Read this before making your first coffee!
Now that you've set up your machine, we know you're itching to get brewing. Here's where we get a little more detailed with an overview of the steps involved in making a coffee on the La Specialista Opera.
We also have a guide to getting the best out of our All Time Espresso Blend, with our recommended starting point for settings on your machine. Check out the video, and read our tips below...
Our Recommended Settings
Grind Setting = 5
This is adjusted on the hopper, turn the dial until the arrows are pointing to "5"
Dose Setting = 10
This is the left-most dial on your machine, carefully adjust the dial until the indicator is pointing to 10
Temperature = Max
This is the second button from the left, press the button until all three lights are on
Making Hot Coffee
Coffee Type = Espresso
This is the right-most dial on your machine, adjust it to point towards "Espresso"
Basket = Double
We recommend using the deeper basket for one double-shot or two regular strength coffees and using the x 2 button. Please make sure you don’t use x2 button unless you have the double filter basket in the handle!
Making Espresso Cool
Coffee Type = Espresso Cool
This is the right-most dial on your machine, adjust it to point towards "Espresso"
Basket = Double Presurised
For Espresso Cool, always use the pressurised baskets labelled with Espresso Cool on the side. We recommend using the deeper basket for one double-shot or two regular strength coffees and using the x 2 button. Please make sure you don’t use x2 button unless you have the double filter basket in the handle!
Tips and Tricks
When using the autotamp, being firm is fine! Pull it as far forward as you can – you can even do it twice and when removing the filter holder keep the tamp handle held down.
The baskets are marked with a “perfect dose” line, check that the coffee is in line with this after tamping for a better result. If not correct, discard the ground coffee, adjust the dose dial up in “small” increments and then repeat the process.
The pressure gauge should be in the middle of the dial, if its not you might need to adjust your grind setting. Always ensure the grinder is activated when changing the grind. This is for the most effective change to occur and to ensure beans do not get stuck in the conical burrs.
Don’t forget to clean the nozzle of the steam wand with a damp cloth after each use, and purge the steam circuit by engaging the steam wand on and off.
Check out our specific guides for making milk based coffees and making cold brew and espresso cool for more in depth steps to making the perfect coffee.
If you found this helpful, leave us a comment below. We're here to help via Live Chat down the bottom of the screen or send us an email at espresso.club@industrybeans.com.
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