Gaggia Velasca

The Gaggia Velasca is a super-automatic espresso machine that features beverage programming.

Gaggia Velasca
Manufacturer: Gaggia
Model Name: Velasca
Model Number: RI8260/47
Type: Super-Automatic

Getting Started

There are critical differences in how Super-Automatic machines work in comparison to semi-automatic or manual units which are vital to be aware of. A working knowledge of the machine prior to first-time use will help ensure a satisfying experience, increase the longevity of the unit, and prevent errors or damage that can result from misuse. The information in this section will cover machine set-up and basic use. To start, the video below provides five useful tips to help you understand your super-automatic machine:

Bean Selection & Compatibility

This is crucial. Before setting up the machine it's best to review this topic. The most important thing to understand about Super-Automatic machines is that they do not accept oily, caramelized, or flavored beans. The video below discusses what variety of beans are compatible with your machine, and which beans are not:

First Time Use

The machine manual provides a detailed set-up guide, but all that information can be overwhelming. In this section we will walk you through the most important steps of machine set-up.

Initial Setup/Priming

When the machine is first unpacked, there are several things to consider before powering up the unit. You may notice water or grounds in the machine. This is normal. All machines are manufacturer tested before leaving the factory.

1. First, make sure all of the components are fully inserted into the machine.
2. If the machine came with an Intenza filter do not install it at this time. This should be installed after the machine has been fully primed and set up.
3. Plug the machine directly into an outlet. Because this is a high power unit it should not be plugged into surge protectors, extension cords, or timers. The cord of the machine can be removed from the machine itself. Please make sure the cord is secure on the end attached to the machine.
4. Fill the water tank and firmly reinsert it.
5. Power the unit on. The machine should now go through an initial start-up/priming cycle. If the machine does not complete the priming cycle successfully, make sure the AquaClean filter is removed and the tank is firmly inserted. If the machine does not prime, then the machine may need to be force primed. Contact Technical Support for more information if this happens -- force priming is normal and expected as the machines are drained to prevent leaking/freezing damage during shipping of the product.
6. Once the machine has completed automatic priming, you will want to manually prime the unit to ensure the system is properly filled with water. To do this activate the machine's hot water function and pull 3-4 oz. of liquid through. The machine should now be fully primed. Proceed to the next section.

Beans/Grinder Set-Up

After the machine has been successfully primed, it is important to set the grinder for initial use. The grinder setting should only be adjusted while the grinder is running if adjusting for a finer grind. The finer grind settings are indicated by lower numbers.

1. The grinder should be set to the coarsest grind setting for initial use (15, in this case). This is indicated by the largest number on the grinder dial. Once the dial is set, you can add beans to the hopper. Make sure to only add dry beans as described in the Bean Compatibility section.
2. Set the aroma to the maximum setting using the aroma adjustment button. This increases how much coffee the grinder will grind at a time. This will help the grinder mechanism fill with beans/grounds faster for the next step.
3. Next choose one of the brewing options. The first few shots of the machine may come out watery or weak. This is to be expected, as the beans need to feed into the grinder, and the bypass chamber needs to fill. Depending on the machine/type of bean used it can take up to 5-10 attempts.
4. Once your shots are being pulled with consistency, then you are free to make adjustments to better fit your tastes. Adjustments are covered in the next section.

Error opening the bean hopper lid: Troubleshooting instructions.

"Bean hopper lid open" error

Drink Adjustment

Your machine is now ready to brew, however, the startup settings may not match the drink you are trying to brew. For the demonstration purposes this section will walk through brewing a single shot espresso from the machine.

1. Set the machine to the three bean aroma setting using the aroma/pre-ground button. This full aroma setting is typically best for espresso extraction, but it can be lowered if the coffee is too strong.
2. Adjust the grinder fineness dial down to the finest grind setting, which is the lowest number (1, in this case). This adjustment must be done while the grinder is running. In order to do this, press one of the brewing functions to activate the grinder. When you hear the grinder activate, the dial can be turned. Turn the dial gradually to prevent jamming. If you cannot get the dial all the way down to the finest setting, you can always run another shot to adjust further.
3. Most super-automatic machines are pre-programmed to pull 1.5-2 oz. for the espresso option despite being single shot machines. For best results we suggest reprogramming the shot size to 1 oz. Shot sizes can be easily reprogrammed on this unit by pressing and holding the drink button you would like to reprogram. Hold the button for at least 5 seconds until the grinder activates and then let go. Use a measuring device to measure the liquid volume being dispensed. Once you have 1 oz. in the measuring device press the same brew option to stop the brewing and save the new amount. Instructions from the manual below:
   

