@whole Latte Love I love my red refurb! The steam wand was worthless for steam wand eggs! So I replaced the tip with the no burn easy clean silocone nozzle from a Stilosa. Other than that loving it as it sits. But I am positive that warranty will be voided before six months. Many thanks for a great deal. My management is thrilled. Excellent partner acceptance.
Great video. I bought this machine last year and I really like it. But been struggling with slowing down my espresso. It comes out fast. I do get good crema but only with the pressurized portafilter basket. Not sure if it’s cause I have a off the shelf grinder but the grind is between salt and sugar consistency. I love the machine but wish I could get the espresso to come down slower. I will definitely try what u suggested in the video. Thanks so much 🇨🇦☕️
I’ve been using my GCP for months and keep getting spotty results and never could figure out my issue. The temp surfing and tip to let the whole machine warm for a long time- absolute game changer. Thank you!
Lance I have had my GCP for 6 months and I have done most of the mods! I pulled a shot using the temperature surfacing this morning. It tastes incredible this is a game changer! Cheers
@@haighadjian4867 What a useful response! However, thinking about it - surely you get the best out of any machine or process in life "if you know what you're doing".....
This video is actually a gem for beginners. Really appreciate you walking through the entire process and explaining each step. Other videos gloss over the details because they assume that the audience are all seasoned baristas.
Great video Lance!. I have a Gaggia classic Evo 2023 and I followed what you have said about the temp surfing, what I discovered is that, after waiting for the first 10 second (for the medium roasted coffee) you need at least 7 to 10 second of boiler heating time before you pull the shot. maybe thats the new gaggia but after waiting 7 to 10 second of steam button time, you will be able to taste the fruity note. for the dark roast, I think that 5 second that you said is enough but most of the time shot is not hot enough, so I would recommend trying 6 to 7 second. By the way, I am your huge fan, keep it up!
I would say yes, my recommendation is to install the PID, then workflow is much easier and only then you can start experimenting. Temp surfing is good, but when it comes to using a rather cheap coffee beans(which we all do, not everybody can spend so much money on regular basis for fresh speciality coffee) and switching between different coffee beans, getting a right temp become pain in the ass. In my opinion, there is no different between EVO and the previous models in temp fluctuation.@@bluemystic7501
The GCP has a 3oz boiler, so if you want to save some water when temp surfing you can drain about that much to ensure the boiler is refilled with cold water from the tank. It takes a bit longer for the reheat cycle to begin, so I usually do it before I prep my shot, then boost the temperature with the steam switch right before I start pulling it.
Have Gaggia classic pro with: 1. PID for brewing (no steam PID) 2. 155 C steam thermostat upgrade for higher steam pressure. 3. Shorter brewing pressure spring for ~9 bars pressure (DIY). 4. Cafelat gasket and upgraded shower screen. 5. Bottomless portafilter. PID and 9 bars pressure springs are must have! All the other stuff is optional and it's completely fine without it. With baratza 270 grinder I'm able to get pretty decent shots, but I'm still so bad in latte art 😂
The steam pressure drops off because of two things: the thermostat kicks in and switches the heat off and the 100ml boiler starts to run dry. Timing the start of the steam is a great hack to solve the first. Another hack is to pulse the pump (i.e. the brew switch) whilst steaming. With the right amount of water coming into the boiler, the thermostat will not kick in and the light will never come on. (Apologies if someone else has already said this - there are about 300 other comments before mine!)
I have the same Gaggia at work. My hack to make better espresso is my entry level Rancilio Sylvia. It's by far a better machine for a little more money. The Rancilio pumps espresso better and the hot froth steam is much stronger. The Gaggia can make a drink for 1-3 people, but starts to choke thereafter. So the moral of the story is: if you plan to have a dinner party to make espresso for many people - get the Rancilio.
I've been surfing temps without knowing what I'm doing. This really explained it to me, and I've almost been doing it like this without even knowing. I emptied the brew head a little bit (but not enough) and then I flicked the steam switch (way too much). My first shot doing it properly and I got some really nice citrusy notes with MUCH more body. What a difference it made. Now I can have some consistency at least until I pull the trigger on a full PID and dimmer system. Thank you!!
I don't have a GCP nor do I intend on buying one but I really appreciated this video. I love learning about all things related to coffee and you do such a great job of sharing your knowledge and have a wonderful sense of humor. Always ready to hit that like button, man. Cheers.
Just got a refurbed Gaggia Classic a month ago as my first espresso machine and learning new stuff every day - this video is another on the must see list for me, or anyone who has a Gaggia. Lots of info, clever ways of using the machine to the max. I've changed my basket for a VST (I'm in the UK) and things have improved a lot. Having to go quite fine for timings but it's a work in progress. Thanks for the video 👌👍
Dude, I have learned more from this video than any other. I no longer need to install a PID to accomplish what you just demonstrated. Thank you so much for taking the time. Nice dog too.
