ULTIMATE ESPRESSO MACHINE MODIFICATION: The Gaggiuino Project (Gaggia Classic Pro)

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Have any of you tried this? Would you try it? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments below!
Gaggiuino Home Page:
gaggiuino.github.io/#/
IMPORTANT Functions Overview:
gaggiuino.github.io/#/learnin...
Gaggiuino Discord:
gaggiuino.github.io/#/communi...
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[@nathanking6242]

As a person with a degree in electronics who became a software developer who loves espresso, I never thought I’d see a single video that encapsulated all of my interests. But here it is! I bought a Decent due to the tech/coffee crossover, but this looks like a really fun project.

[@McSnarf]

These projects indeed are. The good thing is that these single boiler machines are extremely simple. A boiler, a thermostat, a pump and a number of valves. You just add sensors, brains and a couple of SSRs. And with the open source stuff like Gaggiuino or Clevercoffee (to name only two), you can even build bespoke solutions.

[@lib747]

As a person with a degree in computer science, who also does electronics, I did the PCB build in one day, and it's the best project ever. I highly recommend it.

[@2k3r1]

Do you think you are going to give this a whirl, even with the Decent?

[@nathanking6242]

@@2k3r1 No, I don't think it makes sense, given the inherent monitoring capabilities of the Decent.

[@kellynkarr6270]

@@BenRichards7wimp! Just kidding

[@ronniejxmes]

It was your original GCP video that led me down the rabbit hole and eventually to completing the Gaggiuino. Glad to finally see this video Lance!

[@pelone01]

I have been looking forward to this video for several weeks, since you alluded to it. I'm glad you're covering this mod, as it needs a lot more publicity. Publicity. It is one of the most amazing mods I've seen for an espresso machine. I have a Gaggiuino modded GCP that I have been using for several months. It is absolutely wonderful.

[@hashimbk]

I agree, it looks really great and the money that you save using this mod is insane. One of the things that I am curious about is the frothing pressure. Did you notice any change in terms of that? I personally consider the pressure that comes with the original model to be pretty low, compared to other brands that are in the same price range.

[@kdawgg83]

@@hashimbk It has a "dream steam" feature which maintains steam pressure and never runs out of steam.

[@BruceJamesCobber]

I'm still waiting for my kit to arrive, now 2 months in, but I'm hopeful it'll get shipped soon. Have you encountered any serious issues ever since you've modded yours? Did you also have to deal with the Eco pcb that needs to get removed?

[@andrewmonfort4881]

I've had mine working for right at a year with full scales integration. I can't imagine my home coffee life without it. I consider coffee from my local coffeeshop as essentially Bunn drip coffee compared to my first cup of the morning at home off the gaggiuino.

[@gregorio5543]

Had no idea there was a non solder build for a Gaggiuno. Definitely doing this. I've heard stories of it taking weeks to put together. Probably won't take me 2 hours but if I can get it done in a weekend, worth it

[@scottnunes2401]

@lance thank you! As a total noob with zero experience this awesome upgrade feels attainable. Now my espresso dreams can become reality.

[@OrenUrbach]

The transition to Squarespace was pure art

[@nathanking6242]

Yes! Never change, Lance.

[@pierrex3226]

I have a gaggia classic from Europe, installed a pid with AliExpress parts a while back, along with those fancy springs from whoever sells them. It took guesswork out, I know when the boiler is hot enough for shots, and I know when the boiler is hot enough for milk. It was an adventure, but I'm glad I made the mods

[@TheGroundedCoffee]

You've uploaded this video FAST since finishing the build. Got my Gaggiuino going for a pretty long time now. Gonna pull a shot and watch this :)

[@ndipatri]

This is fantastic.. I build my own mods for the Gaggia and the Gaggiuino project has been an inspiration for me. The latest revision of the board with the integrated dimmer (Triac) is quite impressive.. seeing Lance do this is a real treat.

