Gaggia Carezza Silver 2002
Below are the refurbishment photographs of a 2002 Gaggia Carezza Silver. This is the early model of the cheaper nastier Carezza which came later. This early model was more akin to the Gaggia Classic, with an almost identical boiler and purely mechanical internals. It did not however have a three way valve solenoid, instead using an overpressure valve built into the boiler head itself.
This was purchased to be a refurb project and side machine to have a retro 60’s look. In the end however after it saw little use I decided to sell it and it has now gone on to a new coffee enthusiast home.
The machine was stripped, cleaned, descaled and rebuilt following a sand down and respray. The design of the water tank made keeping the paintwork of the machine difficult as it tends to be such a tight fit. We also discovered a nut that forms part of the overpressure valve is missing. The machine does however still make excellent espresso and hopefully has a new lease of life.
As purchased. Initial descale in progress.
Click on image to enlarge.
Above shows the boiler during its clean. In really good condition and no corrosion at all on the shower screen.
Cleaning up the insides
The above gallery shows the plastics prior to cleaning and repainting. This is the larger 1425w boiler.
Setting the pump pressure
Pump pressure setting is a little more primitive on these machines and involves adjusting a small screw. This easily corrodes and I was lucky to be able to move this one to set it to 9 bar for best extraction.
Finished machine
Finished machine painted in RAL2004 orange.