   Adjusting the coffee quantity
4. It is critical to consider that this machine uses a smart grinder. Smart grinders make gradual adjustments to how the beans are ground and how much coffee is dosed each shot. After an adjustment is made, the machine will typically take 10-15 shots for best results. The grinder will make gradual changes based on the new adjustment to improve the flavor of the coffee each time. For this same reason, constant adjustments should not be made to the machine, as the smart grinder will not have enough time to adapt to the adjustments.
5. The videos below discuss how to adjust for other types of drinks. The rule of thumb here is that the greater the volume of water passing through the grounds, the coarser the grounds should be, in order to get a balanced extraction.

Adjusting the grind setting

Puck Consistency

A common misconception is that super-automatic machines should have a dry coffee puck after the machine is finished brewing. While this is true of other styles of espresso machine, this is not true of a super-automatic unit. Super-automatic machines utilize heat and pressure in the brewing process, which are key to espresso brewing. To aid in this process, a device called a brew unit is used. The brew unit follows a similar but different brewing process compared to a semi-automatic or prosumer style machine. As a result the pucks will not always come out firm and dry. They may come out muddy or broken. This is more common when a coarse grind setting is used.

This is perfectly normal, and does not indicate damage or malfunction in the machine. The machine will still produce a good tasting extraction layered with crema.

Bypass Doser

There are a few things to consider if you plan on using the bypass doser for pre-ground coffee:

1. The bypass doser will only accept 8-9 grams of coffee at a time. The scoop that comes with the machine is for transferring coffee grinds and, as such, it is not useful for measuring. To prevent overfilling the bypass doser, we suggest using a level scoop, and then taking a large pinch out of it. A little bit less than a full scoop is the perfect amount. More info on using the pre-ground feature from the manual below:
2. If the coffee is ground too coarsely, the resulting shot is going to taste sour, weak, and/or watery. Espresso grounds should be slightly finer than table sugar or sand.
3. Alternatively, it is also possible to have coffee that is ground too fine. Extremely fine grinds can result in little or no flow from the machine, and very bitter shots. Coffee that is ground too finely can cause blockages in the system that can only be resolved through deep cleaning or a repair.

Do not add whole beans, or entire bags of pre-ground coffee into this chamber. This will cause irreversible damage to the machine's brewing assembly.

Rinsing the Brew Circuit

One useful trick the the bypass function allows for is that you can do a quick rinse of the brew circuit by simply running a bypass cycle and not adding any pre-ground coffee. This will let water flow through the brew circuit which will remove old coffee flavors, oils, and grounds. You may want to do this if you've recently switched beans to remove some of the old flavors.

Rinsing the brew circuit instructions

Brew Unit/Pump Noises

The brew unit will make a few different noises then super-automatic machines are in operation. This is normal. More specifically, you can expect the brew unit to make several loud clicking noises through the duration of the brewing cycle. These loud clicking noises are perfectly normal and will not harm the machine. The brew unit function is mo The brew unit can also make squeaking noises during its operation. The squeaking could be from o-rings sealing on the brew unit, or the brew unit parts sliding along the tracks. If you are hearing more squeaking than normal it may be a sign that the brew unit needs to be cleaned and lubricated. Some squeaking is also normal on very new units as there are o-rings/seals that need some time to wear in.

Mavea Intenza Filter

Once setup has been fully completed, the filter can be installed. Installing the filter beforehand could cause the machine to become vapor locked and require manual priming to resolve. Follow the instructions on the filter packaging before installing it. Within the machine menu is an option for activating and installing the filter. If you use this activation menu option for the filter the machine will automatically remind you when the filter needs to be replaced. Instructions for activating this function can be found in the machine manual. The filter's packaging instructions will indicate the filter needs to be activated by soaking in water before it is installed. If the machine gives a priming error when the filter is installed simply remove the filter and soak in warm water upside down for at least an hour and then reinstall it.

