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Awesome work as always. When you said give it a thumbs down if it sucks, I laughed and thought of a great line a UA-camr said. He said something like, If you enjoyed this video, click the thumbs up, and if you hated it, click the thumbs down twice. Have a good one, Tom!
I bought this model recently and first impressions were the brewhead was too fast - found this vid and bought the spring kit and portafilter you linked - literally a two minute fix and now a great little machine. - it does beg a question as why Gaggia dont shio the spring kit to be fitted at own risk - great vid thanks
We've had this machine for about 5 months. We'd been using coffee grounds which were for cafetieres and only recently realised we should've using a finer grind for espresso machines. We tried it yesterday and the difference was amazing. A much better tasting, stronger cup. We're going to stick with the 15 bar as we like the results.
Greetings, I have a Gaggia Carezza Deluxe, you seem to be one of the most competent on UA-cam, I changed the pressure of the OPV by changing the spring, I found a spring kit on Ebay (in Italy Amazon has sold them out). The kit has three springs (6 bar, 8 bar, 9 bar), I used the 8 bar spring considering that I mostly make single coffees with 7g filter. Carezza Deluxe has plastic doors and is very difficult to dismantle, furthermore the screw under the diffuser of the machine does not allow the use of "Puck Screens", they would be punctured at each delivery, for the rest now with the depressurized filter the coffee does not have that "creeper" taste, it's definitely better than before, not very creamy but decent. Changing that speaker might make it even better, I think. I noticed that you always use double filters (14g) to make videos but with a single filter the "creaminess" decreases a lot.😉
Replaced the shower screen with IMS-Competition-Ci200IM and it seems to fit and no cratering. Not sure if it is 100% fit but water seems better distributed!
Good 'un, Tom, thanks. I'd guess that the red gunge on the screw is a thread-locker. Vibration + spring force ==> splat, sooner or later. Given that the OPV is plastic, thread-locker is logical since it reduces the torque needed for a tight seal. Probably a Loctite product - I use them on my bike. Don't know if they make a food-safe one, though, my bike doesn't care. Have a gander at Henkel's stuff. The question arises, though: what is extraction with the pressurized basket like with the 9-bar spring?
The shot is better - I covered it in the full review posted last week. The temp is a bit on the low side though. I’ve still got mixed feelings on this machine.
@@TomsCoffeeCorner I wonder why lower pressure ==> lower temperature (apart from Boyle's Law). Maybe expansion is taken into account in the pump programming, but I can't see exactly how that might work right now.
Can a saeco pressurised portafilter(estro) 53 mm be used on this machine?This difference would be that the basket is a non pressurised,just the portafilter.Thanks
So ... @TomsCoffeeCorner - I have done the mod! Thanks for sharing this - I have done a first test and it seems better! I got from 15.5gr ... 31 grams out in about 23 seconds - (stopping for the pause after the preinfusion)... I kept the grind the same size as before ... Pre-mod if i went finer it was spraying out on the side... I wonder if now I can grind a little finer (1-2 clicks) and see if i can get closer to the 30 grams in 30 seconds? ie. it should be less likely to spray even with slightly finer grind? Also - on the red sealant they put on - i obvously could not add more of it ... I checked post mod and there seem to be no leaks... hopefully it is ok...
I bought the bottom less porterfilter exactly the one you got, and changed the spring to the exact specifications 9 bar. But it still makes a mess everywhere with that porter filter tracks right down the handle. Very annoying.
Thanks for this - I'll be ordering a 9bar spring asap. Just a quick question, have you tried the pressurised basket with the 9bar spring? And if so, does it still work or is the overpressure needed to get water to flow through the puck in that basket? Thanks!
Have since done the mod and used illy decaf and lavaza red. Found both pucks not nearly as good as they used to be. But coffee tastes alright still. (Crema not as good with pressurised baskets now) Now just trying to dial in the bean grinding, with an regular basket.
Great video! In you experience, is the shower screen still an issue with this mod installed? If, do you think it could be changed? I've been thinking about buying an espresso machine for a while now but the amount of time you have to wait for a boiler machine to get up to temperature as well as just the waste of heating all that extra water just isn't something i would want in my life. I don't get how a thermoblock doesn't seem to be a bigger selling point to so many people.
