First Aid: Espresso Machines — Solve Problems Yourself

Dual boiler with flow control.

1. Place on a dry, level, waterproof surface and level it using the adjustable feet.
2. Insert the Brita filter into the water tank and fill the tank with fresh water. Plug the power cable into an earthed socket, without an adapter, multi-plug or extension cable.
3. Switch on. Turn the coffee outlet lever down and wait until no more bubbles rise from the tank, then turn it back up. The boilers fill and heat up.
4. Before first use, run at least 1 litre of water through the machine.
5. Switch on the steam boiler, point the steam nozzle at the drip tray and open the steam handle for 10 seconds. The machine is then ready. Coffee temperature adjustable from 88–96 °C.

Important: After a shot with a pressure profile, turn the coffee lever all the way back up, otherwise water can flow back from the boiler into the tank. Repairs only by the authorised service.

Manufacturer’s manual: Arkel Coast user manual (German/English/French/Italian/Spanish/Portuguese, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Espresso from E.S.E. pods (44 mm).

1. Unpack and place on a smooth surface with all four feet resting on it.
2. Take out the water tank at the back, fill it with still water that is low in limescale and reinsert the silicone tube without kinking it.
3. Plug into an earthed socket and switch on the main switch. Let it heat up until the indicator lights stay on.
4. Make the first run with water only; according to the manufacturer, the coffee will be creamier afterwards.
5. Lift the lever, place a pod on the pod holder, lower the lever until it clicks, press the coffee button; press it again to stop. Remove the used pod straight afterwards.

Important: Never operate without water; according to the manufacturer, pump damage caused by an empty tank is not covered by the warranty. Descaling with products other than Aroma Cleaner releases the manufacturer from the warranty.

Manufacturer’s manual: Use and maintenance instructions (German, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Dual boiler with touchscreen.

1. If the machine has been exposed to temperatures below 0 °C, Bezzera says to leave it at above 15 °C for at least 24 hours before switching it on. Then fill the tank with drinking water (never hot water) or, with a plumbed-in connection, open the shut-off valve.
2. Plug in, switch on the main switch and touch the screen when “press to start” appears. The boilers fill automatically.
3. To fill the coffee boiler for the first time, press the continuous dispensing button (DE) or lift the lever (MN) until water comes out of the group head.
4. Ready for use when the temperature lines at the bottom of the home screen are grey.
5. For the first switch-on and after about 7 days without use, Bezzera describes a flushing procedure: switch on, fill, heat up, wait 12 hours, run water through the group head for at least 30 seconds, then switch off and drain all the boiler water through the hot water and steam taps into a heat-resistant container. After breaks of 4 hours: 5 seconds of hot water and 15 seconds through the group head.

Important: According to Bezzera, descaling agents, vinegar and citric acid do not belong in the tank; products other than water void the warranty.

Manufacturer’s manual: Duo / Matrix user manual, 2018 edition (multilingual, including English and German, PDF)

Single boiler with E61 group head.

1. Beforehand: steam and hot water valves closed, switch down, plug out. Clean the tank and fill it with water that is low in limescale. Soft water: ECM specifies a maximum of 4 °dH, otherwise use a filter or softener (Water & Descaling).
2. Switch on; the display shows “FIL”. Place a container under the group head, raise the brew lever and let it run for at least 30 seconds until water comes out; lower the lever.
3. When the pump goes quiet, the boiler is full and the machine heats up. Before the first coffee, flush 2–3 tankfuls of water through the group head and the hot water outlet.
4. In daily use, allow about 10 minutes to heat up. If the display shows “FLU”, flush with the portafilter locked in until “rdY” appears.
5. After frothing milk, refill and cool the boiler: open the valve slightly, flip the pump switch up and drain until only water comes out.

Important: According to ECM, a machine that is already scaled should only be descaled by a specialist.

Manufacturer’s manual: Classika PID user manual (German, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Heat exchanger with E61 group head and rotary pump.

1. Beforehand: steam and hot water valves closed, brew lever down, plug out, drip tray in place. Slim and Slim PID: ECM specifies soft water of no more than 4 °dH, otherwise use a filter or softener. Max II: set the correct operating mode (tank or plumbed-in); according to ECM, 2–6 °dH carbonate hardness is ideal, otherwise use the water filter set provided, and ECM advises against water from sodium-based ion-exchange softeners (Water & Descaling).
2. Clean and fill the tank, switch on: the pump fills the boiler. If there is not enough water, the machine switches off; top up the tank in that case.
3. Slim and Slim PID: wait until the boiler pressure gauge shows about 1.0–1.25 bar, then raise the brew lever and draw off about 250 ml so that the heat exchanger fills; lower the lever. Max II: first raise the brew lever and draw off about 500 ml, lower the lever, then wait until the boiler pressure gauge shows about 1.0–1.25 bar.
4. The Slim and Slim PID vent the boiler themselves during heat-up, via an anti-vacuum valve. The Max II is ready as soon as the display shows the set brew temperature.
5. Flush before the first coffee. Slim and Slim PID: with 2–3 tankfuls of water through the group head and the hot water outlet. Max II: switch it off once heated, drain the boiler water through the hot water wand, refill the tank and heat up again, three times in all, then run the rest through the group head (plumbed-in: 5–8 litres). In daily use, the Slim needs about 25 minutes to heat up; before the first shot, briefly run water through the locked-in portafilter.

Important: If it does not heat up the first time, briefly switch it off and on again (overfill protection). Maintenance not described in the manual should only be carried out by qualified personnel.

Manufacturer’s manual: Mechanika VI Slim / Slim PID user manual (German, PDF) · Mechanika Max II user manual (German, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Dual boiler with E61 group head and rotary pump.

1. Beforehand: plug out, drip tray in place, steam and hot water valves closed. It runs in tank mode from the factory. A plumbed-in connection (line pressure 1–2 bar, otherwise a pressure reducer; set “Tank Mode” to OFF in the menu) is installed by a specialist.
2. Soft water: ECM specifies a maximum of 4 °dH, otherwise use a filter or softener (Water & Descaling). Optionally, insert the water filter cartridge under the tank flap.
3. Fill the tank and switch on; the display shows “Fill”. Place a container under the group head, raise the brew lever and let it run for at least 30 seconds until water comes out; lower the lever and “Fill” disappears. The steam boiler then fills automatically.
4. The machine heats the coffee boiler first, then the steam boiler: espresso after about 6.5 minutes, steam after about 15 minutes.
5. Before the first coffee, flush with 2–3 tankfuls of water through the group head and the hot water pipe. If it does not heat up the first time, the overfill protection has tripped: briefly switch it off and on again.

Important: According to the manual, a machine that is already scaled should only be descaled by a specialist. Repairs only by authorised service centres.

Manufacturer’s manual: Synchronika II user manual (German, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

According to ECM, now a dual boiler with E61 group head.

1. Beforehand, set the operating mode (tank or plumbed-in) correctly, plug out, drip tray in place, steam and hot water toggle levers closed. Soft water: ECM specifies a maximum of 4 °dH, otherwise use a filter or softener (Water & Descaling).
2. Fill the tank and switch on; the display shows “Fill”. Hold the brew lever in the brewing position for at least 30 seconds until water comes out, then move it back. The steam boiler then fills.
3. Flushing: once heated up, switch off, drain water through the hot water pipe, refill the tank and heat up again; repeat the whole process three times; run the rest through the group head.
4. With “Fast Heating”, it is ready in about 12–13 minutes in daily use. If “Flush” appears, do a flush within 60 seconds.

Important: If water drips from the portafilter or group head even though the brew lever is in its starting position, ECM considers this a defect. In that case, get in touch with us.

Manufacturer’s manual: Technika VI user manual (German, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Foldable manual lever for on the go.

1. Unfolding: hold it upside down with the logo facing you, pull the lever up, turn it anticlockwise as far as it will go, lower the rear post until the lock clicks into place, and lower the legs. Folding: press the red button and reverse the steps.
2. Grind 15 g with an espresso grinder, fill the bottomless portafilter, tamp firmly, place the screen on top and set it on the frame.
3. Attach the cylinder and fill it with boiling water, not above the max line. Insert the piston with the pressure gauge.
4. Lower the lever; aim for 6–9 bar and about 25–40 seconds.

Important: Never let go of the lever abruptly. An extremely stiff lever means the grind is too fine.

Manufacturer’s manual: Flair 2GO Quick Start (English, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Manual lever with 49 mm portafilter. Preheating is a must.