Installing the water filter

Cleaning & Maintenance

Proper machine maintenance is critical to proper machine functionality. Most machine failures are caused by a lack of cleaning and maintenance. This is vital, as many manufacturer warranties do not cover cleaning/maintenance related breakdowns. To avoid this, it is imperative to keep a regular maintenance schedule. Consult pp. 36-53 in your machine manual for fully detailed cleaning procedures, including descaling, carafe cleaning, and brew group cleaning, as well as the recommended products for machine maintenance. Listed below is a suggested maintenance rundown for most super-automatic espresso machines:

Machine Maintenance

Descaling

Descaling the machine should be done on a bimonthly basis using the product recommended by the manufacturer. Descaling is still required even if reverse osmosis, distilled, or zero water is being used. Refer to your machine manual for specific instructions for this unit.

Brew Unit

The brew unit of the machine should be removed on a weekly basis and rinsed off with cold water. Cold water must be used because hot water can wash away the lubricant that coats the moving parts of the brew unit. It is also important to use plain water; detergents and soaps should not be used. While the brew unit is removed, the brew unit chamber should be wiped down with a moist cloth to remove excess grounds and coffee residues.

Your machine features a brew unit cleaning cycle. This should be done on a monthly basis; refer to your manual for instructions on how to run one.

A complete disassembly, cleaning, and lubrication of the brew unit should be done every 500 cups or every 6 months, whichever comes first. A food safe silicone-based lubricant should be used, such as food grade Petrol-Gel.

Steam Wand Cleaning

Steam wands and nozzle attachments should be cleaned daily, after the machine is finished for the day. Milk residues quickly build up in steam wands and frothing nozzles, so it is important to keep these clean to prevent blockages from forming.

Recommended Cleaning Products

The best descaling product for this machine is Durgol Swiss Espresso Descaler. The suggested tablets for running brew unit cleaning cycles are the Gaggia Coffee Clean Tablets or Urnex Full Circle Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets.

Troubleshooting

No Crema or Bad Tasting Shots

Typically, issues with crema or the flavor of the shot do not indicate a malfunction of the machine. Instead, this indicates that an adjustment needs to be made in the brewing process or that different beans need to be used.

The type of bean that is being used is particularly important for super-automatic machines, because the built in burr grinders only accept certain types of beans. Another consideration is the roast of the bean, which greatly influences how much crema can be produced, as well as the flavor of the shot. Super-automatic machines are not compatible with oily, caramelized, or flavored beans. Properly stored and recently roasted beans are best. You can find more information on why bean selection and storage is important for super-automatic machines by watching the video below.

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5 Things New Super Automatic Espresso Machine Owners Should Know

Appropriately adjusting the grinder is also important. Poor shots can also be the result of incorrect grind settings.

1. If the shot is too bitter:
   1. The grind is set too fine. Try adjusting the grind to a coarser setting, typically indicated by a large dot symbol or higher number.
   2. If applicable, the aroma setting is set too high. Lower the aroma setting so that less coffee is ground per shot.
   3. The beans being used are over-roasted, and a lighter roast is needed.
2. If the shot is too sour or weak tasting:
   1. The grind is set too coarse. Try adjusting the grind to a finer setting, indicated by a lower number. Whenever moving the grind to a finer setting it is important to make minor adjustments, and to only adjust the grinder while in operation.
3. If there is little crema:
   1. The beans are probably stale and fresher beans need to be used.
   2. The grind setting does not match the drink that is being made. Smaller drinks such as an espresso require finer grind size; larger drinks such as a longo require a coarser grind.
   3. Oily or dark roasted beans are being used. These beans are not compatible with the unit, and are not suitable for espresso brewing. The oils and chemicals that are needed to produce a rich crema have been roasted out of the bean. Switch to a drier/lighter roast.
4. Keep the machine properly cleaned and maintained for good tasting shots. Your grinder may need to be cleaned or calibrated, or you may need to descale your machine to remove any unwanted residues or flavors.

Difficulty Frothing

Wand Frothing Issues

If the machine has little to no steam flow through the steam wand, first check to make sure there are no blockages in the steam wand. Otherwise, an adjustment to frothing technique needs to be made. When manually frothing, technique is key. Tight microfoam will not be accomplished if the proper technique is not followed.

The following video shows how to properly froth with a manual style wand:

There are also some common mistakes made when manually frothing that should be avoided. The video below gives further details:

Flow Issues

The first place to start with any flow issue is cleaning the machine. Before going through these steps please make sure the machine is cleaned according to the Cleaning & Maintenance section of this article.

