Gaggia Coffee machine User Manual

ENGLISH

• 8 •

Congratulations on your wise
choice!

As the proud owner of the Gaggia machine, you can now
experience the taste of a delicious cup of espresso or
cappuccino in the comfort of your own home.
Espresso coffee, originally created in Italy, is made by
rapidly forcing water that has been
heated to the correct brewing temperature, through a
special finely ground coffee.
The heart of the espresso machine is a precision engineered
pump.
The pump and water flow is easily controlled with just a
flick of the switch.

CAUTION:

This appliance is for household use.
Any repairs or servicing operations, with the exception of normal
cleaning and maintenance operations must be undertaken by
an authorized service centre.

1. Check

voltage to be sure that the voltage indicated on the

plate agrees with your voltage.

2. Never use warm or hot water to fill the water tank. Use

cold water only.

3. Keep your hands and the cord away from hot parts of the

appliance during operation.

4. Never clean with scouring powders or hard implements.

5. To avoid your machine scaling up, use purified or bottled

water.

6. Do not immerse base in water.

IMPORTANT

SAFEGUARDS

When using electrical appliances, basic safety
precautions should always be followed to reduce the
risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons,
including the following:

1 Read all instructions and information in this instruction book

and any other literature included in this packaging referring
to this product before operating or using this appliance.

2 This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including

children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental
capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless
they have been given supervision or instruction concerning
use of the appliance by a person responsible for their
safety.

3 Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
4 To protect against fire, electric shock and personal injury

do not immerse cord, plugs, or appliance in water or other
liquid.

5 Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used

by or near children.

6 Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning.

Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts and
before cleaning the appliance.

7 Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug

or in the event of appliance faults or damages. Return
appliance to the nearest authorized service centre for
examination, repair or adjustment.

8 The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the

appliance manufacturer may result in fire, electric shock or
personal injury.

9 Do not use outdoors.
10 Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch

hot surfaces.

11 Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in

a heated oven.

12 This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including

children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities,
or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been
given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance
by a person responsible for their safety.

13 Do not use appliance for other than intended household

use.

14 Use extreme caution when using hot steam.
15 Save these instructions.

ENGLISH

• 9 •

Description of parts:

FIG. 01

1 Main switch
2 Manual dispensing / hot water button
3 Steam button
4 Dose programming/Coffee dispensing button
5 Correct temperature light
6 Turbo frother steam nozzle (removeable)
7 Filterholder
8 1 cup filter
9 Filter for pods
10 2 cup filter
11 Basin (removable)
12 “Perfect cream” Filter (OPTION)
13 Brewing head
14 Filterholder gasket
15 Overflowing protection hole
16 Shower disc
17 Tamper
18 Power cable and plug
19 Measuring spoon
20 Delivery spout
21 Tank cover
22 Grid (removable)
23 Cappuccino maker kit (OPTION)
24 Steam/hot water knob
25 Removable water tank

Instructions for the power supply
cord

A A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce risks of

getting tangled up or tripping over a longer cord.

B Longer extension cords are available and may be used if

care is exercised in their use.

C If a long extension cord is used:

1 the marked electrical rating of the extension cord

should be at least as great as the electrical rating of
the appliance.

2 if the appliance is of the grounded type, the extension

cord should be a grounding type

3 the cable does not hang from the table to avoid the

risk of getting caught up in it.

Preparation:

1. Remove the water tank cover (21) and fill the tank with
cold water checking the level through the tank window
shown in FIG. 02.

N.B.: The upper section of the tank (25) is provided with an

overflowing safety hole (15) in case of tank overfilling.

The water tank can also be removed (FIG.02), after

removing the tank cover (21).

Re-install tank with water and cover.

2. Insert plug (18) into a suitable wall outlet (see point 1
under “Caution”).

3. Push the main switch (1). The temperature light (5)
will flash until the temperature is reached; when the
temperature is reached the light will remain on.

Starting up

This procedure fills the water boiler with fresh water.

This should be done whenever the machine is switched on.

This machine, featuring a pump to brew coffee, is equipped
with a self-priming system.

Place an empty cup under the brewing head (13), do not
insert the filter holder and press the hot water/coffee switch
(2) (“1 Pos.).
You will hear the sound of the operating pump, and after
a few seconds, water will start flowing out of the brewing
head (13).