1. Insert the post into the slot in the base, put the washer on the screw and tighten it with the Allen key. Screw the pressure gauge onto the stem and insert the drip tray.
2. Choose the basket: to start with, the pressurised basket with 10–15 g; the non-pressurised basket (14–20 g) needs a good espresso grinder and a much finer grind size.
3. Preheating: lever down, place a cup underneath, fill the cylinder to the brim with boiling water, wait 45 seconds, lift the lever slightly to drain. Do it a second time for more temperature stability.
4. Screw in the portafilter to about the 4 o’clock position; do not overtighten. Fill the cylinder to the brim, lift the lever slightly, pull it all the way up, top up and lower it. Aim for 25–40 seconds at 5–9 bar.
5. Afterwards, drain the remaining water and remove the puck screen before knocking out the puck.

Important: Stop above 12 bar and discard the coffee. Not dishwasher-safe, no soap; never immerse the pressure gauge.

Manufacturer’s manual: Flair 49 PRO Manual (English, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Lever machine with 58 mm portafilter and electric preheating of the brew head. You boil the brewing water separately; the preheating does not heat any water.

1. Unpack, remove the protective films and screw the lever assembly onto the base with the two screws, aligning the lever straight beforehand. On the 58+2, the brew cylinder is fitted at the factory.
2. 58+2: route the preheat cable through the wire guide, pull the cap off the brew cylinder (keep it) and plug in the cable following the arrows; plug the power supply into the back of the base first, and only then into the socket. Flair 58, 58x and 58+: place the brew cylinder on the brew base and turn it counterclockwise to lock it, pull the cap off the connector and plug in the preheat controller, then connect the plunger to the stem and fit the three-piece lever hook. Never twist or move the silicone sleeve and cable on the cylinder.
3. Screw the pressure gauge all the way onto the stem and turn it to face forward.
4. Preheating: hold the button for 3 seconds and choose a level (about 85, 90 or 95 °C). Lever up, insert the empty portafilter; it is preheated when the lights stop flashing.
5. Grinding: 15 g for the low-dose basket or 18 g for the high-dose basket, tamp, place the puck screen on top. Lever all the way down, screw in the portafilter to about the 4 o’clock position; do not overtighten.
6. With the lever down: fill the cylinder to the brim with boiling water, lift the lever slightly so that the valve opens, slowly pull it all the way up, top up at the top and then slowly lower it. Flair’s target: about 25–40 seconds at 5–9 bar for the 58+2, and 30–35 seconds at 6–9 bar for the 58, 58x and 58+ (2023 manual).

Important: If the pressure rises above 12 bar, stop immediately and discard the grounds. Never immerse the base, brew head and pressure gauge in water or rinse them; always keep the connectors dry. Pull the plug out of the brew head straight, using two hands. Only use the power supply provided, no extension cable. Older Flair 58 with a 4-pin connector: always disconnect the single-pin connector first before you plug in or unplug the 4-pin connector.

Manufacturer’s manual: Flair 58+2 Manual (English, PDF) · Flair 58 / 58x / 58+ from May 2023 (English, PDF) · Preheating: safety and operation (English, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Manual lever without electricity; preheating is not necessary.

1. Assemble the frame: fit the ribs of the base into the openings of the post and press down; the Flair logo and the NEO logo face the same side.
2. Separate the brew head into four parts: piston with pressure gauge, brew cylinder, screen and portafilter. Start with the red Flow Control portafilter; it does not need a special grinder, but do not grind too fine.
3. Fill in about 15 g of freshly ground coffee using the funnel and press it down lightly with the dosing cup. Place the screen on top, set it on the frame and press the cylinder on.
4. Fill to the mark with freshly boiled water, attach the piston and turn the pressure gauge towards you.
5. Lower the lever; aim for about 25 seconds in the espresso zone. If the lever is extremely stiff, the grind is too fine.

Important: Never let go of the lever suddenly; boiling water can splash.

Manufacturer’s manual: NEO Flex Manual 2024 (English, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

The GS3 weighs about 33 kg. Its manual is written for professional use; some of the setup steps are a job for a specialist.

1. Place it on a level surface that, according to the manual, is more than 80 cm high, and check the accessories.
2. Measure your water with the test strips provided, ideally before and after the filter. Among other things, La Marzocco requires a total hardness of 70–100 ppm, TDS of 90–150 ppm and an alkalinity of 40–80 ppm; according to the manual, the warranty only applies within these values (Water & Descaling).
3. Fill the tank (3.5 litres) with filtered water and insert it so that it touches the level contacts at the back, otherwise “Refill Tank” appears. Insert the drip tray using the guide pins and lock it with the two clips.
4. According to the manual, only operate it on a circuit protected by a residual current device (RCD) of no more than 30 mA. Main switch at the back left, then the power button on the keypad. The manual describes the first filling of the coffee boiler and venting the group head as work involving hot water; get in touch with us for this.
5. The GS3 is ready when all buttons are lit. Before the first coffee, run water through the group head for at least 2 minutes, steam for at least 1 minute and draw at least 1 litre of hot water.
6. Pairing the app: machine off, hold buttons 1 and 4 while switching on, release, then follow the pairing in the “La Marzocco” app. You program the dosing buttons as shown in the video.

Important: Never remove the portafilter while water is flowing. When backflushing with a blind basket, pressure builds up and hot water can spray out. A plumbed-in connection is installed by a specialist.

Manufacturer’s manual: GS3 Operating Manual (English, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

The Leva X 1 Group weighs 67 kg. According to the manual, installation belongs in the hands of a specialist; get in touch with us for this.

1. With several people, place it on a level, stable surface higher than 80 cm.
2. Measure your water with the test strips provided, ideally before and after the filter. Among other things, La Marzocco requires a total hardness of 70–100 ppm, TDS of 90–150 ppm and an alkalinity of 40–80 ppm; according to the manual, the warranty only applies within these values (Water & Descaling). Two sets of test strips are included.
3. Fill the tank with filtered water, insert it and push the drip tray all the way in. If there is no water, the display shows “Refill Water tank”.
4. According to the manual, only operate it on a circuit protected by a residual current device (RCD) of no more than 30 mA. Main switch at the front left to 1. The steam boiler fills automatically. According to the manual, venting the coffee boiler is work for the specialist.
5. While heating up, the coffee boiler pressure gauge should rise to about 6 bar and stay there. If it rises well above that or does not reach 6 bar, the expansion valve must be adjusted. The valve is hot; get in touch with us for this.
6. Before the first coffee, run water through the group head for at least 2 minutes, steam for at least 1 minute and draw at least 1 litre of hot water.
7. Brewing: lower the lever so that the piston rises and loads water, wait until the pressure reaches the pre-infusion value, lift the lever slightly before letting go and guide it up into the rest position.

Important: Never let go of the lever if the coffee puck does not build up back pressure (no coffee in the basket, portafilter not inserted correctly), and not when backflushing either: the impacts can damage the machine.

Manufacturer’s manual: Leva 1 Group Operating Manual (English/French, PDF) · Leva Operating Manual (English, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Compact dual boiler. La Marzocco also shows the setup in German: “Los geht es mit der Linea Micra”.

1. Place it on a stable, level surface that, according to the manual, is at least 90 cm high. Check that all accessories are included and undamaged.
2. Measure your water with the test strips provided, ideally before and after the filter. Among other things, La Marzocco requires a total hardness of 70–100 ppm, TDS of 90–150 ppm and an alkalinity of 40–80 ppm; according to the manual, the warranty only applies within these values (Water & Descaling).
3. Take out the drip tray, pull the tank forward, fill it with filtered drinking water and slide it back until it touches the level contacts at the back. Insert the drip tray into the guides using the magnets.
4. Plug in the power cable; according to the manual, the circuit must be protected by a residual current device (RCD) rated at no more than 30 mA. Main switch at the back left. When you switch it on, the steam boiler fills automatically. Move the brew paddle to the left until the coffee boiler has filled (manual: at least 30–40 seconds), and top up the tank if necessary.
5. Let it heat up; according to La Marzocco, this takes about 5 minutes. It is ready when the red and blue lights are steady.
6. Flush before the first coffee: with the portafilter inserted, run water through the group head for at least 2 minutes, open the steam wand for at least 30 seconds and draw at least 0.5 litres of hot water.
7. App: download the “La Marzocco” app; since March 2025 it has replaced the “La Marzocco Home” app. Pairing: machine off, paddle to the left, switch on, wait 5 seconds, paddle to the right, then follow the app. Your Wi-Fi must transmit at 2.4 GHz. In the app, you set the brew temperature and steam pressure.