Poor Or No Flow Or E05 Error

If you are not able to get water to flow through the machine at all, or if the machine displays an E05 code, then something is blocking water flow through the machine. This issue typically indicates the machine is not being cleaned on a regular basis. Review the cleaning & maintenance rundown for this machine, and make sure maintenance is done at least as often as is suggested with the recommended product. Once flow is restored, even if it is minimal flow, a descaling should be done immediately.

1. The water tank is not seating properly. Please remove the tank and reinsert it firmly. Make sure there are no beans or debris beneath the water tank preventing it from seating flush with the machine.
2. If you are using an Intenza water filter in the machine then it might be blocking the flow of water. Try removing the water filter and using the machine without it. If the machine works without the water filter, then the filter was blocking the flow of water. Keep the filter out of the machine for the remaining steps.
3. Debris has been drawn into the system from the water tank. This kind of debris can get lodged in valves/water circuits and cause flow issues. Try cleaning the brew unit check valve using these instructions.
4. If you have been able to restore some flow to the brew circuit, a brew unit cleaning cycle should be completed. The process can be found on pp. 49 of the machine manual.
5. The machine may require a manual prime.

No Flow From Steam Wand

Once the flow issue has been resolved the machine should be immediately descaled with the recommended product. Flow issues and blockages are typically due to lack of maintenance or excessive scale buildup.

1. First set the machine to hot water mode. If the machine has a pannarello or turbo-frothing attachment on the wand remove it for the remaining steps.
2. If the machine displays an E15 error code, or the machine gets stuck on the heating up screen, then there is a thermostat issue and the machine will need to be repaired.
3. You should hear the pump start to vibrate. Once the pump is activated, hot water should begin to flow through the wand, however:
   1. If hot water flows through the wand, stop the machine from dispensing hot water and switch to steam mode. There may have been a piece of debris in the steam wand blocking the flow.
   2. If water does not flow through the wand then there may be a more severe blockage.
4. Soak the wand in a mixture of descaler and hot water. Test flow using the hot water function again.
5. Use a pipe cleaner to manually clean the inside of the wand. Only use a pipe cleaner with synthetic or plastic bristles; do not use one with metal bristles as it can damage the wand. Test the flow again.

No Steam Or E15 Error

1. If the carafe works, but the steam wand does not, then do the recommended steam wand cleanings.
2. If the steam wand works, but the carafe does not, then do the recommended milk carafe cleanings.
3. If the machine gives an E15 error or is stuck on the heating up screen, then the machine’s thermostat is damaged and will require repair.
4. If temperatures are not hot enough for the carafe there are a few things to try.
   1. The carafe may in fact be operating properly. The carafe was designed for use with a room temperature boxed milk. The machine is programmed to produce a temperature rise of 50-70 F°. Typical ending temperatures are around 125-135 F°. However, this is completely dependent on the starting temperature of the milk being used. If the milk is stored in a very cold refrigerator (e.g. a 33 F° refrigerator) the resulting temperature will only be about 100-110 F°. For hotter milk drinks, start with warmer milk, either by leaving it out for a little bit before making your beverage, or putting the milk in the microwave for about 10 seconds prior to adding it to the milk carafe.
   2. There are a few programming options which can be changed in order to increase the amount of steam that is injected into the carafe during frothing. Make sure the milk drink options are programmed to the highest temperature. This will also help to set the foam and milk options to max.

Reduced Or No Flow During Brewing

1. If there is no flow while brewing specifically, then something is blocked along the brew circuit. Begin by running a descale of the machine using the recommended product. Scale buildup is the most common cause of flow issues. Descaling will most likely resolve the issue.
2. If the machine is set to a really fine grind, the grinds can block the flow. Set the grind to a coarser setting and see if flow is restored. Leave the grind on the coarse setting for the remainder of flow testing.
3. There may be an issue with the brew unit.
   1. First remove the unit and rinse it off with cold water. Do not use any sort of detergent or soap to rinse it off or necessary lubricant will be removed.
   2. Wipe down the brew unit chamber with a damp cloth to remove any leftover grounds. A microfiber cloth is best, to prevent any cloth fibers from remaining behind.
   3. Clean the check-valve.
   4. Reinsert the brew unit and test for flow.
4. This machine allows beverage length to be reprogrammed. Make sure it isn't set to the minimum brew length. If the machine is programmed to the minimum beverage length the machine may not dispense any coffee, or it may only dispense a few drops. Try reprogramming the machine to a longer length drink to see if it resolves the no flow issue.
5. Check the brew unit to make sure it is lining up with the spout assembly and connecting with the spout assembly properly.
6. If you are noticing a lot of brewed coffee or coffee sprayed inside the brew unit chamber then the brew unit o-ring may be damaged or out of place.
   1. Remove the brew unit and inspect the large red o-ring attached to the tamping assembly. Make sure it is clean, properly positioned, and not damaged.
   2. If the o-ring is broken or damaged it should be replaced. A brew unit o-ring can be purchased here.
7. The dispensing spout may be blocked. Try very gently cleaning the dispensing spout holes with a toothpick to remove any blockages.
8. The selector valve may be blocked. Follow these cleaning instructions.

