Difference between revisions of "Gaggia Unica"

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The Gaggia Unica is a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso_machine#Automation super-automatic] espresso machine.
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{{Getting-Started
 
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|brand = Gaggia
{{Description-Table
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|machine_type = Super-Automatics
|title        = Gaggia Unica
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|product_banner = [[File:Wiki_ProductPageBanner_1200x175_GaggiaUnica_v1.jpg]]
|machine_image = [[File:GAGGIA_UNICA.jpg|400px|none]]
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|product_page_title = Gaggia Unica
|manufacturer  = Gaggia
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|page_type = set up
|model_name    = Unica
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|section1 = Install It
|model_number  = RI9933
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|anchor1 = Install It
|type          = [[:Category:Super-Automatics|Super-Automatic]]
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|section2 = Educate Yourself
|buy_button    = Yes
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|anchor2 = Educate Yourself
|button_size  = 400px
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|section3 = Get the Right Beans
|button_link  = https://www.wholelattelove.com/products/gaggia-unica-super-automatic-espresso-machine
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|anchor3 = Get the Right Beans
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|section4 = Find the Right Grind
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|anchor4 = Find the Right Grind
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|section5 = Get Frothing
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|anchor5 = Get Frothing
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|section6 = Froth Better
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|anchor6 = Froth Better
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|section7 = Frothing and Habits to Avoid
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|anchor7 = Frothing Mistakes
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|section8 = Steam & the Heating Sweet Spot
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|anchor8 = Steaming Temperature
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|section9 = Steam with Thermometers
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|anchor9 = Steam with Thermometers
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|section10 = The Gaggia Latte Art Wand
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|anchor10 = Latte Art Wand
 
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}}
 
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{{Super-Set-Up-Content
==Machine Set-Up/New Users==
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|pannarello = yes
 
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|steam_wand = yes
There are some key differences in how Super-Automatic machines work in comparison to semi-automatic/manual units to be aware of before the first use. Having a working knowledge of the machine before using it will help ensure a satisfying experience, increase the longevity of the unit, and prevent possible issues/damage that can result from misuse. This 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:
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{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RV6bHJSV_8|480|center}}
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===Bean Compatibility===
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Before going into the set up of the machine it's best to review this topic because of its importance. 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 beans are compatible, and what beans are not:
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{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XePJBDU_svQ|480|center}}
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===First Time Use===
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The machine manual provides a thorough walk-through of the set-up of the unit, but there's so much information it can be mystifying. In this section we will walk you through the most important points of the machine setup.
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====Initial Setup/Priming====
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When the machine is first unpacked there are several things to consider before even powering the unit on. When first unpacking the unit you may notice water or grounds in the machine. This is normal as all machines are manufacturer tested before leaving the factory.
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#First, make sure all of the components are fully inserted into the machine.
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#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.
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#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.
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#Fill the water tank and firmly reinsert it.
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#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 Intenza filter is removed and the tank is firmly inserted. If the machine continues not to prime then the machine may need to be force primed. Instructions for force priming the machine can be found below: {{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-vXYrkxDps|480|center}}
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#Once the machine has completed the 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.
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====Beans/Grinder Set-Up====
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After the machine has been successfully primed it is important to set the grinder for initial use. The grinder fineness setting should only be adjusted while the grinder is running if it is being adjusted in the finer direction. The finer direction is indicated by smaller dots or lower numbers.
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#For initial use the grinder should be set to the coarsest grind setting, which will be the largest number/dot on the grinder knob. Once the dial is set you can add the beans in; make sure to only add dry beans as prescribed in the [[#Bean Compatibility|Bean Compatibility]] section.
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#Next choose one of the brewing options. The first few shots of the machine may come out watery/weak -- this is to be expected since 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.
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#Once shots are pouring through consistently then settings can be adjusted. Adjustments are covered in the next section.
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====Drink Adjustment====
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The machine is now ready to brew for drinks, but 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.
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#Adjust the fineness dial down to the finest grind setting, which is the smallest dot on the unit. 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 knob can be turned. Turn the knob gradually to prevent jamming. If you cannot get the knob all the way down to the finest setting you can always run another shot to adjust further.
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#Most Super-Automatic machines come programmed to 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.
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#One really important thing to consider for this machine is that it 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 respond to the adjustments.
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#The video below discusses how to adjust for other types of drinks. The general rule of thumb is that the more liquid volume passed through the grinds the coarser the grind should be set in order to get a balanced extraction. {{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5i4-Bp4Gco|480|center}}
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===Puck Consistency===
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A large 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 as part of the brewing process, which is key to espresso brewing. The machine achieves this through a device called a brew unit. The brew unit uses a similar but different brewing process 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 perfectly normal; the machine will still produce a good extraction that contains crema and tastes good.
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===Brew Unit/Pump Noises===
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When Super-Automatic machines are in operation the brew unit will make a few different noises which are normal. The brew unit will 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 monitored by sensors to prevent it from being overloaded, so it cannot break itself apart.
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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.{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oGA5g8jWfc|480|center}}
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When the pump of the machine activated for brewing, refilling, and hot water dispensing it is going to make a loud humming noise. The machine utilizes a vibration style pump. This style pump produces high pressures despite being compact. The pump achieves this through rapid vibration of internal parts, which produces a loud humming noise.
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===Mavea Intenza Filter===
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Once set-up 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. Follow the instructions on the filter packaging before installing it. The 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.
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== Cleaning & Maintenance ==
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{{Maintenance-Gaggia-Super-Automatic}}
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{{Maintenance-Gaggia-Super-Draining-Boiler}}
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== Troubleshooting ==
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===No Crema or Bad Tasting Shots===
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{{Troubleshooting-Super-No-Crema-Bad-Shots}}
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===Difficulty Frothing===
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{{Troubleshooting-Pannarello2-Frothing}}
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===Flow Issues===
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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|Cleaning & Maintenance]] section of this article.
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{{Troubleshooting-Gaggia-Super-Alarm-On}}
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{{Troubleshooting-Gaggia-Super-Steam-Blocked}}
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{{Troubleshooting-Gaggia-Super-Brew-Blocked}}
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{{Troubleshooting-Gaggia-Super-Flow-Meter-Blocked}}
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===Machine Is Leaking===
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{{Troubleshooting-Gaggia-Super-Bottom-Leaking}}
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{{Troubleshooting-Gaggia-Super-Wand-Leaking}}
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===Machine Not Heating Or Powering On===
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{{Troubleshooting-Gaggia-Super-No-Power}}
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{{Troubleshooting-Gaggia-Super-Steam-Cold}}
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{{Troubleshooting-Gaggia-Super-Brew-Cold-No-Temp-Adjust}}
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===Empty Grounds Light Stuck On Or Blinking===
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{{Troubleshooting-Gaggia-Super-Grounds-Stuck-On}}
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===Fill Water Light Stuck On===
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{{Troubleshooting-Gaggia-Super-Fill-Water}}
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===No Beans Light Stuck On===
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{{Troubleshooting-Gaggia-Unica-Grinder}}
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===Alarm Light Flashing===
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{{Troubleshooting-Gaggia-Unica-Alarm-Flash}}
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===Top Lights Blink Simultaneously===
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{{Troubleshooting-Gaggia-Unica-General-Error}}
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===Brew Unit Stuck===
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{{Troubleshooting-Gaggia-Super-Brew-Unit-Stuck}}
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===Too Much Steam/Milk Boiling===
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{{Troubleshooting-Super-Steam-Too-Hot
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|steam_test_instr = [[File:ALL MODELS Steam Test.pdf|250px|thumbnail|center|Steam Test Instructions]]
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}}
 
