3 way solenoid valve and OPV

 

 

 

 

 baby Gaggia or Gaggia classic that has 3 way solenoid valve:

 

when brew button is pressed, the solenoid valve is energized, and water flows from boiler to group head and then to filter basket.

when you switch off the brew button, this solenoid valve immediately stops the extraction process, and stop water flow to the filter basket. The benefits are the following:

No over-extracted coffee continues to come out in drips spoiling your shot or the shiny metal cup stand (in case you are quick enough to remove the cup as soon as brewing ends).

The coffee puck is relatively dry, not wet, and can be easily knocked out of the portafilter.

If your machine is thermoblock type heater, this solenoid valve keeps the thermoblock clean because the back-pressure pushes coffee into the drainage, not back to the heating element.

Rancilio silvia V1 vs v2 vs v3

V1 - no adjustable OPV. Older version drip tray (all circular holes). Older version (non ball joint) steam wand and knob. The copper pipe for the steam arm and its attachment to the boiler is a slightly different design

V2 - adjustable OPV. I think the rest is the same as the V1, with the possible exception of the drip tray. Im not sure if all V2s have the older drip tray or not, mine does

V3 - adjustable OPV. New style ball joint steam wand and boiler attachment. New design steam knob. New design drip tray and brew head collar. New design portafilter handle

How to adjust OPV YouTube 

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