Portofino America
rev. 5 - 08/2004
5
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Overview of the espresso coffee machines Portofino AMERICA Range
A u t o m a t i c c o f f e e m a c h i n e s
Portofino America Digital
Compact 1-group espresso coffee machine with microprocessor controlled electronic measured dosage, digital programming from the push-
button pad. Automatic boiler filling is standard. Filter for mixed use either with ground coffee or with coffee pod upon request.
Portofino SuperAmerica Digital
Compact 2-group espresso coffee machine with microprocessor controlled electronic measured dosage, digital programming from the push-
button pad. Automatic boiler filling is standard. Filter for mixed use either with ground coffee or with coffee pod upon request.
Portofino AmericaPlus Digital
Compact 1-group espresso coffee machine with microprocessor controlled electronic measured dosage, digital programming from the push-
button pad and incorporated automatic coffee dosing grinder. Automatic boiler filling is standard. Filter for mixed use either with ground coffee
or with coffee pod upon request.
Portofino MaxiAmerica Digital
Compact 2-group espresso coffee machine with microprocessor controlled electronic measured dosage, digital programming from the push-
button pad and incorporated automatic coffee dosing grinder. Automatic boiler filling is standard. Filter for mixed use either with ground coffee
or with coffee pod upon request.
S e m i a u t o m a t i c c o f f e e m a c h i n e s
Portofino America P
Compact 1-group espresso coffee machine with continuous delivery. Automatic boiler filling is standard. Filter for mixed use either with ground
coffee or with coffee pod upon request.
Portofino SuperAmerica P
Compact 2-group espresso coffee machine with continuous delivery. Automatic boiler filling is standard. Filter for mixed use either with ground
coffee or with coffee pod upon request.
Portofino AmericaPlus P
Compact 1-group espresso coffee machine with continuous delivery and incorporated automatic coffee dosing grinder. Automatic boiler filling is
standard. Filter for mixed use either with ground coffee or with coffee pod upon request.
Portofino MaxiAmerica P
Compact 2-group espresso coffee machine with continuous delivery and incorporated automatic coffee dosing grinder. Automatic boiler filling is
standard. Filter for mixed use either with ground coffee or with coffee pod upon request.
Operating Principles
An espresso coffee machine is basically made up of the following elements:
Boiler
Is used to contain the hot water and steam and is made of copper so that its properties do not deteriorate over the years.
Brewing group and heat exchanger
The brewing group is the component which, when attached to the filter holder (containing the filter and the ground coffee or the coffee pod),
brews and delivers the beverages when supplied with hot water.
The heat exchangers, one for each group, are immersed in the water and are used for fast heating of the fresh water from the network to the
optimal temperature and to prevent thermal imbalances within the system.
Heat source
This is normally provided by an electric heating element immersed in the boiler and/or by an external gas burner, which heat the water and provide
the steam.
Electric pump
This device is used to raise the pressure of the network, which is normally inadequate for the purpose, to a pressure of 9 bars which is ideal
for making the best coffee.
Steam taps
These allow steam to be delivered to give the indispensable “froth” to the milk used for preparing cappuccino, for heating water and punches and
for preparing chocolate drinks.
Water tap
It allowswater to be delivered for preparing hot drinks, tea and tisanes.
Control instruments
Manometers:
show the current pressure in the boiler and the pump’s operating pressure.
Pressure switches:
control the pressure and switching on of the heat sources to keep the boiler water temperature constant.
Level gauge:
shows the water level in the boiler.
