JUST BOUGHT ROASTER. SEE BELOW: SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THIS NEW VOYAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CHECK OUT THAT ROAST! AROMAS ARE SO NICE!! I'VE TRUELY BEEN MISSING OUT ON THIS!
3rd Roast ever without any preheating of unit. Looks pretty even..but tastes even better!!!!!!
SHE AS ALL MY OTHER GADGETS ARE CLEANED AFTER EVERY USE AND BRUSHED OUT TO
MAINTAIN PERFORMANCE & LONGEVITY.
THESE PARTS WERE PURCHASED FROM SUPERCOFFEEMAN. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM. SUPERIOR QUALITY AND SHIPPING.
1) Steam arm replaced with chrome plated rancilio silvia steam arm = better steaming capabilities for microfoam
2) Portafilter replaced with custom bottomless portafilter = better taste & ability to see if your shot is good or bad.I just added a La Marzocco triple basket portafilter!. Works fantastic i recommend to anyone with a gaggia to purchase this basket, it is constructed in the shape of a typical spray can canister lip top unlike the gaggia double basket which looks like a thimble. The original doesn't allow for proper tamping, when you push down you are limited by the bevelled edges of the gaggia double basket which restrict you from putting proper pressure down on your tamp. Now i'm really being picky here, I've had excellent shots with the double basket but the triple has been that much better for me. I have noticed more distinct flavours come out in a more bold manner but subtle.
3) Drip tray replaced with custom cut aluminum perforated sheet metal = better looks!
4) Standard Brew thermostat replaced with custom PID temperature device = better shots, better temp. monitoring, better overall understanding of what is going on inside your machine & better steaming due to ability to see your boiler temperature rise and fall.
5) Custom Thermal protective tubing around all external wiring similar to the $300.00 units
6) Custom Project boxes covering all electrical units = better looks and functionality.
7) The entire housing of the gaggia is impact and heat resistant plastic therefore no heat sink was available when installing the SSR unit. I put a metal L bracket mounted to the side of machine and then mounted the SSR on top of that to allow for dispersion of heat build up from the SSR. Then covered with the project box.The SSR and PID are mounted with silicone
8) The project box surrounding the PID is custom fit.
9) The water reservoir has a portable independant light source which i hooked up. It allows for better visibility of your shot extraction and well just good looks in the kitchen as well.
11) I have a rancilio rocky grinder. Whoever buys this machine must use a good grinder to have a good shot.
13) This machine is a dream for anyone on time constraints. I am moving on to another machine. I tried the HX technology machines and they are too complicated for me, which is why i sold the one i just bought.
15) I guarantee this unit is far , far and away better then any gaggia home unit without a PID/OPV or steam arm and probably on a consistent basis pulling kick butt shots better then a rancilio silvia!! All user related of course.
19) I'm currently using a basic resin ion exchanger. The ion exchange resin removes the temporary hardness, which causes limescale; it also significantly reduces levels of metals such as aluminium, copper and lead. Before that i was using distilled water only. I will be buying a water softener cartridge for added safety.
VIDEOS: 1st & 2nd video is with new OPV/PID & Nesco fresh beans
3r video is with old OPV and roasted beans ordered direct from local provider (8 days old)
The first shot is far superior in taste, texutre & aromas along with of course no bitterness.
Notice the difference in the pour the 1st is controlled as compared to 2nd video where the pour is
obviously effected by the old crappy OPV valve. Flecking is consistent now as well as reddish colour.