Important: Do not touch the steam wand while steaming and for about 40 seconds afterwards. Leave the portafilter in the group head so that it stays warm. If the Micra has been idle for more than 8 hours: flush the group head for 2 minutes, 30 seconds of steam, 0.5 litres of hot water.

Manufacturer’s manual: Los geht es mit der Linea Micra (German) · Linea Micra Operating Manual (English/French, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

The Linea Mini R weighs about 30 kg: lift it out of the box from the sides with two people.

1. Place it level on a surface that, according to the manual, is at least 90 cm high.
2. Measure your water with the test strips provided, ideally before and after the filter. Among other things, La Marzocco requires a total hardness of 70–100 ppm, TDS of 90–150 ppm and an alkalinity of 40–80 ppm; according to the manual, the warranty only applies within these values (Water & Descaling).
3. Lift the drip tray and pull it out, slide the tank forward, fill it with filtered water and slide it back until it touches the level sensors at the back. Insert the drip tray using the magnets.
4. Plug in (according to the manual, only on a circuit protected by a residual current device of no more than 30 mA) and switch on at the main switch at the back right. The boilers fill automatically; you may need to top up water. It is ready when the red light is steady; the steam pressure is set to 2.0 bar at the factory.
5. Flush before the first coffee: with the portafilter inserted, run water through the group head for at least 2 minutes, open the steam wand for at least 1 minute and draw at least 1 litre of hot water.
6. App: download the “La Marzocco” app; since March 2025 it has replaced the “La Marzocco Home” app. Pairing: machine off, paddle to the left, switch on, wait 5 seconds, paddle to the right, then follow the app. Your Wi-Fi must transmit at 2.4 GHz. Briefly moving the paddle from brew to off starts the flush function.

Important: The left pressure gauge (group head) must never rise above 12 bar while heating up, otherwise the expansion valve must be adjusted. In that case, get in touch with us. Never remove the portafilter during a shot.

Manufacturer’s manual: Linea Mini R Quick Start Guide (English, PDF) · Linea Mini Operating Manual (English/French, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Dual boiler with LELIT58 group head and Pagaia for flow profiling. Online, Lelit provides the technical data sheet for the Elizabeth3; the official video shows the setup.

1. Check the contents: portafilter, baskets in three sizes and a blind basket, tamper, water filter, initial cleaning kit.
2. Insert the supplied water filter into the tank as described on its packaging and fill the tank with fresh water.
3. Switch on and follow the procedure in Lelit’s tutorial video. According to Lelit, the Elizabeth3 is ready for use in about 10 minutes.
4. Brewing: via the coffee buttons with programmable profiles or freely with the Pagaia.

Important: In the manual for the previous model, the Elizabeth (PL92T), Lelit writes: never put descaling agent in the water tank; descaling there is done by an authorised Lelit technician. We carry out service and repairs ourselves, even though we are not an official Lelit service centre. Get in touch with us for this.

Manufacturer’s manual: Elizabeth3 technical data sheet (German, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Single boiler with PID, Fast Heating and descaling programme.

1. Prepare the supplied water filter set as instructed and click it into place in the tank.
2. Fill the tank and switch on; the display shows “Fill”. Place a container under the group head, press a brew button and wait at least 30 seconds until water comes out; stop with the flashing button.
3. Flushing: drain water through the wand and top up until about 2 litres have been drawn off; run the rest through the group head.
4. In daily use, allow about 7 minutes to heat up with Fast Heating. If “Flush” appears, do a flush until “Ready Go” appears.

Important: According to Profitec, the descaling programme is only intended as a preventive measure and only with the Profitec descaler. If the machine is already scaled, do not descale it yourself. Get in touch with us for this.

Manufacturer’s manual: GO 2.0 user manual (German, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Heat exchanger with E61 group head and tank.

1. Beforehand: steam and hot water valves closed, plug out. Clean the tank and fill it with water that is low in limescale. Soft water: Profitec specifies a maximum of 4 °dH, otherwise use a filter or softener (Water & Descaling).
2. Switch on: the pump fills the boiler. If there is not enough water, the LED flashes (Pro 400) or the display shows “tAn” (Jump).
3. Ready for use when the pressure gauge shows about 1.0–1.5 bar. Raise the brew lever and draw off about 250 ml, which fills the heat exchanger; then lower the lever.
4. Before the first coffee, flush with 2–3 tankfuls of water through the group head and the hot water outlet. In daily use, allow about 25 minutes to heat up, with the portafilter locked in.

Important: If it does not heat up the first time, briefly switch it off and on again (overfill protection). According to Profitec, a machine that is already scaled should only be descaled by a specialist.

Manufacturer’s manual: Pro 400 / Jump user manual (German, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Spring lever with copper boiler and PID. According to Profitec, an initial briefing by the specialist dealer is mandatory because of the risk of injury. Get in touch with us for this.

1. Screw the hand lever firmly onto the group head. A plumbed-in connection is installed by a specialist.
2. Beforehand: steam and hot water valves closed, plug out. Clean the tank and fill it with water that is low in limescale (up to 4 °dH).
3. Switch on: the pump fills the boiler; this takes a lot of water, so you may need to top up. Ready for use at about 1.0–1.25 bar on the boiler pressure gauge; venting is not necessary.
4. Before the first coffee, flush 2–3 tankfuls of water through the hot water pipe. In daily use, it needs about 40 minutes to heat up; leave the portafilter locked in.
5. Brewing: push the lever all the way down with some force (pre-infusion), pull it back slightly and let go gently; it returns to the neutral position by itself.

Important: Never remove the portafilter while the lever is not in the neutral position, otherwise hot water and coffee grounds will spray out. If nothing flows through because the grind size is too fine: do not unlock the portafilter and do not force the lever back; wait instead.

Manufacturer’s manual: Pro 800 user manual (German, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Heat exchanger with E61 group head. The user manual comes with the machine.

1. Place it on a level, dry, stable surface with at least 10 cm of space all around.
2. Fill the water tank up to MAX with soft drinking water. Rocket requires 4–7 °fH (2–4 °dH) and recommends a softener bag in the tank; Swiss tap water is often harder (Water & Descaling). No distilled water.
3. Brew lever vertical (off), plug in, main switch to “I”. Open the steam tap so that the boiler fills. When the pump goes quiet, the boiler is full: close the steam tap.
4. When the pressure gauge shows about 1 bar, open the steam tap for 5 seconds to release the vacuum, then close it again.
5. First time only: raise the brew lever and let a cup of hot water run out of the group head, then lower the lever.
6. Let it heat up for 15–18 minutes with the portafilter locked in. The TCA has 4 boiler pressure levels (factory setting “Medium”) and an ECO mode, which is active at the factory.

Important: Rocket expressly advises against descaling the machine yourself; that is a job for an authorised service centre. We carry out service and repairs ourselves, even though we are not an official Rocket service centre. Get in touch with us for this.

Manufacturer’s manual: Appartamento TCA product sheet (English, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Heat exchanger with E61 group head, PID and display. The R has a rotary pump and can be plumbed in; the V has a vibration pump. The user manual comes with the machine.

1. Place it on a stable, level surface with 10 cm of clearance all around. It runs in tank mode from the factory; a plumbed-in connection (R only) is installed by a specialist.
2. Fill the water tank up to MAX with soft drinking water. Rocket requires 4–7 °fH (2–4 °dH) and recommends a softener bag in the tank; Swiss tap water is often harder (Water & Descaling). No distilled water.
3. Brew lever vertical (off), main switch on. Open the steam tap; the pump fills the boiler; when it goes quiet, close the steam tap.
4. At about 1 bar, open the steam tap for 5 seconds and close it again. First time only, draw a cup of hot water from the group head.
5. Let it heat up for 12–15 minutes with the portafilter locked in. Settings via the display and the buttons under the cup tray: holding the middle button for more than 5 seconds opens the menu.

Important: Rocket advises against descaling it yourself; descaling only by an authorised Rocket centre. We carry out service and repairs ourselves, even though we are not an official Rocket service centre. Get in touch with us for this.

Manufacturer’s manual: Mozzafiato FAST product sheet (English, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

The E1 Prima needs very soft water: Victoria Arduino requires a total hardness of 50–60 ppm (5–6 °fH). With Swiss tap water, in our experience you will practically always need a softener or treated water for this; according to the manual, the warranty only applies within these values.