[@cspalmisano]

Ron Jeremy really knows his coffee

[@qwerfa]

I did the mod a few months ago, and it is magical. I really want to try the hardware scales upgrade at some point, but even the virtual predictive scales work really well once you have your grind dialed in. It gives you all the complexity you might want, but you can also just a flat 6-7-8-9 bars if you want since you have the pressure sensor. The biggest game changer though for me was the milk. Steaming with the gaggia wasn't bad, but it was something you kind of need to get used to. Steaming with the gaggiuino is a breeze. As someone with basic electronics skills, the whole mod took around an evening and I was taking my time and double and triple checking things to make sure I was doing it right. Didn't even need to ask for help from the discord, but looking at existing help threads certainly can help avoid some pitfalls. 100% worth it in my opinion.

[@scarzilla]

I'm looking into doing this mod, did you buy a PCB kit or did you do the Lego build? I was excited to try the Lego build but after throwing together an AliExpress list of parts directly from the project site, seeing a near $200 cost with shipping has me second guessing what I've heard about this projects projected budget.

[@qwerfa]

@@scarzilla I did the pcb. I'm pretty handy with electronics but my soldering skills are pretty bad. The whole kit, minus the water sensor and hardware scales, as they are optional, came out to roughly 150$ with the shipping. Keep in mind that you won't get the wires needed for the custom wiring harness unless you cannibalize the stock one, so if you want to be able to rever the mod easily, either get additional wires and switch harnesses completely, or do the stock wiring integration.

[@dethsavison]

Wow I ordered my peak coffee kit yesterday! So stoked you did this video!

[@nanashivii9237]

I've often thought of doing this to my machine since I love tinkering, but never had the programming know-how to make it work, so it's a pleasant surprise to discover that projects like this exist. Very tempted to dip my toes using some different components.

[@timothyforeman3272]

Thank you for your video. Was already looking at the gaggiuino mod and this helped me to go for it. Pulled my second shot on my newly modified gaggiuino this morning and I’m so happy with the results!

[@robfox674]

Thanks for reviewing. Love my Gaggiuino! Started with AliExpress and piece parts. Upgraded to PCB, complete with scales and really neat UX.

[@hkamobile]

Well done Lance 🎉, what a great videos ! Now the New Era of Coffee community has open up to everybody.

[@TimothyScotts1]

Please do a follow-up video with the scales installed! I would love to see how effective they are!

[@OneIdeaTooMany]

I've been waiting for this video for so long. I've done the mod on a gaggia as well as on a non Gaggia machine which was.... Expensive but fun. Great video Lance!

[@BenInTheAir]

I LOVE mine! Worth a weekend of fussing around in the garage, especially if you have a friend who can help with the programming bit

[@nyxpdx5813]

Another Gaggiuino user here. Been using it for a while and adore it. Worst part was not having coffee for a couple days, but was totally worth the adventure.

[@Snailgineer]

I’m a coffee loving engineer and I can’t wait to do this all the long way 🙂

[@raz0r00]

This was such a massive upgrade for my Gaggia. Did the lego about 8 months ago, total gamechanger

[@rohansharma991]

I'm interested in knowing what you get from the upgrade since it's mostly electronics -- better temp/pressure control?

[@callanmcdonald9578]

I made mine a year ago, with a beat-up second-hand 2001 GC that I got for £30. fixed it up and put this in the total spend of £200. flipping mental.

[@BiecherBender]

Okay that means I’m not too stupid to source the parts, right? I put the order together on aliexpress and it is around 200€ total. In the video he mentioned 60 bucks, that might be a bit too low

[@callanmcdonald9578]

@@BiecherBender costs have gone up on the parts I think. Today my choice would be to go for the PCB build. Unless you value the learning experience from the lego build.

[@BiecherBender]

@@callanmcdonald9578 yes I will go with the preconditioned kit from US peek coffee. Somehow that’s less expensive than the UK source shipping to Germany. Thanks!

[@armaanpasha5865]

Can I have the link from where I can purchase it

[@LiberaAnimaVestra17]

@@BiecherBender did u done it already? bzw hat alles geklappt mit der Order, gib uns bitte ein Feedback!

[@TylerH266]

Been waiting for this to drop before considering modding mine. Thanks so much for this!

