Table of Contents

Gaggia Babila: Initial Setup and First Use

by Whole Latte Love 4 min read Updated: September 18, 2025
CLICK HERE to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive promotions and regular updates on everything coffee!

Get to know your new Gaggia Babila machine. We have tips from right out of the box on up to some pro level tips and some common issues you might run into along the way.


Setup and First Use Video


What's in the Box?

If you're a hands-on kind of barista, feel free to take some pieces out and get to know your machine. Open up the front door and check out the brew unit. You may find accessories tucked inside the front door, reservoir, or bean hopper during shipping to keep them safe. 

We always encourage at home troubleshooting whenever possible. Please be advised that adding parts to your machine that are not included in the original parts diagram will result in a voided warranty. No modifications are required or recommended by Gaggia, Gaggia North America, or Whole Latte Love. Please note the AquaClean Water Filters are not included, but are a recommended cleaning product for your machine.



Recommended Cleaning and Technical Servicing

Daily Cleaning

Purge Wand

The steam wand should be purged and wiped clean after each use to protect against milk buildup. 


Empty the drip tray (Internal and external)

Empty as needed or after the last drink of the day. Coffee can be present in the tray which can develop mold or attract household pests. Removing and handwashing parts that contact coffee with Urnex Cafiza Espresso Machine Cleaner is recommended for cleaning coffee oils, but dish soap and hot water will work just fine as well. 

Weekly Cleaning

Clean the water tank

Weekly hand washing with dish soap and warm water is recommended. Dishwashers should not be used to clean parts as they can cause warping of components.


Clean Service Door Area and Brew Unit

On a weekly basis, rinsing of the brew unit anywhere that you see coffee and air drying overnight is recommended. At the same time, you can clean out any ground coffee debris and wash the other components as well. Do not put machine components through a dishwasher.

Monthly Cleaning

Deep Clean and Relubricate the Brew Unit

Weekly brew unit rinsing should keep it running smoothly and not remove the lubrication. On a monthly basis we recommend removing the brew unit for a deep cleaning and relubrication.

Brew Unit Maintenance


Descaling

Descale as recommended by the machine. The machine will allow you to use the machine while the descaling indicator is on, but descaling as soon as possible is recommended.

Descaling Process and Information


Descaling (cont.)

Starting with proper Water Quality and Filtration is your best way to prevent scaling issues. No system is perfect, so occasional descaling is still recommended as directed.


Gaggia Coffee Clean Tablets

These are designed for automated brew unit cleaning. This does not replace manual brew unit cleaning. This product is best for cleaning the pathway between the brew unit and dispensing spout that is otherwise difficult to access. Your menu has an automated process for the tablets, but you can also use the instructions below.

All Supers: Manual Gaggia Coffee Clean Tablet Cleaning Method

As Necessary

Boiler Spout Cleaning

When deep cleaning your brew unit, you can also clean the parts that connect to send water to your brew unit. This is less necessary than the brew unit deep clean, but never a bad idea. Be sure to keep your eye on how all of the area o-rings are doing!

Boiler Spout Cleaning

Cleaning the unit housing or exterior panels

As necessary. Cleaner does not need to be food safe as long as the component does not contact coffee, water, or milk. Never apply cleaners or solvents to the machine directly. Apply any cleaners to a microfiber cloth before application. We do not recommend running any machine components through dishwashers as this can cause warping.

 

 

Recommended Cleaners and Upgrades


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.