1. Lift it with two people and place it level on a surface at least 90 cm high, with at least 10 cm of space all around (Prima Pro: 15 cm).
2. The machine comes in tank mode: take out the tank, wash it, fill it, dry the outside and reinsert it correctly.
3. E1 Prima and EXP: switch on with the switch at the bottom right. If “FI” is on the display and the buttons flash quickly, hold 1A and 1C at the same time until the pump runs, and wait until the buttons flash more slowly. The Prima Pro guides you through a setup wizard the first time you start it.
4. Once it is ready for use: on the E1 Prima and EXP, flush the coffee circuit through the group head, open the steam wand for 1 minute and empty the steam boiler completely; repeat the whole process at least three times. On the Prima Pro, run water from the group head for at least 10 seconds and from the hot water outlet for at least 10 seconds, and open the steam wand for 1 minute, again at least three times.
5. Each time before inserting the portafilter, flush the group head for at least 2 seconds, and briefly purge the steam wand before use.
6. You program temperature and doses on the keypad or in the “Victoria Arduino E1 Prima” app via Bluetooth. The EXP has two modes, Espresso and PureBrew: holding 1A for 5 seconds switches between them.

Important: Never use the PureBrew cone filter in espresso mode; the pressure can damage it. A plumbed-in connection is installed by a specialist (softener, fine filter, backflow prevention). If the machine reports a fault, do not intervene yourself; get in touch with us instead.

Manufacturer’s manual: E1 Prima Quick Start Guide (English, PDF) · E1 Prima EXP Quick Start Guide (English, PDF) · E1 Prima Pro manual (German and other languages, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Manual espresso for on the go. Neither of them heats water itself: you fill in boiling water.

1. Nanopresso: fill the scoop with finely ground coffee (8 g, ideally weighed), put it into the filter basket, tamp firmly with the back of the scoop and clean the rim.
2. Nanopresso: fill the tank with boiling water (50–80 ml) and screw the main body on firmly. Ideally, preheat all parts beforehand with one run using hot water only.
3. Nanopresso: release the piston from its transport position and pump over the cup, about one pump stroke per second, for about 30 seconds. The first strokes only build up pressure.
4. Picopresso: grind 18 g very fine and fill it into the non-pressurised double basket, pour boiling water into the water chamber, then pump with both hands. Wacaco’s video shows the process step by step.

Important: Never heat water in the device, and never put it on the stove, in the microwave or in the dishwasher. Only pump when the water tank and outlet head are in place, and never drink directly from the device; the contents are hot. If the pressure relief valve opens (18 bar), wait a few minutes and then grind coarser or use less coffee.

Manufacturer’s manual: Nanopresso user manual (German/English/French, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Espresso machine with pressure profiling and water tank.

1. Place it on a level, stable surface, with at least 20 mm of clearance from walls, and not inside a cupboard.
2. Rinse the water tank, lid, baskets and portafilter thoroughly with water.
3. Remove the protective cap from the water inlet at the back: hold down the locking ring and pull the cap out. Connect the tank; according to the manual, do not connect the machine directly to the water mains.
4. Drain valve at the bottom to “O”, brew paddle to “off”. Switch on and the machine heats up; a little steam while heating up is normal.
5. In the “Machine Setting” menu, set the cleaning reminder to suit your water hardness. For the first shot, push the paddle clockwise; constant pressure mode is active at the factory.

Important: Never put descaler into the coffee boiler or the group head; according to WPM, descaling this circuit is a job for the authorised service. According to WPM, limescale in the thermoblock is not covered by the warranty if distilled water was not used or cleaning was insufficient. Do not put parts in the dishwasher, no alkaline cleaners. Only replace the group gasket after consultation. Our recommendation for the water: filtered water with a BRITA filter, changed after half of its lifetime.

Manufacturer’s manual: PRIMUS Instruction Manual (English, PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Applies to all brands — and is almost never a defect, but rather grind size and dose.

Try this first:

1. Base it on weight, on the scale. Our method: we grind fine, start at 14.5 g and work our way up with the dose, usually to 17 g, at a ratio below 1:2. We extract by weight, not by time — taste decides.
2. Runs too fast: grind finer. Only drips: a touch coarser. Tastes sour or bitter: increase the dose in small steps and keep the ratio the same. In our experience, more coffee at the same ratio can soften acidity and bitterness; extraction and taste do not behave linearly.
3. With PID, as a final touch: in our experience, slightly cooler brings out more aroma in the bean, slightly hotter more body.
4. Change only one variable per shot.
5. Weigh the dose — eyeballing it varies more than you'd think.
6. Check the shower screen for coffee residue and rinse it.

Basic principle of grind size: La Marzocco Home — How to Dial In Your Grinder · Dose, ratio and temperature: our own experience

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Stop line: Do not adjust the pump pressure or the expansion valve.

Go deeper: Extraction Lab · Grinder Lab · Gear: Barista scales

The perennial Swiss issue: how hard your water is depends on your municipality — and even medium-hard water is above the values that La Marzocco, Rocket, ECM or Profitec require for their machines.

Try this first:

1. Measure your water hardness (test strips) or look it up for your municipality.
2. Prevent rather than descale: a tank filter (e.g. Brita) or treated water. Stick to your brand's values: La Marzocco requires 70–100 ppm total hardness (7–10 °fH) and 90–150 ppm TDS, plus pH 6.5–8.5 and no more than 30 mg/l chloride. If the water is outside these values, the La Marzocco warranty is void. Rocket requires 4–7 °fH, ECM and Profitec no more than 4 °dH (around 7 °fH).
3. La Marzocco Home: drain the steam boiler every 1–2 months (instructions for the Linea Micra: problem 21).
4. Descaling depends on the brand: for its home machines, La Marzocco doesn't describe any descaling by you — the technician descales the boilers if needed, and damage caused by limescale or unsuitable water is not covered by the warranty. Rocket explicitly advises against descaling yourself. For ECM and Profitec, the FAQ recommends descaling every 3 to 6 months depending on water hardness; depending on the model, the instruction manuals only allow it preventively and after consulting the specialist dealer (Profitec GO 2.0: descaling programme with Profitec descaler), and on some models only by a qualified technician. So talk to us first. A scaled-up machine = service.

Sources: La Marzocco — Water for Home Espresso Machines · La Marzocco — Linea Micra Manual (water values) · Profitec — Service/FAQ · ECM — FAQ · Profitec — GO 2.0 instruction manual (PDF) · Rocket: Appartamento and Giotto/Mozzafiato FAST instruction manuals, "Descaling" chapter

Stop line: Never pump descaling solution through the boiler or group head on your own — only if your manual explicitly provides for it. Never open the boiler.

Everything on water: Water & Descaling Guide · Gear: Brita · Apax Lab · Scaled up? Our service

Try this first:

1. Clean the gasket rim and shower screen with the brush.
2. Lock the portafilter in more firmly, test again.
3. Still leaking: replace the group gasket and shower screen — La Marzocco recommends replacing them every 6–12 months; Profitec names this exact symptom as the signal to replace them. For Victoria Arduino and Bezzera, according to the manufacturer, the replacement is a job for a technician (problems 26 and 41).
4. When replacing it, prise the old gasket out with a gasket pick. Only tighten the shower screen screw gently — La Marzocco would rather have it slightly too loose than seized.

Sources: Profitec — Service/FAQ · La Marzocco — Tech Tips

Stop line: Do not disassemble the E61 group, no force on stuck screws.

Matching gaskets & shower screens: La Marzocco · Rocket · Bezzera

Try this first:

1. Purge the wand briefly right after every use and wipe it while damp.
2. Loosen dried-on milk residue: according to La Marzocco, soak the steam tip in hot water. With milk system cleaner, you place the wand in a jug of solution (Urnex: 30 ml to 500 ml of warm water), let it work for 15–30 minutes and then rinse with clear water.
3. Only unscrew the steam tip if your manual provides for it — for example on Rocket machines and the Profitec Pro 800: carefully clear the holes with a needle or paper clip. Profitec reminds you not to lose the small seal between the tip and the thread.
4. Single-circuit machine: really wait out the switch-over and heat-up time.
5. Still weak? Check the water hardness (problem 2) — limescale in the steam path is a service case.

Sources: La Marzocco — Linea Micra Manual (cleaning) · Urnex — Biocaf Milk Frother Cleaning Liquid · Profitec — PRO 800 instruction manual (PDF) · Rocket: Appartamento instruction manual, section 8.1

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Stop line: The steam, anti-vacuum, and safety valves are off-limits.

