How to Deep Clean the Gaggia Brera Brew Group

[@martinimeson610]

Hi, I thought by Brera was dead. The "flow" of coffee had dropped to a trickle and I was about to spend £400 on a new machine before I found this video. Ten minutes later and it's working like new. Thank you very much!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Martin, Happy to help! Thanks for the comment!!! Marc

[@ojay57]

Mines gone to the trickle now so about to try this!

[@kenwoodard2618]

Great video. I just used it for the brew group's first real cleaning. For anyone considering this: definitely heed the advice about care with the spring and the glass ball. The bolt-on retaining armature has a seal that requires some gentle force to pull off and the small parts inside may pop out. I disassembled it over a catch basin and avoided a tedious search for the small and nearly invisible glass ball. Here's to many trouble free espresso shots in the new year!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi KW, Thanks for adding the tip!

[@ktani86]

This video is VERY necessary! I wouldn't know how to revive my machine without your videos. Truly. I also feel that another video is needed for folks who accidentally pull open the used grounds container before a before cycle ends. Lawwwd, it was a struggle trying to figure out what was wrong! But this tutorial was awesome! Thanks!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi m, Thanks for the comment and we're happy to help! We do have some videos on how to reset machine/brew group for problem you describe. They are available in our support wiki for Gaggia machines here: wiki.wholelattelove.com/Gaggia

[@ktani86]

@@Wholelattelovepage Perfect! Y'all are amazing. Thank You!

[@TheScottEF]

Excellent video. One tiny quibble, but something that really could help a viewer: never put one screw in 100% of the way and then the other, like he does at about 9:30. There's never an upside, and often a downside.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi SB, Thanks for the comment. Out of abundance of caution that's not a bad suggestion. Any chance you work on cylinder heads? :)

[@jz9215]

lol! noticed that too and said to myself to do what I know... all screws halfway, first, then tightening opposites (luckily only two here!)

[@davistucker]

no glass ball! I dismantled the whole apparatus over a bar towel, so I absolutely could not lose the ball. When I first took the part off, I was very careful, as you said to me, and saw no glass bowl in the apparatus at that point. Is there a replacement for this thing?Thanks.

[@DogSuru]

Great video, thanks! I took apart the brew group to my 13 year old Gaggia Platinum Swing Up, but.... there was NO little spring and glass ball (shown at 2:24). Did the older brew groups not have one? No one has taken this apart before me. I've put it back together, and it's working as it did before. Should I get one, and put it in??

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi AN, Not all groups have the glass ball and spring. If working as it did before you're fine - do not get one and put in.

[@DogSuru]

@@Wholelattelovepage Good to know! Thank you!

[@montanamom1124]

Hello, I’ve had my refurbished Brera since August 2022. I’ve noticed while cleaning the brew group, the chute on my machine has never lined up correctly. It sits at an angle, crooked. I don’t think this is normal. There is also only one screw/spring right above the white PUSH> lettering. Please HELP!

[@montanamom1124]

I was able to line up the chute…🤦🏻‍♀️

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Mm, sounds like what your are seeing is normal. There should be just one screw above the PUSH lettering. The angle on the chute is normal as well.

[@montanamom1124]

@@Wholelattelovepage thank You!!!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

@@montanamom1124 NP!

[@infusionset]

Great video, I've never done this but looks like i need to as the machine wont stop dispensing little black flakes. Can you use coconut oil for the slides?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey CB, Any food safe grease - not sure if coconut oil will hold up. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) works.

[@birdymaniac]

2:26 can someone tell me how many millimeters is this glass ball? I lost it

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey mb, we have that part here: www.wholelattelove.com/products/glass-sphere-d-5-mm It's described as 0.5mm

[@technomad900]

Thanks for this video . I have this Brew unit inside of a Saeco Phillips, though for some reason the coffee is very weak and the coffee is not compressed correctly, a coffee puck is not formed , its too loose . Any idea of the problem?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Joe, You are welcome for the video. If your brew unit is in good shape - like it's been deep cleaned my 1st suggestion based on info you've provided is to check for a partial clog of ground coffee in the path from the grinder to the brew unit. Not sure which Saeco you have and I'm not super familiar with their machines. But, if you remove the brew unit and can find the spot where coffee drops from above into the brew unit check for a prtial blockage there. Sounds like you brew unit is not getting enough ground coffee.

[@rob767ER]

I wish there was a video like this for the Miele/KitchenAid brew unit.

[@berkocan2000]

Does cadorna machines have that glass ball? I think I lost it.

[@fridacoffa3968]

Do you have a video on how to do a total tear down of the brew group? Like is there an even more intensive way to clean the brew group?