The shower screen still sucks, but I ordered a replacement. The Delonghi ECP series warms up quite quickly, and the Bambino Plus is super super fast, fyi. Cheers!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner oh that's great to know, thanks for your answer! Could it be something of a sleeper choice if the mods turn out to solve the problems with it do you think? Maybe something to make an updated video about? 😁
I think it'll be decent with a 9 bar spring and a shower screen. Still can't recommend it over the Dedica though, with such a lack of aftermarket parts, and such little global distribution. @@johannestornquist
Can you fit 16g of coffee in generic cheap 51mm basket? Its about 25mm in height. IMS basket is little bit taller. Im getting sour espresso with EC685 and cheap basket, but trying to add more coffee than 15g result in mess and espresso is still sour. I will fix that but when you using generic basket do you use 16g of coffee or less (im thinking that maybe headspace is to large if I use 15g).
I've just bought this machine and I'm a bit underwhelmed, do you think the Gaggia classic will give any meaningful differences and is it worth the extra money?
After the mod, what happens if I grind fine enough to peak higher than 9 bars? What happens when I grind coarse enough to peak lower than 9 bars? How does it affect either the pressure or the flow?
The OPV acts as a gate. If you grind fine enough for the pressure to exceed 9 bars, that pressurized water will get diverted back into the water resevoir.
Another fantastic video. I wanted to order my Delonghy 35.31 today (I already ordered - because different shop- everything what you recommended here ua-cam.com/video/au92VvBYLrA/v-deo.htmlsi=D_skt5ACRFcTKxoR and I watched this video and I think is better because I can change for 9 bar (one of favourite coffee is Segafredo - next to Illy Classico,Lavazza Rossa) say best result on 9 bar😂 So please tell me this Gaggia or Delonghi 34.10 shot better.
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thank you so much. I don't understand just one thing. Delonghi ECP 3420 (ECP 35.31) original portafilter has 3 ears so the bottomless (naked ) has 2 ears....
Want to support the channel? Shop Amazon with my affiliate link: amzn.to/3tU9btX (it doesn't cost you anything more, but I earn a small provision if you buy anything).
Hi Tom, Ihr Kanal ist sehr informativ und unterhaltsam. Ich werde so bei amazon shoppen. LG Raph Weinmann aus Worms
Awesome work as always. When you said give it a thumbs down if it sucks, I laughed and thought of a great line a UA-camr said. He said something like, If you enjoyed this video, click the thumbs up, and if you hated it, click the thumbs down twice. Have a good one, Tom!
There's a microphone channel I've watched where the presenter says that, and I thought it was funny. My humor is usually derivative 😅
I didn't buy my yet, but already seeing all videos on how to make it better. thank you for this video!
I bought this model recently and first impressions were the brewhead was too fast - found this vid and bought the spring kit and portafilter you linked - literally a two minute fix and now a great little machine. - it does beg a question as why Gaggia dont shio the spring kit to be fitted at own risk - great vid thanks
You do a great job on the tutorials Tom, greetings from Sweet Home Alabama, happy New Year to you and your family.
Thanks very much, and a great new years to you too!
We've had this machine for about 5 months. We'd been using coffee grounds which were for cafetieres and only recently realised we should've using a finer grind for espresso machines. We tried it yesterday and the difference was amazing. A much better tasting, stronger cup. We're going to stick with the 15 bar as we like the results.
Greetings, I have a Gaggia Carezza Deluxe, you seem to be one of the most competent on UA-cam, I changed the pressure of the OPV by changing the spring, I found a spring kit on Ebay (in Italy Amazon has sold them out). The kit has three springs (6 bar, 8 bar, 9 bar), I used the 8 bar spring considering that I mostly make single coffees with 7g filter.
Carezza Deluxe has plastic doors and is very difficult to dismantle, furthermore the screw under the diffuser of the machine does not allow the use of "Puck Screens", they would be punctured at each delivery, for the rest now with the depressurized filter the coffee does not have that "creeper" taste, it's definitely better than before, not very creamy but decent. Changing that speaker might make it even better, I think.
