replacement portafilter for an old baby gaggia

askthecoffeeguy

My old but still faithful baby gaggia recently split its handle.  So I am either after a replacement portafilter, or a replacement handle - but I do not want to pay $75 for a new portafilter, when the replacement cost of the machine is not vastly removed from that price!

Any ideas where I could do better for less?

Also, what kind of special tool is required to remove the filter bracket from the handle in the first place?

As far as I can tell some sort of fancy ratchet set is required!

ACG

FreshCoffee2

You usually need a hex head bit (dont know correct size but will guess 6-8mm just for the hell of it) if the securing bolt is the hex head type, OR a socket to suit a regular bolt, fitted to the end of an extension bar that will reach down the handle. You also usually need to mount the metal head of the group handle on a vice to get the best grip...this is because either a) the securing bolt may have been locktited into the head to stop it coming undone OR b) the securing bolt invariably does get rusty through age / use etc, and will have effectively corroded/welded itself into the head, and may even snap off when you try and undo it. If it snaps off while you try & undo, leaving the threaded shank in the head of the group handle, you either chuck the lot away and buy another OR You very carefully drill out the broken shank, re tap the thread into the head, and fit a new plastic handle and new securing bolt with commmensurate thread type to the one you tapped out. If this happens, and you take the thing in to a tradesman to repair, the repair may cost more than the price of a complete new or second hand replacement group handle... And ofcourse if the securing bolt comes out nicely, you probably only need spend spomewhere around 20 dollars for a new plastic handle! If when you have investigated you find that you require a replacement metal head for the group handle assembly, I may have one, but I dont have the plastic handle. Regardz, FC.

askthecoffeeguy

Wow!  Thanks for that!  I think I will just fork out the $75 and write it off to tax (legitimately, of course, as I am using my domestic espresso machine to demonstrate with in the NEW [read revised] coffee course I am running from my cafe!) Also, I know that as a unit the Gaggia Baby is nothing flash, but I have tricked it up with a commercial pump, and, when combined with a Rocky grinder, it gives me much drinking pleasure! Thanks for the advice. ACG

askthecoffeeguy

I think I am in love! Got in contact with the manufacturer, who put me in touch with a registered service agent, and I picked up a brand new complete portafilter (minus the basket) for $68.00 - a lot less than what it was retailing for elsewhere! Also decided to splash out and buy me a double basket (14 to 16 gm), so I don't have to fluff around with two single extractions for my coffee in the morning. Now, to see if my baby gaggia is up for the challenge... ACG