[@zekicanmor]

Although I clean the brew group regularly, I smell bitter coffee odour from my coffees and the taste also. When I smell the brew group I realized thay its coming from squeezer things ( I dont know what to call). What may be the reason?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Have you tried Gaggia Coffee Clean tablets: www.wholelattelove.com/products/gaggia-coffee-clean-tablets-cfae181c-1f2a-4170-85fc-1f00acf75f21 They remove accumulated coffee oils which can go rancid over time.

[@James-hx6gu]

If I need replacement o rings (the one on the brew group where the screen is, and the two inside the machine where the water comes out of), where would I get those?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi James, Right here in a kit which hase everything you need: www.wholelattelove.com/products/gaggia-brew-group-service-kit

[@МяуТВ-в4х]

Did cleaning of my Saeco 8752 on the weekend, which has exactly the same Brew Group. Steam cleaner worked perfectly for most of the hidden spots. Thanks for video thou, great sequence of disassembling/assembling actions.

[@cocucafu8024]

Thank you very much for the video! Could you please advise me how to adjust the grinder in Brera to cut finer?

[@fbasicst]

I recently bought (1 month) and had working Gaggia Brera. And today it started to have some strange noise when brewing and the coffee was dripping mostly from one nozzle. After that it wont turn on anymore, it is stuck in rinsing cycle with unusual noise. I performed water test and it seems water is flowing through the wand but not through the nozzles for coffee. Do you know what is the problem? Thanks

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi f, Symptoms you describe of water coming from the wand but not from coffee nozzles suggest a clogged selector valve. Fairly easy to correct. This video shows how: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHa2q3SkpJWajLs To have that valve clog after one month of use suggests use of mineral laden (hard) water in the machine. Be sure and treat water to reduce mineral content and descale the machine on schedule. Hope that helps! If procedurte in video does not resolve you problem and you purchased the machine in the US/Canada contact our tech support here for additional assistance: support.wholelattelove.com/hc/en-us

[@Thyldor]

Is there a downside to using dish soap for cleaning a absolutely filthy brew group, other than having to meticulously re-grease everything afterwards with silicone grease?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi T, You can go that route but dish soap is not the best at removing coffee build up. Product like Cafiza is far more effective.

[@batwings44]

My brera gaggia is making very watery coffee. I am assuming that is it clogged because I was using beans that were maybe too oily. I am going to do the deep clean of the group head and see if that helps. Do you have any suggestions on how to pick a good bean that is dry and not oily? Thanks Jaime

[@daiwuff]

Are you guys able to help me with my older brew group? It's extremely similar to this one, just the valve part is a little different. Coffee leaks out of it when its brewing and I can't figure out why or find anywhere what it's supposed to look like when I unscrew it.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Perhaps a bad O ring in brewing area of the group

[@daiwuff]

@@Wholelattelovepage There is no o-ring there when I take it apart, so I assume there is supposed to be one and I absolutely cannot find it! It's a Syncrony Logic, and it's the part that houses the one-way valve (with the spring & ball).

[@davistucker]

Well, this is interesting. Now that I have put the brew unit back into the machine, but nothing is coming out in the way of coffee. The puck drops into the lock box and the water drops into the collection box but no espresso comes out

[@johnvolpe7247]

How do I get Gaggia anima to deliver 180-190 temperature when set in max setting?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi John, When operating normally the Brera brews internally at 195-205F. Of course your in cup temperature will be lower. Maybe a lot lower depending on type of cup you are using. If you measure temp with a fast acting digital thermometer directly in the stream as it's leaving the coffee spouts you should be in the 180s. For higher in cup temps preheat your cups as they do for espresso in a good cafe.

[@voltaire7412]

I have the gaggia cadorna prestige. I can’t figure out why water won’t come out of the spout sometimes when I brew americano. Water goes straight the the tray. I’ve cleaned the brew group, descaled and took out the water filter but it’s hit or miss on americanos. Any idea why it does that? I’d have the machine less than a year.

[@thescaredkids1564]

After watching and using your video for years, I somehow managed to script one of my little screws. I am so disappointed. You mentioned something in the video T10? I can’t find the screw anywhere. If someone could tell me what type/length of screw it is I would really appreciate it.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi tsk, T10 refers to the type of driver head (Torx) used to turn the screw. If you have the screw out you can use any screw with same length and thread pitch to replace. It does not have to be a Torx head screw.

[@cementfeet]

Why do you use the powder instead of the cafiza cleaning tablets?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey Matt, Powder a lot cheaper in long run and dissolves easier. But, either can be used.

[@davistucker]

Never mind. Had the thing in backwards.doh!! hi, I am curious why there's no glass ball or spring in this model

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Glad you figured it out!