Hey here a bit more less water wasting temp surfing (maybe it just works with newer maschines that auto shut off after a fixed amount of time) : I'll turn on my Maschine let it heat up until it shuts off automatically. I think thats about 20 minutes for convenience stop the time once. When it hast turned of I start grinding my coffe then fill the portafilter and insert it + set up scale and cup before turning on.Then turn the Maschine on. then it just takes a few Seconds until the light turns on. Another Bonus to that ist that the scale and cup are already set up. Before I've done it like that it always was a hassle to get the timing right especially if u got no bottomless portafilter + bulky scale The temp surfing is the same timing wise like here there is just no water waste like to get the light off.
Lance, I really appreciate that you show us your gears. Really love to see professionals in their element even though I make just 2 espresso drinks every day on a simple Breville machine. Stay awesome my friend.
THANK YOU!!! These first two tips are out there on the interwebs, but this perfectly compiled them into one easy-to-understand, well-explained video. I can't wait to try steaming with the tray out. I wish I'd seen this 9 months ago when I bought my Gaggia. Also, a tip, if I may be so bold: when I purge the group to force the boiler on, I save time and water by only doing a 9-count (instead of waiting for the light to go out). The light goes out a few seconds after I flip the brew switch back off (on mine). I definitely recommend the Whole Latte Love steam hack, also. Don't let the light come on before you start steaming.
@@1337murk simply put it's a better more high-tech machine. I have the Gaggia down perfectly now. but it was quite the learning curve. with a Gaggia Pro there is no way to control the temperature other than manually manipulating the way use the machine. I love my Gaggia pro now but my goodness I did not like it in the beginning it took a while
Great video, i know it takes longer to do but I appreciate that show the techniques multiple times to help the viewer solidify the technique to memory 🙂
I’ve just bought a Niche grinder and waiting for my classic pro to arrive. I’d ordered these before I’d watched this video. Great video I’m looking forward to seeing the updates. Cheers from Scotland.
Completely new to this crazy stuff, but I wanna try something to simplify. I've got a stock GCP, and I'll have a 9 bar spring soon, and a bottomless portafilter as well, but not yet. the usual starting routine. 1) Start the machine. 2) grind, tamper, put the basket in. 2) Wait 5 mins, wait for light. machine is at high pressure, high temps. When ready : 3) open the steam wand a little, vent some hot water and high pressure, for 3-5 secs. 4) press brew button. 5) close steam wand gradually, until your shot is ready. Should start with slightly lower temp, and lower pressure. Then as the wand gets closed, the pressure increases and temperature equalises. Effectively, use the steam wand knob as a pressure and temp control lever. Think it will be interesting with the bottomless, see if I can make a shot without spurting coffee all over the place, by reducing the pressure at the start.
Really cool, the gaggia classic pro was my first espresso machine and I still use it. I'm going to try the temp surfing right now ! Keep on doing such great content I never a miss a video.
Recently got a Gaggia Classic and while I am looking to mod it I want to get the most of it now while I wait for parts to arrive. Thank you for your helpful and informative video, this was just what I needed.
Hi Lance, loved the video on the Classic pro. I'm sitting here in Melbourne , Australia having a brandy and pod coffee and waiting for the delivery of my Gaggia on the 22nd. all i need now is the grinder and about another few hundred bucks worth of accessories ! Thanks for the tips RustyB
Hey Lance you’re the first person on TH-cam that actually admitted that they never read their collection of books, but they’re just there to make you look smarter! Brilliant. 😆
Hi Lance, you just popped up on my feed. Thoroughly enjoyed this video. I got a new Gaggia Classic Pro last January and been loving it a lot. Marc at WLL suggested that I go for the GCP. I've seen most of the videos on YT about this machine. Been using these hacks and I'm getting pretty good shots. I did the OPV mod and got a "tune up kit" with a brass shower plate a precision screen and a silicone group gasket. By the way, the silicone lets the portafilter click in a lot more easily. Looking forward to the next video.
Update: I tried your temperature surfing technique with great success. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I finally got the shot I've been striving for. 😊
That was the best shot from this damn machine. I've been trying to get something palatable. This was good in fact. I didn't make a shot with old machine.
Really in depth, I love the detail you put into your videos. And while I haven't purchased an espresso machine yet, watching this makes me further cement my decision to buy manual machine when I do 😆 Flair 58 here I come!
Great tips Lance! 👍 My single boiler machine has pressure gauge, so when I turn stream knob I can see pressure while pre-infusion, but it is too hard to make pressure profiling on it and so much waste of water. For pre-infusion I normally go with the full pressure for few seconds and turn the steam switch on the machine will cut the water to brew head and all water will go to OPV back to reservoir.
btw, the heat up time is not so much for the portafilter and group head heating up, the material of these things has high thermal conductivity meaning it will heat up very quickly... the waiting period is mostly for the water
Lance! Thank you for the video! As a Classic owner I've tried timing how long it takes your Gaggia Classic PRO to cycle between the light being on & off since I had a feeling mine was doing it A LOT faster. Stopwatch says 12-13 seconds, when timing your video. I've got the 1st gen, some 15 year old machine, and I'm also in EU on 220V and I've read in some reviews and/or forum/reddit posts that older machine had a stronger heating element and/or that 220V version heats up faster. Might be one of those things. Might be both. Long story short (and my short versions are as short as yours, apparently), mine takes 5-6 seconds to turn the light back on once it goes off! Interesting.
