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This is useful thanks, I have a blank basket so should really learn how to use it. Will pick up some Cafiza and descaler
Although all this faff does make me think I should sell the lot and just get a a Robot. But I'm stubborn so want to make it work first
magnetic funnel to avoid spillage
Got one of these recently too, made me realise how much more aggressive I needed to be with distribution than I was before. The small improvements here and there are definitely adding up
Turkish-
I think once you've done both processes once you realise it's not too bad and once you consolidate your routine it'll definitely be worth it! Of course it's necessary for me as I do enjoy cappuccinos, so couldn't do without a full on machine...
Mine is only modded in terms of having a PID, 9bars OPV and the Rancilio steam arm and is a very capable machine. As you say it's all "marginal gains" with all the other bits of gear and prep but it definitely adds up to better and very consistent shots. My next port of call is to finally switch to a posh basket like an ISM or VST to see what it's all about, definitely had plenty of positive feedback on here and elsewhere...
In fact, if anyone is selling a nice 15g double basket to fit a Gaggia Classic.... 🙂
alex_s
Realise I'm quite late to tag along this discussion, but definitely do get a blank basket and get w descaling session in - the former should be quite regular (according to how often you use your machine of course), the latter will depend of where you are (if in London, very often).
I say this as I'm just about to put my Classic back together after removing solenoid valve and boiler and running a VERY long overdue descale and full clean after I started having issues with flow. Backflushing helped short term but clearly there were more issues. Looking inside the boiler answered my question.
I know it might all sound obvious and trite, but as someone who's always put off routine maintenance stuff like that, I know I won't make the same mistakes again after seeing the state things got to!
Also re the distribution, a cocktail stick does work well and I used one for a while. That made me want one of those fancy looking tools with a wooden handle and wirey legs, which I ordered off AliExpress along with a magnetic funnel to avoid spillage. all came to around a tenner and I'd say it has made a positive difference with consistency. Next step will be a fancier basket like an ISM Competizione or a VST. Machine came already PID'd and 9 bar'd so can't comment on the importance of those.