Tag Archives: gaggia OPV

Coffee Nirvana

Posted on by
2

Just a short post to say that I’ve stumbled into a set of coffee tools that work so freaking well, I just can’t seem to miss, and I can’t quit talking about it.  Every cup is really amazing, I don’t think I have had more than a couple of fails since I installed the PID and bought the Rocky last month.  This is not your typical home coffee.  This is the real deal.

Maybe I need to incorporate an aeropress for day to day coffee, to spread the espresso out, so I don’t get burned out on the good stuff.  I’m really spoiled right now.  Especially with the home roasted coffee.

If you’re looking for a great combination for espresso, you should seriously consider the Rancilio Rocky grinder (or mazzer mini if money is no object), and the Gaggia Classic (or Espresso, or the Baby,[update: oops, make sure the model you're considering has an adjustable OPV, not sure the Baby does ] they’re all basically the same guts).

You’ll need to modify the Gaggia’s water pressure – they come from the factory with somewhere between 11 bar and 14 bar to accommodate the espresso pods (bleh).  Look for one of several ways you can measure and adjust the pressure.  I have an article about it here.  And you’ll need to install the PID kit from Auber Instruments.

Actually, I’m just wanting to show off that image above, because it was an AWESOME cup of coffee I made tonight. Jealous?  I think so.

Twitt
Share

9-Bars

Posted on by
3

I watched a fellow on youtube last night, shakeyjava, who created a pressure gauge for the Gaggia Classic. I picked up the parts and made the exact same device today. I was tired of not knowing, and wasting a lot of coffee trying to get good shots. Here’s the deal:

The craziest part of this device is that this hose may be rated at 300 psi at 70 degrees F, but let me tell you, it balloons up at 212 degrees! DON’T do that. Instead, if you make one of these, test as SOON as you turn the machine on, while the water is still room temp. That’s a LOT safer.

Here is before and after video of my pressure:

Adjusting is easy:

  1. find the clear tube that terminates in about the center of the machine, and presses onto a brass barb connector.
  2. gently pull the tube off the connector
  3. use a 17mm socket or open-ended wrench to remove the brass connector
  4. Under that is a 5 or 6mm hex key that you turn counter-clockwise to decrease pressure.

Twitt
Share