I noticed that you always use double filters (14g) to make videos but with a single filter the "creaminess" decreases a lot.😉
Hello, Can you share the 9bar spring link for the gaggia carezza deluxe? Thanks
@@djmisturadaIt's uses the same OPV. Carezza = Classic = Expresso Just search Gaggia Classic Spring
Replaced the shower screen with IMS-Competition-Ci200IM and it seems to fit and no cratering. Not sure if it is 100% fit but water seems better distributed!
Thank you Tom! Thery helpful video. Wish you only excellent shots!
Soooo you left us in suspense. Did the new spring fix your “Over Pressurization” and “Leakage” problems?
Yes it did! See my full review of the machine. 😊
@@TomsCoffeeCorner: Overlooked using my iPhone vs iPad. Thanks
4 Screws or 6?
@@jvs000516
Good 'un, Tom, thanks.
I'd guess that the red gunge on the screw is a thread-locker. Vibration + spring force ==> splat, sooner or later. Given that the OPV is plastic, thread-locker is logical since it reduces the torque needed for a tight seal. Probably a Loctite product - I use them on my bike. Don't know if they make a food-safe one, though, my bike doesn't care. Have a gander at Henkel's stuff.
The question arises, though: what is extraction with the pressurized basket like with the 9-bar spring?
Looks like a liquid thread sealant is needed when reconnecting as you said👍
The shot is better - I covered it in the full review posted last week. The temp is a bit on the low side though. I’ve still got mixed feelings on this machine.
@@TomsCoffeeCorner I wonder why lower pressure ==> lower temperature (apart from Boyle's Law). Maybe expansion is taken into account in the pump programming, but I can't see exactly how that might work right now.
Can a saeco pressurised portafilter(estro) 53 mm be used on this machine?This difference would be that the basket is a non pressurised,just the portafilter.Thanks
Great video again! I have not the Deluxe, but the Style - can I do that with the same spring and result? Tanks!
Yes, it's the same. Cheers!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thank you so much!
Could you please advise what shower screen is compatible with this unit? I remember hearing you mention one, but I've missed where. Thanks in advance.
So ... @TomsCoffeeCorner - I have done the mod! Thanks for sharing this - I have done a first test and it seems better! I got from 15.5gr ... 31 grams out in about 23 seconds - (stopping for the pause after the preinfusion)... I kept the grind the same size as before ... Pre-mod if i went finer it was spraying out on the side... I wonder if now I can grind a little finer (1-2 clicks) and see if i can get closer to the 30 grams in 30 seconds? ie. it should be less likely to spray even with slightly finer grind? Also - on the red sealant they put on - i obvously could not add more of it ... I checked post mod and there seem to be no leaks... hopefully it is ok...
I just fitted the new spring and unfortunately the pressure is still too high. Any reason for this or is it likely an incorrect spring? Great video!
I have replaced the spring today, espresso taste much better now. However, I have problems with putting the steam knob back. Help
Would this hack be needed on the Delonghi Stilosa 230? 230 is just bottomless normal basket one. Thanks
I bought the bottom less porterfilter exactly the one you got, and changed the spring to the exact specifications 9 bar. But it still makes a mess everywhere with that porter filter tracks right down the handle. Very annoying.
I would contact the company in your case and ask for a shallower basket. Maybe they'll send you one.
Thanks for this - I'll be ordering a 9bar spring asap. Just a quick question, have you tried the pressurised basket with the 9bar spring? And if so, does it still work or is the overpressure needed to get water to flow through the puck in that basket? Thanks!
Wanted to ask exactly same thing!
Have since done the mod and used illy decaf and lavaza red. Found both pucks not nearly as good as they used to be. But coffee tastes alright still. (Crema not as good with pressurised baskets now) Now just trying to dial in the bean grinding, with an regular basket.
Any chance you’ll mod the MiiCoffee Apex? I was looking to find a tutorial for installing an OPV on the Apex.
Maybe...I will put it on the list. Cheers!
Great video!
In you experience, is the shower screen still an issue with this mod installed? If, do you think it could be changed?
I've been thinking about buying an espresso machine for a while now but the amount of time you have to wait for a boiler machine to get up to temperature as well as just the waste of heating all that extra water just isn't something i would want in my life. I don't get how a thermoblock doesn't seem to be a bigger selling point to so many people.
