The Gaggia Classic espresso machine is one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines in the market.
It is best for newbies and intermediate coffee machine users who want to be a barista at home.
The machine offers variety of filters and comes with customization of volume and strength for your coffee.
With the help of this machine, you can make your cafe-style espresso, cappuccinos, and latte.
It comes with a commercial steam wand to texture milk.
However, just like any other coffee machine, this Gaggia Classic machine too requires proper cleaning and maintenance on a regular basis.
If you have got this machine and have been using it since last several months, then you might have faced some technical issues with it over a period.
Some problems like not being able to brew the coffee properly or not brewing coffee at all, can be solved only by cleaning and descaling the machine.
This is because, over time, scales build up in your machine.
And if you don’t clean them in time, then they can damage your machine and lower the quality of your coffee.
So, the proper cleansing of your machine after every use is very crucial.
It is recommended to descale your machine at least every 2 months.
The machine wears over time if not cleaned regularly.
While cleaning the machine, the machine’s group head can get stuck.
Sometimes, the group head gasket does not come off easily even when you remove the two Allen screws.
This most probably happens because of the limescale and debris buildup.
Due to lack of proper cleaning, the group head gasket gets stuck in its place.
In that case, you can use a flat head and pry it off from the machine.
After that, I recommend to use company recommended Gaggia Descaler Solution to get the best cleaning results.
With this descaling solution, you will be able to remove the stuck group head of the Gaggia Classic machine.
If you still face issues and not been able to remove the group head, then the only solution is to get in touch with the Gaggia customer support and solve the problem through their technicians.
So today, in this article, I will explain 2 main reasons behind the group head of Gaggia Classic machine getting stuck.
I will also explain the easiest solution to solve this problem.
Kindly, read this article till the finish to understand the topic at hand.
Table of Contents
- 2 Reasons Why Group Head of Gaggia Classic Coffee Machine Gets Stuck
- 5 Steps to Remove Stuck Group Head of Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine
- How To Replace Damaged Gaggia Classic Group Head?
2 Reasons Why Group Head of Gaggia Classic Coffee Machine Gets Stuck
Reason 1: Buildup of Scale and Debris
If you do not clean the group head for an extended period, then the scale will start building up inside the group head and gasket.
Consequently, the group head will get stuck there, and it will be pretty challenging to remove it from there.
Even if you use flat head or other equipment, it will still be tough to remove the stuck group head due to thick layers of limescale and other debris collection.
Problem 2: Gasket is Broken
There is rubber gasket present inside the group head which can also get stuck or damaged.
If the machine’s group head is not opening properly, then it is possible that the gasket gets jammed over there after it is broken.
After this, it will be pretty hard to remove the group head from its stuck position.
5 Steps to Remove Stuck Group Head of Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine
When the group head of your Gaggia Classic machine gets stuck, then it is a bit hard to remove that group head.
Here, I am going to explain the few steps that will help you comfortably remove the stuck group head from the machine.
You will also know how to remove the stubborn screw that holds on your shower screen, how to get out a persistent shower screen holding plate, and how to remove the group gasket.
It is not that hard to do the above troubleshooting if you have the right stuff and the right knowledge about it.
Step 1: First, you will have to use your Gaggia Classic machine when it is not hot and has normal temperature.
Then, take off all the machine components because you will have to turn the machine upside down.
So, you will need to take off the tube, the drip tray, the little cover on the top, and the water reservoir.
Step 2: Now, turn the machine upside down so that you can work on it quickly.
You will need to remove the screw first.
Make sure the screw is clean.
You can use a longer shafted screwdriver that can fit the screw well.
Press it hard when turning, and then remove the shower screen.
Step 3: After that, you will get a shower screen holding plate.
It comes with a 5-millimeter Allen wrench.
Always make sure that it is clean.
Then, turn those screws out.
Opening them can be a little tricky if you had never done this before and had been using Gaggia Classic machine since last few years.
Step 4: Now comes the group head.
The stuck group head won’t come out easily in several cases.
To get it out, you will have to use leverage, take a screwdriver, and just keep wrenching on this.
You may go from side to side, just put a little force on that, and eventually, this will come out.
When the group head comes out, clean it properly.
Step 5: Next thing to take care is the group gasket.
This gasket wears down over time, so you must replace it once you see it is broken or damaged.
Once the parts are removed, you can use a Gaggia Descaler Solution and brush to completely clean and descale the group head.
You can now soak all the elements in the descaler to remove the scale built over time.
You can use the backflushing method to clean the group head from time to time.
I highly recommend you to watch the following video tutorial to understand the above mentioned group head removal and cleaning process.
Recommended Articles for You:
Learn How to Use Cafiza Cleaner to Clean Any Espresso Machine
5 Methods to Change Stuck Portafilter Basket in Espresso Machines
2 Methods to Clean Portafilter Between Shots
Discover Easiest Method to Clean Portafilter with Vinegar and Cafiza
How To Replace Damaged Gaggia Classic Group Head?
You need to clean your Gaggia classic machine on a regular basis in order to remove all the limescale and the coffee residue that may have stuck in the different parts of the machine.
Make sure to clean the shower screen as well because shower screen full of debris and scale can restrict the flow of the portafilter.
So, you want to take these parts out and clean them too frequently.
You can use the above 5 steps to open the machine and then perform descaling process.
If the group gasket in the group head gets damaged or wears down over time, then you will have to replace it with a new one.
However, you should always replace it once a year or when necessary.
So, put the gasket in its place and then reassemble the other parts.
References:
https://kcroasters.com/products/gaggia-classic-semi-automatic-espresso-machine
https://www.fixya.com/support/t1753900-gaggia_classic_group_head_stuck
https://www.gaggia-na.com/pages/semi-automatic-maintenance
https://wiki.wholelattelove.com/Gaggia_Classic/troubleshooting