When the cup is filled press the hot water supply button (2)
again.

The Gaggia machine is now ready to be used.

Warning! Before removing the water tank,
make sure that the machine is off as not to
damage the self-primer.

ENGLISH

• 10 •

Caution: Never operate pump without water
in machine as damage to the pump may occur.
Damage of pump run without water is not covered

by warranty.

N.B.: The pump self-primer could be temporarily out of order

because of an “air bubble”.

In this case water does not flow from brewing head (13), and
the following procedure should be followed:
a)

Place a small frothing pitcher or mug under the steam

nozzle (6).

b) Turn the knob (24) counterclockwise to open the steam/

hot water dispensing tap and press the hot water/coffee
switch (2) to start dispensing.

c) After a few seconds, a steady stream of water will emerge

from the steam nozzle. Allow about one cup of water to
fill the pitcher. Press the hot water/coffee switch (2) and
close the steam/hot water tap (24) to stop dispensing.

The Gaggia machine is now ready to be used.

NOTE: The temperature ready-light (5) will automatically

flash as the machine boiler heats. After switching on
the machine for the first coffee, wait 6 minutes until the
machine has fully heated up, while for all subsequent
coffees the machine will be ready to use.

After coffee brewing, however, a little dripping may occur due
to wet coffee grinds in the filter-holder.

Important to know……

1.

The taste of your coffee depends on the characteristics

of the beans from which it is made, the type of bean,
where it was grown and processed. The coffee beans
that are roasted for a longer period of time and at higher
temperatures will be much darker in colour. Darker beans
will produce a richer cup of coffee than the lightly-roasted
beans.

2.

A variety of dark roasts are available from which you

can choose to brew your espresso. Each of these roasts
is a blend of coffee beans that are roasted at a specific
temperature producing a specific type of flavour. There are
decaffeinated beans that have up to 98% of the caffeine
content removed. The next time you purchase coffee for
your espresso maker, experiment with one of the many
kinds of coffee being sold. You may just find that it tastes
better than the blend you have been using.

3. A fine “espresso grind” for pump-driven machines must be
used. Be sure to ask for this when buying coffee or when
having beans ground. Do not use a blade-type grinder
because it makes too much coffee dust and produces an
irregular grind.

4. The mark of real espresso is its dark color, rich taste and
the light brown, natural froth called “crema” in Italian.

5. Cappuccino is simply a combination of espresso and hot,
frothy milk. Cappuccino is usually topped with cinnamon,
nutmeg or cocoa powder.

6. Espresso Coffee should be served immediately after it is
made.

7. Espresso is served in 2 to 2 ½ oz. demitasse cups. A 4 or
6 oz. cup or glass is used for cappuccino

8. Ideally, coffee beans should be ground immediately before
using. Remember, it must be an “espresso grind” for
pump-driven espresso machines.

9. It’s best to store ground coffee or beans in an airtight
container in the freezer of your refrigerator. Ground coffee
tends to absorb food odours.

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• 11 •

Coffee preparation

1 Follow the procedure described under “Preparation”.

2

Select the correct filter basket (8,9 or 10) and insert it in

the filter holder (7).

Use

the small filter for 1 cup and the large filter for 2 cups

of espresso.

Then insert filter-holder (8) into the appliance.
3 After the warm-up period, remove the warm filter-holder

(7) from the brewing head and fill with correctly ground
espresso coffee using the measuring spoon provided.

Place one level measure of coffee in basket for each cup

of espresso.

Do not overfill.
Gently tamp down coffee with the tamper (17)

provided.

Do not compress too firmly.
4 Clean any excess coffee from the rim of filter holder (7).

Insert filter holder into brew head by holding handle
approximately 45 degrees to the left as you face machine.
When properly aligned,move handle firmly to the right to
lock into position.

The handle should point to the front of the machine or

slightly to the right.

5 Place one or two espresso cups on the drip plate to line

up with the spouts of the filter holder. Press button (4) to
dispense the programmed coffee dose.

6 Coffee dispensing will be automatically stopped when the

preset level is reached (see “Coffee dose programming”);
anyway coffee dispensing can be stopped by pressing
button (4) again.

7 Remove cups and serve.
8 To make more espresso, carefully and slowly remove the

filter holder by moving handle to the left. Be careful as
hot water will be on top of the coffee grinds in the holder.
Some water will continue to drip from brewing head as
filter holder is removed. That is normal and due to the
pump pressure in the system.