Thanks for the info on steaming, and how to time it. I’m still learning on this machine and have had patchy results from steaming the milk; I couldn’t understand why sometimes I could get excellent creamy milk but then next time get something flat.Now I’ve got a better understanding.❤
My hack for steam wands that don’t tilt is by raising the whole machine up by setting it up on a butchers block, or whatever stable platform you have that’s available, safe and raises it at least 2-4”. I prefer the wood block though. Then you’ll have a lot more room for deeper pitchers.
Thanks for doing this video. I have had a GCP for several months and have been trying to time when I started the brew after flushing the head. Wasn't sure if it was the best part of the temperature cycle for brewing, but I was prioritizing consistency. and it has been pretty consistent. Will be trying your method for sure
So I've done all these hacks! Thanks for compiling them all in one video. I've had this machine for about 2 years, and I can just say as a slight adjustment to your comment about pulling a full shot at pre-infusion, the boiler is so small, you really don't want to do that because it will run out of water that is hot enough. I typically do the poor man's pre-infusion for about 5 seconds and then pull the rest of my shot. I do heat up my boiler a bit more than you did (about 10 more seconds, so 20 seconds with the steam button pushed). I have noticed when i Go to about six or seven seconds of pre-infusion, the light turns off mid-shot. Which you don't want. I've noticed that the shot doesn't taste as great when that happens. I think it has something to do with the temperature consistency; But I haven't put a probe in there to check it out. Overall, it really is just guessing and playing. The Gaggia has been a great beginner machine for me for almost 2 years. I've also learned how to get some pretty bomb latte art on it doing a similar hack that you showed! I know this video will help someone. I'll definitely share it with all my GCP owner friends
Your drips also came from the solenoid 🤣 😉 I put a little cup underneath where the solenoid ejects the water from the group to prevent a little bit of that mess
Yeah. Those drips were so little I deemed them inconsequential haha. And I figured all machines would be slightly different with temp surfing. I've found this to be consistent for that 200 range. As for full PI shots, good point. I hadn't tried one and added that on the fly. Should've considered boiler size
@@LanceHedrick thanks for the reply! Overall great content and great quality 😉 I actually posted a reel on Instagram about the steam hack a while back. Give it a shot if you haven't already modded your machine with the PID - instagram.com/reel/CQGjmjShRUZ/
Hey there Quin, quick question re temp surfing - after you've purged the boiler, do you wait until the light comes on before counting 15 seconds and then flick the steam switch for 5 seconds? Thanks !
Just bought my Gaggia Classic 2018/19 SB and it will turn off automatically after 15’. I guess it’s for safety reasons. Just mentioning it out because you said we have to leave the machine on for at least 15-20 mins
This was the machine that I considered for my first espresso machine. So deep is the rabbit hole that is home espresso making that I ended up opting for an Expobar Office Leva mkIV Dual Boiler instead. Since replaced that with a Sage (Breville) Dual Boiler (as seen to the left of Lance’s setup) and a Niche Zero grinder (amongst multiple others!).
Lance. Good video. I have a gaggia classic pro and gaggia classic. I did the opv mods to 6.5 bar. I also did the pid mod. But one mod i did thats rarely discussed is the one that replaces the steam hack for preinfusion. Its only 20usd. Its PWM which connects to the pump. Its a simple install. It works very well to start at very low pressure right like you did with shot you did steam knob hack. If you want to know more let me know as i think it would really help video part 2 as few discuss this on forums though Peter Horvath will have boost box out soon with PWM and gauge. But this is even easier and simple.
I love seeing that huge chunk of man leaning and mixing his grounds with his tiny little fork xD I appreciate the efforts and are very thankful for your hard work so that when I finally get the Gaggia I'll be able to make great espresso and froth milk like a champ :D
If you look close on 12:34 you mention wait 10 second after the light comes on, however on your demonstration on 26:07, you didn't wait for the lights on before you count for your 10 second
Thank you Lance. Love this video and so many others you’ve done. I’m pondering *strokesMingGoatie* of either messing about mor with my gagging classic (not even a pro) or bite the bullet and one of those sexy beasts in your vid, The Decent. After this video and the great links you posted it’s certainly a champagne problem. All the best from mizzly Belfast
The Poor Man's Preinfusion has been my favorite way to make an Americano in the morning. I get a better extraction AND hot water for my Americano! Boom! Then I just pour the rest back into the machine.
I bought a GCP because it's easy to mod, hack, and a low cost point for espresso. Now I know for sure i'll be doing espresso i'm planning on moving up to the Mara X, P300, or Elizabeth, though i'm not completely sure yet. A really nice thing is if you buy the Gaggia Classic or Pro used, you basically wont lose any money when sell it if you upgrade or decide espresso isn't for you.
