Espresso Machine Maintenance: Prevent Costly Repairs!

[@hardsoda]

great video, I've learnt a lot ! thank you very much

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Our pleasure 🤙🏻

[@KzLollapalooza]

Thank you for your video

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

You are welcome

[@mathiasocha8352]

Thanks Artisti... I just keep getting new ideas... you are really training me😊🤗🙏

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Glad we can help you. More to come! Cheers luke

[@sophiebosio8171]

Super interesting and useful to know!

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Cheers! A clean machine makes a better coffee!

[@Dejan_23Unlimited]

This is extremely helpful *Expensive coffee machine, maintenance video - THANK YOU 🙏🏻

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Thanks

[@RubyFlorenceRose]

Great advice thank you 🙏🏻

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

No worries at all, you're welcome :)

[@shanewilson2152]

Thanks for the great advice, l will clean my machine a lot more regularly.

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

It will love you for it and also you will reap the rewards of tastier coffee!

[@kas4751]

This is great! You've just confirmed my theory of flushing the tank via hot water tap can reduce scale buildup. The more steaming you do, the more flushing you gotta do. Because as you steam, you're taking the water out as vapor but leaving the minerals in, leaving the remaining water inside with higher concentration of minerals. It's not an advice that is commonly shared on the internet but been doing so ever since I got my machine :)

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Perfect! Yes I have not seen it out in the web

[@impalist]

How often would you flush the steam boiler via the hot water tap?

[@kas4751]

@@impalist For a full flush, I'd say about once every 2 weeks. My gut feeling tells me that I don't have to do it so often because there's somebody in the house that drinks americano/long black. So the water in the boiler is always used in a fairly good amount and refreshed daily anyway because of that. Just have to make sure that when you use the hot water tap, you make sure the pump kicks in to fill it back up again, before turning off the machine (if using the hot tap water is last in your process). I use it to rinse my milk pitcher too, so my hot water usage is at the start and the end of my overall process.

[@McKayGarner]

Thank for this most excellent video! With regard to this comment thread, should one purge the hot water tap with the machine on and turn off the machine right after, or purge that tap after the machine is off? Or should one purge and wait for the boiler to refill? I am new to how my Magister Stella works and want to treat it kindly 😁

[@nicholaspurnomo178]

thank you, very informative video.

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

we are glad you got something out of it. 👍

[@treebs9516]

I have noticed my lever on my apartamento has started squeaking after cleaning the machine as per your video on cleaning...i bought the machine in Oct from you guys..is this normal? I deep clean the machine when I put a new 1kg bag of coffee in...once a month

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Hit a thumbs up if you want to see more coffee related videos like this! Subscribe, become a part of our coffee community and help us keep doing what we love. Thank you :) 👍

[@hjadizulhusnihjyahya7288]

Great advice as usual mate! And glad I did backflush with coffee detergent (using cafeato) once a week on a regular basis to keep my machine clean & maintain its longevity. After seeing the one did not clean properly (presumably never been backflush before) like eww..

[@georgepirpiris7309]

Are you doing that on home machine? With my new (and cheapest E61) I decided to do chemical flush (with cafiza) at 6 months, and change screen and maybe gasket at 12 months. My first E61 got all squeaky on the lever after using it and never got smooth again (put tons of proper lube on it)

[@malnhar]

@@georgepirpiris7309 man that’s too much on the machine to handle use it at least every two weeks and it also depends on coffee consumption

[@georgepirpiris7309]

@@malnharThank you, I just cleaned it after 8 months use, it wasn't so bad. I will do it more often now. The squeak is not so bad this time.

[@Ryan-kj3wn]

Is there any sort of routine with e61 machines? Should I do anything to release the pressure built up in the machine?

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Yes, once you turn it off, run the hot tap to empty the boiler, then once all water is out, open the steam tap to reduce the final pressure

[@Ryan-kj3wn]

Thanks, and would it be ideal to do this every single shut down?

[@danielboddington9526]

Great video! Thanks very useful. Any recommendations on best filter choice?

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

A carbon filter, we use 3m, bwt, everpure are also good. Try not to get one that has a removable base and a paper cartridge in it, they are ok for sediment.

[@Ryan-kj3wn]

I've got a rocket Giotto, I have seen the Rocket reservoir filter bags. Would this be sufficient in terms of water filtration?

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Not really, that can actually be a softener not a filter, so be careful

[@mattbekgibbs]

Great advice, really appreciate the advise about using the hot tap often. Q: Carbon filter is best for espresso? Q: When water is leaking or running down outside of port filter, is the seal not sealing?