The shower screen still sucks, but I ordered a replacement. The Delonghi ECP series warms up quite quickly, and the Bambino Plus is super super fast, fyi. Cheers!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner oh that's great to know, thanks for your answer! Could it be something of a sleeper choice if the mods turn out to solve the problems with it do you think? Maybe something to make an updated video about? 😁
I think it'll be decent with a 9 bar spring and a shower screen. Still can't recommend it over the Dedica though, with such a lack of aftermarket parts, and such little global distribution. @@johannestornquist
Could you share what is the size of the wrench needed to unscrew the tube?
10mm
@@DIYHome360 Thank you, bro
Hi, can you show real dimensions for 9 bar spring? Diameter, wire diameter, free length, quantity of coils
How did you learn to disassemble these types of machines?
Well, some are quite obvious like this one. Some are hard, like the Bambino Plus. You just go for it, lol.
I guess once we do that mod, we cannot use the ESE pods anymore?
Good question. I think it will still work. Might just be a little slower.
Can you fit 16g of coffee in generic cheap 51mm basket? Its about 25mm in height. IMS basket is little bit taller.
Im getting sour espresso with EC685 and cheap basket, but trying to add more coffee than 15g result in mess and espresso is still sour. I will fix that but when you using generic basket do you use 16g of coffee or less (im thinking that maybe headspace is to large if I use 15g).
It depends on the basket sizing. I can normally fit 16 grams in most baskets though. Good luck!
I's assuming the standard espresso, i.e. non deluxe, has the same internals?
I would bet a lot of money on it, yes.
I've just bought this machine and I'm a bit underwhelmed, do you think the Gaggia classic will give any meaningful differences and is it worth the extra money?
After the mod, what happens if I grind fine enough to peak higher than 9 bars? What happens when I grind coarse enough to peak lower than 9 bars? How does it affect either the pressure or the flow?
The OPV acts as a gate. If you grind fine enough for the pressure to exceed 9 bars, that pressurized water will get diverted back into the water resevoir.
So you say that this hack is ok for the non pressured basket, so the pressurised basket is now total redundant completely?
The pressurised basket always was redundant,
Especially if you want decent coffee,
Throw it away..
You can still use the pressurized, I've tried it. It's still good for old or pre-ground coffee beans.
Do these springs work for breville barista express?
Nope.
Any tips for a better shower screen?
I ordered this one: www.bluestarcoffee.eu/en/Lelit-Shower-Screen-Mc752-4/m-5297.aspx
It's supposed to be a good fit! We'll see!
would you favor this over the dedica in this range with the opv mod?
Hmm, maybe with a shower plate. Even then I like the design of the Dedica better.
@@TomsCoffeeCorner thanks that's very helpful!
If some kind af gaggiuino could be installed - despite the termacoil
And please test temperature with reduced pressure. Maybe it is better now?!
I did that in my recent long review. Cheers!
Thanks for your interesting work!
Is the OPV similar to the Dedicia and would it be possible to exchange it with a better one?
Nope, it's the same as the GCP, so much different than the Dedica.
What are the cons? I mean if there are only pros in swapping the springs, why Gaggia still uses stiffer springs in these machines?
Gaggia just wants high pressure I guess, to get the shots through those pressurized baskets.
For me, gaggia is now making children's toys, not espresso machines
@@Salahdin_216 Well, they are under the influence of Phillips. Otherwise, I think it might be different.
Excellent (05:11)
Another fantastic video.
I wanted to order my Delonghy 35.31 today (I already ordered - because different shop- everything what you recommended here
ua-cam.com/video/au92VvBYLrA/v-deo.htmlsi=D_skt5ACRFcTKxoR
and I watched this video and I think is better because I can change for 9 bar (one of favourite coffee is Segafredo - next to Illy Classico,Lavazza Rossa) say best result on 9 bar😂
So please tell me this Gaggia or Delonghi 34.10 shot better.
I like the ECP better if I’m being honest. Cheers!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thank you so much.
I don't understand just one thing.
Delonghi ECP 3420 (ECP 35.31) original portafilter has 3 ears
so the bottomless (naked ) has 2 ears....
No, ALL PFs for the boiler Delonghi machines (not thermoblock) have 2 tabs. Cheers!@@realman444