Temperature Surfing Flip brew button on till light turns off Turn brew button off and wait for light to turn on, wait 10 seconds Wait for 5 seconds, then flip brew button on and open steam knob.
Incredible content as usual Lance! One thing I’m not quite clear on, does it matter when you flush (in terms of where the boiler is in the heat cycle)? For instance, should I start to flush as soon as the light comes on or does it matter?
I usually just forgo the drip tray thru the entire process and stick a shot glass or espresso cup under the vent tube to catch the purges. A bit messier but it means I have space for pretty much any cup and a scale.
Thank you for all of the great information and work flows for this machine. I’ve been using the GCP for about 5 months now. thank you for the temp surfing hack, it did wonders for the taste of the espresso. one question I have concerning the stream wand hack is when I remove the tray after pulling my shot, the portafilter drips onto my counter making a bit of a mess, is that normal for my puck to drip so much? or should I be removing the portafilter right after pulling the shot as you did? Thank you again for the wealth of information you’ve provided on this machine.
Great video Lance. I just bought the GCP and looking to start modding it. I also have the niche grinder. What grind setting did you use in this example please? I'm still experimenting with the niche and my current light roasted beans.
Thanks for the shout-out on the steam pressure hack! ☕️
Must not live on the east coast, we got enough water to not feel guilty about wasting 10 oz.
@whole Latte Love I love my red refurb!
The steam wand was worthless for steam wand eggs!
So I replaced the tip with the no burn easy clean silocone nozzle from a Stilosa.
Other than that loving it as it sits. But I am positive that warranty will be voided before six months.
Many thanks for a great deal. My management is thrilled. Excellent partner acceptance.
th-cam.com/users/shortsN4KxD4s3T1E?feature=share
Great video. I bought this machine last year and I really like it. But been struggling with slowing down my espresso. It comes out fast. I do get good crema but only with the pressurized portafilter basket. Not sure if it’s cause I have a off the shelf grinder but the grind is between salt and sugar consistency. I love the machine but wish I could get the espresso to come down slower. I will definitely try what u suggested in the video. Thanks so much 🇨🇦☕️
I’ve been using my GCP for months and keep getting spotty results and never could figure out my issue. The temp surfing and tip to let the whole machine warm for a long time- absolute game changer. Thank you!
Lance I have had my GCP for 6 months and I have done most of the mods! I pulled a shot using the temperature surfacing this morning. It tastes incredible this is a game changer! Cheers
Hey Will, how are you liking your GCP?
@@ragej3832you don't need anything more. It pulls like a really good machine if you know what you're doing
@@haighadjian4867 What a useful response! However, thinking about it - surely you get the best out of any machine or process in life "if you know what you're doing".....
This video is actually a gem for beginners. Really appreciate you walking through the entire process and explaining each step. Other videos gloss over the details because they assume that the audience are all seasoned baristas.
I'm blown away by the difference this pre-infusion hack makes. I'm a bit of a noob to be honest but even I noticed how much better my espresso tastes.
Great video Lance!. I have a Gaggia classic Evo 2023 and I followed what you have said about the temp surfing, what I discovered is that, after waiting for the first 10 second (for the medium roasted coffee) you need at least 7 to 10 second of boiler heating time before you pull the shot. maybe thats the new gaggia but after waiting 7 to 10 second of steam button time, you will be able to taste the fruity note. for the dark roast, I think that 5 second that you said is enough but most of the time shot is not hot enough, so I would recommend trying 6 to 7 second. By the way, I am your huge fan, keep it up!
So you'd recommend temp surfing on the new EVO model as well? My friend just got this machine and I want to give them good tips.
I would say yes, my recommendation is to install the PID, then workflow is much easier and only then you can start experimenting. Temp surfing is good, but when it comes to using a rather cheap coffee beans(which we all do, not everybody can spend so much money on regular basis for fresh speciality coffee) and switching between different coffee beans, getting a right temp become pain in the ass. In my opinion, there is no different between EVO and the previous models in temp fluctuation.@@bluemystic7501
The GCP has a 3oz boiler, so if you want to save some water when temp surfing you can drain about that much to ensure the boiler is refilled with cold water from the tank. It takes a bit longer for the reheat cycle to begin, so I usually do it before I prep my shot, then boost the temperature with the steam switch right before I start pulling it.
Yes. I haven’t run out of hot water using this trick even for longer shots
Struggling for months now to get consistent Espresso with my Gaggia Classic Pro. With the temperature surfing hack it works now. Thank you a lot!!
Have Gaggia classic pro with:
1. PID for brewing (no steam PID)
2. 155 C steam thermostat upgrade for higher steam pressure.
3. Shorter brewing pressure spring for ~9 bars pressure (DIY).
4. Cafelat gasket and upgraded shower screen.
5. Bottomless portafilter.
PID and 9 bars pressure springs are must have!
