Hello all,

Have recently been having some trouble with my Gaggia Cubika (which has been working well for a year or so)- each time I try to make a shot all goes smoothly for about 3 secs, then the filter holder splutters loudly and spits groundy water out the sides and through the heads. I've attempted a few remedies so far- have cleaned out shower screen and filters thoroughly, adjusted screen tightness one way then the other, tamped coffee to different pressures, tried different filters; none of which have had any impact. I'm unsure as to whether the problem is associated with a lack of or abundance of pressure around the heads, but as my diagnostics have left me covered in watery coffee any advice anyone could give me would be greatly appreciated!

Have you tried changing the gasket? You should be able to get one if you call Gaggia.

I struggled with the cubika for a long time, it can be frustrating but it's not as terrible as some might suggest.

If you want to play with the pressure, you could try the adjustment knob (which you can find above the water tank), but I wouldn't recommend it. This problem doesn't sound like a pressure issue, assuming you've tried a coarser grind.

If I understand you correctly the water is spilling out above the portafilter, meaning that it is easier for the water to break the seal between the portafilter and the group than to flow through the coffee. This suggests a severely worn out gasket combined with a very fine grind.

If you're using pre-ground coffee, buy a good grinder. Lots of advice available here. Otherwise loosen the grind and change the gasket.