Gaggia Running Out of Steam?

Imagine my surprise when I discovered how easy it is to disassemble my Gaggia Espresso Machine. An appliance that is actually meant to be opened up and repaired; no prying through fragile little plastic tabs, marring the surface with a screwdriver, and completely voiding the warranty. Plus, replacement parts are widely available all over the internet.

A few months ago, the Gaggia began loosing steam pressure and started to leak steam around the grouphead. A few attempts at descaling helped, but didn't completely solve the issue. Generally, it would start to steam a pitcher of milk, and fade away about half way through, and I would have to stop and wait for the steam pressure to build again. It might take four or five of these cycles to get the milk temperature to 150ºF. Finally, I'd had enough.

Like my other post about fixing my KitchenAid Mixer, I'm not going to provide a step by step walkthrough. I will, however, post some pictures that might help somebody as they attempt disassembly. These pictures actually came in very handy for me when I forgot the correct way to reassemble the boiler. I plan to disassemble about once a year as a maintenance routine.

Gaggia Coffee Deluxe


Pouring a lovely shot after being fixed!


First, remove the shower screen. It can be cleaned with a mildly acidic solution.


Remove the water spreader and give it a thorough cleaning. Notice the mineral scale on the hex head screws.


The grouphead with the screen and spreader removed. Clean it with a soft bristled brush. Remove the hex nut and pull out the spring valve with the little rubber ball on it. Clean this well, as it keeps steam and water from leaking from the grouphead. I have also removed the steam wand and the four screws that hold the boiler in place. You might consider replacing the rubber seal that surrounds the grouphead and makes contact with the portafilter.


This is a view from the inside. The bright orange part is the pump which probably doesn't need to be removed and cleaned. The weak of heart should turn back now!


Pay attention to all the electrical connections and label them with a marker or tape. This is very important! If the contacts get mixed up upon reassembly, you could fry your machine.


This is the boiler. Open up the steam valve and make sure there are no blockages. Ditto for the steam tube. Also note how the boiler is disassembled - maybe apply a witness mark. Notice the beer. You weren't thinking of attempting this project without a beer, were you?


The inside of the boiler and nearly complete disassembly. Clean any mineral scale from inside the boiler and soak other parts in an acidic solution. Be careful not to get the electrical connectors wet. Notice the different beer as an indication of time lapse.