[@OverTinkerer]

Great Video Lance! Thanks for demonstrating! I‘m currently also working on this mod, it’s a lot of fun!

[@thomascee]

You did it!!!🎉 Fantastic!!! Can’t wait to see this!

[@sonnygambhir6995]

You dropped this video literally when my machine was open and I was mid-install. Would love if you could do a follow up video that explores in-depth each of the different variables and creating profiles!

[@Snailgineer]

I 2nd this request!

[@stevewicky]

Your square space placements are so good I make sure I watch all of it!!

[@F7INN]

Have had Gaggiuino for around a year now. Been waiting for this video since I first saw your message in the iuiuiu discord!

[@Faades]

For a second I thought that you had installed a manual lever on top and got all excited 😅

[@Becizzle]

Omg. Im so glad I never went crazy with my coffee. I bought a gaggia classic over a year ago and the only mod i did was change the pressure spring to the 9 bar. My shots taste amazing tome so im happy.

[@liamthompson9342]

What an insanely great project. The temptation is real.

[@stenmartens7179]

did this mod at the start of this year as a fun weekend project with 2 friends. managed to do 80% of the build in a single day and finish the rest on the next. mind you that we had never seen an espresso machine from the inside, and while i like some tinkering with IoT appliances that had never gone to this extent before, and i have the eco version as well. it's not THAT complicated as it's a really basic machine apart from the whole eco wiring bullshit. for anyone trying to do this mod, just try to constantly keep in mind what the buttons should do and attach your wiring from there on. keep track of your high voltage wiring (mains coming in from the power plug, to the button, and to the boiler). if i remember correctly all of the buttons should jus be connected to your microcompter since they are only used to command the micro computer, which will handle all the internal components accordingly. this is a bit oversimplified but if you keep this in mind while building you should be able to manage it all with some common sense

[@slush714]

That ad tee up what awesome haha. Great video. Thanks for taking the leap for us!

[@__petr]

I've been waiting for this video for a long time!! you're awesome lance, keep it up!

[@keulengnomdererste2850]

Great seeing this being covered, postponing doing the mod for about a year now just that i dont have the same time anymore ^^'

[@AbuSalem2099]

Completely impressed by this project

[@alexanderz8052]

This is awesome! Had I known about this half a year ago I'd gotten a gaggia. Well here's to hoping a similar build will be dine for Breville Machines in the future

[@HalfSpec]

Wow. That squarespace segue was masterful :D

[@jimmychen2516]

I've been looking forward to this video for a year now!

[@saifgpathan]

the best ad for squarespace ever. didn't even skip the part. genius... subscribing right now.. so what about Gagguino?!?! haha

[@cricocoo]

Gagguino is a lovely project! I bought my Gaggia in the hope of turning it "uino" at some point but have been procrastinating as well. Would love a workshop for the European eco version, to tackle it as a group experience instead, to make it less daunting ...

[@MikeG4936]

Open source coffee!! Can't WAIT to build mine!

[@jeef16]

finally you did this video!!! combined with the preheating coil mod (which is incredibly effective) I've been getting really great temp stability in my unit. it's been outstanding, never upgrading

[@jeef16]