[@ducrogers302]

Do you have the spring and glass ball in stock for sale? I need them. Thanks

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey DR, We sure do! Right here: www.wholelattelove.com/products/glass-sphere-d-5-mm

[@ducrogers302]

@@Wholelattelovepage thanks just ordered them

[@tobi97dk]

Great video, thanks I have the Cafiza E16 Cleaning Tablets (1.2g tablets). Is it possible to use that instead of the powder and if yes, how many tablets should i use?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi t, thanks for the question. Yes, you can use the cafiza tabs. Just 1.

[@JegHedderAnders89]

Do you know what the function of the little glassball is? I just brought a used Brera and didn't find any glassball in the brewunit, but it haven't caused any problem brewing coffee.

[@systhem1381]

Hi! I have the same brew unit on my Phillips espresso maker. Hot water comes out the cappuccino maker/hot water dispenser, but none comes out on the coffee nozzles. The machines starts making the coffee, than gradually the sound goes silent, and nothing comes out. If I let it work, the whole pressure comes out only when the brew group dumps the coffee. Any ideas? Thanks a million!

[@Hristos-js1vs]

Am

[@mikechurcher9320]

Excellent video! How would you repair a frozen coffee grind selection knob (yellow)?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Mike, Could start by cleaning the grinder. Not sure which machine you have but this video may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGG5mpmba6yLfrc Marc

[@4elovechishe]

What kind of lubricant is this? Silicone?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

hi 4, its a food safe grease available in this service kit: www.wholelattelove.com/products/gaggia-brew-group-service-kit?variant=31715420733494

[@SC-ru3vp]

Thanks for the informative videos! I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on why my Brera suddenly will not brew a normal single shot, but instead pushes out about 6 oz of water. The longer shot button seem to work fine.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi SC, You are welcome. Did the button get reprogrammed or have you tried to reprogram? If you press and hold the button until the machine starts grinding you will be in programming mode. That's indicated by the light flashing in the display. Then release the button after you see the flashing. The espresso will brew and when you have the desired amount in your cup press the button again and that amount will be brewed next time and into the future until you reprogram again.

[@SC-ru3vp]

@@Wholelattelovepage Yes, I did reprogram the amount and it works great again. Thanks very much.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

@@SC-ru3vp You are welcome - happy to help!

[@31ETV]

I have the Saeco intuita and the brew group looks the same. My problem is that when the coffee is making, water comes out of the steam wand. Any ideas why this is? Also when I stop the water coming out of the wand by pushing the button, water just keeps in coming out.

[@derekwgillard]

I have this brew group in my Philips lattego (saeco). Has been making perfect coffee for months and the pucks in container were solid, dry and I can pick them up without crumbling. Now my espresso is weak and the container contains a watery mess. What is happening with my brew unit. Everything seems to be working but sometimes the coffee is still inside brew unit on tray super wet. Any ideas?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi DG, Thanks for the question. Have you tried the deep cleaning?

[@Hans007O]

The big orange seal you can see at 00:34 is mostly the reason. pull it out and see if there are some defects. If not, clean the place where he should stay, place it back. Hope it works.

[@derekgillard4861]

@@Hans007O I replaced it with same results and all of a sudden two weeks later my pucks are back to solid and dry. I haven't made any adjustments recently, so I'm baffled by this but presently surprised.

[@Hans007O]

Great video. The brew group is almost identical to all the SAECO machines. Philips has bought Saeco some years ago.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Hans, Thanks for the comment. Yes Phillips owns both Saeco and Gaggia so they have common components.

[@ifneee]

I cant getting in to machine somehow push button is not clicking what shall I do?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi i, Here's a video showing how to resolve the problem of not being able to insert the brew group into the machine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bF7ZgKuhqrZ0mck

[@winonatyska7277]

Thank you I was wondering how to keep my new machine working properly. I finally have some tips that are better than the manual that came with the machine. Appreciate all the information

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Winona, You are welcome! Which machine do you have? We have support wikis for many machine makes and models - maybe one for yours! I'd be happy to send you a link to the support wiki for your machine. The Wiki's are loaded with useful info and videos. Let me know.

[@winonatyska7277]

Whole Latte Love I have brera gaggia

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Awesome! Here's the link to the Gaggia Brera support wiki: wiki.wholelattelove.com/Gaggia_Brera

[@Elozona]

Hi, great video! After reinstalling the brew group the water will not pass the glass ball. Even in test mode it fails to do it. Everything else works and when I remove the ball the machine works, but provides watery coffee. Any idea what this could be? P.S. we just moved to a 60 Hz area, not sure if that makes a difference.

