TIP! Place espresso cups upside down on the warming plate on top of the
machine. As long as the machine is on, the internal heater will keep the top
plate warm.
6. Filling and Inserting the Portafilter
The EC Select comes with a large (two-cup) sieve.
Note: When using ground coffee, always fill the sieve to the rim, tamp
lightly with the end of the measuring scoop and wipe any coffee grounds off
the rim of the sieve and the portafilter.
• Place the sieve in the portafilter and ensure it sits level. (Fig. 3)
• Fill the sieve with fresh, finely ground coffee. Clean any excess coffee from the
rim of the portafilter. This will assure proper fit under the brew head.
• Tamp or compress coffee using the flat side of the coffee scoop/ tamper. Do not
overfill the sieve. This might cause clogging or overflow.
• Position portafilter underneath the brew head and align the portafilter to ( )
while pushing the portafilter up. Turn the portafilter firmly to the right towards
( )until it feels tight.
7. Preparing Espresso
a. Make sure the water tank is filled, the portafilter with the sieve and ground
coffee is securely in place and your cup(s) are pre-warmed (chapter 5).
b. Place one or two espresso cups underneath the portafilter.
c. When the red indicator light stops blinking, turn the selector dial to the cup
symbol on the left side.
d. 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 white indicator light to blink during brewing indicating
the thermoblock is heating the water as it flows through.
Note: After stopping the flow of espresso, the EC Select automatically creates
a bit of steam and pushes the remaining water from the thermoblock into the
tray underneath. This ensures that there will be no rest-water in the heating
system. After preparing a few cups of espresso carefully pull the tray out of the
machine, empty and replace.
e. Remove the cup(s) and enjoy. Within seconds the red ready light will illuminate,
indicating that the EC Select is ready for the next brewing cycle.
f. Remove the portafilter from the appliance.
g. Lift the thumbguard over the sieve and hold it down.
h. Turn the portafilter upside down and tap out the used coffee grounds.
i. Rinse sieve under warm water and make sure the holes are free of coffee
deposits. You are ready to prepare the next espresso.
8. Preparing Cappuccino
Cappuccino is the combination of one or two shots of espresso with an equal
or larger amount of hot milk and milk froth (for Latte see chapter 9).
Frothing Milk
Always start with cold milk. Skim or Fat-free milk will produce the most froth
and provide a stronger espresso taste. 1% and 2% milk will produce less froth,
and whole milk will produce less than half the amount of froth of skim milk.
a. Fill a stainless steel pitcher with 6 to 8 oz. of milk, this will provide enough froth
for two to three cups of cappuccino. Make sure that there is enough space left
in the pitcher for the milk and milk froth to expand.