Practice your milk technique: Milk Foam Simulator · Latte Art Trainer

Almost always: coffee-oil buildup in the group and shower screen.

Try this first:

1. Backflush with a blind basket, only on machines with a 3-way valve (check the manufacturer's instructions!): briefly every day with plain water, no detergent. With coffee-oil remover as often as your manual specifies — the manufacturers give different intervals: La Marzocco lists it under daily cleaning in the manual (designed for 5–20 cups a day, less often with fewer cups), Rocket weekly, ECM and Profitec roughly every 90–150 cups.
2. Run several short cycles until the foam comes out white, then rinse thoroughly with water.
3. Don't use oil remover more often than necessary: according to ECM, it otherwise degreases the axle and seal of the brew lever, and the group squeaks and wears faster.
4. Soak baskets and portafilters in cleaning solution.
5. Remove the shower screen and clean it.
6. Victoria Arduino E1 Prima: run the automatic wash cycle with a blind basket and cleaning powder at least once a day, as stated in the manual; the quick guide shows the procedure.
7. Never backflush lever machines such as the Profitec Pro 800 with a blind basket.

Sources: La Marzocco — Linea Micra Manual (cleaning schedule) · ECM — Synchronika II instruction manual (PDF, section 10.3) · Profitec — Service/FAQ · Victoria Arduino — E1 Prima Manual (PDF) · Victoria Arduino — E1 Prima Quick Guide (PDF) · Victoria Arduino — E1 Prima EXP Quick Guide (PDF) · Profitec — PRO 800 instruction manual (PDF) · Rocket: Appartamento instruction manual, section 8.2

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Stop line: No citric acid or home remedies through the group.

Gear: blind basket & brushes from the cleaning collection · Oil remover: Urnex Cafiza

What matters is where the water comes from:

1. Context: if a little water runs via the drain into the drip tray during heat-up, in our experience that's normal. If, on the other hand, it drips from the brew group or portafilter while the brew lever is in its starting position, ECM considers that a defect.
2. Backflush with cleaner (problem 5) — from our workshop: slight dripping often disappears afterwards.
3. Clean or replace the shower screen and gasket.
4. If it keeps dripping although the brew lever is in its starting position: a group overhaul at the service centre — that's workshop work.

Source: ECM — Technika VI instruction manual (PDF, section 13.1) · Context and backflush tip: our own workshop experience

Stop line: Do not adjust or open the expansion/overpressure valve yourself.

Gear: blind basket from the cleaning collection · Oil remover: Urnex Cafiza · Request service

Usually air in the system — typical after the tank has run dry:

1. Fill the tank and seat it correctly, check the intake tube for kinks.
2. Place a container under the group, raise the brew lever and let it run for at least 30 seconds until water comes out — that's how ECM describes it. If nothing has come out after around 50 seconds, the system is dry and the pump can't prime. According to ECM, it then has to be filled once via a plumbed-in water connection — get in touch with us for this.
3. Is the machine drawing air? Check whether tank or plumbed-in mode is set correctly (depending on the model, switch 0/1 or the "Tank Mode" menu).
4. New filter cartridge in the tank? Prepare it according to the filter manufacturer's instructions — according to ECM, if it's dry, the machine won't start operating.
5. Only open the hot water or steam valve if your manual provides for it (e.g. Rocket: steam tap open while the boiler fills). On ECM and Profitec machines, the valves stay closed during filling.
6. If the pump stays dry and loud: switch it off immediately (pump protection) and contact service.

Sources: ECM — Technika VI instruction manual (PDF, sections 8.1 and 13.1) · ECM — Synchronika II instruction manual (PDF) · Profitec — PRO 800 instruction manual (PDF) · Rocket: Appartamento instruction manual, section 5

Stop line: Do not remove the pump or wiring, do not adjust the pump pressure, never let it run dry.

1. Cooling flush: before the first shot, briefly run water through the group until the spitting and steaming stop.
2. Observe the heat-up time — 12 to 30 minutes depending on the model; your manual states the exact time. Examples: Rocket Giotto/Mozzafiato FAST 12–15 minutes, Rocket Appartamento 15–18 minutes, ECM Mechanika Slim and Profitec Pro 400/Jump around 25 minutes.
3. ECM and Profitec machines are set to a brew temperature of 88–95 °C at the factory. With PID you can fine-tune it yourself; without PID, the specialist dealer adjusts it.
4. Still off no matter what? Service.

Sources: Profitec — Service/FAQ · ECM — FAQ · ECM — Mechanika Slim instruction manual (PDF) · Profitec — PRO 400/JUMP instruction manual (PDF) · Rocket: Appartamento and Giotto/Mozzafiato FAST instruction manuals, section 5

Stop line: Do not adjust the pressure switch or thermostat.

Understand the technique: Pressure Profiling Simulator

Your Flair isn't building pressure? Work through the steps in order.

1. Check all seals: are the O-rings still seated correctly — on the brew cylinder or brew head, the piston and the stem? If water visibly escapes at a seal, that's where the problem lies.
2. Grind finer — according to Flair, the most common fix: as long as no water is visibly escaping at any seal, a lack of pressure comes from the coffee bed itself.
3. Increase the dose, or on the Flair 58 use the low-flow basket.
4. If water escapes from a seal or an O-ring has nicks or cracks, replace it. For the 58+2 and 49 PRO, Flair recommends dismantling the joint, stem and piston once a year and checking the O-rings.
5. After cleaning, rub a very thin layer of food-grade oil or O-ring grease onto the piston O-ring (Flair names Molykote 111) and wipe off the excess.
6. Superkop: replace the piston seal according to the manufacturer's PDF. No pressure, and water above the piston or coming out of the water cup? According to Superkop, the safety valve is then probably faulty or the gas spring too loose — a job for the repair team, get in touch with us.
7. Aram: check assembly and process against the official instructions. Before dismantling, contact us or Aram first — the manufacturer requires approval for this.

Sources: Flair Support — Unable to hit pressure · Flair Support — Flair 58: gauge isn't registering any pressure · Flair Support — Lubricant for the o-rings · Flair Support — Pressure gauge leaking/condensation · Flair — 58 Plus 2 manual (PDF) · Superkop — Manuals · Superkop — Repairs FAQ · Aram — Brewing Guide & Warranty (PDF) · Tutorials: Flair 58 Plus 2 · Flair 58 · Flair 49 PRO

Stop line: The Superkop gas spring only exactly per the manufacturer PDF; don't dismantle the Aram without approval. According to Flair, water in the Flair pressure gauge does no harm: unscrew it and let it dry, as Flair support describes — don't dismantle the gauge any further.

Spare parts: Flair O-ring sets (all models) · Flair · Superkop · Aram

1. Check the grind size: Nanopresso fine, roughly like table salt — too coarse gives no pressure, too fine blocks it. Nanopresso: 8 g dose. Picopresso: according to Wacaco ultra-fine, 18 g dose; then adjust the grind size to taste.
2. Hot water (90–96 °C) and preheat the device.
3. Tighten the basket head firmly, keep the dose exact.
4. Pump steadily, about one pump stroke per second.
5. Rinse after every use and dry the parts separately. Nanopresso, according to the manual: clean the nozzle and portafilter thoroughly about every 20 shots, the filter mesh every 6 months (around 300 shots). The parts don't belong in the dishwasher.

Sources: Wacaco — Nanopresso manual (PDF) · Wacaco — Common Nanopresso Brewing Mistakes · Wacaco — Picopresso

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Stop line: Do not disassemble the pump mechanism; never open a hot device under pressure.

Gear: Outdoor & travel equipment

Self-help is deliberately short here — this is usually a service case:

1. Test the outlet and fuse with another device.
2. Insert the water tank correctly — many machines block the heater without a tank signal.
3. After the first fill or after drawing a lot of hot water: briefly switch the machine off and on again. On ECM and Profitec machines, the boiler's overfill protection may have tripped.
4. Rocket machines report a heating timeout (Appartamento TCA: red light flashes twice, Giotto/Mozzafiato FAST: A01): switch off and on again.
5. No improvement? Service. From our workshop: often an over-temperature protection has tripped after limescale or dry running — have the cause fixed at the same time.

Sources: ECM — Synchronika II instruction manual (PDF, section 5.1) · ECM — Technika VI instruction manual (PDF, section 13.1) · Profitec — PRO 400/JUMP instruction manual (PDF) · Rocket: Appartamento TCA and Giotto/Mozzafiato FAST instruction manuals, section 9.1

Absolute limit: Opening the housing, electrics, heating element, thermostat reset, boiler — all workshop-only.