}}
 
 
==Diagrams & Manuals==
 
 
{{Support-Documents-Gaggia-Unica}}
 
 
==Specifications==
 
 
{{Specifications-Gaggia-Unica}}
 
 
<!-- Categories -->
 
 
[[Category:Gaggia]]
 
[[Category:Gaggia]]
[[Category:Super-Automatics]]
 

Revision as of 14:26, 7 August 2018

Gaggia Unica

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Install It

  1. Find a swanky spot in your home for your new machine to live, preferably where the morning sun shine down on your new, personal barista.
  2. Get the power cord and the accessories out of the box.
  3. Plug the machine directly into an outlet. Don't plug it into surge protectors, extension cords, or timers.
  4. Fill the water tank.

Educate Yourself

There are a few things you should know before heating up your super-auto for the first time to keep the the espresso flowing and the milk frothing. In the video on the right, you'll learn all about recommended roasts, water hardness, grind settings, milk frothing and the brew group—or, as we like to think of it, your super-auto's inner barista.

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5 Things New Super Automatic Espresso Machine Owners Should Know



Get the Right Beans

Coffee is all about the caffeine (er... flavor), and super-autos don't disappoint, though, they are a teensy bit picky when it comes to certain roasts. In particular, super-autos are oily-bean-averse, meaning they don't like extra dark or flavored beans, as they tend to gunk up the grinder. Watch the video on the right to learn how to choose the beans of your dreams and keep your grinder clean.

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How To: Coffee Bean Selection and Grind Settings for Bean to Cup Machines



Find the Right Grind

Consistency is key when it comes to grind size. With super-autos, you can just set it and forget it, but it's good to know how to fine tune for your favorite roasts. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind: light roasts and small volumes such as in espresso need a finer grind, while dark roasts and long coffees favor a coarser grind. Watch the video on the right to learn more.

Wiki-YT-HowtoAdjustGrindSizeonSuperautomatic.jpg

How To Adjust Grind Size on a Super Automatic Espresso Machine



Get Frothing

If you like cappuccinos, lattes, Flat Whites, and other milk drinks, you're gonna need to know how to froth.

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Milk Frothing for Beginners



Froth Better

For a few quick tips to improve your frothing technique, check out the video on the right. You'll learn a few tricks to make your drinks even better.

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Quick Tip: Five Basic Tips for Frothing Milk



Frothing and Habits to Avoid

Frothing can be a delicate process. There's a number of mistakes you can make that really bring down the quality of your drinks. Check out the video on the right to learn some easy things you can avoid going forward.

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Quick Tip: Six Common Milk Frothing Mistakes



Steam & the Heating Sweet Spot

The literal sweet spot for steaming milk falls between 140°F and 155°F, with smaller drinks on the lower end and larger drinks on the higher end. A quick rule-of-thumb we follow is to steam just until the frothing pitcher becomes a little too hot to hold comfortably.

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What is the Best Temperature for Latte Milk?



Steam with Thermometers

If you're using a thermometer, you'll want to learn about lag time and how to read a frothing thermometer to correctly gauge the steaming process.

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How to Use a Thermometer When Frothing Milk for Latte and Cappuccino


The Gaggia Latte Art Wand

Most Gaggia machines come standard with their specially designed pannarello wand, which automatically aerates milk while frothing to produce a fluffy cappuccino froth, but the latte art wand is closer to a commercial style wand, which lets the user cut down on the air for a liquidy latte milk. Check out the video on the right for tips on how to perfect your technique for latte milk smooth enough to draw flowers, or, you know, "galaxies."

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How To: The Gaggia Latte Art Pannarello Wand