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No, but it seems like an improvement if you need a new one. I can’t remember how much my replacement Gaggia one was, but it was in that ballpark and I also seem to remember the body on the new one was stainless steel and not brass like the 2008 original.
I wouldn’t replace it just for the sake of replacing, because it’s a LOT of work. Full strip down basically. I’d try running some descaler through the valve first and see if that helps bed it back in.
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I fitted the shades valve a week ago.
Seems pretty good to me, no drips and seals up well.Fitting wasn’t bad either, didn’t need to remove anything else just two bolts on top of the boiler and the steam wand connection.
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Another benefit of the SOC valve is that it's a half-turn (I think) to fully open.
I've only replaced my steam valve 6 months ago, otherwise I'd probably get one.
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@pjhobs
Have any Gaggia Classic owners replaced/upgraded their steam valve to the new Shades of Coffee one?
Drips don't really bother and (in theory) the Gaggiuino will compensate for any water/pressure losses, but I dislike the steam constantly leaking
EDIT : Just realised, loosing pressure via the steam valve will be affecting the brew, most notably the pre-infusion duration because the profile I typically use is free falling pressure driven