All the other stuff is optional and it's completely fine without it.
With baratza 270 grinder I'm able to get pretty decent shots, but I'm still so bad in latte art 😂
Are there lower bar pressure springs for the Gaggia? I'm debating moving on from a Flair and like the lower pressure, high contact time on shots.
Very nice! Thank you for sharing!
@@bfilippers there's a kit from Shades of Coffee that has springs 9 and 6.5 bars. So you can get in that turbo shot territory.
The steam pressure drops off because of two things: the thermostat kicks in and switches the heat off and the 100ml boiler starts to run dry. Timing the start of the steam is a great hack to solve the first. Another hack is to pulse the pump (i.e. the brew switch) whilst steaming. With the right amount of water coming into the boiler, the thermostat will not kick in and the light will never come on. (Apologies if someone else has already said this - there are about 300 other comments before mine!)
How to pulse the pump?
@@mmt8 Switch the brew switch on for half a second every few seconds.
I have the same Gaggia at work. My hack to make better espresso is my entry level Rancilio Sylvia. It's by far a better machine for a little more money. The Rancilio pumps espresso better and the hot froth steam is much stronger. The Gaggia can make a drink for 1-3 people, but starts to choke thereafter. So the moral of the story is: if you plan to have a dinner party to make espresso for many people - get the Rancilio.
I've been surfing temps without knowing what I'm doing. This really explained it to me, and I've almost been doing it like this without even knowing. I emptied the brew head a little bit (but not enough) and then I flicked the steam switch (way too much). My first shot doing it properly and I got some really nice citrusy notes with MUCH more body. What a difference it made. Now I can have some consistency at least until I pull the trigger on a full PID and dimmer system. Thank you!!
This video is one of the most helpful guides I’ve found for this machine. Excellent content!!!
The pre-infusion hack is really bleeding off water pressure from the circuit. Brilliant. Lance is such a smart guy.
I don't have a GCP nor do I intend on buying one but I really appreciated this video. I love learning about all things related to coffee and you do such a great job of sharing your knowledge and have a wonderful sense of humor. Always ready to hit that like button, man. Cheers.
Thank you so much, Jeff! I appreciate the support so much
Just got a refurbed Gaggia Classic a month ago as my first espresso machine and learning new stuff every day - this video is another on the must see list for me, or anyone who has a Gaggia. Lots of info, clever ways of using the machine to the max. I've changed my basket for a VST (I'm in the UK) and things have improved a lot. Having to go quite fine for timings but it's a work in progress. Thanks for the video 👌👍
Dude, I have learned more from this video than any other. I no longer need to install a PID to accomplish what you just demonstrated. Thank you so much for taking the time. Nice dog too.
Hey here a bit more less water wasting temp surfing (maybe it just works with newer maschines that auto shut off after a fixed amount of time) :
I'll turn on my Maschine let it heat up until it shuts off automatically. I think thats about 20 minutes for convenience stop the time once.
When it hast turned of I start grinding my coffe then fill the portafilter and insert it + set up scale and cup before turning on.Then turn the Maschine on. then it just takes a few Seconds until the light turns on. Another Bonus to that ist that the scale and cup are already set up. Before I've done it like that it always was a hassle to get the timing right especially if u got no bottomless portafilter + bulky scale
The temp surfing is the same timing wise like here there is just no water waste like to get the light off.
I just bought a Gaggia, these videos are super informative! Thankyou so much for your hard work!
Useful tips + great personality + cute dog + good coffee + perfect latte art = 10/10 video
Thank you for the temp surfing trick. Water is perfect for making oatmeal as part of the morning workflow.
I don’t own a Gaggia, but I’m still going to watch how to hack it 😅
Same
Lance posts a new video, I watch regardless! 😁
2:53 “silky milky” didn’t sit well with me for some reason lol
Haha why is that? It's actually a quite common term in the coffee world, especially in Australia
@@LanceHedrick I’ve never heard it before and I guess initially it sounds dirty. I’m afraid to google it to see where it’s prevalent haha.
Lance, I really appreciate that you show us your gears. Really love to see professionals in their element even though I make just 2 espresso drinks every day on a simple Breville machine. Stay awesome my friend.
'the machine's an idiot' - actually laughed out loud. Great video
THANK YOU!!! These first two tips are out there on the interwebs, but this perfectly compiled them into one easy-to-understand, well-explained video. I can't wait to try steaming with the tray out. I wish I'd seen this 9 months ago when I bought my Gaggia.
Also, a tip, if I may be so bold: when I purge the group to force the boiler on, I save time and water by only doing a 9-count (instead of waiting for the light to go out). The light goes out a few seconds after I flip the brew switch back off (on mine).
I definitely recommend the Whole Latte Love steam hack, also. Don't let the light come on before you start steaming.
Can you help me decide between Gaggia Classic Pro and Breville Barista Express
@@kb4koolboyz get the Breville Barista Express I wished I had.
@@ImACarbonCopyWhy?