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Yes a carbon filter is best. If the water is leaking over the outside of the porta filter you need a new seal. 👍🏻

[@1334neko]

how would you advise aproaching filtration for a mobile set up? I could just buy the filter for my home water set up, but this doesn't always apply ( and I can only carry at the moment 40L of water, we are running from the back of a hearse as opposed to a caravan/ trailer where a lot more water could be used.) curious as to your thoughts on how that might be done if I don't know the qualityof the water I'm using.

[@1334neko]

for referance I am aware you can buy portable caravan filtration set ups which I was planning to get, more like type of filters to buy

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

So we would not recommend buying a caravan filter, these are not good enough for coffee machines. You can make a twin filter System and have it in a box that you can take with you to events or leave at home. Set it up with normal hose fittings so that you can access your home or any tap and fill your containers with great filtered water

[@1334neko]

What I meant by the caravan filter was that I was wondering if I could buy their caravan filter container with the hose fittings on it and then put the types of filters required for a coffee machine in it. I'll ask them if they can do that...

[@1334neko]

I'll go to my local Puretec dealer and see what they think. I guess I was maybe overthinking what exact filters to use in it, without being able to pretest the water if I needed to- but hopefully something like a particle filter and then the puretec triple filter that does chlorine etc and scale would be enough?

[@6guitarplayer]

Any recommendations on boiler material copper vs stainless?

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Oh! Nice question. There is a tendency to head to ss now in newer machines, but you still have to be wary with your water quality as you can still have issues with corrosion even though it’s ss.

[@thirdreplicator]

Can you make a video on water and water filters? What do we have to do to the water to make it yummy and protect our machines?

[@hqrsyd]

Standard Brita Filtered water is fine in Sydney, Just replace it on time, The evidence is in my see-through kettle where there are no signs of scale Unlike when I used straight tap water in it.

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Yes this is true, Brita filters are good, but the difference with a kettle is that you can empty out the water and refill it. In a coffee machine boiler you can only empty it via the hit tap. It takes a lot of flushing to 100% replace the water in a boiler leaving behind minerals that can build up.

[@keithlogan3212]

Hi brilliant video! I have just purchased Rocket Appartamento machine. Not sure about my local water from the tap, would it be safer just to use bottled water? Also, I tend to only use 250g of coffee every 2 weeks. Should I clean the machine with a chemical every 2 weeks or every 1KG? Thanks

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Bottles water will be better, clean every 250g, the 2 weeks will still allow the oils to Build up. Prevention is always better than cure

[@Taha.Marabani]

Hey guys! Thank you for the informative video. Do you recommend any bottled water in particular? Thanks

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

We don’t have a particular brand sorry,

[@casaraku1]

Being using the Brita system for years and its not being an issue...

[@dsmpampis]

Thanks a lot for the tips and great video as always! I have a question because every day I turn my machine(appartamento) on, I make myself a cortado and then I turn it off but never take out the steam as you said. As I understand when I turn the machine off I have to let some water out the also take the steam out. Am I right? Every once or twice a week I flush about 200-300ml of water in order to have fresh water in my tank. Should I do it a bit often? Thanks in advance and keep up with the great work!

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Yes, use the hot tap as much as you can, empty some when you turn it off. 👍🏻

[@6guitarplayer]

This is very interesting information regarding the steam boiler and how the steam doesn’t have any metals in it as it’s being released. All the metals are staying in the steam boiler. This is the first time I’ve heard to empty steam boiler by flushing out the water using your water spout. That being said, What about machines that use the same boiler for coffee and steam like the Profitec 800. This is a single boiler for coffee and steam therefore the water is actually being used every time you make coffee. How often would you suggest to purge the water on single boiler machine? Also, What type of bottled water are you referring too that is safe to use on espresso machines? Spring, Purified? Thanks!

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

So yes is you have a single boiler that shares the steam and water heating it will have to be purged as you swap from water to steam, so this is good. Bottled water still should be tested, yes it’s tasty, but is the spring high in ph? Full of lime? I can recommend a water brand, sorry. We have only access to commercial brands here and they have not paid us for a referral 😂😂

[@KellyanneGill]

Do you guys sell blank baskets

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Yes we do! They are available on our online store

[@KellyanneGill]

@@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters ok cool

[@jordangreen6653]

Fantastic video. I'm wondering if your advice regarding running the hot water tap still applies for single boiler machines such as the Breville Barista Express?

