Gaggia Classic Pro: PID Installation Tutorial Made Easy!

In this video, we take a look at how to install a PID in the Gaggia Classic Pro. I have chosen the PID from Barista Gadgets, due to its modern graphical interface, shot counter, and ergonomic handling. This competitively priced kit even comes with an LED to illuminate the water tank. Installation is relatively simple, and with this video, you should be able to install the unit yourself. Finally, this mod can also be installed on the Rancilio Silvia. Let's have a look at how to do it!

-- Products used/recommended in this video --
(these are affiliate links that help fund videos like this, at no extra cost to you)

►The Gaggia Classic Pro:

► Springs:

► Shorter Drip Tray:

► Single hole Steam Tip:

►Bottomless Portafilter:

Machine source: provided by Barista Gadgets, although I would have bought it, too.
Release day: Tuesday, 7am

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:36 Disclaimer
0:48 Kit Contents
2:25 Doing the PID mod
10:51 Tapping EU vs US models
11:17 Reassembly
16:33 PID HMI Settings
19:17 Espresso Demo
20:06 Milk Steaming Demo

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#TomsCoffeeCorner #GaggiaClassicPro #PID

[TomsCoffeeCorner]

This kit can be installed on any Gaggia Classic with a boiler like this, however the power tapping may vary based on machine age.
The kit should work with any machine that has a solenoid valve and an M4 thread in the boiler for the temperature probe, such as the Rancilio Silvia.

From the maker:
"When customers ask us about compatibility, our easiest answer for them is what their boiler looks like, is it like in your video?. If so the PID kit will fit their machine.
Regarding other machines (such as the Silvia): if the boiler has a M4 thread for the temperature sensor and a solenoid valve for the timer the kit will be compatible."

[ObserverDingue]

Thank you so much for making this video. It made me realise that modifying the Gaggia with PID temperature control is absolutely not for me! If I attempted this I just know something would go wrong. You have the patience of a saint and a useful tool kit, I have neither!
I want a machine with PID control so I’ll buy something else.

[ritaweygint]

I just received my new Gaggia Classic Evo Pro, and now I’m thinking of tearing it apart! Haven’t even pulled one shot of espresso yet LOL! But this looks fun!

[nofilter]

I just completed this upgrade following your instructions as well as the ones included. It was just as easy as it looks here and anyone can do it. I also like the included tank light, very useful.

[johne]

A service to humanity you've done there, Tom. If I'd done this to my Lelit N years ago I have kept it.

[lostboy]

Before this video I would'nt have even thought about this mod, but your tuition is so clear and precise Tom you have made it possible, thanks very much.Once again a great video and superb tuition.

[PastorJury]

I plan to purchase the Gaggia Classic Pro in the future. I appreciate that you make these videos as I will watch it again once I am able to buy my dream machine.

[maykbolinao]

Thanks to your video . I finally had the courage to buy and install the PID kit . No more h2o surfing

[DezertTitan]

Thanks for the video! I decided to get the Barista Gadgets PID because I thought it looked the best out of the options currently available - while not being as intensive of an install as the Gaggiuino. I followed your video as I installed this after work the other day and everything went smooth. As a base, I also copied your temp/PID settings as well. Pulling a shot works perfectly, however I had some issues w/ steam.

This started out as a question, but I've been doing some testing as I was writing here and stumbled on the solution to part of my problem. I was having the same issue as others have mentioned - low pressure, temps dropping below 140, etc. The instructions suggest to start steaming at 155c, which I still had those issues. However I decided to try steaming at 150 and that seemed to do the trick to avoid the overheat/shutdown.

On my machine, steaming to 150c took 32 seconds. That's typically when I'd start steaming w/ the GCP prior to the PID anyhow. I opened up the steam wand and let it run and to my delight, the temps never dropped below 150c. They did continue to rise before briefly dipping, I'd say it averaged 153c before the PID automatically reverted back to Brew mode. However, not quite the 155-157 range I dialed into settings.

So for steaming, this is kinda hit & miss. My hopes was that the PID could set & maintain the steam temps. However it has the same failings as using the GCP steam switch. If you wait too long, it exceeds the temperature limits, shuts off the boiler and you get subpar steam pressure. Worse, it only runs for a total of 90 seconds. This starts when you select Steam Mode so you can't even hold out for the pressure to build up.

I understand if the boiler struggles to continue to increase the temperature while I am currently steaming. I'd happily to wait for it to reach the temp range I input, if it would stop before shutting down. Was there another setting that I missed to this? A max-max steam setting?

[TracelessFK]

The barista gadgets pid is very nice and love the shot timer they added. Very easy to install by following their instructions

[geoff]

I have been waiting for a great PID that looks good and functions too, AND I have a clear understanding of how to install it. Thank you so much.

[kyndigvellanti]

That is a very clean and functional looking PID. Also was a great video demonstration!

[ForerunnerChief]

I installed this about 2 weeks ago. A few things I noticed is that even though it says you can do the steam switch on the machine or the steam switch on the PID, they don’t work the same way. Using the PID switch will heat to the steam temp you configured. Using the steam switch on the machine heats up to like 165C and then down all the way to around 140C ish. Also noticed that sometimes after steaming, the temperature would not drop below about 125C until i hit the brew switch for a few seconds. After that it would start dropping to the configured temperature. I just noticed the steam temp difference this morning, so maybe that is also related to the brew temp not dropping after steaming. I would suggest just using the PID switches for selecting brew and steam temps.

[timawn]

Just installed mine, incredibly helpful video👌👌👌

[sniffton]

I ordered the barrista gadgets pid based on this vid and can't wait to instal it.

[pravinlnrk]

I thought I would be able to comment first but tom beat me to it 😅

[drewweikum]

Thank you for this video Tom. I hav e his PID on the way and should be here in a few days. I'm really surprised I don't see more videos on this specific PID. Looks way better than what others offer at a better price.

[christopheranichol]

Thanks Tom, just ordered this kit from Barista Gadgets to fit on my new unboxed GCP.

[StoopidYuTube]

Soooo helpful, terrific walk through. Thanks Tom!

[fgoehner]

Very nice set up, I love the clean connections to the PID. The interface is super nice as well. I wish this was out when I installed my PID