@@1337murk simply put it's a better more high-tech machine. I have the Gaggia down perfectly now. but it was quite the learning curve. with a Gaggia Pro there is no way to control the temperature other than manually manipulating the way use the machine. I love my Gaggia pro now but my goodness I did not like it in the beginning it took a while
@@ImACarbonCopy ah ok makes sense. How about with the Gaggia mods? I'm about to order a Gaggia classic pro and mod it
Oh yes! I recently had bought one as my first espresso machine. I love this machine! Thanks for the amazing video, Lance! Keep up the good work. ;)
Me too! Love the GAGGIA Classic Pro!
Great video, i know it takes longer to do but I appreciate that show the techniques multiple times to help the viewer solidify the technique to memory 🙂
When I see your videos pop up I smile, then get that Christmas morning feeling and hit play as fast as possible! Keep being amazing.
I’ve just bought a Niche grinder and waiting for my classic pro to arrive. I’d ordered these before I’d watched this video. Great video I’m looking forward to seeing the updates. Cheers from Scotland.
Completely new to this crazy stuff, but I wanna try something to simplify.
I've got a stock GCP, and I'll have a 9 bar spring soon, and a bottomless portafilter as well, but not yet.
the usual starting routine.
1) Start the machine.
2) grind, tamper, put the basket in.
2) Wait 5 mins, wait for light. machine is at high pressure, high temps.
When ready :
3) open the steam wand a little, vent some hot water and high pressure, for 3-5 secs.
4) press brew button.
5) close steam wand gradually, until your shot is ready.
Should start with slightly lower temp, and lower pressure. Then as the wand gets closed, the pressure increases and temperature equalises. Effectively, use the steam wand knob as a pressure and temp control lever.
Think it will be interesting with the bottomless, see if I can make a shot without spurting coffee all over the place, by reducing the pressure at the start.
Really cool, the gaggia classic pro was my first espresso machine and I still use it. I'm going to try the temp surfing right now ! Keep on doing such great content I never a miss a video.
Thank you! Means a lot. Thanks for the support!
Lance,you are the most thorough and clear describer of things
Recently got a Gaggia Classic and while I am looking to mod it I want to get the most of it now while I wait for parts to arrive.
Thank you for your helpful and informative video, this was just what I needed.
Great vid, Lance!
Hi Lance, loved the video on the Classic pro. I'm sitting here in Melbourne , Australia having a brandy and pod coffee and waiting for the delivery of my Gaggia on the 22nd. all i need now is the grinder and about another few hundred bucks worth of accessories ! Thanks for the tips RustyB
Make sure to invest I a grinder with high quality burrs.
Really helpful intro to the machine and some useful tips. Awaiting delivery of ours in the next day or so. Thanks!
That latte art at the end. So beautiful!
Hey Lance you’re the first person on TH-cam that actually admitted that they never read their collection of books, but they’re just there to make you look smarter! Brilliant. 😆
Oh I was totally kidding lol. I've read half of them. The other half just came in last week lol
@@LanceHedrick haha all good mate. Keep up the Aussie style humour please. 👍
Oh absolutely. Hugely affected by Aussie coffee culture.
Explain this to your friend who stayed over and tries to make themselves a cup of coffee 😀
Hi Lance, you just popped up on my feed. Thoroughly enjoyed this video. I got a new Gaggia Classic Pro last January and been loving it a lot. Marc at WLL suggested that I go for the GCP. I've seen most of the videos on YT about this machine. Been using these hacks and I'm getting pretty good shots. I did the OPV mod and got a "tune up kit" with a brass shower plate a precision screen and a silicone group gasket. By the way, the silicone lets the portafilter click in a lot more easily. Looking forward to the next video.
Update: I tried your temperature surfing technique with great success. Thanks so much for sharing this with us.
I finally got the shot I've been striving for. 😊
Love this video! Not just because of the content but when your counting down at 22.40 mins I couldn't help but dance my head side to side 😅
Pressed the like button immediately upon hearing the word «celsius»
Idk how I missed this one till now but this ep gets me all excited! :) Thank you!
Awesome! Just modded the GCP and will be doing the follow up vid soon!
That was the best shot from this damn machine. I've been trying to get something palatable. This was good in fact. I didn't make a shot with old machine.
Really in depth, I love the detail you put into your videos. And while I haven't purchased an espresso machine yet, watching this makes me further cement my decision to buy manual machine when I do 😆 Flair 58 here I come!
Great tips Lance! 👍 My single boiler machine has pressure gauge, so when I turn stream knob I can see pressure while pre-infusion, but it is too hard to make pressure profiling on it and so much waste of water. For pre-infusion I normally go with the full pressure for few seconds and turn the steam switch on the machine will cut the water to brew head and all water will go to OPV back to reservoir.
Nice video
Removing the drip tray is a G A M E changer. Thanks Lance
Haha thanks! Glad it's helpful!
btw, the heat up time is not so much for the portafilter and group head heating up, the material of these things has high thermal conductivity meaning it will heat up very quickly... the waiting period is mostly for the water
I appreciate the way you have presented this material. Thank you.
