I have been looking at what folks at CG and HB have to say on the matter and well I got nothing but controversy. I think you made an important point about how easy it is to remove the group head and clean it that way and those that say not to backflush point this out. Those that say to do backflushing point out what a 3 way solenoid is, how it works, and it is cheap to replace. If Gaggia's solenoid can't handle it then it will fail by just normal use anyway. The point of the 3 way is to remove pressure after a shot is done, in other words it is backflushing oily residue and grinds. If you have ever ground to fine and chocked your machine you in essence just backflushed it again with oily gritty back flow. Every post I saw saying not to do it does not supply any real info as to why not, no diagrams, not failures (other than I backflused a few times and now I have this ___ problem). People that say to backflush with a 3 way solenoid do supply all the needed info on why, how, diagrams, etc.

I am not saying you should do this, you keep a clean machine your way and that works for you. There is a chance that since you have not done this before you might push a buildup of crude right into your solenoid and make it fail. This would suck and without a back up solenoid may keep you from liquid gold till you replace it. If you choose not to do this the cleaner you bought should work fine for all you're cleaning needs so it won't be wasted.

I would like to add that the Silvia has the same controversy with far more people saying backflushing should be done and so forth.
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I don't think many people now a days put acid in their eye balls much any more. Ohh, you mean citric acid, never mind. :-)
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I second removing the entire group head for cleaning regularly. It gives you the opportunity to inspect all of the gaskets, and replace them if necessary rather than experiencing a failure. Planned down time is always a more positive experience than unexpected down time. I keep at least one of each gasket on hand for just that purpose. I wish I could chime in on the matter of back flushing, but I have no experience with the Gaggia's
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Lots of controversy on the subject of backflushing for sure.

One thing about the solenoid drain is the fact that the liquid is draining, NOT going into my cup, so however nasty it is, I won't be drinking it.

I'm always amazed at how much gunk comes from behind the grouphead when removed and normally soak it then brush it real good at least once a month.

Good points about keeping extra gaskets, and I should probably do that.

I ordered the stuff to backflush, so I am going to do it, but if my Gaggia dies an early death, you guys owe me an Oscar or something.:-)
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LOL, Well you may be in luck, I already have my eye on this Vivaldi 2
http://www.chriscoffee.com/products/...esso/vivaldi_2
I can dream can't I.
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Nice machine.

If there was more than myself drinking expresso in my house, I might be able to justify next year's tax return, but my wife thinks my coffee is too strong and still drip brews Bustello.

Very likely an Oscar is next for me.
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So the solenoid for your machine is $66 here
http://www.espressoparts.com/categor...ld_baby_model/

not cheap but not a killer.
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My version of shots and cigars...

Image
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Ok, back to original programing and the OP's question.

The Le'Lit PL041 is coming in highly recommended by the geeks. It is on sale now and at this price blows the competition away and leaves room to get a grinder that is up to the task.

http://www.1st-line.com/machines/hom...elit/PL041.htm
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Same in my house but she does enjoy lattes.

After popping the hood on the Oscar and seeing the quality of parts and build I would not hesitate to buy one used, I have heard some great deals on used prices.
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Nice kit. :-)
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