@@AlexandrosLullus honestly I hate to say "google it" but yea that's how I found the best guides. the exact setup changes based on your machine. the core of the mod is that you take a 14" copper tube, wrap it in a coil (I used a soda can as a template and that worked pretty well for the boiler, just had to loosen the coil as needed to get it over the boiler. the trick is you dont want to the copper to touch the boiler too much, you want the heat that's being radiated away and wasted by the boiler to warm the copper. you dont want direct contact with the boiler since the copper may leech too much heat from the boiler as the shot is being pulled, since the copper is more conductive) the hardest part was connecting the coil to the pump and boiler inlet. the boiler inlet was easy since I have the old style OPV and it was threaded perfectly for 1/8-1/4" compression fitting, connecting to the pump was trickier and it depends if you have the gagguino installed or not. if you have the old style OPV, it dumps water at the boiler inlet so if you have no gagguino, you're dumping your preheated water and undoing your hard work. I instead (this was before gagguino mod, gagguino makes this irrelevant since its never supposed to kick in the OPV) used a vibienne brass OPV at the pump outlet as valve between the pump and the start of the coil. this worked very well for me, and I used a brass plug on the original OPV at the boiler. the mod worked great for me, truly outstanding. BUT since you have a copper coil in there, your machine is going to rattle a LOT more. Again, if you have the gagguino kit then the rattling is a non-issue. with both mods combined, I get truly outstanding temp stability. just got a thermocouple in the mail so I can measure it, but if I had to guess I'd say I get less than 5C drop in temp over a shot. Good luck, its up to you to figure out how to get that coil installed but I highly recommend it. definitely worth the effort. just measure 5-6 times and cut/bend once! no pinching either, a bad pinch will cause a pressure issue as it'll act like a venturi and create a pressure issue right after the pinch

[@philiplundberg6862]

If you do the Gaggiuino mod you won't have to do the preheating coil, since the software knows waterflow and compensates by adding heat to the boiler before temkperature drops. So the temperature stability is really improved. @@AlexandrosLullus

[@JoshuaStone]

Love mine. Been nearly flawless, I’ve supported 2 other builds.

[@2k3r1]

How long have you had it? Anything you would do differently?

[@writerboz]

I was given the new model for my birthday in the fall and I've been making awful espresso trying to use it as is. But I've been afraid to perform surgery. So thanks for making this video and perhaps after watching again I'll get the courage to venture into the mod parts and the community.

[@lib747]

I did the PCB build. You don't need the scales to get the weight readout and auto shutoff, but it's a different firmware build from the one that you have (I'm guessing, since you get no weight readout). Once you have the right firmware installed, you'll need to calibrate it, measuring the weight using a scale. It's not hard, and it's really awesome.

[@bmihalje]

how does it compare to the physical scale? Do you need to calibrate it regurarly? I guess it takes into account the flow rate and output of water..

[@AxelGau]

The more I see these videos the more I want to get a gaggia classic/CPro even if I'm not crafty at all

[@johnl.7582]

This might be Peak Lance. What a joy.

[@h3kufc]

I made the mod months ago and its amazing.

[@hoodrider282]

1:35 was pure gold. Thank you for the laugh!

[@Benihana81]

I just completed the Gagguinio V2 mod on my GCP. Completely transforms the machine! Thanks for bringing awareness to this. It is definitely not for everyone, but if you can do it it's a game changer.....especially the steam power it's insane.

[@jons3808]

Great video! Dang! I wanted to do this upgrade, but the soldering and not having a kit scared me away. Instead, I put a PID kit on mine and I love it. I sure wish this kit was available back then. Maybe I’ll upgrade again 😂

[@Tbass17]

This was me a year ago 😂 I did what Lance did and brought all the bits, lost a load of time, and now this is tempting me back…

[@Kiaulen]

Such an insane value here. It's honestly a bit surprising to me that no one else in the industry has tried to replicate the decent for cheaper. Given one guy (or gal) with some AliExpress parts has been able to not only do, but document this mod, it seems like something the big players (Breville, Rancilio, Profitec, even Gaggia themselves) should be able to replicate and sell themselves. Espresso has a bright future, and I look forward to seeing where it goes from here. Thanks as always, Lance, for being the cool uncle in the online coffee community. I quite enjoyed your singing :)

[@Kiaulen]

That makes sense, actually. The Open Source community (hackers, if you use the proper ESR definition) tend toward direct communication that often comes across brusque. That Kafmasino ONE looks exactly like the Turin Legato + a gagguino mod, though the tablet/phone app is definitely new. 1k euros is about what I'd expect as well.

[@Finnspin_unicycles]

The customer base that wants the abilities of the decent is just so small. All the big manufacturers could obviously provide something similar fairly easily, but honestly 99% of customers need a machine that is simpler to use and dial in, not harder. Most people don't want to look at a graph while brewing coffeee...

[@lucasrobinson4577]

Best ad transition ever!

