Gaggia Cadorna: Descaling Tutorial
Learn how to descale any version of the Gaggia Cadorna, as well as how often you should descale, and why it is so important.
Descaling Video Walkthrough (Milk and Barista Plus)
Descaling Video Walkthrough (Prestige)
Descale Tips and Water Quality
Things we love
- AquaClean Water Filter (In-Reservoir Option)
- How to Make SCA Brewing Water (Reverse Osmosis (RO) or Distilled Water Option)
- BWT AQUAlizer Pitcher (Pre-Reservoir Option)
- BWT Water Hardness Test Kit
- Water Quality and Filtration (w/Zach and John!)
Things to consider
- Water completely free of minerals (like RO of distilled water) can cause "mineral leeching" in your machine
- Occasional descaling is still recommended with any scale prevention method
- Using good water to start with can save a ton of time and money down the road
- Not all filters are meant to prevent scale (Check with manufacturer)
Descaling Procedure from the Manual
- Flow related codes or screen messages may prevent the machine from completing the automated cycle.
- To exit the descale cycle, the automated cycle must either complete in the normal way, or a hard reset will need to be performed.
- Turning the machine off or unplugging the machine alone will not perform a hard reset.
- The main menu cannot be accessed while the descale cycle is in process, so selecting Factory Reset from the main menu is not an option.
- The steam out will perform the same type of hard reset and can be done in the middle of a descale cycle.
- Carafe Connection (or Dispensing Arm Positioning) Screen Prompts can also stop the process. If the automated process cannot be completed (on the Cadorna PRESTIGE).
Here are the descaling recommendations based on water usage and water hardness. Any type of water hardness testing strips or kits should let you know where your water would fall on that chart:
Descale Frequency
|
|
Water Hardness |
Without Water Filter |
With Water Filter |
|
1 |
Soft water (up to 7°dH) |
Approx. every 6 months / 240 litres |
Approx. every 12 months / 480 litres |
|
2 |
Medium water (7° - 14°dH) |
Approx. every 3 months / 120 litres |
Approx. every 6 months / 240 litres |
|
3 |
Medium water (7° - 14°dH) |
Approx. every 6 weeks / 60 litres |
Approx. every 3 months / 120 litres |
|
4 |
Very hard water (over 21°dH) |
Approx. every 4 weeks / 30 litres |
Approx. every 6 weeks / 60 litres |
The default water hardness level is 3. Each liter of water corresponds to approximately 2,000 pulses.
Associated Parts
Warranty Disclaimer: Failure of normal wear and tear items such as group gaskets, seals, and shower screens are not covered under warranty. Issues due to scale build-up, coffee oil build-up, or lack of maintenance are not covered.
