Gaggia Classic portafilter color change inside
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- Posts: 3
- Joined: 10 years ago
I've been using my Gaggia Classic since October 2013, so it's a fairly new machine. I've been very careful at maintaining it and cleaning it properly, but recently I've noticed a color change inside portafilter.
From what I've been able to find online, it seems like the chrome layer is starting to wear off. Is that correct? It also has a somewhat metallic smell inside, which I found weird, and slightly concerning. Could it be that it's very weirdly colored coffee stain, and nothing more?
Now, the lighting may not be the best, and there are still some coffee stains around, but the color change in the picture attached should be obvious, especially around the portafilter hole. The color looks almost like color of copper.
Is it normal that this is happening in less than 6 months of usage (1-2 coffees daily)? This is probably not covered by warranty, right? Also, how dangerous is this? I would prefer not to drink any kind of metal in my coffee.
In the end, if I'm unlucky and a new portafilter is required, what would be the best place to order it online (Europe) so that it fits Gaggia Classic perfectly?
Thanks!
From what I've been able to find online, it seems like the chrome layer is starting to wear off. Is that correct? It also has a somewhat metallic smell inside, which I found weird, and slightly concerning. Could it be that it's very weirdly colored coffee stain, and nothing more?
Now, the lighting may not be the best, and there are still some coffee stains around, but the color change in the picture attached should be obvious, especially around the portafilter hole. The color looks almost like color of copper.
Is it normal that this is happening in less than 6 months of usage (1-2 coffees daily)? This is probably not covered by warranty, right? Also, how dangerous is this? I would prefer not to drink any kind of metal in my coffee.
In the end, if I'm unlucky and a new portafilter is required, what would be the best place to order it online (Europe) so that it fits Gaggia Classic perfectly?
Thanks!
- cannonfodder
- Team HB
- Posts: 10497
- Joined: 19 years ago
It all depends on how thick the chrome plating is. It looks like the chrome is wearing off. I have worn the chrome out of a portafilter in 3 months, think it was a gaggia as well. I was doing a review on the hardware and work it out in a few months. You can use a green scrubby to clean out the inside if you want and get down to the brass which is where you will eventually be.
Dave Stephens
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- Posts: 3
- Joined: 10 years ago
So it's normal that it happens and gradually gets worse?
Is it a health concern? I mean, if it keeps getting worse, then it obviously means that the chrome is going somewhere - most likely my espresso.
Is it a health concern? I mean, if it keeps getting worse, then it obviously means that the chrome is going somewhere - most likely my espresso.
- sweaner
- Posts: 3013
- Joined: 16 years ago
I have a solution.
Hole saw>>>bottomless portafilter>>>Done!
Hole saw>>>bottomless portafilter>>>Done!
Scott
LMWDP #248
LMWDP #248
- Travisimo
- Posts: 68
- Joined: 11 years ago
I agree with Sweaner...make or buy a naked portafilter. The metallic or odd taste of espresso will no longer exhibit since with a blind portafilter it will have the espresso extract straight into the cup.
Note: If you do decide to do this...be prepared for the area getting more messing around your machine tray and counter...the espresso extraction although cool to watch will if dosing/distribution of grounds up not right, you will have instant channeling...instant spray or mess!
Regards.
Note: If you do decide to do this...be prepared for the area getting more messing around your machine tray and counter...the espresso extraction although cool to watch will if dosing/distribution of grounds up not right, you will have instant channeling...instant spray or mess!
Regards.
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- Posts: 1375
- Joined: 11 years ago
Well, this is a common occurrence with portafilters and the chrome if it's not quite thick enough. My older portafilters are now all brass inside. If the chrome is causing health issues we'd probably have covered that extensively by now. (Want to bring up the lead in brass debate again?)espresso-at-home wrote:So it's normal that it happens and gradually gets worse?
Is it a health concern? I mean, if it keeps getting worse, then it obviously means that the chrome is going somewhere - most likely my espresso.
I wouldn't be worried.
LMWDP #445
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- Posts: 3
- Joined: 10 years ago
I just wanted to take a minute to say thanks to everyone who replied! I ended up with a nice bottomless portafilter. I have to add that there wasn't a lot of mess during the first couple of extractions - that must mean that my technique is already quite decent!
And it's so much fun to watch!
Thanks!
And it's so much fun to watch!
Thanks!