Espresso machine emergency procedures

It it critical that employees using espresso equiptment know where the water shut off to the machine is located and how to shut off the power at the breaker panel in case of an emergency.

Sizing the proper porta filter gasket

Often shims are necessary to use when replacing porta filter gaskets on older machines. The group head along with the rims of the porta filter assm. will wear causing the handle to go over too far. You can also try using a thicker gasket.

Macap CPS Auto Tamper

I have found the Macap auto tamper to be a helpful tool for consistency purposes yet I have seen a problems with wear on some of the mechanical components especially from customers that do a high volume of espresso.

Adjusting Espresso grinders

I find it sometimes necessary to adjust espresso grinders while running, the reason is that sometimes the burrs will bottom out on large grinds still in the grinding chamber which makes it hard to make a finer grind adjustment.

Tightening sight glass gaskets on Iberital Espresso machines

When tightening the gaskets on an Iberital Espresso machine I recommend turning off the machine and depressurizing prior to tightening to eliminate the possibility of a big mess, a short circuited control board and an embarrassing moment.

Swift Grinders

Feedback I have received from Barristas using the Swift grinders have been mixed. Some like the automation while some have expressed the automation can limit their ability to make adjustments on the run. I have found that these grinders can be helpful for establishing consistency.

Descaling Espresso machine boilers

I have found a product that is very effective for Descaling espresso machine boilers, the product is from CDCC Products. We purchase it from Holiday House Distributing www.HHDonline.com  1-800-443-4318.

This activated descaling cleaner comes in 100/1oz Envelopes 24/7oz Envelopes or 10# Bulk Jar, we purchase the bulk jar.

The ingrediants listed – Sulfamic Acid, Citric Acid, Aluminum Sulfate. It states it is Non-toxic when used as directed.

The directions say to use 7oz. per gallon of 190 degree hot water and soak for at least 3o minutes then rinse throughly with fresh water

Technical assistance for espresso equiptment

I am finding it difficult to locate the “right person” for technical assistance on espresso equipment. When I am working on a machine I am not familiar with I will begin the long process of Internet searches to find manufacture distributors. This is the key to locating someone who can help.

Replacing hard Group Head gaskets

I found that using a Dremmel tool with a short high speed twist drill bit is a helpful tool for dislodging gaskets that are hard and stuck in place. The dremmel tool is perfect because it can fit between the gasket and the drip tray, sometimes it is necessary to remove the drip tray.

When using the twist drill bit be careful not to touch the metal of the group, I will make about four holes in the gasket which will usually take the pressure off the old expanded gasket. You can then use an awl to start prying the pieces of the gasket out.

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