[@johnpaul-mp7zc]

Hi there, nice video, love the accent! My brew group doesn't have a glass ball or spring under the cover piece. Is it possible some of the older Academia's didn't get them or should i order them? thanks john

[@ThatGuy-dj3qr]

I have a Gaggia Platinum Vision. The brew group looks identical except that when I took it apart, there was no spring or ball. Should my brew group have these two parts? I took the unit apart for cleaning because water is collecting (in large amounts) in my dump box. The dump box should be dry and only contain wasted pucks. I was hoping that cleaning would solve the problem, but my unit looks pretty clean.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Brian, There are slight differences in brew groups with different models. Some do not have the glass ball and spring but a metal rod and o-ring instead. Even if things look clean following the steps in this video should help. Most likely culprit is the main O ring on the brew unit, clogged screen or the O ring in the check valve is bad or missing.

[@ThatGuy-dj3qr]

@@Wholelattelovepage thanks so much. I pulled the screen out and cleaned the whole unit with a Cafiza solution. Maybe it's the large O-ring. If not, is there a video or support info on getting at the check valve to repair, maintain or replace it?

[@davistucker]

I forgot to mention there was no spring either. This is an older model, so I'm wondering if they don't exist, never did. Thoughts?

[@argieman]

Thanks, the brew group looks exactly the same to the one in my Saeco Intelia HD8751/11. I'll try it this weekend, I'm finding water in the coffee drawer and that never happened when the machine was new!

[@neneyg4041]

Same here! I came here because I wanted to do a decent deep clean for my Saeco Intelia and the brew group looked exactly the same 👌

[@atelierfat]

Hi there, good video but the whole job can be done with a high-pressure Karcher unit and then dry. Works for me!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi AF, Be careful with that! Marc

[@helenb1930]

Brilliant advice, saved me a fortune and so easy to do with your clear demonstration, thanks!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Helen, Thanks for your comment! We're always happy to help!

[@jndenouwe2388]

When you buy a "cleanerfriendly" machine and need this excellent vid to get your machine cleaned. Thanks to Philips for letting me fall for the oldest trick in the book, believing your productsite. Glad it works again WLL, if it wasnt for this vid, I'd have a tough weekend.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi J, Happy to save your weekend! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

[@ohmoxide]

What is the purpose of the glass ball?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Rob, Closes the valve off.

[@ohmoxide]

@@Wholelattelovepage Thank you. I lost mine. Bought a replacement from you all. But in the meantime it seemed to work fine, so was unsure of purpose.

[@encodedevil7843]

Dear thank you for your video. Do you think deep cleaning the brew group could be a solution for water leakage? All the water goes direct to the lower tray and I have NO coffee at all. Dispensing hot water wors just fine

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi lc, It may but cannot be certain. What make and model of machine?

[@KhurramNizami]

Hello, it looks like the Gaggia Accademia's brew group doesn't have the spring and small glass ball. Is that correct?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi KN, That is correct. It has a metal rod and o-ring in place of the spring and glass ball

[@aquinom]

Great video! I bought this machine a couple of years ago from y'all and love it. Thank you. Quick question I submerged the machine part at 5:47, in the Cafiza Cleaner (as I was doing it step by step and pausing the video). How bad is the Cafiza Cleaner for that part? What possible problems can arise? Thanks for your help.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Michael, Thanks for the comment and question. Happy to hear you are loving your machine! As long as you did not leave the part in a Cafiza solution for an extended period it will be fine - no problems. Marc

[@aquinom]

@@Wholelattelovepage It was in for about 20 minutes. What are you thoughts?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

20 minutes should not be a problem

[@aquinom]

@@Wholelattelovepage Thank you!

[@ted.angell7609]

I took my brew head to the self-serve car wash, put a quarter in the machine, and rinsed it out really well with pressurized water. Don't know if that's recommended, but it didn't seem to do any harm.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Ted, Well... if it still works no harm, no foul. Did it knock the lube off?

[@Tigrou7777]

I have a similar coffee machine (Saeco Incanto). I have teardown and cleanup the brew group but it's still making some weird "bird noises" when making a coffee. It sounds like the joins are no more doing their job and there is air entering that unit when a coffee is made. Any idea how to fix this ?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi T, Thanks for the question. Difficult to say for sure but could be an o-ring where the group connects internally.

[@david029014]

I brought the brew group service kit and descaler, but i didn't buy the cafiza, what can I use instead of cafiza???

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi D, Thanks for the question. IMO Cafiza is the best stuff for the job and a little goes a long way. I've never tried it myself, but some say a product like oxy clean works.

