I’m new to the community and still learning. I watched a bunch of videos and read articles about backflushing, and something doesn’t seem right.
I’m using the portafilter as well as the blind filter basket that came with the machine. NOTE: This filter basket has one tiny pin hole on the bottom, which I assume is to help relieve SOME pressure if needed.
However, from the video, I think I’m missing something. For reference, I’m using Cafiza as the cleaning agent.
by Weary_Strawberry8661
34 Comments
Blind filter should not have a hole. What you see is the result.
That’s not a blind filter, that’s a pressurized basket for pre ground coffee.
It’s weird, but they aren’t giving a blind basket with the machine, you should buy one.
ALSO, I’ve read in a couple places Gaggia doesn’t recommend back flushing? Is that true? Also why would they put this type of basket in the box? What else would it be for if not for back flushing with some pressure relief?
Grind finer
I don’t think you’re supposed to backflush a Classic. Please reach out to Gaggia to confirm
If they didnt give you the basket they might have given you a rubber insert you place in your basket for backslash cleaning.
Haha what the fuck. This just saved my day
My classic did NOT come with a blind basket. Whatever you think is the blind basket, isn’t. They are flat and solid, no holes.
Because you’re not using a blind basket. That’s a pressurised basket for using pre ground coffee. Your machine won’t have been supplied with a basket for back flushing I wouldn’t have thought.
The mess your seeing is the cleaning agent escaping through your pressurised basket, that’s all.
You either need a proper blind basket or the rubber sealing puck for the bottom of your normal basket.
And to clear up conflicting into here. You can absolutely back flush a classic. It has a three way valve. What you can’t do is backflush more basic machines like bambino’s etc that lack a three way valve (I mean you can but it relies on tricky techniques that aren’t the topic here today).
its not a bug, its a feature bro
Get some thick freezer bags and make a seal on the pressurized basket and then back flush. It’s a temporary solution, but it does work.
Is that an espresso machine or are you just happy to see me
Definitely call customer service. If there should have been a blank provided they should send you one. In any case they are cheap.
I know the earlier version of the Breville Bambino came with a blank with a single pinhole and the process was different.
Enjoy your coffee ☕
if you bought it new you should have the insert, creating a blind portafilter. The machine is designed to sense the back pressure and reabsorb (not the correct technical term)the water and kick it out the drip tray sending the cleaning solution back through the head and solenoid. if you bought it used just order the insert and you’re good. look up the manual online. I think the basket you are using is a dual wall basket for regular ground coffee. it increases pressure by reducing the amount of exit holes and artificially produces crema I’ve been told
don’t be like this guy….
https://preview.redd.it/japsgqjbftng1.png?width=942&format=png&auto=webp&s=da27b995272d88eaf08d52dbe7fdf6b6d035a636
porco dio, hai appena ucciso una manciata di italiani con sto post. mai usare sapone per pulire le macchine per il
caffè
Gaggia’s gone wild
You need the three way solenoid valve to backflush. Not all verions of the Gaggia comes with it. I AI’d some information:
If you are looking at a used machine, these are the three “dead giveaways” that a 3-way solenoid **is** present:
1. **The Discharge Pipe:** There should be a metal tube (usually stainless steel) running from the left side of the group head down into the drip tray. If there is no hole for this pipe, there is no solenoid.
2. **The Switches:** The classic (and preferred) models have **rocker switches** (flipping up/down). The non-solenoid 2015 model has flat **push buttons**.
3. **The Sticker:** Check the underside or back. If the model number is **RI9403**, it does not have the valve. If it is **RI8161** (Pre-2015), **RI9380** (Classic Pro), or **RI9481** (Classic Evo), it **does** have the valve.
**Note for US/Canada Users:** The 120V versions sold in North America generally **never lost** the solenoid valve. The “hated” 2015 model was almost entirely a 220V-240V European issue.
Ooh, she likes it
https://i.redd.it/xzlt2b0kktng1.gif
Everything reminds me of her
I’m calling BS
If not it has to be a fkd group head seal
If the portafilter has just one or some small holes, it’s a pressurised basket as some other suggested. Those are still used for brewing but when you have pre ground or can’t grind fine enough. For the backflush to work properly you will need some of those silicon covers that you can put in the single dose
Grind finer
me after my wife was away for a one week work trip:
At least your coffee table is clean
You need a blind basket so no water can get through. I just leave a portafilter assembled with a blind basket in the cupboard.
I see no problem
Grind finer
Grind finer.
Thank you for the laugh 😂😊 made my day lol
Mine didn’t come with a blind basket either. Just bought a little Rancilio blind basket and that did the trick.
You’re using the pre-ground- basket. you need to go buy a blind filter which is a solid piece of metal with no holes.