The BoostBox is a custom-designed extension that sits on top of your GAGGIA Classic / Pro / EVO and significantly improves the original 1991 design to include modifications that were previously only found in home DIY remedies.

The BoostBox upgrades the original crude thermostats to a more precise and sophisticated PID temperature control. It will also equip your Classic with a flow control dimmer and a dynamic pressure gauge so that the brew pressure can be adjusted, monitored as you pull your shot. There is also an optional integrated automatic shot-timer to track the timing with ease. The kit comes pre-assembled, is easy to install and fully reversible, and also movable to another Classic / Pro / EVO.

Temperature is key and the importance of a PID:

Out of the box, the GAGGIA Classic suffers from wide-window mechanical thermostats and this causes fluctuation of the brew and steam temperatures within a 15°C window. This is not beneficial if you want to brew great tasting espressos consistently, nor if you want to create fine micro foam for latte art.

A PID is a digital temperature controller that uses a complex algorithm to switch the boiler on and off so that a precise temperature can be maintained. It also benefits of a single SSR circuit to avoid high voltage control – unlike conventional kits.

Brew at the right pressure with a flutter-free gauge:

The dynamic pressure gauge gives you insight on what happens in the portafilter while brewing. Not only is it important to pull the shot at the right pressure, but the gauge supports your understanding of good preparation, and helps fast-track your learning curve.

The pressure gauge is essential if you decide to explore low pressure pre-infusion, pressure profiling and/or “lever like shots” with the flow control dimmer, for even better result in your cup.

This gauge is glycerine filled to eliminate needle flutter, has a sleek dial that sits in line with the front of the enclosure, and is made of durable stainless steel that perfectly matches the design of the Classic.

Unlike other gauges on the market, this system has a custom boiler tapping, the capillary tube can be unscrewed and replaced if ever needed, and it also has an in line 0.6mm orifice to ensure the needle is totally flutter-free.

Pre-infusion and Pressure profiling:

The flow control dimmer gives precise control of the brew pressure from 0.5-12bars while pulling a shot, for pressure profiling and “lever like shots”, it also allows low pressure pre-infusion without switching the pump off (that action would open the 3-way solenoid valve, releasing valuable essentials of the brew to the drip tray). The dimmer in the BoostBox works with both ULKA and Invensys/ARS pumps (48-65W) very precisely and uses a superior plastic/ceramic housed power resistor with a dedicated heatsink for longevity and to comply with the highest safety standards.

Integrated automatic shot-timer option:

Timing shots is the most relevant diagnostic tool after tasting. This could not be done more conveniently and accurately than with the optional auto shot-timer, this starts whenever the brew button is tutned on and runs until the pump is switched off. Latest time is displayed until the next shot is started, or the machine is powered down. It also has a warm-up timer function, showing the minutes left since power on, to easily adopt the preparation routine to the coffee machine warming-up preference of the user. The display is really sleek and matches the PID with also matching colour availability.

A streamlined design with no compromises:

Safety-wise there are no compromises in the design of the BoostBox. Compared to other kits on the market, we include premium quality silicone cables and brass spade connectors with heat-resistant push on insulation. In addition, the wiring and design of the BoostBox keeps all conductor surfaces isolated in order to comply with factory safety specifications. Unlike other designs, the integrated design of the BoostBox keeps all wiring confined to the chassis, significantly reducing the chance of an electric short.

The electronics and gauge are wrapped in a streamlined enclosure that perfectly fits the GAGGIA Classic. The tilted design provides clear view angle of the instruments. Durability and heat resistance are guaranteed by the 3D printed ABS material. Ventilation holes, a silent fan and dedicated heatsink for the SSR maintains optimal operating temperature. I have designed the BoostBox so that it can be flipped and fixed in place while the machine is serviced; routine maintenance and servicing can be easily performed without the need to disconnect any components!

Easy installation and post-care support:

Unlike other PID kits that may exist on the market, the BoostBox comes pre-assembled. In order to install, you will only need to attach some colour coded spade connectors, replace your thermostat to the superior RTD sensor, fit the manifold for the pressure gauge and attach the LED light above the water reservoir. Detailed, photo illustrated instructions are included, alongside with access to an extensive video guide covering the entire process. Installation typically takes 3-4 hours, requires very limited tooling and basic mechanical understanding. The BoostBox is developed to match the repairability of the old Classic, so most components are generic and all connections are quick release.

CONS:

– The box is 3D printed, so printing layers are visible and there could be a minor warping over the corners, but this is limited at 0.7mm to pass.

– Increased height of te machine (50mm/2″)

– The pressure gauge is only up to 11 bars on the dial, however it is happily whitstanding the maximum pressure of the machine

– On version 1 machines: in order to pump water through the steam wand a blank basket hass to be fitted to the group (that is the payback of intrashot temperature surfing)

– On Pro or Evo machines the appearance of twin switch might puts off some people

– On 120V machines (America) the flow control dimmer is more difficult to finetune

– Heating/pump interference (dropping pressure when the SSR kicks in to add heat to the boiler) Especially in America (120V mains voltage) This is applicable on every product even from other vendors

– The noise of the fan could be annoying for some people, however it is thermostat controlled, so it only turns on, when it is really needed to protwect the PID from overheating (normally 30-60 minutes from cold start and only running for a minute or so intermittentl from than). This is the payback of the peace of mind, you shouldn’t worry if you left your machine on all day it won’t overheat.

– Installation:

• adjusting the biting point of the dimmer could be a daunting task
• PID housing tabs could break upon insertion or removal from the BoostBox causing the PID to sit uneven. It is recommended to do this as few times as possible and I recommend to help the tabs bend in with a flat bladed screwdriver from the inside to prevent them from breaking. I also inlude a tiny bit of silicone sponge sheet in bag 3 as that is perfect to wedge beneath a cracked tab so it still serves its purpouse.
• seized bolts (3 way valve, OPV or water inlet) could be really daunting during the installation
• tight spaces especially around the PT100 probe and the pressure gauge brass block could cause some headache
• wire management could be challenging due to the number of new wires added