Unbox your machine with care and place it on a stable surface. Inspect it for any signs of damage. Contact the support team immediately if you spot any issues. Keep all packaging in case you need to return or repair the machine. Before adding water, test its hardness using the included strips. Aim for a softness of around 50 parts per million. This prevents scale buildup. Find more details on water quality and filtration in the provided links.
Remove the cup warming tray by lifting the cup railing. You can remove the water reservoir with both hands or fill it from the top. Fill the tank with filtered, softened water and place the warming tray back. Plug in the machine and turn it on. The power button will light up green. The machine heats up quickly, reaching a stable temperature in 11 to 13 minutes from a cold start. Insert the porta filter into the group head for temperature stability. Once heated, flush water through the group for 20 seconds when prompted. You’re now ready to make espresso.
Inspecting and Setting Up the Machine
Begin by unboxing the espresso machine and placing it on a stable, level surface. Inspect the device thoroughly for any damage; if any issues are found, contact the support team immediately. It’s crucial to keep all packaging material, as it may be needed for returns or repairs.
Before introducing water to the machine, it’s essential to test its hardness to avoid scale buildup. Use the included water test strips to verify this. The ideal softness is around 50 parts per million. Additional information on water quality, softening, and filtration is available through the provided links.
Preparing the Water System
Next, proceed with setting up the water reservoir. Start by removing the cup warming tray by lifting the cup railing. You can remove the water reservoir with both hands or fill it from the top. Fill the tank with filtered, softened water to ensure the longevity of the machine.
Place the warming tray back on the machine, plug it in, and turn it on. The power button will illuminate green, indicating the machine is on. The machine heats up rapidly, reaching a stable temperature within 11 to 13 minutes from a cold start. Insert the porta filter into the group head to maintain temperature stability.
Temperature Stabilization
Once the machine reaches the correct temperature, a flush message will appear. Lift the brew lever to flush water through the group head for 20 seconds, which removes overheated water from the system. After flushing, the machine will display a message indicating it is ready to brew.
It’s important to note that if the machine is not flushed initially, it will automatically heat down after 60 seconds and stabilize at the set brew temperature. The fast heat-up feature can be turned off in the advanced settings. Use the PID menu to customize settings further.
Advanced Settings and Plumbing
For more advanced operations, enter the PID menu by pressing and holding both buttons on the machine. Navigate through the menu options using the down button, and select functions using the up button. These settings allow users to fine-tune the machine according to their preferences.
If you prefer to connect your machine directly to a water source, switch to plumb-in mode. This involves enabling the tank mode option and turning a black ball valve near the rotary pump inlet to the on position. Attach the braided line to the pump inlet and connect it to your water source.
Steam Milk and Experimenting with Flow Control
After approximately 15 minutes, the steam boiler is pressurized and ready to use. Activate the steam wand by moving the joystick down until it clicks into place. You can now steam milk and prepare various espresso-based beverages.
The machine includes a pre-installed flow control device. To operate at the standard flow rate, move the paddle from its closed position about 1.25 turns while the pump is running. Be cautious not to open the flow control valve fully, as this doubles the machine’s flow rate, which is not recommended. Experimenting with flow control allows for a playground of flavor, giving users the opportunity to fine-tune their espresso shots.
Final Steps to Start Brewing
Once all previous steps are completed, you are ready to pull espresso shots and steam milk. The machine offers a wide array of settings and controls, providing ample opportunity for experimentation and customization.
For more tips on making great espresso and maintaining your machine, additional resources and tutorial videos are available. Enjoy the process of discovering the full potential of your new espresso machine.
Congratulations, you are now equipped with all the essential steps to set up your espresso machine! From unboxing and inspection to water testing and temperature stabilization, each stage ensures you achieve the perfect brew with consistency and ease.
Once the water system is set and the machine is heated, the world of espresso is at your fingertips. Whether you’re steaming milk for lattes or experimenting with the flow control for unique flavors, your machine is designed to offer unparalleled customization.
With the advanced settings, you can further tailor the experience to your preferences, transforming every shot into a masterpiece. Enjoy exploring the full potential of your espresso machine, and don’t forget to refer to additional resources and tutorial videos for more tips and tricks.
Now that your machine is set up and calibrated, you’re ready to dive into the rich and rewarding process of brewing espresso. Cheers to many delightful cups of coffee ahead!