Setting up your espresso machine.

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:

  • Remove and check your shower plates and steam tips (nipples)

    • This might require a screwdriver or other small tools.

    • Be careful not to scratch anything while unscrewing.

    • Ensure they are free from blockages, limescale, or residue.

    • If needed, soak and clean them thoroughly before reattaching.


Step 2: Powering Up

  • Locate your power switch – usually under the front or on the side of the machine.

  • Turn it on and listen for any unusual noises.

  • Observe the boiler filling process. Some machines may have flashing lights that stop once fully heated.

  • 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:

  • Screw the steam tips back on carefully.

    • Check the condition of the rubber washers to ensure a secure seal.

  • Reattach the shower plates.

    • If they needed cleaning, now is a good time to put them back in place.


Step 4: Flush the System

  • Run the group heads and steam wands for about five minutes.

  • Why? Stagnant water in the boiler can develop a stale taste and even bacteria buildup.

  • Check for any odd smells.

    • If it smells stagnant or off, continue flushing until fresh.


Step 5: Check Pressure Levels

Most machines have two key pressure gauges:

  1. Boiler Pressure (for steam):

    • Should sit at 1 to 1.1 bars.

    • If it’s too low, steam pressure won’t be strong enough.

    • If it’s too high (in the red zone), turn off the machine and call an engineer.

  2. Pump Pressure (for water flow):

    • When idle, should sit around 2–4 bars.

    • When pulling a shot, it should rise to 8–10 bars.

    • This ensures proper extraction of coffee oils and flavors.


Final Checks and Ready to Serve!

Once everything is running smoothly:

  • Ensure the machine maintains proper temperature and pressure.

  • Check that water and steam are flowing efficiently.

  • 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. 

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