Does my Gaggia Baby have a three-way solenoid?
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- Posts: 3
- Joined: 12 years ago
Hi!
First I have to warn you that I am a total beginner here...
I own my Baby Gaggia machine since many years, probably around 10 years, can't remember for sure. However, I have just began reading about how to properly clean it. Yes, I know, shame on me. My machine was well taken care of though, with regular cleaning at the shop, but now I'd like to do it myself.
I have been reading the how-to with the info about how to do a backflush, but I can't figure out if my machine has a three-way valves. I read the machine book, I searched online, but couldn't find the info since my model is a little bit dated. Can anyone help?
Also, I am a bit confused about coffee detergent vs descaler. Are they the same?
First I have to warn you that I am a total beginner here...
I own my Baby Gaggia machine since many years, probably around 10 years, can't remember for sure. However, I have just began reading about how to properly clean it. Yes, I know, shame on me. My machine was well taken care of though, with regular cleaning at the shop, but now I'd like to do it myself.
I have been reading the how-to with the info about how to do a backflush, but I can't figure out if my machine has a three-way valves. I read the machine book, I searched online, but couldn't find the info since my model is a little bit dated. Can anyone help?
Also, I am a bit confused about coffee detergent vs descaler. Are they the same?
- erics
- Supporter ★
- Posts: 6302
- Joined: 19 years ago
If you identify your machine from this site, more help can be provided.
http://www.partsguru.com/GaggiaHomeEspressoMakers.html
More than likely it does not but . . .
http://www.partsguru.com/GaggiaHomeEspressoMakers.html
More than likely it does not but . . .
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- Posts: 3
- Joined: 12 years ago
Hi Erics,
I couldn't find a picture on this website, but I just realized there's a sticker under the machine and it says it is a 1997 model. Does that help?
I couldn't find a picture on this website, but I just realized there's a sticker under the machine and it says it is a 1997 model. Does that help?
- erics
- Supporter ★
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- Joined: 19 years ago
Then, post a pic of your machine.
As I sorta said, more than likely it does not have a 3-way valve. Detergent and descaler are two completely different products and are NOT interchangeable.
Try these pics: http://www.partsguru.com/GaggiaBaby.html
As I sorta said, more than likely it does not have a 3-way valve. Detergent and descaler are two completely different products and are NOT interchangeable.
Try these pics: http://www.partsguru.com/GaggiaBaby.html
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- Posts: 3
- Joined: 12 years ago
On the link you suggested, there is no picture of my model but if you download the file titled Diagram Baby 2002, you can see a diagram of my machine.
- HB
- Admin
- Posts: 21983
- Joined: 19 years ago
Here's an easy test: Pull a shot, turn off the pump, wait three seconds, and quickly remove the portafilter. If your crotch doesn't get sprayed with steaming hot coffee grounds, it has a three-way valve. Seriously... if it has a three-way valve, you'll see the water discharge into the driptray immediately after you turn off the pump with a "whoosh" sound.July wrote:I have been reading the how-to with the info about how to do a backflush, but I can't figure out if my machine has a three-way valves.
For what it's worth, the Gaggia New Baby definitely has a three-way valve (I reviewed it for WIRED magazine here).
Dan Kehn
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- Posts: 302
- Joined: 12 years ago
if you have a gaggia baby 2002, i believe you do have a 3-way solenoid valve. i see something called "solenoid valve" on part 21. If you zoom in on the pdf, you can see the outlet pipe on the top that feeds down into the drip tray and two other holes on the bottom of the valve that are connected to the group body.