[@hacmisitos]

Hi, really nice video! I have question, could I use vaseline (petroleum jelly) as a lubricant? Tnx in advance

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi h, I would not use petroleum jelly as a lubricant. The lubricating grease is available as part of a Gaggia Brew Group service kit available here: www.wholelattelove.com/gaggia-brew-group-service-kit

[@markkleyman9801]

Got parts: Burrs and grinder top plastic piece. Question: How to replace the burr? Should the burr be glued and what kind of glue, if it?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Mark, We do have parts. There's no glue involved in replacing burrs. We always suggest doing a cleaning and calibration first. Burrs are ceramic so unless they are chipped replacement generally is not required. See below for links to a video on cleaning and calibration and a link to a Brera parts diagram. Video Clean and Calibrate Gaggia Brera Grinder: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGG5mpmba6yLfrc Gaggia Brera parts diagram: wiki.wholelattelove.com/images/b/b2/BRERA_Parts_Diagram.pdf If you need further assistance you can call our tech support at 888-411-5282 Part number 146520100

[@TheEduventura25]

Quero café!!! Temos uma Philips saeco HD8745 em que há momentos onde o pó é moído, mas não se mistura a água para coagem. Daí o que fazer? Tentei o método de acionar o botão de café pequeno e grande ao mesmo tempo para iniciar a descalcificação, mas nada aconteceu. Retirei esse compartimento aí e dei uma limpeza e lubrificada. Nada de café. Acho que só assistência técnica desta vez.

[@ansdrifter]

Hi thanks for the great video. If only the one nozle is giving coffe and the other not how i fix this???

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi a, Thanks for the question. Depends... One nozzle may have an obstruction. I would try clearing the nozzle with pipe cleaner or similar. Running a descale cycle may help.

[@ansdrifter]

Thanks i will try

[@МяуТВ-в4х]

@@ansdrifter In my case descale helped, it washed out some coffee beans particles together with particles of scale. You could try to hold the water from functioning nozzle while cleaning as they seems to be connected and you just redirect pressure to wash the stuck one.

[@AnhNguyen-iq7fs]

I have a Gaggia Platinum. Where do I buy the spring and glass ball for the the brew group?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi AN, If you are in the US give our tech support a call at 888-411-5282 and they can hook you up.

[@mark73729]

Is brew group dishwasher safe?

[@Askhat.Olzhabay]

Excuse me, what if I ve lost the spring and glass ball? Is it very pity? What find of damage will be there?. Thank you

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi AO, If your group had those parts they are needed for proper operation. If in US call 585-924-7170 for parts.

[@johnnywalker5635]

I don't remove my o rings anymore. I clean them in place. If I'm removing them, then they're getting replaced. I did what was recommended and the o ring never returned to its size and when I brewed coffee it moaned and groaned and could tell it made the o ring diameter larger by removing it.

[@costafabiof]

Ola, in Brazil I can not find the CAFIZA detergent, I wonder if I can use some other similar product, example detergent powder for dishwashers? Or those cleansing tablets, dissolving in water and using the same form? In addition I would like to ask why you do not let submerged the top of the group where the filter is, is because of the sealing ring?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi FFCC, Check out this link to the main ingredient. It may help you find something similar in Brazil: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_percarbonate

[@costafabiof]

Tanks Good evening, I found the product here in Brazil, how to dilute it? How many grams per liter of water? Uses lukewarm water? Do you have to remove the filter that stays on top of the group, or can you put the whole group in the solution? The question is regarding the silicone ring.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

You can put the whole thing in. 6g/liter. Silicone can stay on but you might clean it a little better if you remove and clean by hand.

[@costafabiof]

Water warm or cold? Does something change?

[@Czangrlli422]

If the brew group is bogged up with coffee oils is this the reason the coffee is ground and then tossed away? My Brera seems to waste as much as it brews

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi CZ, It's a definite possibility. Could also be a grind that's too fine. If the machine senses an over-pressure during a brew it may dump the coffee without brewing.

[@Czangrlli422]

Whole Latte Love I will try reducing the fineness of the grind and clean the brew group also. Thanks for the advice ... and the video. By the way I purchased the Brera 4-5 years ago from Whole Latte Love ... I will have to purchase the Calfica cleaner

[@robertsanders7060]

Can I simply soak the brew group in vinegar and then rinse?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Robert - no!!! Vinegar is an acid and can potentially damage rubber components.

[@КсенияКузьмина-в5й]

Здравствуйте . Видео очень полезное, только я не разбирала механизм,а просто вымыла, а теперь он не ставится на место, как можно это исправить . Спасибо

[@alabalala]

Why is no one talking about the lubricant? Is that thing organic and safe to "drink" ?

[@MCVessels]

You need to use a food safe lubricant. Something like cooking oil is too thin to use on many parts of a coffee machine, but Vaseline is supposed to work pretty well. (I just googled this, and a good option seems to be to check Amazon for 'food safe silicone grease.' That gives you some less eyebrow-raising lubes for about £5.)

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi a, Thanks for the question. It's a food safe lubricant. Also, the lubricant is not in close contact with actual brewing.

