Coffee Seminar - Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine Life Hacks

About this Video

• Video Title: Coffee Seminar - Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine Life Hacks
• Channel: Whole Latte Love
• Speakers: Missy, another speaker (name not provided in transcript)
• Duration: 00:36:45

Introduction

This video provides life hacks for the Gaggia Classic, Classic Pro, and Classic EVO espresso machines (and similar single-boiler models). The main focus is on improving espresso quality through techniques like temperature surfing, enhancing steam pressure, and mastering pre-infusion. A repeatable latte recipe is demonstrated at the end.

Key Takeaways

• Temperature Surfing: This technique involves manipulating the machine's heating cycle to achieve the ideal brewing temperature for different coffee roasts. For darker roasts, cool the boiler slightly before brewing. For lighter roasts, briefly switch to steam mode to increase the water temperature before brewing.
• Improved Steam Pressure: To get better steam pressure, empty a small amount of water from the boiler before steaming. Start steaming slightly before the steam light comes on to keep the heating element active during the process.
• Pre-infusion: Pre-infusion involves briefly wetting the coffee puck before brewing. A "hard" pre-infusion involves short bursts of water; a "soft" pre-infusion uses a lower flow rate. Pre-infusion helps with even extraction and flavor balance.
• Latte Recipe Demonstration: The video demonstrates a latte recipe using the Gaggia Classic incorporating all the techniques mentioned above.
• Water Quality: Using filtered water is crucial to prevent scaling and maintain machine longevity and optimal coffee taste.