Have Flow But Getting No Flow Error

In some situations, you will be able to get flow through the machine for all functions, but the machine thinks there is no water flowing through. There is a device in the machine called a flow meter, and it tells the machine when water is flowing through or not. The device operates by having small fan-like blades spin when water passes through it. If those blades get stuck from excessive scale buildup or debris, then they will not spin. As a result, even though water is flowing through the machine, you will get a flow error.

If your machine uses a water filter, temporarily remove it from the water tank and add the recommended descaling product to the water tank. The descaler needs to work its way into the system to start dissolving the scale buildup in the flow meter. You may have to keep restarting the machine so that it can keep attempting to prime, which will draw the descaler/water solution into the system. If at any point you are able to clear the flow message then you will want to do an immediate descale of the machine. After you have descaled, run 4-5 tanks of plain water through the hot water function for the wand in order to ensure the system is completely free of debris.

Machine Is Leaking

From The Wand

If the steam wand is leaking while the machine is on and/or brewing, the steam valve is open inside the machine. It is likely that scale has built up inside the valve, and the buildup is holding the valve open. Try the following to resolve the leak:

1. First begin by descaling the machine using the recommended descaling product.
2. After descaling flush 4-5 tanks of plain water through the system using the hot water function for the steam wand. This will ensure any debris or scale buildup the descaling loosened is fully removed.
3. If this does not work then the machine should be sent in for repair since the steam valve may need to be replaced.

Machine Not Heating Or Powering On

No Power

1. Make sure the machine is plugged into an appropriate power source.
   1. Do not use the machine on a surge protector. This machine has a high power draw, more than a typical kitchen appliance such as a refrigerator or a microwave. Surge protectors are typically not rated to handle the amperage this machine requires.
   2. Make sure the power cord is firmly inserted into the power socket on the machine.
   3. Try using the machine on a different outlet, and make sure the machine is the only appliance plugged into that outlet.
   4. Try testing another appliance on the same outlet.
2. Make sure the power switches are functioning properly and not broken. If the machine isn't powering on try pressing and holding the power button in the on position to see if the machine turns on. If you are able to power the machine on this way then the power switch needs to be replaced.
3. If the machine recently had a leak, had water spilled on it, or any other exposure to moisture then the machine may be shorting out. Try letting the machine sit unplugged for 48 hours to make sure there isn't a short caused by moisture.

No Steam Or E15 Error

1. If you are getting little to no steam, then there may be a blockage in the steam circuit. Do the cleanings suggested in the section of this article which discusses steam wand blockages.
2. Make sure to give the machine sufficient time to heat up. Even a machine that uses a rapid steam boiler will still take between thirty seconds and a minute to be fully heated.
3. Make sure that you are purging the steam line before frothing. Purging is an important process for any machine that has a steam wand. The wand is room temperature, or even cold, which will cause any steam leaving the steam arm to condense back into water. Wait until there is mostly steam coming out of the wand and then stop the steam function. Now that the line has been purged, you are ready to steam. Reactivate the steam function and begin frothing.
4. If the machine gives an E15 error or gets stuck on the steam loading screen and the thermostat symbol never moves, then the machine has a broken thermostat and will require a repair.

Cold Shots or E14 Error

1. If the machine is producing shots that are hot, but you would like them to be hotter, check the beverage programming menu. Make sure all of the drinks are set to brew at the highest temperature.
2. Make sure you are using a preheated cup. Ceramic cups will sap a lot of heat from the shot resulting in a colder shot. Preheating the cups using the machine's hot water function will allow the cup a great deal more heat. Alternatively, you can brew into a paper, styrofoam, or other well insulated cup. This video explains the importance of a pre-heated cup during espresso brewing:
3. If the shots are completely cold, or the machine is displaying an E14 error code, then there is a thermostat issue. Try restarting the machine to resolve the issue. If the error code continues to appear, then the thermostat is damaged and the machine will need to be repaired.