[@dbbbarney]

Can I use a gaggia brew cleaner tablet Let it dissolve in a container, then soak the unit rather than the powdered cleaner you mention? Also, the service kit looked as though it comes with two o rings. Is here only one large o ring in that unit?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Dean, Thanks for the question. You could most likely use the tablet - but it's not something I've tried. The service kit is universal so does include 2 O-rings to cover any Gaggia brew group. Marc

[@mickoconnell7822]

Thanks for the video, what size is that o ring you replaced as I want to replace the one on my brera but not sure what size it is thanks

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Mick, You are welcome. The O Ring is available here as part of the rebuild kit: www.wholelattelove.com/products/gaggia-brew-group-service-kit

[@sarahbear4647]

After taking the top valve off of the brew group, there was no spring or metal ball inside the cylinder. Is this ok or am I missing something? I have a Gaggia Platinum Vision.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Sarah, Thanks for the question. Gaggia uses 4 different styles of brew groups. You are fine...The Platinum Vision uses an O Ring and does not have the ball and spring.

[@sharlenefarrell3684]

How do we put in a brew group that is locked out?.My husband took out the brew group while the machine was on. We lined up the arrows and the brew group is in the upright position. It still won't go in.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Sharlene. Hate it when that happens! Anyway, here's a video that should help. It covers removing and re-installing a stuck brew group. The section of the video you will be most interested in starts at about 4 minutes. That section covers fully re-setting the position of the brew group so it can be re-inserted. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ganGi62mrtpnfNk

[@johnwatts1356]

My Gaggia Syncrony Compact sometimes goes through the grind cycle, but then does not poor water through the brew unit. When it works the coffee is weak too. Do I need to clean the brew unit or recalibrate the machine or both? If both, does the recalibration follow the same process as your Titanium video?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi John, Thank for the question. I would try the brew group deep cleaning. Also, has machine been descaled on schedule?

[@johnwatts1356]

Whole Latte Love yes been descaled regularly. Will follow your guide. Thank you.

[@botWi]

I put cafiza with hot water for 30 mins. Then i cleaned it all with piece of cloth which i was poking in with a small screwdriver. Then i did host water and cafiza for 20 more mins. The unit is virgin clean now. But now i am afraid i removed grease from all the places that should have it. I guess i need to check all moving parts and grease them? And never use hot water again?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey b, I'll bet it is clean. Warm water is fine - avoid hot. But all that soaking time def got rid of some grease. Definitely grease the moving parts and the o-ring. Doesn't take much grease to get the job done.

[@angelachason]

my carriage does not go back in and the arrows are aligned. What am I doing wrong?

[@webbuha]

Thank you for the great detailed video. How often should I grease the O-ring or is it every time I do the whole group lubrication? Thanks

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi YB, You are welcome and thank you for the comment. A very light coating when you do the rest of the group.

[@webbuha]

Thank you!

[@SalvaBarkuti]

That brew unit looks very similar to the one in my old Saeco Vienna. My machine is having some trouble moving it, and it has a lot of debris. Guess it's time for maintenance. Thanks for the video.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi SBP, The brew units are very similar to Saeco. You are welcome for the video and thank you for the comment!

[@SalvaBarkuti]

I've had it, all disassembled, in baths of water with bicarbonate of soda. For hours. Lubed all the rails carefully with petrolatum aaand… well, even finished the first coffee after maintenance. Tasted pretty 0K LoL! Thanks again! 😊

[@mikenicholas3647]

I have a Saeco SG200 it does not have the same brew group as the one in your video. Do you know how to remove the BG from a SG200? It's stuck because the little switch that the locking lobe touches is not being switched. If not, who can I reach out to that would know? Thanks

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Mike, Found this manual for Saeco SG200 perhaps it can help: www.manualslib.com/manual/143477/Saeco-Espresso-Sg200e.html?page=3#manual

[@charlotteallen8120]

Thanks for the great video. Is this process basically the same for the Gaggia Unica? or is there anything significantly different that I should be aware of?! Thank you.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Charlotte, Yes process is basically the same.

[@newyorkramsey]

Thank you for this! I have a hard time cleaning the brew group because I was afraid to unscrew anything. Question: Is lube only necessary on the tracks? I've been putting lube on the axle/pivot thing on the bottom, and also on any part that moves against another, as I would if it were metal, but is that not necessary?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi nyr, Thanks for the question. Here a connection to our support wiki which includes the video: How to Lubricate the Brew Unit: wiki.wholelattelove.com/Gaggia_Brera/cleaning_and_maintenance#Lubricate_the_Brew_Unit It's demonstrated on a Gaggia Brera but it's the same for any Gaggia brew group. Marc

[@Mrbrerrabbit]

In

[@TiagoBritici]