Knock out used coffee grinds from filter. For more espresso

repeat steps 2 to 7 above.

9 To prepare coffee manually, carry out steps 2 through 4 and

then press button 2. When you have obtained the desired
quantity of coffee in the cup, press button 2 again to stop
the cycle. Then proceed with steps 7 and 8.

N.B.: Dispensing should not exceed 40 seconds.

N.B.: The self-priming system can change the first coffee
dose. It is recommended to dispense a small quantity of
water before brewing the first coffee.

How to make a good Espresso coffee:
Coffee dose programming

This Gaggia machine is able to program different water doses
to obtain the desired quantity of dispensed coffee.

To adjust the water doses and store them for a following
dispensing request, first of all carry out the “COFFE
PREPARATION” procedure on page 11- sections 2-3-4,
and then proceed as follows:
1 Press the dose programming button (4) and keep it

pressed.

After approx. 3 seconds the pilot light will start flashing

and at the same time the water pump will start up.
2 Let coffee flow until the desired dose is reached
3 Release the button to stop the coffee dispensing
4 Now the water dose assigned, for one coffee, to button

(4) will be stored.
5 Every user will be free to program the doses to obtain a

more or less strong coffee and to assign bigger or smaller

doses to button (4) to use 1 or 2 cup filter.
6 After storing these doses, the machine is ready to dispense

excellent coffees.

N.B.: to brew 1 coffee press button (4) once; to brew 2

coffees press button (4) twice.

ENGLISH

• 12 •

S u p p l y i n g s t e a m / P r e p a r i n g
Cappuccino

Steam can be used to froth the milk for cappuccinos and also
to heat beverages.

Caution! Scalding hazard! Splashing may occur
at the start – scalding hazard! The hot water
nozzle and pipe can reach high temperatures:

avoid touching it directly with your hands.

Milk frother version:

1 Make espresso (in a large cups) as described above
2 With the machine ready to deliver coffee, convey the pipe

over the drip tray (11), open the “Hot water/steam” tap
knob (24) for a few seconds so to let the remaining water
come out of the steam pipe; after a few seconds only steam

will come out.
3 Close the steam/hot water tap knob (24).
4 Press steam switch (3).
5 After approx. 50-60 seconds and when the exact

temperature light (5) lights up fixed, put the pot half filled

with cold milk under the frother. See Fig.03.
IMPORTANT: To obtain a better cappuccino, the milk

and the cup must be cold.

6 Slowly turn steam valve knob (24) counter counterclockwise

to release steam.
IMPORTANT. The more you turn the knob, the greater

the steam pressure for frothing.

N.B.: Dispensing should not exceed 60 seconds.
7 Move pitcher in circular motion keeping the tip of steam

nozzle just under surface of milk as it begins to froth. Do

not let milk come to a boil since it will not froth.
8 When you have made enough froth,turn steam knob

clockwise to shut off steam and remove pitcher.Press the

steam button (3) again.
9

Spoon the froth onto the espresso in each cup and gently

pour the hot milk along the side of the cup.
T

op each cup of cappuccino with a dash of cinnamon, cocoa

and nutmeg. Serve.

NOTE: If you want to make more espresso immediately

after steaming milk, the machine boiler must be refilled

with water and temperature brought down to a brewing

temperature. Otherwise, espresso may taste “burned”.

To do this: place an empty cup on drip plate.
Do not insert filter holder.
Press the manual supply button (2) and let water fill the

cup.
Press the button (2) again.
You many now proceed to make more espresso.

OPTIONAL

How to use the coffee pods

To use pods, use exclusively the appropriate filter (9).
After heating, remove the filter holder (7) and insert the
pod; make sure that the pod paper does not come out of the
filter holder.
Insert the filter holder in the machine with a 45° movement
leftwards.
Then turn rightwards to hold it in position. The filter holder
handle shall be perpendicular to the machine or slightly moved
rightwards.
Then follow the “Coffee preparation” procedure – steps
5 to 7.

“Perfect cream” filter (12)

Even when the coffee is not properly ground, the “

perfect

cream filter” will help produce the foamy ‘cream’

typical of fine espresso.
You can use the “perfect cream filter” with a single
or double dose of ground coffee by using the special
measuring scoop.
To ensure perfect performance, clean your “perfect
cream filter” every day prior to use.