Lance! Thank you for the video! As a Classic owner I've tried timing how long it takes your Gaggia Classic PRO to cycle between the light being on & off since I had a feeling mine was doing it A LOT faster. Stopwatch says 12-13 seconds, when timing your video. I've got the 1st gen, some 15 year old machine, and I'm also in EU on 220V and I've read in some reviews and/or forum/reddit posts that older machine had a stronger heating element and/or that 220V version heats up faster. Might be one of those things. Might be both. Long story short (and my short versions are as short as yours, apparently), mine takes 5-6 seconds to turn the light back on once it goes off! Interesting.
Just beautiful episode and informative yet I need the grey sweats back please.
This guy has improved my espresso game a lot.
Excellent information. I appreciate the amount of content covered in this amount of time.
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the info on steaming, and how to time it. I’m still learning on this machine and have had patchy results from steaming the milk; I couldn’t understand why sometimes I could get excellent creamy milk but then next time get something flat.Now I’ve got a better understanding.❤
That's great! So glad you found the video helpful ;)
My hack for steam wands that don’t tilt is by raising the whole machine up by setting it up on a butchers block, or whatever stable platform you have that’s available, safe and raises it at least 2-4”. I prefer the wood block though. Then you’ll have a lot more room for deeper pitchers.
That's pretty inconvenient ngl
@@rustycolon9368 It worked well.
@@rustycolon9368lol how
Lance: “Can you speak? Speak!”
Doggo: *yawn*
😂
He was a tired doggo
He says KNOB a lot in this video. I approve. Now.. back to cleaning my damn 15+ year old Gaggia Classic.
Thanks for doing this video. I have had a GCP for several months and have been trying to time when I started the brew after flushing the head. Wasn't sure if it was the best part of the temperature cycle for brewing, but I was prioritizing consistency. and it has been pretty consistent. Will be trying your method for sure
I just got this machine. Using only those tricks from this video i got great shots. Amzing.
Thanks for posting this; looking forward to the rest of the series!
Thank you for watching and supporting!
So I've done all these hacks! Thanks for compiling them all in one video. I've had this machine for about 2 years, and I can just say as a slight adjustment to your comment about pulling a full shot at pre-infusion, the boiler is so small, you really don't want to do that because it will run out of water that is hot enough. I typically do the poor man's pre-infusion for about 5 seconds and then pull the rest of my shot. I do heat up my boiler a bit more than you did (about 10 more seconds, so 20 seconds with the steam button pushed). I have noticed when i Go to about six or seven seconds of pre-infusion, the light turns off mid-shot. Which you don't want. I've noticed that the shot doesn't taste as great when that happens. I think it has something to do with the temperature consistency; But I haven't put a probe in there to check it out.
Overall, it really is just guessing and playing. The Gaggia has been a great beginner machine for me for almost 2 years. I've also learned how to get some pretty bomb latte art on it doing a similar hack that you showed!
I know this video will help someone. I'll definitely share it with all my GCP owner friends
Your drips also came from the solenoid 🤣 😉 I put a little cup underneath where the solenoid ejects the water from the group to prevent a little bit of that mess
Yeah. Those drips were so little I deemed them inconsequential haha. And I figured all machines would be slightly different with temp surfing. I've found this to be consistent for that 200 range.
As for full PI shots, good point. I hadn't tried one and added that on the fly. Should've considered boiler size
@@LanceHedrick thanks for the reply! Overall great content and great quality 😉
I actually posted a reel on Instagram about the steam hack a while back. Give it a shot if you haven't already modded your machine with the PID - instagram.com/reel/CQGjmjShRUZ/
@@QuinCarter I tried to follow your reel, but it was too fast for me.
Hey there Quin, quick question re temp surfing - after you've purged the boiler, do you wait until the light comes on before counting 15 seconds and then flick the steam switch for 5 seconds? Thanks !
Just bought my Gaggia Classic 2018/19 SB and it will turn off automatically after 15’. I guess it’s for safety reasons. Just mentioning it out because you said we have to leave the machine on for at least 15-20 mins
Thank you for giving the celsius conversion!!
This was the machine that I considered for my first espresso machine. So deep is the rabbit hole that is home espresso making that I ended up opting for an Expobar Office Leva mkIV Dual Boiler instead. Since replaced that with a Sage (Breville) Dual Boiler (as seen to the left of Lance’s setup) and a Niche Zero grinder (amongst multiple others!).
I love it! The hole gets so deep! Haha
You had me at “the machines an idiot” 😂😂
As I take milk and sugar in my coffee I save all the hassle - Is the red light on? Yes. Hit the brew switch.
Lance. Good video. I have a gaggia classic pro and gaggia classic. I did the opv mods to 6.5 bar. I also did the pid mod. But one mod i did thats rarely discussed is the one that replaces the steam hack for preinfusion. Its only 20usd. Its PWM which connects to the pump. Its a simple install. It works very well to start at very low pressure right like you did with shot you did steam knob hack. If you want to know more let me know as i think it would really help video part 2 as few discuss this on forums though Peter Horvath will have boost box out soon with PWM and gauge. But this is even easier and simple.