I bought a refurbished Gaggia Syncrony Digital coffee maker, using your videos I disassembled it entire for cleaning the machine and the Brew Group and Grinder (I am electronic). But the coffee that comes out of it is weak and does not turn creamy (I adjusted the amount of 70ml water, tested various grinder settings and bought quality coffee). I noticed that it takes an average of 30 seconds to make an expresso. Could you give me some regulation tip (grinder or machine function) to improve the quality of my espresso? Thanks

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi TB, A few things you can check. For espresso we recommend using the finest grind and largest coffee dose possible. Is the espresso coming out relatively hot? Under temperature brew water could cause brewing issues. Under temperature may be caused by scaling in the thermoblock boiler which depending on previous owners maintenance habits may or may not be a problem. Descaling may help improve brew temp. Be aware it may also cause problems if machine was not descaled on schedule in the past. Scale can dislodge and plug up internal plumbing. Machine could possibly not be delivering a proper brew pressure due to a weak pump. If not producing crema with a known good coffee and shot is taking 30 seconds that's a possibility.

[@TiagoBritici]

The temperature is good, coffee comes out at high temperature. I did the descaling cycle with citric acid and Iget out a little dirt from the machine, and the water flows well from the machine just like the videos of demonstrations of take a coffee. Would I know if the pump is weak? Have a test? Would you recommend some other kind of maintenance? Is there any setup to increase the time to make coffee? Thank you very much.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

So 30 seconds is rather long. Low flow rate can indicate a blockage in the machine, weak or failing pump. Here's a link to our support Wiki for the Synchrony Logic which may have some useful information: wiki.wholelattelove.com/Gaggia_Syncrony_Logic#Poor_Flow_or_No_Flow

[@TiagoBritici]

Muito obrigado, estou aprendendo um pouco mais a respeito disso. Vocês acham interessante eu filmar um café para um diagnóstico ou a partir de agora tem que ir corrigindo todos os detalhes até ficar ao meu gosto? Muito obrigado novamente.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi TB, Might have lost something in translation which was: Thank you very much, I am learning a little more about this. Do you find it interesting to film a coffee for a diagnosis or from now on you have to go through all the details until it's to my liking? Thank you again. I love coffee so I do find it interesting to film. I especially enjoy the more technical aspects and helping others enjoy what I love! Eu amo o café assim que eu o encontro interessante filmar. Aprecio especialmente os aspectos mais técnicos e ajudar os outros a desfrutar o que eu amo!

[@aFenrizwolfa]

Guys thank u for this amazing Video,i have a Saeco HD8831,it works fine now,1million Thumbs up for these 2 Guys,very big thanks for this Video!!!!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi BA, That's awesome and thank you for taking a moment to leave your comment!

[@aFenrizwolfa]

Perfect Tutorials and Instructions have to get a perfect Rating 👍

[@agerlund1961]

Very difficult to see the cleaning and lube on theblack interiour

[@MsSumitomo]

kan dat ding iedere week wel uit elkaar halen spuit hem door gaat 2 dagen goed en dan weer problemen met water doorpompen zonde van dit apparaat ,,

[@marcodm]

What about the poston inside? I removed it and cleaned and olive oiled the shaft.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Marco, Cleaning is good. Olive oil is not the correct lubricant. You want to use a food grade grease as shown in the video. Marc

[@nadinerbnr]

I can't get the oring thingy to drop down after depressing the 4 points. The mechanics are stuck.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Nadine, Sorry for the delayed response. I'm not sure if you're fixed the problem. If in US and need additional assistance contact us here for support: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/contact-us

[@kimberlydefrance5469]

Does this also work on an Academia? There are a lot of loose grounds inside my unit. Something seems wrong and my email requests are going unanswered.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Kimberly, Thanks for the question and sorry you are not getting a timely response to email. Yes, this process will work on the brew unit in the Accademia. Be aware minor spilling of ground coffee is normal.

[@Bluelizard252]

Super video! And in english (I have even understood few words) You have just brought my machinery back to life!!! Thanks a lot! :-)

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi A, Thanks for the comment and for letting other know it worked for your Saeco Incanto!