Should your “perfect cream filter” become clogged,
immerse it for a few seconds in boiling water.

ENGLISH

• 13 •

Making hot water:

1. Follow the procedure described under “Preparation”.

2.

Press the power switch (1).

3. Allow about 6 minutes for the machine to reach its proper
operating temperature.

4. Place a pitcher under the steam nozzle (6).

5. Slowly turn the steam knob (24) counterclockwise.

6. Press the hot water supply button (2) to allow the
supply.

7. After obtaining the desired quantity of hot water, press
button (2) again, close the steam knob (24) by turning
it anticlockwise. Then remove the container.

N.B.: A max.supply of 40 seconds is recommended.

Caution! Scalding hazard! Splashing may occur
at the start – scalding hazard! The hot water
nozzle and pipe can reach high temperatures:

avoid touching it directly with your hands.

Pay attention as the Turbo-Frother

steam nozzle could be hot!

Air intake to be kept clean and

free from residues.

Keeping it clean:

1 IMPORTANT: the steam nozzle should be cleaned after

each use in order to avoid build up of milk deposits that
are very difficult to clean. Cleaning is made easy as can
be seen in the DESCRIPTION OF PARTS. The outer
part of nozzle can be removed by pulling downward.

counterclockwise, and press the manual dispensing /hot
water button (2) and the steam button (3). Discharge from
the frother a quantity of water equal to two cappuccino
cups. Close the steam knob (24) and press the manual
dispensing/hot water button (2) and the steam button
(3). Switch off the machine. Never use the pump without
water.

8

NOTE: It is very normal for an espresso machine to emit

steam and drip occasionally as the water pressure changes
during use.

Be certain to empty drip tray (11) as required.

The outside of the steam pipe can be cleaned with a damp

cloth.

T

he steam jet is cleaned by running a shot of steam through

it.

The hole in the steam nozzle must be kept open. A needle

may be used.

2

Clean filter holder and filter in warm water after use.
3 Wipe body of machine with a damp cloth as required.
4 Remove drip tray and plate (11-22) and wash in warm

soapy water. Do not use abrasive substances.

5

Clean the seal (14) inside of the brewing head (13) and

keep it clean.

6 The shower disc (16) should be unscrewed and cleaned

periodically depending on frequency of use.

7

If the machine is not used for long periods, discharge the

water from the boiler by turning the steam knob (24)

ENGLISH

• 14 •

Problem: Check to ensure against the following:

Coffee does not flow.

Water is in tank.
Filter basket clogged because coffee is too fine or compressed too firmly.
Shower disc requires cleaning.

Coffee flows too quickly.

Coffee is ground too coarsely.
Coffee is not pressed down with tamper.

Pump makes loud noise.

No water in tank.
Pump not primed.
Coffee is ground too coarsely.

Water leaking excessively from
filter holder

.

Filter holder not properly inserted in brew head.
Gasket in brewing head dirty or worn.
Coffee grinds not cleaned off the rim of filter holder.

Espresso has little creamy froth.

Coffee is ground too coarsely.
Coffee is not pressed down with tamper.
Coffee is too old or dried out.

Espresso is too cold.

Machine is not warmed up
Coffee is ground too coarsely.

Not enough milk froth.

Steam nozzle and/or air intake hole clogged.
Milk is too hot.

Alarms - When the button being used flashes:

Empty tank
No water
Pump noise

Fill tank and repeat boiler filling procedures.

Too fine grinding Modify grinding
Dirty filter Clean shower (16)
Too pressed coffee Avoid press coffee excessively

In the event of faulty function

Descaling:

In hard water areas, minerals found in the water will accumulate
and affect operation of the unit.

Approximately every two months (this can vary depending
on use and water condition), clean the machine with
Gaggia descaler (in which case follow the instructions on
the packet).

Remove shower disc (16) and clean.

Dilute the solution before pouring it into the tank. Let the
solution flow through the coffee dispensing group and the
steam nozzle for a few seconds.

Wait 20 minutes, then repeat. process until solution has been
run through. Rinse machine thoroughly by running plain cold
water through machine. Replace shower disc (16).

NOTE: Product failure due to scale accumulation is not covered
by warranty. No other servicing should be attempted by the
user. Use “Gaggia cleaner” for best results.