[@jslanfranchi]

Totally worth watching, of course for the content but that singing was spot on 🎉

[@momoisstrange]

Thank you for finally making this! I will have my GCP Evo soon, and plan to do this mod, so more information on it is very helpful!

[@jisezer]

It's so refreshing to see that data backs up the idea that we have been doing too much

[@nickmaldonado2889]

Thanks for the detailed rundown of the mod and the celebratory opera! I just bought a GCP Evo new and once I get it, gonna play with it stock for a while. But eventually I'll be referring back to this for a laugh and to help me confirm the Gaggiuino mod is the right move

[@jo.comics]

Ah yes, reversing the polarity of the neutron flow. I shall keep that in mind if mine does not hwat up either. Thank you for the informative video, Lance

[@hycron1234]

These machines are so damn easy to work on, and this mod is absolutely brilliant.

[@danielkassulke3775]

Looking forward to the followup video comparing to the Decent😄

[@utiuandy99]

I can’t wait for the Gaggiuino vs Decent video 😮

[@vaggelismanousakis6147]

I am patiently waiting for my GC’s warranty to expire so that I get to that project hands on and learn. Thanks so much for the video, I would love to see a step by step 30’/1 hour tutorial on how to complete it as a beginner 🙏

[@clarksol]

Incredibly detailed and informative video Lance. If anyone needs a high pressure replacement piston pump for their machine, we sell our ETS17 and ET200 Series pump which has longer life then the Ulka due to the fact it relies on close machining tolerance over elastomer seals. Cheers, Geoff

[@VSparxxx]

If anyone thinks to buy this while planning on gaggiuino then don't because it won't work with the project regarding following the flow characteristics.

[@danielsmullen3223]

I first found your channel because of your Gaggia mod videos. And I keep watching!

[@mikeelsley4352]

Very cool project. Thanks for sharing

[@Gerz970]

Excited to finally see you covering this! I have the parts for mine coming soon.

[@toasterboy708]

Oh Lance. We do love you mate.

[@Dexterprog]

The only KZbin whose sponsored ads I watch, not only for the way he integrates it in the video with a silly, but funny joke, also because he makes them enjoyable.

[@itsTorge]

That was some nice use of music in this video lance!

[@beyou3015]

I just purchased the Gaggia Classic Evo as my entry-level espresso machine. I saved this video to modify my Gaggia after my warranty expires.

[@RVDL]

Informative and fun as well, thanks!

[@JayxBoii57]

I didn't know this existed! As a Computer Science university student who loves coffee this would've been so fun, what an awesome project, even though I have a flair I might try this anyways 👀 Also great video showcasing this Lance

[@v0idgrim]

This will also work on other machines than Gaggia Classic fyi. :)

[@JayxBoii57]

@@v0idgrim good to know! Thanks!

[@littlestar5737]

I have both super expensive and fairly inexpensive espresso machine and over years I developed skill to make coffee that tastes pretty much same in both machines. I use VST baskets, spring water and coffee beans as fresh as possible. IMO those three items totally change my coffee game.

[@kellynkarr6270]

Buy a gene cafe and roast your own coffee. Your game will elevate even more!

[@ritaweygint4038]

I just finished installing all the Shades of Coffee mods, and love my Gaggia! I’m not sure about this one, though. The screen is so small… But I’m tempted to try to find a used older machine just so I can play with modding it! Good work!

[@cben86]

A larger screen is coming

[@julian-fricker]

Why did I watch this? Ordered mine early November and just waiting for it to arrive. Not complaining, just super excited. I'm in the UK so also have the Eco version. Also lost my original spring after doing the 9 bar mod so need to source one.

[@frankgarcia3310]

I miss my gaggia so much. It is like a subaru you don't know why you love yours so much but you do.

[@ishyg2711]

That segue to the sponsor is so smooth

[@mariushilker7523]

Love this mod and this vid!❤

[@briankushner-bt5bb]

You have come a long way since Frankensteinian PID dimmer😀. Very nice.

[@thomastreacy9763]

Great video! If I have already got all the shades upgrades like PID, and want to install this, should I revert back all those mods before installing the new Gagguino mods?

