Water and filters
Water: what the manual leaves out
Gaggia's manual lists no water filter, no hardness test and no softener for this machine, and its website gives no filter compatibility. So everything here is retailer advice.
Whole Latte Love recommends a softening pouch that sits in the tank (BWT Bestsave). It softens slowly, over about 8 to 10 hours, so fill the tank the night before. The retailer replaces it about every two months. Its own pages name size S in one place and size M in another for this tank.
It also says to choose a filter made to prevent scale: one that only improves taste does not replace descaling. Gaggia's Australian distributor says mineral or filtered water is fine and sparkling water should be avoided.
Take the tank out to clean it
Daily filling is through the lid on top. To wash the tank, the manual takes it out from the front.
- Switch the machine off and let it cool. The manual warns that the drain pipe may be hot.
- Remove the drip tray.
- Pull the drain pipe off downwards.
- Slide the tank out forwards.
- Wash and refit it. Make sure both silicone tubes are inside the tank and neither is twisted or blocked.