Unpacking the new espresso machine
The task sounds simple, but there are a few things you should pay attention to when unpacking your new espresso machine. If possible, you should be two people. You should only scratch the adhesive tape carefully, making sure not to cut into the box with the blade of the knife. With some grinders and accessories in particular, there is a risk that you will accidentally leave scratches. To lift the machine out of the box, it is easiest if one person holds the box and the other lifts the espresso machine. Portafilter espresso machines are easiest to lift at the front by the brewing group and at the back under the housing.
Commissioning a portafilter espresso machine
Once the espresso machine has reached its destination, it is important to first remove any protective film (if there is any). You should be careful with the cup rack, as this can become deformed and will then no longer lie flat in the drip tray. Once this step has been completed, you can fill up the water tank and plug the machine's cable into the socket. The boiler(s) must be filled when you first use the machine. The machine will therefore pump a large part of the water from the reservoir into the boiler. With some models, it may be necessary to refill the water tank from time to time. Once the boilers are full, the machine heats up. Depending on the machine, this can take some time. Once the brewing group has reached temperature and the boiler pressure gauge shows a pressure of between 1 bar and 1.5 bar, you can carry on. We recommend rinsing the espresso machine after it has heated up. To do this, start the brewing process and let it run for around 30 seconds. Then you put a container such as a pot with a handle under the hot water tap, which is usually mounted on the right-hand side, and open it until no more water comes out of the nozzle. Then you close the hot water tap again. The machine will fill the boiler with water again. It will take some time until the water is heated and the boiler has built up the required pressure again. Once you have done that, the espresso machine is ready for use.
Some manufacturers recommend in their operating instructions that you leave the machine switched on for a few hours before using it for the first time. In our experience, this is not necessary.
Before switching on
- All slides removed
- Water tank completely filled
- Espresso machine plugged in
After heating
- Refill the tank
- Rinse brewing group for 30 seconds
- Rinse the boiler using a hot water tap
- Wait for reheating
Commissioning an espresso grinder
The espresso machine is prepared, now it's time for the espresso grinder . First of all, the same applies as with the espresso machine and accessories. Carefully open the box, again as a team if necessary. Then set up the espresso grinder, attach the bean container and lid. Once the espresso grinder is plugged in, beans can be filled into the bean container. Experience has shown that the grinders are not optimally set at the factory. Important for all further steps : You should only set the grinding level finer when the grinder is running, otherwise beans can jam and the grinder will not start. In these cases, it is usually sufficient to set the grinding level significantly coarser. A short grinding process can be used to check whether a test extraction makes sense.
If the ground material is coarse, like table salt, you can set the mill a good bit finer. If the grinding result is fine, like powdered sugar, you should set the grinding level a bit coarser beforehand. The ideal ground material feels soft at first, but if you rub it between your fingers you can clearly feel sharp particles. With a little practice, the grinding level can be determined quite precisely. To start with, a rough estimate is enough.
Now it's time for the first test espresso. To start with, it's a good idea to grind enough espresso into the sieve until it's about full (before pressing!). Then the espresso is compacted with the tamper, clamped into the brewing group and the brewing process starts. From the time the pump is switched on, around 25ml with a single sieve and around 50ml with a double sieve should end up in the cup in 25 seconds. If the coffee is brewing too quickly, the grinder should be set a little finer. If the espresso is brewing too slowly, it needs a correspondingly coarser grind. There are more tips on setting up the setting in our article " How to set up an espresso grinder correctly ". If the grinding level is right, you can program the timer at the end.
Before switching on
- Install the bean container
- Open the slider on the bean container
After switching on
- Add beans
- Check grinding level
- Adjust grinding level
- If available, program timer
Helpful tips for your espresso machine
Once everything is set up and configured, you can focus on fine-tuning or simply enjoy the excellent coffee. With the following tips, life with your new espresso machine will remain carefree for a long time.
- Keep the packaging for the grinder and machine. If shipping is necessary again, this will save time and money.
- Only operate your espresso machine with soft water 3-4° dH to prevent deposits that can lead to problems
- You should not descale your espresso machine yourself, but have it done by a specialist workshop that dismantles the espresso machine for descaling.
- Check out our care instructions for espresso machines and espresso grinders.
- We are also there for you after the purchase, if you have any questions you can contact us at any time