[@elleas231]

Thanks for this video dude

[@likearc]

You're kind of like matty matheson but for coffee. Love it

[@BadCatCafe]

I only just received my PID, pressure gauge and dimmer kit from Shades of Coffee (awesome people) last week and was planning on starting it tomorrow... now I'm wondering if I really made the best choice in mod kits! I already replaced the OPV spring with 9 bar spring, the old grouphead gasket with a nice, new silicone one and the shower screen and holding plate with a very nice upgrade from from BIT International, and lastly "The One" steam wand tip - remarkable difference in shot quality from these extremely simple to install little upgrades. But what I REALLY wanted to have was precisely what you've installed here. At least I'll have fun gaining the experience of installing the Shades of Coffee mods. Then I'll just look forward to a completely new build on another machine in the future! I enjoy the tinkering as much as making and drinking espresso, so when I can get way better espresso after having this much fun tinkering, I can't think of a better way to enjoy my free time. Thank you, Lance, for all the excellent videos you've created sharing your knowledge, experience and creativity with us. And.. KEEP SINGING!! 🎶

[@geordieny]

The Shades kit is awesome. There's always a FOMO with mods, but the steam from the shades kit is a game changer. You'll also have flow control for preinfusion. Yes, the gaggiuino is more precise, but the shades kit doesn't 99% of the same for way less work.

[@Pablohiri2]

I had the shades of coffee PID and it was great but this takes the machine to another level above the PID. took me about the same time to install.. maybe even less. I also installed the scales which I created my own 3d files that works amazing with the low profile drip tray from shades of coffee. So I would totally recommend it

[@krimke881]

Finally, an upgrade worth doing on the gaggia. Maybe I'll fit it to my original gaggia

[@TheHillmom]

Opensource + Espresso = LOVE

[@blakerobinson4198]

LANCE!!! Any chance you have plans to review the Turin Legato? I'm looking to build my first home espresso setup, and was going to go with either the Gaggia or the Bambino Plus, but it seems like the Turin Legato may be a great machine that falls between those two. Thanks for all the videos, you have been a world of help getting me deeper into the world of coffee.

[@alexlazaridisf.7276]

Awesome! Hey can you install those gravimetric scales on other espresso machines? I have an ECM CLASSIKA. I started out with a Gaggia. Loved it. Put in a PID and OPV. Made great espresso.

[@kitcraft9516]

As for everybody who owns a GCP doing this: I think sometimes people underestimate just how easily some of us can mess up electronics, lol.

[@jamesmac6102]

True, and not all people have a plier, terminal crimping tool, wire cutter...

[@danielh12345]

​@@jamesmac6102well yeah but those are a relatively cheap investment, or you borrow them from someone. If youre willing to spend the money on kits like this and tinker they are just a necessity and should just be considered as part of your budget... Thats how DIY works...

[@F7INN]

Honestly though man, this mod was far easier than I expected it to be

[@kitcraft9516]

Over the years I have heard this about many projects and have given it a shot only to end up having to send the object out to have it put back together by someone else, lol. It is a super cool concept, but I'd have a friend do it for sure.@@F7INN

[@jamesmac6102]

@@F7INN easy is a matter of perspective

[@orifkhodjaev1449]

Looks like a fantastic and fun project, and this build looks so clean!❤ But I wonder, how does it compare practically to something like decent? Will it produce as great of a cup?

[@fern439]

wow this is amazing

[@c4li]

supercool build

[@exooptik]

Oh gosh I love this

[@garthv]

Excellent video! How can you tell if you have the ECO version of the GCP?

[@JimSlaughterOC]

Thanks for the great video. This is really exciting. Would it be possible to do this with a Breville Bambino?

[@Jaimel0l]

That segue to Squarespace 👌

[@kindaFunkyNGL]

This is the only reason I got a gaggia classic. Then got addicted to espresso XD

[@BirleDaniel]

Would have loved a taste review compared to HX machines or dual boiler. Maybe in the near future

[@yannickschilli2477]

Need to do this!