mounted to my machine via a magnetic car mount for Bluetooth monitoring and setting adjustments.
https://mecoffee.nl
The feet I'm using aren't actually feet. They're picture standoffs that I got cheap on Amazon. Put together with some stainless hardware from the hardware store. They look great though. The hardware store also had some rubber stick on pads that fit perfectly for anti slip.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CPQDVW9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mj9QCb7MDBSPX
The gauge I've got coming is very similar to this eBay listing. Keep in mind that pump pressure (which this measures) may not accurately reflect pressure in the basket. Which is why I also rigged up a pressure gauge to measure at the portafilter spout.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F401291645239
This is the basket I'm using, although I use a portafilter from a Crossland CC1 which is a bit deeper. But you have a bottomless so the depth of the basket hardly matters I suppose.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L81YUBO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Gq9QCb5N14R3Q
Hope some of this helps.
get one of these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OXA72RW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and never replace again.
https://www.amazon.com/Shower-Screen-Upgrade-Rancilio-Silvia/dp/B01NAAJRH1
Their description says this now fits every version as both screw lengths are included in the kit...
​
I had some channeling issues myself and found that the $20 distributor/leveler tool has really helped. I use it before ramp to make sure the puck is really evenly distributed before tamp
Coffee Distributor/Leveler tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077BZ4CV6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Well I got it https://imgur.com/1WvbNLk
The basket is a triple IMS filter so dialing in has been a journey https://www.amazon.com/IMS-Competition-Precision-Filter-Ridgeless/dp/B01L81YUBO
I'm using a local roast from Oak Cliff Coffee and it took me a while to realize that bean density changes the dose you need in the basket or the depth/strength you need to tamp. I tried my usual 19 grams, it is a 18-22 basket after all, and got 38 grams out in about 7 seconds...
I only bought a distribution tool and it doesn't go deep enough to give a good tamp at the lower dose range of what the basket can fit. I didn't get a uniform, solid puck until I dosed at 24(!) grams this morning before work. My grind was too fine so I only got 28 grams out in 35 seconds. I don't have a scale that can fit on the drip tray so I have to guess by looking at flow and volume then weigh after :/ Getting close though.
Milk steaming is...... different. It gets to temp in about 30 seconds, it's so fast and powerful I'm having a hard time putting in air without larger bubbles and incorporating without creating any more bubbles even though the sound the milk is making is right. I'll get it though.
This is the one I use for my breville dual boiler. Coffee Distributor/Leveler tool, Coffee Distributor 58mm, Coffee Distribution Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077BZ4CV6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_6Wz7BbZK2D2S6
Gaggia Tune Up Kit. IMS Precision Shower Screen, Brass Shower Holder, Silicone Gasket, Screws https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KV61LWG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iQuEDb8KWRT3C
Mine needed a screen and the gasket too, especially the gasket. So this kit is what I went with. Looks similar to your eBay find.
Gaggia Tune Up Kit. IMS Precision Shower Screen, Brass Shower Holder, Silicone Gasket, Screws https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KV61LWG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SyAEDbK16NFZ1
This is the absolute best scale for the price. Very very accurate. An absolute must for dosing and measuring shots by volume. It’s the perfect size to fit under the spout as well.
My grind setting sits just under a 2. But, it will differ based on what coffee, how old, each machine individually, and so on. I’ve never had a shot time correctly courser then a 4.
The cone + toothpick this helped my shots 10 fold. It’s called re-distribution. Doing this help break up the clumps in the ground beans and makes sure that everything is more evenly distributed. Getting rid of the clumps helps + even distribution help fight against channeling.
The tamper feels much more comfortable in my hand and has a better weight to it. I feel like I can control it better then the cheap plastic tamper the machine came with.
scale
cone
tamper
I would recommend the following:
Silicone grouphead gasket
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OXA72RW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Brass shower head & IMS shower screen
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F302552114507
Portafilter Pressure gauge
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F283179218329
I hope this is helpful in some way.
Thanks! Good info. I picked this up Gaggia Tune Up Kit. IMS Precision Shower Screen, Brass Shower Holder, Silicone Gasket, Screws https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KV61LWG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_lDhADbN663HAY
Along with cafiza and descaler
It sounds like you're entirely starting new, so I can give you some pointers I hope will be helpful. I also run a Breville Infuser, but I have a Ceado E6P.
