Gaggia steam wand mod

[Badam]

I think I've reserved my judgement until I can have a little time with the machines. The Livia has gotten so many rave reviews, here and elsewhere, it is pulling up strong on my list.

On the other hand the levers seem to have such a cult following, it wouldn't be prudent to disqualify them.

My thought is to keep deal hunting and get both a lever and pump machine, I can decide if I want to keep both or sell one when it happens. I picked up a Gaggia classic (I saw a used one reasonably priced, locally) to hold me over, since Joe is more than happy with his. It is far more competent than my previous machine. I switched out the steam wand and adjusted the OPV, it makes an excellent shot, but the steam wand still leaves a lot to be desired.

[Joe]

but the steam wand still leaves a lot to be desired.

How? Did you use the silvia v1?

It makes nice foam for me.

[Badam]

but the steam wand still leaves a lot to be desired.

How? Did you use the silvia v1?

It makes nice foam for me.

I did use the Silvia V1 wand, switching the nut from the old Gaggia wand onto it. There is always the possibility that I am steaming improperly, but the micro foam is just not there. I can get foam, just not the micro foam that I am after. I will post a picture the next time I steam some milk.

[Joe]

OK, I'll run a vid soon to see my technique. I have found the single hole to be good for what I am after.

[peter]

Adam, it's most likely just a case of you learning the steam output and when to stop stretching and start texturing the milk.

[Badam]

Adam, it's most likely just a case of you learning the steam output and when to stop stretching and start texturing the milk.

After hearing your guys' input, I decided it must be my issue with the steam wand. I've had some luck with spending ALOT more time on texturing, but it still isn't what I expected after learning how to steam milk on a commercial machine in a local shop here. I know, I know, their machine costs about $4K more, but the steam output from the Gaggia seems to be a bit under powered. I will upload some pictures as soon as I get them transferred and sized appropriately.

Joe, I would very much appreciate seeing how you are able to steam milk. To see if I need to tune the temp on the steam setting or if I am demanding too much from the machine as my technique still needs work. 

[Joe]

Joe, I would very much appreciate seeing how you are able to steam milk. To see if I need to tune the temp on the steam setting or if I am demanding too much from the machine as my technique still needs work. 

Ok but it's about to be amateur hour video stuff. I just made a bunch of cupping videos I plan on splicing together for the cupping thread and then i'll work on Gaggia milk tricks.

[Joe]

https://vimeo.com/144219943

Video 1

[Joe]

https://vimeo.com/144220065

Video 2

[Joe]

https://vimeo.com/144220393

The final video....

[Joe]

I split the topic so people can still find info about the expobar and not have to sort through all the Gaggia stuff. FYI Lowfat 2% milk IMO is much easier for latte art.

[Badam]

Thank you for these videos. I doubt I'll be able to convince anyone to break their camera and film me but I noticed a few differences between your technique and mine. I seem to be spending too much time on stretching the milk, which is what peter hinted at before and I have been spending some time on with better results.

However, judging by your first purge of the system and the vortex created in your milk, you are getting more steam power. How long do you wait after switching the steam switch?

Your latte art is far better than mine, I get blobs    I hesitate to learn to steam my milk better because then I'll have no excuse, haha.

[Joe]

Well,

I wait until the light comes on which isn't too long. Then I usually let some steam out and then I wait for the light to come back on. If your steam pressure is low I bet that it's time to descale your machine. Good news is that it is easy to do with a Gaggia and some citric acid from Amazon. Since this is a single boiler you have a lot less to worry about with descaling but since it is an Aluminum boiler you are best served using citric acid.

I might be picking up a La Pavoni Tomorrow. So I could possibly be talked into selling my Gaggia if I like the La Pavoni.

Thanks for the compliments on the Videos BTW. I feel as if technology should help us do this better.

[Badam]

Thanks for the compliments on the Videos BTW. I feel as if technology should help us do this better.

I think the videos were great. I wonder if new smart phones would be powerful enough to do some minor video editing for that extra touch. 

I descaled my boiler when I got the Gaggia. I used two bottles of Durgol descaler that seemed to get the job done, but when I give the steamer a few minutes longer I seem to get more power. I wonder if it isn't time to open up the boiler. I opened the top up before, elegantly simple interior workings. If I have the time, I might give the boiler a thorough descaling or replace it. Though, the $75 for a replacement, might make it not as good of a deal.

If I take the Gaggia apart, I'll post a few pictures because I'm guessing it is a pretty popular machine.

[Joe]

Thanks for the compliments on the Videos BTW. I feel as if technology should help us do this better.

I think the videos were great. I wonder if new smart phones would be powerful enough to do some minor video editing for that extra touch. 

I descaled my boiler when I got the Gaggia. I used two bottles of Durgol descaler that seemed to get the job done, but when I give the steamer a few minutes longer I seem to get more power. I wonder if it isn't time to open up the boiler. I opened the top up before, elegantly simple interior workings. If I have the time, I might give the boiler a thorough descaling or replace it. Though, the $75 for a replacement, might make it not as good of a deal.

If I take the Gaggia apart, I'll post a few pictures because I'm guessing it is a pretty popular machine.

Yeah I tried the Lever "trap" now I'm back to the Gaggia and happy again