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Brew Temperature Comparison: Pre-heated vs. Room Temp Espresso Cups

No Beans, Grinder Blocked, Or E01

All three of these issues share the same root cause. The grinder has become jammed with grounds or coffee residues. These issues are typically a result of incorrect beans being used in the machine. This machine is not compatible with oily, dark roasted, caramelized, or flavored beans. Use of these beans can cause permanent damage to the machine that is not covered under warranty. These beans can be identified easily. They will be shiny and feel slippery or sticky. Dry beans that are appropriate for the machine will look dull and feel rough. This machine does not have a user serviceable grinder so it is very important that the correct beans are used. Follow these steps to fix the behavior:

1. Remove all of the beans and set them aside.
2. Move the grinder adjustment dial all the way to the coarsest setting.
3. Use a vacuum to thoroughly clean out the grinder. In particular vacuum down in the chute where the beans feed into the inside of the machine.
4. Clean out the dosing chute using the following instructions: here.
5. Add beans back into the machine. The beans must be dry beans. Do not add incompatible beans back into the unit. Make sure the grinder is still set to the coarsest setting.
6. Test the machine to see if it can successfully brew a shot. If it successfully brews, run 2-3 more shots on this grind setting so that we can be sure the system is free of the old coffee grounds.
7. Once the machine is functional on this setting you can begin adjusting the grind to your preferred setting. Make small, one-tick-at-a-time adjustments, and be sure to brew shots in between. This will prevent the machine from jamming again.

Bean Difference

Continuous Empty Grounds Error

If the “empty grounds drawer” or “empty drip tray” message will not clear, then one of the drip tray sensors may be malfunctioning. This can happen if the spout on the front of the machine is improperly positioned, causing brewed coffee to spray inside the door where several electronic sensors are located. If these sensors get wet, they can temporarily short out, or they may be permanently damaged and require repair. Follow the steps below to resolve the issue.

1. Make sure that you are emptying the grounds drawer/drip tray while the machine is turned on and out of standby. The machine will not reset the counters for these sensors unless it is powered on. Once removed, wait fifteen seconds or so before reinserting.
2. Remove the spout completely from the machine. It will pull straight forward for removal.
3. Unplug the machine.
4. Open the front door and prop it open. Leave the machine like this for at least 48 hours. If the sensor is wet but still operational, it needs time to dry out before the machine will function again. A small fan blowing on the back of the door will assist in drying the unit out.
5. Reassemble the machine. Ensure that the brewing spout is perfectly aligned. Alternatively, it can be left off the machine and coffee will come out in a single stream instead.
6. If the machine it still displaying the error message try emptying the grounds drawer and drip tray while the machine is on. If the message still does not clear after doing this then the drip tray sensor is damaged and the machine will require a repair.

Brew Unit Blocked, Stuck, or E03 or E04 Error Codes

The machine is sensing that the brew unit motor is working too hard to engage the brew unit. This is a fail-safe built into the machine to prevent itself from damaging the brew unit; the machine will stop working and display an error. This issue is typically resolved through normal maintenance.

First restart the machine to clear the error message and reset the brew unit back to the home position so that it can be removed. If the machine is in an active rinse cycle do not try to remove the brew unit. The rinse cycle must be completed before the brew unit can be removed.

• Try running a blank bypass shot. To do this just run a normal bypass shot but do not add any coffee. You should just have plain water come out of the spouts. If the machine successfully completes this cycle then we know it's a coffee issue. Refer to the section of this article that discusses grinding issues.
• If this happened when you were using the bypass function specifically, then you may have added too much pre-ground coffee. The machine only accepts about a maximum of 8-9 grams per shot. The scoop that comes with the machine doses more than this. To make sure you are adding the appropriate amount take one level scoop of pre-ground coffee and remove a large pinch from it. This should about about 8 grams of coffee and should work in the machine.

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How to Remove Stuck Brew Group

• When the machine indicates that it is ready for use open the door to the brew unit chamber.

