Tips on diagnosing extraction with the bottomless portafilter:
• Blonding:
A very light colored shot may be an indication that more coffee
grounds need to be added to the sieve or the grind is too coarse.
Alternatively, a shot that is too dark can mean there is too much coffee
grounds in the sieve or the grind is too fine. Use a conical burr grinder and
experiment to find the perfect grind.
• Under-extraction:
Occurs when coffee is weak in taste. It can be too coarsely
ground or not enough coffee is packed inside the sieve. Follow the instructions
in Chapter 5b, a-d, on how to properly fill and tamp the coffee grinds.
•
Over-extraction:
Occurs when boiler water is too hot. There will be a thin,
dark crema and the flavor will be harsh and very strong. Ensure
Coffee/Steam button is illuminated blue for coffee brewing and always allow
the boiler to cool down after steaming.
• Channeling:
The shot is not flowing evenly in one central stream and is
spurting off to the sides. This is caused by uneven tamping. Ensure to place
even pressure on the ground coffee when tamping.
• Tiger striping:
Are the visual effects of a good extraction. The tiger stripes
are formed by the contrasting light and dark colors of the crema flowing
down the steam of espresso into the cup.
6. Preparing Espresso
a) Make sure the machine is turned ON, the Selector Dial is in the "•" position
and there is water in the water tank. The machine and your cup(s) should be
pre-warmed as described in chapter 4.
b) The Coffee/Steam indicator should be illuminated solid blue.
c) Fill the sieve of the portafilter with ground coffee as described in chapter 5.
Ensure the ground coffee is properly tamped and place the portafilter
securely onto the machine.
d) Place cup(s) underneath the portafilter.
e) When the blue indicator light is illuminated on the Coffee/Steam button,
turn the Selector Dial to the left towards the cup symbol " ".
Espresso will being to flow into your cup(s).
WARNING:
Do not leave the espresso machine unattended during operation,
as you need to operate it manually.
f) When the desired amount of espresso is brewed, stop the flow by turning
the Selector Dial to the center position "•".
NOTE:
It is normal for the blue Coffee/Steam indicator light to flash during
brewing indicating the heating system is active.
g) Remove the cup(s) and enjoy. Within seconds the blue Coffee/Steam
indicator light will illuminate, indicating that the Café PRO is ready for the
next brewing cycle.
h) Carefully and slowly, remove the portafilter from the appliance by moving the
handle to the left.
CAUTION!
Hot water may still be on top of the coffee grinds in the sieve.
Be careful.
i) Turn the portafilter upside down and tap out the used coffee grounds.
9.
