How to get your machine back operational again after a long shut down period.
How to Reboot Your Coffee Machine After a Long Break
Welcome Back to Ambition Academy!
Today, we’ll walk you through the process of rebooting your coffee machine after a long period of inactivity, we want to ensure your machine is running smoothly, clean, and ready to serve perfect coffee.
Step 1: Check and Clean Essential Parts
Before switching on your machine, it’s crucial to inspect and clean key components:
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Remove and check your shower plates and steam tips (nipples)
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This might require a screwdriver or other small tools.
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Be careful not to scratch anything while unscrewing.
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Ensure they are free from blockages, limescale, or residue.
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If needed, soak and clean them thoroughly before reattaching.
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Step 2: Powering Up
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Locate your power switch – usually under the front or on the side of the machine.
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Turn it on and listen for any unusual noises.
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Observe the boiler filling process. Some machines may have flashing lights that stop once fully heated.
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Wait for the machine to reach the correct temperature. On our model, the boiler heats to 123°C.
Step 3: Reattach Components
Once the machine is hot and ready:
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Screw the steam tips back on carefully.
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Check the condition of the rubber washers to ensure a secure seal.
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Reattach the shower plates.
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If they needed cleaning, now is a good time to put them back in place.
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Step 4: Flush the System
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Run the group heads and steam wands for about five minutes.
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Why? Stagnant water in the boiler can develop a stale taste and even bacteria buildup.
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Check for any odd smells.
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If it smells stagnant or off, continue flushing until fresh.
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Step 5: Check Pressure Levels
Most machines have two key pressure gauges:
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Boiler Pressure (for steam):
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Should sit at 1 to 1.1 bars.
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If it’s too low, steam pressure won’t be strong enough.
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If it’s too high (in the red zone), turn off the machine and call an engineer.
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Pump Pressure (for water flow):
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When idle, should sit around 2–4 bars.
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When pulling a shot, it should rise to 8–10 bars.
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This ensures proper extraction of coffee oils and flavors.
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Final Checks and Ready to Serve!
Once everything is running smoothly:
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Ensure the machine maintains proper temperature and pressure.
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Check that water and steam are flowing efficiently.
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Run a test shot to confirm extraction quality.
Now your machine is clean, heated, and ready to go! You’re all set to serve fresh, high-quality coffee to your customers.