Shoot me the info to buy at kylelancehedrick@gmail.com
Hi jeffrey nester, could you please give a little more info on the PWM mod.? Sounds like something I would like to try
I emailed you info
Awesome Lance, great tips! I'll see if I can use some of them in my Ascaso Dream
Do it! If any work, report back!
I love seeing that huge chunk of man leaning and mixing his grounds with his tiny little fork xD
I appreciate the efforts and are very thankful for your hard work so that when I finally get the Gaggia I'll be able to make great espresso and froth milk like a champ :D
Yes! That is awesome! Happy for you and the soon to come gaggia!
That's the rocket science of coffee!
A must video for every Gaggia owner
If you look close on 12:34 you mention wait 10 second after the light comes on, however on your demonstration on 26:07, you didn't wait for the lights on before you count for your 10 second
Thanks from a new Gaggia Owner : )
We’re the smart ones here! Preach Lance!
Hahaha! Tricked the machine twice!
Great video as always! Can’t wait for the modded version of the GCP
Lance the real deal!!!!
Thank you so much! Appreciate the support
Thank you Lance. Love this video and so many others you’ve done. I’m pondering *strokesMingGoatie* of either messing about mor with my gagging classic (not even a pro) or bite the bullet and one of those sexy beasts in your vid, The Decent. After this video and the great links you posted it’s certainly a champagne problem. All the best from mizzly Belfast
Smart and generous to do GPC videos
The Poor Man's Preinfusion has been my favorite way to make an Americano in the morning. I get a better extraction AND hot water for my Americano! Boom! Then I just pour the rest back into the machine.
Oh nice! The water for an Americano! Didn't consider that
I bought a GCP because it's easy to mod, hack, and a low cost point for espresso. Now I know for sure i'll be doing espresso i'm planning on moving up to the Mara X, P300, or Elizabeth, though i'm not completely sure yet. A really nice thing is if you buy the Gaggia Classic or Pro used, you basically wont lose any money when sell it if you upgrade or decide espresso isn't for you.
Oh for sure! Exactly right. Lots of potential with GCP. Have fun with the upgrade!
Just an FYI. That water can be poured back into the reservoir and "reused." Unless it's being caught in a dirty container is perfectly fine. :-)
If u want oily water with ultra fine coffee grounds.. sure.
I agree with Ash here
@@ash2joker Why would it be oily?
Just ordered one earlier for Christmas 🎄 gift to myself and my partner. 🤗
Temperature Surfing
Flip brew button on till light turns off
Turn brew button off and wait for light to turn on, wait 10 seconds
Wait for 5 seconds, then flip brew button on and open steam knob.
Lance you counted 10 seconds for the temperature surf BEFORE the brew light came on the last segment (at 26 seconds of your video)
Incredible content as usual Lance! One thing I’m not quite clear on, does it matter when you flush (in terms of where the boiler is in the heat cycle)? For instance, should I start to flush as soon as the light comes on or does it matter?
Really I don’t know how to thanks you ❤. Just after this video love my gaggia and my espresso.
OMG , had to pause for some doggie love.. Freaking Beautiful !!!
this is amazing. hilarious too. thoroughly enjoyed it =D
Great video, thanks for your informative take on the GCP. I'm over here wondering what cups you're using for the espresso?
Watching this I can’t help but think it makes the breville barista express seem like a really good value
It is an incredible value! ONe of the best "out of the box" values out there, imo
I usually just forgo the drip tray thru the entire process and stick a shot glass or espresso cup under the vent tube to catch the purges. A bit messier but it means I have space for pretty much any cup and a scale.
Ooooh! You have a Husky! 💕
I see a dog bowl. I want to see a dog now... LANCE WHERE IS THE DOG?
Keep watching 😜
@@LanceHedrick WORTH IT!
Thank you, Lance!
What a great video! Thank you
i did the milk shake, broke the cup, broke the counter top, broke the tile on the floor but the milk held it self pretty well. thanks.
I've had my machine for about 2 months and finally got some decent crema after using this technique
nice! Glad its working for you!
Thank you for all of the great information and work flows for this machine. I’ve been using the GCP for about 5 months now. thank you for the temp surfing hack, it did wonders for the taste of the espresso. one question I have concerning the stream wand hack is when I remove the tray after pulling my shot, the portafilter drips onto my counter making a bit of a mess, is that normal for my puck to drip so much? or should I be removing the portafilter right after pulling the shot as you did? Thank you again for the wealth of information you’ve provided on this machine.
Yeah the PF will drip some, for sure. I'd recommend removing it and just leaving it on the tray you remove!
Thats Boss! More steps to add t my process! Thanks!
Great video Lance. I just bought the GCP and looking to start modding it. I also have the niche grinder. What grind setting did you use in this example please? I'm still experimenting with the niche and my current light roasted beans.