This PID controller kit is designed to retrofit into the European Gaggia Classic espresso machines made after 2015 (model# RI9403). Our provided installation manual is based on the Gaggia Classic 2016 (model# RI9403/11). With a PID controller added to the heater control circuit, brew water temperature can be controlled to within ±1° accuracy. Thus, it will significantly improve the taste of your espresso. Users can also easily adjust the brew water temperature to suit their own tastes.
This kit is NOT compatible with the US version Gaggia nor latest Gaggia Classic Pro. Please see KIT-GG or KIT-GGP for compatible kits. For questions, please contact us.
Unique features:
- The PID controller in this kit is specifically modified for the Gaggia Espresso machine. Additional parameters are included to balance the requirements of cold start speed, shot recovery speed and long-term stability.
- The platinum RTD temperature sensor (RTDstat) used is more accurate and has greater long-term stability than the thermocouple sensors. Temperature variations within the controller’s environment will not affect the accuracy of its reading. In addition, the sensor is built in a shape like the original thermostat, to fit the same place.
- All the cables in the kit have higher temperature endurances than the original cables used by the manufacturer. We use color coded cables with either fluoropolymer or silicone insulation, preventing the potential electrical shocks from PVC insulated wires touching the boiler during operation.
- The installation is completely reversible if you ever want to sell the machine or send it in for service.
To install the kit, users will need the following:
- Basic knowledge of electronics wiring and safety
- Screwdriver, pliers, a socket wrench and small amount of alcohol.
- 30-60 minutes of time.
More important: No need for special tools. No need to learn how to set up the PID controller (usually, this is the most challenging part of the project for espresso drinkers with no control engineering background).
Two kit options are available:
Basic kit KIT-GG-EU:
- Control the brew temperature.
- Custom manufactured PID temperature controller with parameters set for Gaggia RI9403.
- A bright anodized aluminum box with pre-cut mounting slots and wiring holes sealed with rubber grommet.
- Solid state relay with mounting hardware and heat conductive paste.
- Platinum RTD temperature sensor made to fit the thermostat clip on the machine
- High temperature resistant wires, color coded, cut to length and terminated with proper connectors
- Detailed installation guide and operation manual with text and photos
Pre-infusion kit KIT-GGP-EU:
This PID controller kit has all the features of the basic kit (KIT-GG-EU) with the addition of pre-infusion (shot timer*) and steam temperature control features. The steam temperature is controlled by the same controller that controls the brew water temperature. The operation is the same as a regular unmodified machine. No extra button is needed to press for frothing. When the steam switch is turned on, the on/off temperature of the heater is controlled to 1 degree (F or C) difference as compared with the original thermostat's >10C (or 20F) difference. With this tight temperature control, you do not have to surf the temperature for frothing because the heater will kick in much sooner than the original thermostat. The on/off temperature can be adjusted by the user. The installation is completely reversible if you ever want to sell the machine or send it to service.
This kit has a pre-infusion timer. Pre-infusion is achieved by pumping a small amount of water into the coffee, holding off the pump for a second to let water soak in, and then starting the 25 second pumping. This will prevent high pressure water from immediately coming in contact with the dry coffee powder that can create a fast flow channel and thus ruin brewing. It will improve the consistency of the brewing even if you didn't tamp the coffee perfectly. The extraction countdown timer contains three segments: pre-infusion pulse (Tp), soak (Td), and brew (Tb). Each segment can be set by the user with 0.1 seconds resolution. When the ">" key is pressed, the controller starts the brewing sequence automatically. The pump can be stopped at any time by pressing the ">" key a second time. This feature allows you to operate the brew pump manually, with the timer as a reference. Users can also bypass the timer to use the switch on the machine for manual controlling the brewing process.
*The pre-infusion timer can also be used as a countdown shot timer. Users need to disable the parameter Tp, Td, and only use Tb as a shot timer to pump a specific time.
Note:
1: This kit works for 220V (European) power supply. Orders shipped outside of the US will be set for Celsius units by default. Please specify if you want it changed.
2: This kit doesn't fit Gaggia Class which has traditional Gaggia aluminum boilers, including 14101, RI8161/40 and RI9303 models. Please check
KIT-GG/
KIT-GGP instead. For questions, please
contact us.
3: This kit is NOT compatible with Gaggia Classic Pro (released in 2019). Please check
KIT-GG/
KIT-GGP instead.
Warranty: 6-month limited warranty. See
here for details.
Instruction Manual:
The instruction manual & installation documents are only available for downloading for customers who already purchased the kit. After purchasing the kit, please
log in your account, go to your order history and find the order for this kit, then you can find a downloadable link to get the zip file of the manuals. If you have issues downloading the zip file, please use
Chrome browser. For customers who checkout the kit without creating accounts, please use the original email address in your order and proceed with "forgot your password".
This product was added to our catalog on Friday 27 January, 2017.