Request service & repairs

1. Run the guided cleaning cycles on the display, with the Eversys cleaning balls for coffee and milk as specified.
2. Clean the steam nozzle monthly or as needed: switch the machine off at the main switch, remove the nozzle and clean it with mild soap and a soft brush (official Eversys instructions).
3. Note the error code and contact us as your service partner.

Message overview: Eversys distinguishes between stop messages (S-…) and error messages (E-…). For these four messages, you can often check for yourself before contacting service:

For all other E-codes (Legacy: E-010 to E-107, Cameo: up to E-104), Eversys says: if the message persists, contact your service organisation — get in touch with us for this.

Source: Eversys e-support — Clean the steam nozzle · Eversys e-support — Error messages Legacy+/Legacy Steam (E-XXX) · Stop messages Legacy+/Legacy Steam (S-XXX) · Error messages Cameo (E-XXX) · Stop messages Cameo (S-XXX)

Stop line: Everything beyond the guided cleaning (brewer removal, boiler, electrics) belongs to the technician.

Yes, you should avoid this from now on: when backflushing with a blind basket, there's no counter-pressure from the coffee bed. If you let go of the lever, the system slams through — this can damage the machine. That's why La Marzocco states: don't let go of the lever when cleaning the group.

1. Remove the shower screen (diffuser) with the tool and loosen the siphon screw.
2. Put a spoonful of espresso machine cleaning powder into the blind basket and insert the portafilter.
3. Raise and lower the piston several times with the lever, guiding the lever back by hand on every stroke — never let go.
4. Repeat until the water from the siphon is clear and free of cleaner residue. Then screw the siphon screw back in and refit the shower screen.

Sources: La Marzocco — Leva X 1 Group, supplementary manual (PDF) · La Marzocco — Leva manual (PDF) · Video: (shown on the commercial Leva)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Stop line: The manufacturer explicitly warns against releasing the lever while backflushing — it can damage the machine. If this has already happened to you, or the lever has felt different since, get in touch with us instead of testing further.

A noticeable amount of force is fundamentally part of using a spring-lever machine — according to La Marzocco, the Leva X needs roughly 40% less force than other lever machines on the market, but some resistance remains part of the design. How much force you need depends on the spring preload: the higher it's set, the stiffer the lever and the higher the brew pressure.

1. Compare the feel to your first impression at handover or first use — slight variation from shot to shot is normal, since you build the pressure yourself.
2. The spring preload on the Leva is adjustable. La Marzocco describes this in the Leva manual (section 10.8): loosen the lock nut by hand, turn the spring housing with a 30 mm spanner (clockwise for more preload, anticlockwise for less) and retighten the lock nut firmly by hand. The markings on the housing give a rough indication of the pressure; there's about 1 bar between two markings.
3. Then pull a coffee and read the pressure on the display. It must never rise above 12 bar.
4. If you don't feel confident doing this, we'll adjust it for you.

Sources: La Marzocco — Leva manual (PDF, sections 10.5 and 10.8) · La Marzocco — Leva X 1 Group, supplementary manual (PDF) · La Marzocco — Leva X 1 Group · Video: (shown on the commercial Leva)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Stop line: Never set the brew pressure above 12 bar — according to La Marzocco, parts such as the baskets can otherwise be damaged. If the lever suddenly feels noticeably different without you having adjusted anything, or you hear unusual noises: stop pulling shots and get in touch with us.

Usually a dirty diffuser screen or a dirty piston underside is behind it — on the Leva X, this cleaning is recommended daily.

1. Remove the diffuser screen with the tool provided.
2. Clean with coffee-cleaning powder and rinse thoroughly. Clean the underside of the piston with a wet, non-abrasive sponge.
3. When reinstalling, make sure the spring clicks audibly into place.
4. Then operate the group several times to flush it through.

Sources: La Marzocco — Leva X 1 Group, supplementary manual (PDF) · La Marzocco — Leva manual (PDF) · Video: (shown on the commercial Leva)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Stop line: If the spring doesn't click audibly into place on reinstallation, or the diffuser screen won't fit cleanly, don't force it — get in touch with us.

Then there's usually still pressure on the portafilter — for example because there's too much coffee in the basket or because you've just flushed with the blind basket. For this case, La Marzocco describes a dedicated procedure.

1. Normally: only remove the portafilter once the shot is finished and the gauge reads zero.
2. If it's stuck under pressure: lift the piston a few millimetres with the lever. The pressure then drops to the pre-infusion value, but not to zero — so waiting won't help here.
3. Slowly release the portafilter while guiding the piston down with the lever. Hot water will come out as you do so.

Sources: La Marzocco — Leva manual (PDF, section 4) · La Marzocco — Leva X 1 Group, supplementary manual (PDF)

Stop line: This is a hard safety limit, not a judgement call: never simply twist out the portafilter during a shot or under pressure — this can cause scalding. When releasing it under pressure, wear gloves and keep your face and hands away from the group.

Up to a limit, yes: during heat-up, the needle of the coffee boiler gauge rises to about 6 bar and stays there. The expansion valve behind the drip tray releases a little water and limits the pressure.

1. Wait out the heat-up phase and keep an eye on the gauge.
2. If the needle rises above 6 bar — according to the manual, up to 14–15 bar is possible during heat-up — or doesn't reach 6 bar, the expansion valve needs adjusting. That's not normal: get in touch with us.

Sources: La Marzocco — Leva X 1 Group, supplementary manual (PDF) · La Marzocco — Leva manual (PDF)

Stop line: Water as hot as up to 93°C sits at the expansion valve — adjustment or disassembly is a job for a specialist, don't open it yourself. La Marzocco assigns the adjustment to the installation, which is carried out by a specialist.

Usually it's residue in the wand or the steam-pressure setting in the app.

1. Clean the steam wand with a damp cloth immediately after every use.
2. Check the steam pressure in the app — around 1.8 bar from the factory, adjustable in the range 1.3–2 bar.

Source: La Marzocco — Linea Micra Manual

Stop line: Don't touch the steam wand for at least 40 seconds after steaming, and don't open the steam boiler yourself.

No: that's normal heat-up behavior for the Micra. The actual shot happens at around 9 bar.

1. Wait out the heat-up phase without intervening.
2. During the actual shot, check whether the pressure settles into the usual range around 9 bar.

Source: La Marzocco — Linea Micra Manual

Stop line: The gauge and steam boiler aren't for DIY adjustment. If the pressure consistently seems different than usual, talk to us instead of adjusting the machine yourself.

This is almost always a maintenance issue, not a defect: the reservoir should be refilled fresh daily.

1. Change the water in the reservoir daily (factory guidance).
2. Clean the reservoir weekly.

Source: La Marzocco — Linea Micra Manual

Stop line: If the taste stays odd despite a daily water change and a clean reservoir, it could be the local water quality or the machine — better to get in touch with us than keep guessing.

Via regular draining rather than a descaling agent — for its home machines, La Marzocco doesn't describe any descaling by you. The technician descales the boilers if needed.

1. Drain the steam boiler every 1–2 months. For this, the machine must be hot and the steam boiler fully pressurised.
2. Empty the drip tray and place a container for around 2 litres underneath.
3. Main switch off, open the hot water tap and let it run until nothing more comes out. Careful: the water is very hot.
4. Close the tap, fill the tank and switch the machine back on — the Micra refills the boiler by itself.
5. Keep within the water specification: total hardness 70–100 ppm, TDS 90–150 ppm, alkalinity 40–80 ppm, pH 6.5–8.5, chloride ≤30 mg/l, chlorine 0–0.1 ppm. According to the manual, if your water is outside these values, the warranty is void.

Source: La Marzocco — Tech Tips (tip 2: draining the steam boiler) · La Marzocco — Linea Micra Manual · La Marzocco — Water for Home Espresso Machines

Stop line: Never put descaling agent into the boiler or group — that's not documented as manufacturer-compliant for this model. If you notice limescale symptoms (e.g. weak steam despite a clean wand), get in touch with us instead of descaling it yourself.

Usually the app's normal pairing or update logic is enough — intervening on the machine itself is practically never necessary.

