Boy, I didn't ralize how much trouble making decent espresso is when I bought what appears now to be a used Gaggia Espresso. I thought it was a Classic because it had all the same controls only in different places. I figured it was just an older model. I don't make really decent espresso, so I figure some of the mods here might be needed. But I am 80 now and my geek days are behind me. Wonder if anyone could describe what might be needed for that machine so I could just show it to my son, next time he comes over.
Thanks.
Pete
There are 3 mods I recommend;
1) Self Priming Valve mod: Gaggia designed the SPV so users wouldn't have to learn how to prime a boiler. Problem is, the blasted thing leaks and robs the boiler of brew & steam pressure. It's a very cheap & simple fix, and only the newer models of aluminum boiler machines need it.
2) Adjustable Over Pressure Valve: Conventional wisdom holds that espresso is best brewed at ~9 bar pressure. The pumps used in consumer espresso machines put out ~15 bar pressure. Some Gaggia models, like the Classic, have adjustable OPVs; and those models that don't have them can easily be retro-fitted with one for ~$50.
3) PID: Gaggia machines are equipped with mechanical thermostats that operate within a range of ~50 degrees. This is known as the dead-band, and simply put it sucks. CW holds that espresso should be brewed within a starting range of temperatures (196°F - 203°F), and a stock tstat just can't manage. A PID is a replacement for the stock tstat and can hold a beginning temp within 1°F. PID kits can be had for ~$150 and are fairly simple to install and come with excellent instructions.
I hope this helps and isn't too confusing? There's also a Gaggia users group (follow the link in my signature) with members who're glad to help.
Here's a link that goes into these in more detail.edited: It always helps if you include a picture of your machine.