How To Make The Perfect Espresso + Our Recommended Settings

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 Prestigio. 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...

HERE'S OUR RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT FOR THE LA SPECIALISTA PRESTIGO

SETTINGS

Grind Setting = Fine
This is adjusted on the hopper, turn the dial until the arrows are pointing to "FINE"

Dose Setting = Pointing Straight Up
This is the left-most dial on your machine, carefully adjust the dial until the indicator is in the middle and pointing straight up

Coffee Type = Espresso
This is the right-most dial on your machine, adjust it to point towards "Espresso"

Temperature = Max
This is the second button from the left, press the button until all three lights are on

Basket = Double
Adjust the first button from the left depending on which basket you use. We recommend using the deeper basket for one double-shot or two normal strength coffees. Please make sure you don’t use x2 button unless you have the x2 filter basket in the handle!

TIPS & TRICKS

It helps to get to know which functions are manual and which are automatic, for example once you insert the portafilter into the grinder, coffee will automatically start grinding!
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 basket is 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.
Check the filter basket and tamp are not wet when you place the filter holder into the tamp station. This can cause coffee to be grabbed off the top and the true dose you have set will not occur causing under extraction.
Don’t forget to clean the nozzle of the steam wand with a damp cloth after each use

If you drink your coffee with milk, such as a Latte or Flat White, check out our specific video for making milk based coffees (and get some tips on perfecting your latte art while you're at it).

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