1. Are you still using the old "La Marzocco Home" app? It has no longer been supported since March 2025. Download the "La Marzocco" app and sign in with your existing account — according to La Marzocco, all existing accounts work, and your paired machine will then appear in the new app.
2. You set up the first connection via the app; after that, the Micra connects automatically when switched on. Common causes according to La Marzocco if that doesn't work: the Wi-Fi only broadcasts on 5 GHz (the machine needs 2.4 GHz), the network name is hidden, a typo in the password, or missing app permissions for Bluetooth, location and local network.
3. You'll find updates in the app: tap the machine, then the gear icon at the bottom — available updates appear there.
4. If that doesn't help: delete the app, clear the app cache, reinstall it, and unpair and re-pair the machine. Pairing mode: machine off, paddle to the left, switch on, wait 5 seconds, paddle to the right.

Source: La Marzocco — Firmware updates · La Marzocco — App FAQ · La Marzocco — Bluetooth Connection Setup · La Marzocco — Linea Micra Manual

Stop line: If an update gets stuck, don't keep trying things yourself (e.g. reflashing repeatedly) — get in touch with us or use La Marzocco's support form.

This is usually a signal, not a direct defect — most often a simple restart of the auto-fill function helps. On the E1 Prima and EXP, button 1B and the T symbol then flash: the steam boiler hasn't filled within 90 seconds.

1. Switch the machine off and on again so the auto-fill function restarts.
2. Check the water supply or tank — is there enough water and is the supply open?
3. Watch for any visible leaks around the machine.

Source: Victoria Arduino / Simonelli Group USA — E1 Prima Error Codes (PDF)

Stop line: The water shut-off valve, pump, or level probe are pure service work — don't disassemble these yourself, contact us or the technician.

The NEO Engine of the E1 Prima and EXP heats specifically only the amount of water you actually need; on the Pro, T3 Genius regulates the steam boiler, coffee boiler, and group independently of each other. A persistent failure to reach the target temperature isn't normal behaviour for any of the models — it's a signal.

1. E1 Prima and EXP: if button 1B and the H symbol flash, the machine hasn't reached its target temperature within 40 minutes.
2. Check the socket and the fuse.
3. If it stays that way, it's a case for service: the further checks from the error code list (thermal fuse, heating element, connections) are technician work. Get in touch with us.

Source: Victoria Arduino / Simonelli Group USA — E1 Prima Error Codes (PDF) · Victoria Arduino — Technologies (NEO, T3 Genius)

Stop line: The thermal cutoff, heating element, or temperature sensor are exclusively a job for a technician — don't measure or open these yourself.

Usually a restart and re-pairing are enough.

1. Switch the machine off and on again.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and reconnect the “Victoria Arduino E1 Prima” app to the machine.
3. If that doesn't help, get in touch with us: resetting the parameters deletes all your settings, and the further steps (reflashing the firmware, replacing the control board) are technician work.

Source: Victoria Arduino / Simonelli Group USA — E1 Prima Manual (PDF) · E1 Prima Error Codes (PDF)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Stop line: A firmware or board swap is technician work — don't attempt it yourself.

This is a maintenance issue, not a defect — Victoria Arduino recommends a fixed cleaning routine for the group, portafilter, and shower screen.

1. Daily: run the automatic wash cycle with the blind basket and a powder cleaner for coffee machines.
2. Baskets and portafilter: clean them regularly on the E1 Prima and EXP; on the Pro, according to the manual, soak them in cleaning solution for 30 minutes at the end of each day.
3. Shower screen: check and clean it weekly on the E1 Prima and EXP; on the Pro, soak it daily together with the diffuser.

Source: Victoria Arduino / Simonelli Group USA — E1 Prima Manual (PDF) · E1 Prima Pro Manual (PDF, German from p. 120)

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Stop line: An important difference from our other machines in the lineup: you should NOT replace the shower screen and group gasket yourself on the Victoria Arduino once a year — the manufacturer explicitly names this as a task for a qualified specialist. According to the Pro manual, skipping maintenance puts the warranty at risk. Please turn to us or the service team for this.

Pure Brew is the low-pressure brewing method on the E1 Prima EXP and Pro: pulsed water delivery through a patented conical filter. On the EXP, the profiles are called Light, Medium and Dark; on the Pro, Light, Medium, Strong and Custom. In the Pro brochure, the manufacturer names a brew time of under 3 minutes as a guideline — as with any extraction, though, taste decides; the time is only a reference point. The filter itself (20 g capacity per the manual; we also carry a 30 g variant) needs a quick bit of care after every use.

1. Check the grind size: according to the Pro manual, grind at least 500 µm coarse. If the brew doesn't start dripping within the first 10–15 seconds, stop it and grind coarser.
2. Empty the conical filter after every use.
3. Pry it out carefully from above — never press it against the work surface.
4. Clean it regularly in the dishwasher — according to the Pro manual, it otherwise clogs up.

Source: Victoria Arduino / Simonelli Group USA — E1 Prima Pro Manual (PDF, German from p. 120) · E1 Prima EXP Quick Guide (PDF) · E1 Prima Pro Brochure (PDF) · Victoria Arduino — PureBrew

Manufacturer videos on YouTube. They only load when you tap them.

Stop line: Never use the conical filter in espresso mode — according to the manual, the high pressure can damage it. The manufacturer doesn't name a fixed replacement interval for the conical filter — if you see visible wear, or Pure Brew changes noticeably despite a clean filter, talk to us instead of guessing.

Not on your own with descaler at all: Victoria Arduino doesn't prescribe acid descaling by users for the E1 Prima family, but relies instead on water treatment that prevents scaling in the first place.

1. A water softener is mandatory if your water isn't within the specification — it prevents scaling instead of treating it afterwards. Victoria Arduino requires 50–60 ppm total hardness (5–6 °fH); Swiss tap water is usually considerably harder (City of Zurich 2025: an average of 15.8 °fH). So expect to need a softener or treated water.
2. Keep within the water values: total hardness 50–60 ppm, TDS 50–250 ppm, pH 6.0–8.0, chlorine under 0.5 mg/l.
3. Regularly regenerate the softener's ion resin with cooking salt.

Source: Victoria Arduino / Simonelli Group USA — E1 Prima Manual (PDF) · E1 Prima Pro Manual (PDF, German from p. 120) · City of Zurich — drinking water quality 2025 (PDF)

Stop line: Never put descaling agent into the boiler or group — the manual doesn't provide for this. Deviating from the water values also voids the warranty according to the manual. With scaling symptoms: service, not a DIY attempt.

The maintenance counter is a reminder, not an automatic service — it's only meant to be reset after maintenance has actually been carried out.

1. Carry out the due maintenance (cleaning/inspection) as described in the manual.
2. E1 Prima and EXP: only reset the counter afterwards in the app under “Alarm Setting” — resetting without carrying out the maintenance just hides the reminder.
3. E1 Prima Pro: the maintenance counter sits in the protected technical settings — we reset it during maintenance.

Source: Victoria Arduino / Simonelli Group USA — E1 Prima Error Codes (PDF) · E1 Prima Pro Manual (PDF, German from p. 120)

Stop line: The internal CR1220 backup battery isn't described in the manual as a replacement step for end customers. Don't open it yourself for a battery warning — get in touch with us or the service team.

Yes — the Pro 800 is a so-called dipper system: an electric, PID-controlled copper boiler (1600 W, approx. 3.5 l) assists the lever during brewing. Manual lever machines like the Flair or Superkop, by contrast, have no boiler: you pour in water from the kettle and generate the pressure with your arm. On the Superkop, a gas spring returns the lever; the Flair 58 models have electric preheating for the brew cylinder.

1. The copper boiler preheats electrically and under PID control. According to Profitec, the heat-up time is around 40 minutes depending on room temperature; leave the portafilter locked in during this time.
2. The boiler pressure (approx. 1.0–1.25 bar, water supply approx. 2–3 bar) is steam/hot-water pressure — not the brew pressure.
3. Press the lever down: the boiler pressure lets hot water into the group for pre-infusion.
4. Lift the lever slightly and release it gently: it returns slowly to the neutral position on its own as the espresso runs through.

Source: Profitec — PRO 800 instruction manual (PDF, as of 02-2022) · Profitec — PRO 800

Stop line: The user manual mandates an initial walkthrough by the specialist retailer. Have the handling shown to you once at pickup or delivery before you start on your own.

Usually it's down to the grind size, older coffee, or too little coffee in the basket — not the machine.

1. Set the grind size progressively finer and tamp firmer.
2. Use freshly ground coffee instead of coffee stored for longer.
3. Adjust the coffee amount to 7–9 g per cup.
4. Check the shower screen for buildup and clean it if needed.
5. A lot of chlorine in the water can also weaken the crema — for this, Profitec names a chlorine filter.

