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96
Problem
Possible Reason
The Solution
The coffee powder is too
fine.
Use coffee powder suited for espresso machines. See:
‘Tips for Best Results’.
Too much coffee powder in
the filter basket.
Ensure that you have selected the correct filter basket
for the amount of coffee powder used. Only level up the
measuring spoon, when filling. Do not tamper the coffee
powder in the measuring spoon (see: ‘Filling the Filter
Basket’).
The coffee powder is tam-
ped too firmly.
Reduce the pressure applied when tamping the coffee
powder (see: ‘Tips for Best Results’).
Excessive lime deposits in
the water system.
Descale the espresso machine (see: ‘Descaling the Machi-
ne’). Ensure that the water hardness is set correctly (see:
‘Adjusting the Water Hardness’).
The filter basket is clogged. Clean the filter basket. You may open clogged holes in
the filter mesh via a needle or the fine pin of the cleaning
tool. See: ‘Cleaning the Filter Basket and Portafilter’.
The spouts of the portafilter
are clogged.
Remove the filter basket from the portafilter and clean the
spouts at the bottom of the portafilter. Then rinse the por-
tafilter thoroughly with hot water.
The coffee flows
out too quickly
and/or the coffee
tastes weak and
watery.
The coffee powder is stale or
too coarse.
Use fresh coffee beans and coffee powder with a grind size
suited for espresso machines. Pre-ground coffee powder is
labelled accordingly. Adjust the grind size of your coffee grin-
der somewhat finer (see: ‘Tips for Best Results’).
There is too little coffee
powder in the filter basket.
Ensure that you have selected the correct filter basket for
the amount of coffee powder used. Use the measuring
spoon to measure the correct amount of coffee powder
(see: ‘Filling the Filter Basket’).
You applied too little pressu-
re when tamping the coffee
powder in the filter basket.
To press the coffee powder into the filter basket, apply a
pressure of 15-20 kg via the provided tamper at the handle
of the measuring spoon (see: ‘Filling the Filter Basket’).
The extraction time is too
long.
See: ‘Special Features for Advanced Users’.
Coffee runs out
around the edge
of the portafilter.
The portafilter is not inserted
correctly in the group head.
Ensure that the handle of the portafilter is rotated to the
right until it is facing at least in right angle to the front
of the appliance. Perhaps, you may turn the portafilter
beyond the central (right angle) position a little (see:
‘Starting the Espresso Extraction’).