When was the last time the grinder was cleaned? When was the last time the machine was descaled and back flushed? Consider this to be like brushing your teeth: you do it regularly so you don't get cavities and dental disease. You do not want to wait until things get funky. I clean my stuff about once a month. I also descale once a month because I have hard water; but I used to live somewhere where I only needed to descale once every 6 months.
On cleaning your grinder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVVsTAUzVzM
Grindz tablets: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014J7FUY
Descale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq1TiwoJbWA
Our machines do not have a descale mode, but that doesn't matter, you can follow the steps anyway. Also, just buy citric acid, you don't need Breville's stuff. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GNBHPAS/ I always backflush after I descale, so I stop following this guide at roughly the 2 minute mark.
Backflush: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1N8HLoW6ew
Cafiza: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004L8RTEM/
You need fresh beans. There's no two ways around this. You can play with this if you like. Old beans are monumentally difficult to dial in, and often it's impossible. I find beans last nearly a month after the roast date, but there's a noticeable drop off after the second week. There's a lot of room for experimenting here, I recommend you do. Also note, that some beans cannot be dialed in. I don't understand the roasting and processing factors, but there is a lot of variation here.
Our machine can be programmed such that it will dispense a fairly precise volume of water with the press of a single button. My 1 cup button is programmed to purge the group head, and my 2 cup button is programmed for a regular pull.
I want you to know that this a really a good approximation, but Breville has a "smart" feature where it will try to "save" the shot if it thinks the pressure is too high. This has ruined a few cups for me, so I only have this programmed for those bad mornings, but otherwise I don't use it.Edit: I'm an idiot. If your pressure gauge is "bouncing" or fluctuating during a shot, most likely your pump is going bad. You can try to service it or replace it, I bought one of these off amazon and it is working: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NMNA138/. I got this because it arrived the same day. This is the actual pump: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077ZRP3GD.
I only use the 2 shot single walled basket, and I have also modified my portafilter to be bottomless. I generally find a good shot is just after the second screw in the pressure gauge, but that gauge is not very helpful.
I bought a few toys to help me out. These are not necessary, and in fact some people will tell you that you don't need them at all. Those people are probably right, but I like my toys anyway.
A funnel: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N693YSS/ A cut yogurt cup can work. It doesn't need to be fancy, I just wanted something fancy.
A pick: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E48EWA/ A toothpick or anything pointy can totally suffice. Again, just wanted to be fancy.
A leveling tool. I have a 51mm because that's what I could find cheaply at the time, but it looks like 53mm are also available now. 51mm: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BTN1S2C/ 53mm: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S4Q179B/
A tamp: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUXN53U/ This tamp has a spring inside it. I only bought this because I had a nasty habit of over tamping.
I found this video that I like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMldWhQVMQA I would not tap the filter after the distribution (where he's stirring the grounds), and I tamp gently. I don't twist or turn the tamp.
Dialing in is a trial and error type deal. In general, you want ~16 grams in the portafilter, and want to pull ~32 grams of espresso in ~30 seconds. These aren't hard and fast rules, and there's a lot of wiggle room here.
Find a coin like a nickel or penny and clean it. After you've tamped your portafilter, place the coin directly on top of the grounds, then lock the portafilter in the machine. Remove the portafilter and then carefully remove the coin from the grounds. (Do not pull a shot with the coin in there)
Is there an indentation in the grounds? If so, then you have overfilled the portafilter. If not, you might be good, or the portafilter might be underfilled. A scale will really help here.
To pull a shot, I have my portafilter locked in, and place my mug on top of my scale underneath the portafilter. I will hold down the 2 shot button (doesn't matter, you can hold down the 1 shot button), and keep it depressed for roughly 10 seconds. This is the preinfusion stage. Low pressure water is being introduced to the grounds. I chose 10 seconds because this is when I first start to see espresso appear at the bottom of my basket. You can experiment here. I then release the button to allow the full extraction. I press the button again at ~30 grams to stop the extraction.
I want to emphasize that these are rough guidelines. You may find something entirely different that works. I apologize if I came off as rude or condescending, I'm a bit of a turd by nature. Please ask if you have any questions.
Total: $185