Source: Profitec — PRO 800 instruction manual (PDF, as of 02-2022) · Profitec — PRO 800

Stop line: If this doesn't help: get in touch with us instead of continuing to tinker with the machine yourself.

This usually points to too fine a grind size or too much coffee in the basket.

1. Set the grind size progressively coarser.
2. Tamp a bit less firmly.
3. Reduce the coffee amount to 7–9 g per cup if there was too much in the basket.

Source: Profitec — PRO 800 instruction manual (PDF, as of 02-2022) · Profitec — PRO 800

Stop line: If nothing comes out at all, don't unlock the portafilter and don't force the lever back — wait until it's back in the neutral position. If the lever stops halfway: switch off the machine and wait until it's at the top. If none of this helps: get in touch with us instead of continuing to tinker with the machine yourself.

Usually it's the water tank, the float, the switch or ECO mode, not a technical defect.

1. Check the tank fill level — if the orange light is off, there's no water.
2. Insert the float in the tank correctly: the side with the magnetic dot faces the inside of the machine, with the magnetic dot pointing down.
3. Check that the tank is seated correctly.
4. Check the tank/plumbed-in switch position: 0 = tank, 1 = plumbed-in (toggle switch behind a cover on the back).
5. ECO mode active? Press the PID button or briefly switch the machine off and on again.

Source: Profitec — PRO 800 instruction manual (PDF, as of 02-2022) · Profitec — PRO 800

Stop line: If it still won't start: don't keep disassembling it yourself — get in touch with us.

Often the portafilter isn't seated correctly — if it stays the same, the group gasket is likely worn.

1. Insert the portafilter correctly: position it straight and lock it in as far as it goes.
2. If it stays the same: have the group gasket and shower screen replaced — we do this in our workshop.
3. Only clean the brew group when it's cold, with a cleaning brush and a damp cloth. Profitec warns: never backflush with a blind basket.

Source: Profitec — PRO 800 instruction manual (PDF, as of 02-2022) · Profitec — PRO 800

Stop line: Only unlock the portafilter once the lever is back in the neutral position — otherwise, according to the instruction manual, hot water and coffee grounds will spray out of the group. For the gasket replacement and whenever unsure: get in touch with us, don't disassemble it yourself.

This is normal on heat exchanger (HX) machines when the boiler has already been up to temperature for a while — a short cooling flush before the shot fixes it. On dual boiler machines like the R58 or R Cinquantotto, this isn't necessary, since the brew and service boilers are separate and PID-controlled.

1. Wait out the full heat-up time: according to Rocket, 12–15 minutes for the Giotto and Mozzafiato FAST, 15–18 minutes for the older Cronometro models and the Appartamento.
2. Briefly run water through the group before the shot (cooling flush) to lower the temperature. Rocket itself writes: if the espresso is bubbly, the water may be too hot — run some water out of the group and pull the shot again.
3. Appartamento TCA: you can choose the boiler pressure in four levels (Low, Medium, High, Very High; according to Rocket 0.9–1.2 bar, factory setting Medium). A lower level makes it cooler. How to set it via the brew lever is explained in the Rocket instructions supplied with the machine (section 7).
4. Giotto and Mozzafiato FAST: you set the boiler temperature in the OLED display menu (manual, section 7).
5. If the coffee stays consistently too hot: get in touch with us instead of continuing to adjust it yourself.

Source: Rocket instruction manuals Appartamento/Appartamento TCA (edition 07-2023, sections 5, 7 and 9.2) and Giotto/Mozzafiato FAST (edition 11-2024, sections 5, 7 and 9.3) · Rocket Espresso — Appartamento TCA catalogue sheet (PDF) · Cooling flush procedure: Coffee Coaching Club, our own workshop experience.

Stop line: Never open the boiler or heat exchanger yourself, don't adjust the pressure switch yourself. If the temperature stays consistently wrong: get in touch with us.

The Cronometro display is a shot timer: during the shot it shows the brew time, as well as whether the machine is heating and whether ECO mode is on. Use it to compare two shots, never as a target — taste, and weight/ratio in the cup, decide, not the clock.

1. The indicators according to the Rocket manual: heating on, ECO on, ECO off and the shot timer during the shot. You switch ECO mode on and off with the button underneath the machine.
2. Use the display as a consistency reference between two shots (runs similar to last time, yes/no).
3. Never dose or stop based on a fixed number of seconds — in our experience, taste and the scale (weight, ratio) call the shot.
4. For context: the Cronometro models are no longer in the current Rocket catalogue. According to the catalogue, their successors, the Giotto and Mozzafiato FAST, also have a shot timer.

Source: Rocket instruction manual for the Giotto/Mozzafiato Cronometro ("Cronometro Shot Timer" chapter) · Rocket Espresso — Domestic catalogue (PDF) · Handling by weight: Coffee Coaching Club, our own experience.

Stop line: Never rely on the Cronometro/timer display alone for dosing. If the coffee doesn't taste right: readjust grind size and dose based on taste and the scale, not the clock.

1. Context: if it drips from the portafilter, according to Bezzera the gasket is worn or encrusted, or the portafilter isn't seated correctly. Clean the gasket with the brush and insert the portafilter properly.
2. Where available (3-way valve/DE models): blind basket backflush with cleaner; on the Duo and Matrix via the automatic group cleaning in the menu.
3. Check the shower screen and group gasket for coffee residue or hardening.
4. If it comes back, or if the handle sits too far to the right when you lock it in, the gasket is due — according to Bezzera, a job for a technician. We replace it in our workshop.

Source: Bezzera — Matrix/Duo instruction manual (2018 edition), sections 6 and 7 · Backflushing: Coffee Coaching Club, our own workshop experience with E61 groups.

Stop line: Never open or adjust the expansion/overpressure valve yourself.

1. Unscrew the tip (where designed for it) and clear the openings.
2. Purge it briefly after every use and wipe the wand while damp.
3. Check the water hardness, and if possible refill with softened or filtered water.
4. Watch the boiler pressure on the gauge.
5. No improvement: contact service.

Source: Coffee Coaching Club — our own technical/workshop experience (Bezzera does not publish its own guide on this).

Stop line: Never open the steam valve or boiler yourself; never push descaling solution through the steam path without a confirmed procedure.

1. Test the outlet or fuse with another device.
2. Check the water tank's seating and fill level.
3. Let it cool unplugged for 30 minutes, then try a restart.
4. No improvement: contact service — the most common cause is a triggered over-temperature protection after dry running or limescale.

Source: Coffee Coaching Club — our own technical/workshop experience (Bezzera does not publish its own guide on this).

Stop line: Leave the housing, electrics, heating element, and thermostat exclusively to the workshop.

1. Check and clean the tank fill level and the intake strainer.
2. Bleed briefly through the group without the portafilter.
3. On the Duo and Matrix, you can check the pump pressure: insert the blind basket, start a shot and read the pressure on the screen. According to Bezzera, it's 9 bar at the factory.
4. Check the water hardness as a possible cause (see problem 38).
5. If the pump stays “dry and loud” with no water flow: switch it off immediately and contact service.

Source: Bezzera — Matrix/Duo instruction manual (2018 edition), section 4.3 · other steps: Coffee Coaching Club, our own workshop experience.

Stop line: Only adjust the pump pressure if your manual describes it — on the Duo and Matrix 9 bar at the factory, range 8–10 bar, never above 10.5 bar. If in doubt, get in touch with us. Do not remove the pump.

1. Brush the gasket rim and shower screen.
2. Lock the portafilter in firmly, but without force.
3. If it's still leaking, the gasket is worn. Bezzera recommends having it replaced by a technician — we do this in our workshop.

Source: Bezzera — Matrix/Duo instruction manual (2018 edition), section 7 · steps 1 and 2: Coffee Coaching Club, our own workshop experience.

Stop line: Don't force loose the group screws.

Applies to volumetrically dosing models. After a grind-size or dose change, the old programming stays in place — usually not a defect, just a needed reprogramming.

1. Check the volume by weight (put the cup on the scale, don't judge it by time).
2. If it deviates, reprogram the dose button(s). On the Duo and Matrix DE, you programme the doses on the touchscreen (Bezzera manual, section 5.4.5) — we're happy to send you the instructions. On other models, the button sequence differs.
3. If the volume keeps changing on its own: that points to the flow meter or limescale — contact service.

Source: Bezzera — Matrix/Duo instruction manual (2018 edition), section 5.4.5 · other steps: Coffee Coaching Club, our own workshop experience.

Stop line: Don't open the board or the flow meter yourself.