Below you'll find a compilation of our top tips & tricks for using your machine, taking in to account some of the most common feedback and questions we get from our members.
We're always here to help you get the perfect brew, if you'd like to book in a time with one of our machine experts to help you in getting the best from you machine, please email us at espresso.club@industrybeans.com and ask to book in a time.
1. Attaching the Hopper Correctly
To ensure the Hopper (bean container) is locked in correctly, the locked padlock on the front of the bean container should line up with the arrow in front of the bean container. Anytime you have to remove the bean container make sure there are no beans in container - you can run them through before unlocking the container from the top of the machine.
Only fill the container with the amount of beans you require for that coffee or two so your beans will be fresher and you won’t need to adjust the settings as often.
2. Priming the machine
Priming the Machine is important at the beginning of use to make sure the water lines are full of water. Remember this action anytime you fill the water tank and the water alarm does not turn off as there may be an air bubble in the line. Watch the video in 'Setting Up Your La Specialista Prestigio Machine' for full details on how to do this.
Always make sure the water tank is full of water before using your machine.
3. Setting the right dose
There is a "perfect dose" line on each filter basket, check the dose is correct by grinding coffee and tamping then remove the filter holder from the autotamp, and make sure the coffee is level and not below this line. If it's not correct, discard the ground coffee, adjust the dose dial up in small increments and then repeat the process.
Once you have the right dose, test the espresso to see how it is pouring before you adjust the grind setting.
4. Adjusting the grind
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. If you are on the lowest grind setting and the coffee is pouring too fast or tastes under extracted, check the dose is correct, check the temperature is on high, and ensure you are tamping correctly.
5. Getting the Pressure Gauge to Optimal level
The pressure gauge should be in the middle of the dial, in the "optimal" zone, if it is too high, you might need to adjust your settings. Most commonly, this is because the dose is too high or the grind is too fine - adjust the dose and grind as per the tips above.
Make sure you are using the double filter basket if you are brewing a 2 x shot coffee.
6. Tamping Firmly and correctly
You need to be firm when pressing the autotamp, and it helps to press it down twice. When removing the filter holder keep the tamp handle held down, this polishes the top of the coffee just like the Baristas do and will create an even more consistent tamp.
Also make sure 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.
7. Be prepared for the automatic grinder
This one may seem obvious, but can catch some people off guard. Once you attach the filter to the autotamp, it will start grinding automatically if it has been attached correctly.
That's it for now! Make sure to check out our posts on 'Setting Up Your La Specialista Prestigio Machine' and 'How To Make The Perfect Espresso' which have helpful video guides to watch before getting started with your machine.
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