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Yes to all boilers, heat exchangers not so much as they don’t hold lots of water

[@creaghdebarbanda6470]

Great video, thanks. Wondering what PH range minimize boiler corrosion , while not affecting the taste of coffee?

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Neutral is best, but if you have high salt and low ph it’s very bad.

[@wngo70]

i have a linea mini and people have suggested using crystal geyser bottled water. is this going to be okay and prolong my machines longevity? or should i go as far as making my own coffee water?

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Sorry I don’t know the makeup of the crystal geyser water, you have to check it and test it. Then see what minerals it has. If you have 100% pure water with no minerals it in theory sounds good but it’s actually it good at extracting the compounds of coffee from the bean. There are a few great YT videos called water for coffee. Watch them and see that you think. And yes you can make up your own water. 👍🏻 if you have 100% pure distilled water if it’s not plumbed it will say the tank is empty as it won’t pass electrical current

[@wngo70]

@@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters Thank you!

[@bahaykape4233]

Hello! Been binge watching some of your videos, if I may put in a request for a future video, I would love to see how you close up shop at the end of the day! Are there any special tips you have on powering down machines, or prep that helps you setup for the next day and the longevity of your equipment? Thanks a ton

[@kellystastny4653]

i plan to use my rocket machine once a day. How often do you recommend back flushing it?

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

Giving it a clean and back flush after every 1kg of coffee you use should keep it in good condition :)

[@johnhanley7115]

I look like a “shaggy dog” before I’ve made my first coffee of the day! Thanks again for a great video. Regrettably, I don’t think you’ll be getting a call from the Australian Cricket Coach saying, “We need a new man at first slip, for the Ashes Series. Do you think you have a safe set of hands?” 🏏

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

😂 i usually have safe hands, but the camera makes be a little nervous...

[@johnhanley7115]

All part of the learning experience. Previously, in my youth, I joined Toastmasters International to enhance my public speaking skills. I actively participated in the activities of my local club. I “stretched myself” by entering club competitions, including the impromptu speech, humorous speech, and man speech. Each presentation was constructively critiqued. What I thought was a humorous part of the speech went over like a lead balloon. Other times, the humour was subtle, and it took a few seconds till the audience got the joke, and then started laughing. Great artists, often get ‘butterflies’ before they go on stage. Only natural, that when under “cognitive load”, concentrating on your content, and delivery, nerves creep in. The anecdote is told of a young Operatic Singer from Queensland travelling to Sydney for the first time, and got lost trying to find the Opera House. “Excuse me, they asked a stranger, can you tell me how you get to the Opera House.” “Yes,” replied the stranger, “practice, practice, practice! Love your videos, and so what if you drop a filter basket of two. You could auction off the dinted 23 gms VST Basket with a huge ding in the side, as a novelty item: As Seen On You Tube!

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

ill sign up for acting school soon! 😂

[@impalist]

Unfortunately, plumbing in isn't possible in my particular situation. Would you have a filtration recommendation for a non-plumbed set-up?

[@keepwaddling]

I would also like to add my voice to this question, as I have a non-plumbed set-up as well. I try to minimise scale by softening my water through a Brita Maxtra+ Limescale Filter first before it is poured into the water tank where I've placed a water reservoir filter inside (like this one - www.coffeeparts.com.au/rocket-espresso-water-reservoir-filter ). Do you think this is sufficient? Thanks very much for your tips in this video.

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

If you can pop a filter under your sink and use that tap to fill the water tank it’s great. Or buy bottled water if you can’t have a filter in place. You can use as a minimum a filter jug.

[@hjadizulhusnihjyahya7288]

Another question, on the boiler maintenance is descaling is an option OR avoid it at all cost?

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

It will need a descale at some stage, but prevention is better than cure. Keeping an eye on your machine regularly will help avoid a descale. Leave it a few years and you will have to descale sure. When I say descale, I mean professionally. A small home descale would be advised if your up to it.

[@marissaborrego]

What if I am getting coffee grinds in my cup after my espresso pull? I get coffee grinds constantly at the bottom of the drink.

[@ArtistiCoffeeRoasters]

You are a bit too fine on the grind, try an grind a bit coarser and then use a little more dose in your handle this will help.

[@PeaceChanel]

Peace… Shalom… Salam... Namaste and Thank You Everybody for All that you are doing to Heal our Mother Earth 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ 🌷 ☮️❤️