Try removing the brew unit. If the brew unit does not come out easily, do not force it out. The brew unit is stuck in an engaged position and will need to be properly reset. Forcing it out of the machine can break the brew unit and possibly cause damage other parts of the machine. Follow the instructions in the video below to reset the brew unit before moving on to the next step. If the brew unit won't reset to the home position, the motor that manipulates the brew unit may be damaged, and the machine may require a repair.

If the brew unit is easily removed then rinse it off with cold water and let it dry.

• The brew unit will need to be cleaned and lubricated.
• Reinsert the brew unit into the machine and try brewing a shot.

Too Much Steam/Milk Boiling

If you think your wand is producing too much steam, or your milk looks like it is boiling, then you may need to make an adjustment to your frothing technique. Boiling milk, or milk that is getting to hot before frothing is completed is an indication that incorrect frothing technique is being used. Review the section of this article that addresses frothing difficulties for more information.

If you have tried adjusting your technique and the wand still appears to be producing too much steam, then a steam test should be completed.

Steam Test Instructions

If the machine is within the specified steam test range, then the machine is producing the correct amount of steam and an adjustment to frothing technique is necessary. Using a carafe that is chilled in a freezer before frothing is helpful for keeping the milk cooler for longer, allowing for more time to froth before the milk begins to scald.

Warnings and Error Codes

Fill the water tank with fresh water to the MAX level indication.

The brew group is not in the machine. Insert the group.

The bean hopper is empty.

Close the service door.

Remove the coffee grounds container and empty it.

There is too much powder in the brew group. Clean the brew group.

You forgot to place the lid on the coffee bean hopper. If you do not place it back within 30 seconds the display will return to the main menu and the brewing cycle will be stopped.

If an error code is triggered, check the section 'Meaning of error codes' to see what the code on the display means and what you can do. The machine cannot be used when this icon is on the display.

Error Codes

Meaning of error codes

Diagrams & Manuals

Gaggia Velasca
Velasca Error Codes and Troubleshooting:	[[File:Velasca_troubleshooting.pdf]
Electrical Diagram:
Hydraulic Diagram:	Not Available
Machine Manual:
Parts Diagram:
Service Manual
Startup Guide:	Not Available

Specifications

Basic Specs
Width:	10.25 in.
Height:	13.5 in.
Depth:	17 in.
Weight:	17.63 lbs.
Watts:	1400
Volts:	120
Housing
Housing Material:	Stainless Steel / Plastic
Bean Hopper Material:	Plastic
Drip Tray Material:	Plastic
Drip Tray Cover Material:	Stainless Steel
Removable Hopper:	No
Drip Tray Capacity:	31.5 oz
Dregs Drawer Material:	Plastic
Dregs Drawer Capacity:	10
Drain Line Adaptable:	No
Easy To Rotate:	No
Tall Legs:	No
Cup Height
Adjustable Height:	Yes
Max Height:	4.5 in.
One Touch Cappuccino
One Touch Cappuccino:	Yes
Frothing Wand
Material:	Plastic
Steam Wand Style:	Commercial Style
Wand Movement:	Rotating
Water Source
Source Type:	Reservoir
Reservoir Capacity:	54 oz.
Reservoir Material:	Plastic
Reservoir Access:	Front
Reservoir Removable:	Yes
Controls
Type of Controls:	Push Button
Display Type:	LED
Cup Volume Control:	Yes
Programmable Power Off:	No
Flow Control:	Yes
Auto Shut Off:	Yes
Bypass Doser:	Yes
Pre-Infusion:	Yes
Energy Saving:	Yes
Pressure Gauges:	No
Brew Group
Material:	Plastic
Type:	Automatic
Preheat:	No
Removable:	Yes
Self-Cleaning:	Yes
Boiler Data
Number Of Boilers:	1
Brew And Steam Simultaneously:	No
Rapid Steam:	Yes
Brew Boiler Data
Type:	Thermoblock
Wattage:	1400
Volume:	Low
Materials:	Stainless Steel-Lined Aluminum
Steam Boiler Data
Volume:	Low
Material:	Stainless Steel-Lined Aluminum
Boiler Element Location:	External
Pump Data
Type:	Vibration
Max Pressure:	15 Bar
Self-Priming:	Yes
Grinder Data
Number Of Grind Settings:	15
Hopper Capacity:	10.58 oz.
Burr Type:	Flat
Burr Material:	Ceramic
Freshness Lid:	Yes
Details
Country of Manufacture:	Italy
NSF Certified:	No
Recommended Application:	Home Use