[@chriskissack]

Thanks for posting these videos they are amazingly helpful. I did a deep clean of my Gaggia Brera brew group as shown in this video because coffee grounds were piling up underneath the brew group. I also replaced the o-ring on the brew group and the two o-rings on the water inlet. I lubricated everything on the brew group afterwards. The machine sounds better but the coffee grounds still pile up underneath the brewgroup. Is the grind volume too high and can it be adjusted? Any advice you can give would be appreciated. Thanks again for these videos.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey Chris, You are welcome for the videos and thank you for the kind comment and question. You can adjust grind volume on the Brera by decreasing the strength setting. But I would not be overly concerned with some grind spillage. I've used many dozens of makes/models of machines and they all have some. Even high-end Juras that run 6x the price of the Brera have some spill. Over the years I've noticed more spill tendency in low humidity conditions - like during heating season. Causes more static in the grinds so more miss when travelling from the grinder to the group. Hope that helps! Marc

[@chriskissack]

@@Wholelattelovepage Thank you so much for your reply! I've had the machine about 6-7 years and it never had this problem. Then suddenly the grinds started piling up underneath the brewgroup so that after about a week the brewgroup is packed tight in grounds which start to spill out the door. The problem is when the brewgroup moves forward to position the grounds for pressing and brewing. At this point they spill. On two recent occasions the machine has failed to compress the coffee, giving up with a flashing red triangle which also made me suspect there was a problem with the volume of grounds. Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

[@ekonnic]

​@@chriskissack Hi Chris sounds like you have to much coffee in it perhaps you use different beans and a to fine grinding perhaps coffee strength at 3 beans?

[@jaytromblee6255]

Hello, my Saeco Vienna espresso machine stopped working after several years. Water does not dispense from the spout but rather from the inside or somewhere near the bottom. Please advise what to do and where to purchase repair parts.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Jay, Here's a link to our Saeco Support wiki: wiki.wholelattelove.com/Saeco_Minuto_Focus#From_The_Bottom This section is for a Saeco Minuto machine but yours might be having a similar issue. There are a few things you can try detailed in the wiki.

[@jansmit4628]

Nice instruction, but you broke several of your own recommendations like not putting the O-ring in the cleaning solution, putting grease on still dirty slides and not taking precautions against cross treading. To avoid the last you should first rotate the crew counter clockwise until you feel the click of the tread. Then you know the screw is in the righ position to tread it in without the change on cross trading.

[@kgamaseg]

It seems, to me, that you can remove the rubber gasket without disassembling the brew group.

[@DiscJockeyMark]

salve, la sfera che entra prima della molla, piu' e' grande e piu' fa' la crema sopra al caffe' ? io ho' perso la mia ed hoì utilizzato una sfera piu' piccola e fa' poca crema ... (only italian language)

[@Wholelattelovepage]

This is what I got for translation: hi, the ball that comes before the spring, more 'and' bigger and more 'do' the cream on top of the coffee '? I 'lost my Hoi and used a more' small ball and makes' little cream. Sounds like you need to find the right ball. I assume you are in Italy replacement parts should be available there for your machine. Suona come è necessario trovare la palla giusta. Suppongo che voi siate in Italia parti di ricambio dovrebbero essere disponibili lì per la vostra macchina.

[@StefJonathan]

Great. You saved my day (and my coffee addiction). Super video, very clear and easy. Thanks a lot.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Stef, Thanks for the comment!

[@just.bob.j]

So the only place that I need to grease, is those two tracks?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Correct

[@just.bob.j]

Whole Latte Love thank you

[@botWi]

@@Wholelattelovepage but official philips docs also tells to grease the piston

[@frankthespank]

Why does this brew group look exactly like my 10 year old Saeco Syntia brew group?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi f the s, Gaggia uses 4 styles of brew groups all look very similar but have subtle differences. Saeco groups look similar as well.

[@frankthespank]

Whole Latte Love - Ah... THANK YOU for explaining that, that’s actually good on the company, if I ever need parts it shouldn’t be too hard to find them. I actually had a Saeco Syntia sitting on my side counter in my kitchen for like 7 years covered with a towel, I bought it used on eBay and the machine came VERY dirty and I just put off cleaning it and setting it up until yesterday, I had two spine surgeries in that time (I’m kinda disabled) and I just kept putting it off and doing other “projects”. I had to take mine apart and clean it but it works like a champ now! I just can’t find any decent coffee locally, all the Lavazza and illy at my local stores are pre-ground 🤬!

[@agerlund1961]

And how carefull do I have to be with the drying? So many nooks and crannys...

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi GA, Good question! For normal maintenance we recommend rinsing brew group under room temperature tap water. Following that, shake off excess water and allow to rack dry outside of machine. Do not wipe down after rinsing. Not a problem to put a group back in machine and use when still lightly damp.

[@ΜανοςΠατερακης-ξ3ν]

I have just done the process. Absolutely clear and helpful video!! Thanks allot!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Glad it helped!

[@sherleysoto5688]

I have a Brera and it's stuck on the descaling cycle. It doesn't get to the next stages of descaling. Brew group is clean.

[@zowie8888able]

Thanks for the video! I learnt a couple of things I wasn't aware of

[@Wholelattelovepage]

You are welcome - happy to help!

[@JackNmD]

Thanks from Russia, video helps to clean my philips saeco.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Jack, You are welcome! Thanks for taking a moment to leave a comment.