Gaggia Classic PID kit comparison

Shades or Auber for your Gaggia Classic?

Choose Shades of Coffee if you want adjustable brew and steam settings while keeping pump timing manual. Choose Auber KIT-GGP if you also want the controller to run a timed pulse, pause and brew sequence.

Check before buying: the RI model code, voltage and front-switch connectors. The E24 needs its own compatibility check.

Check my machine Compare the controls

Seller specifications and two linked owner reports, checked September 23, 2026. We have not installed both kits on the same machine.

Shades of Coffee 1/32 DIN PID kit components — Shades of Coffee1/32 DIN PID kit

Silver controller supplied with Auber KIT-GGP — Auber InstrumentsKIT-GGP

The feature that will actually be used

Both kits regulate brew temperature. Pump timing is the clearest difference in daily use.

Shades of Coffee PID display and controls

Shades for manual pump control

You set brew temperature and an adjustable steam threshold, then use the original brew switch yourself. This kit does not add a timed pump sequence.

View the Shades listing

Black controller option for Auber KIT-GGP

Auber for timed pump steps

KIT-GGP controls brew and steam temperature and can run a pulse, pause and brew sequence. The original brew switch still works for manual operation.

View the Auber listing

Control comparison

The entries below come from the sellers' current product pages. They are not results from a shared bench test.

Control

Shades 1/32 DIN

Auber KIT-GGP

Brew temperature

PID temperature control

Steam

Adjustable on/off temperature

Adjustable steam control

Pump sequence

No timed sequence; use the original switch

Timed pulse, pause and brew; manual switch remains available

Shot timer

Not included in this kit

Count-up special edition or standard count-down

E24

Seller lists an E24 connector variant

E24 is not named on the current KIT-GGP page; ask Auber

Auber's 0.1-second figure refers to timer-setting resolution. It does not establish temperature accuracy at the coffee puck.

Before you buy, compare the whole kit

The sellers use different currencies and option structures. Choose the correct machine version first, then compare the checkout total.

Shades of Coffee

£111.60including UK VAT for UK shipments

Current listing

Kit and options: Brew and steam control, fitting parts and instructions. Choose an aluminium case, TopBox or no case. The monobloc E24/Evo version adds £1.20.
Installation: The seller estimates 2 to 3 hours with basic tools. No soldering or cutting the case or wires.
Coverage: 12 months on kit parts when a Shades aluminium enclosure or TopBox is used.

Auber Instruments

US$199.50starting price

Current listing

Kit and options: Brew and steam control plus the timed pump sequence. Choose the display, box colour and temperature unit.
Extras: A rear mounting bracket adds US$12.75. The European auto-off wire adds US$1 where required.
Installation and coverage: Reversible installation; documents are available after purchase. Auber lists a 6-month limited warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee.

Price check: September 23, 2026. Shipping, tax and exchange rates depend on destination. Use the machine checker below before choosing connector parts.

Machine checks before ordering

A listing that says "Classic Pro" is not enough to settle the wiring. Use the label under the machine and inspect the switch connectors with the machine unplugged and cool.

1Find the RI model code and voltage on the underside label.
2Check whether the front switches use separate terminals or one-piece connector blocks.
3Send both details to the seller if your machine does not match the installation guide.

Select your Gaggia Classic

Shades of Coffee

Listed for this generation. Choose the seller's connector variant after checking your switches.

Auber KIT-GGP

Listed for RI9380 / RI9480. Confirm voltage and use the matching installation guide.

This selector narrows the question. It cannot inspect your wiring. Both kits involve mains wiring inside the machine.

Gaggia Classic opened for a Shades of Coffee PID installation — Installation photo from the Shades of Coffee product page.

Time needed for the wiring

Shades estimates about 2 to 3 hours and says its kit needs no soldering or case cutting. Auber provides KIT-GGP installation documents after purchase and asks Evo Pro owners to check for one-piece switch connectors before ordering.

Shades owner reportA January 2025 TopBox owner said installation took several hours. The seller replaced a faulty steam relay after an email.
Auber owner reportAn August 2025 owner said Auber support helped reset KIT-GGP settings after unexpected pump and heating behavior.