Turning on the coffee machine

The coffee machine has a single power button. Ensure it is plugged in and turn on. A startup sequence will begin and be loud for about two seconds. During this time, don’t press any buttons.

Setup

Check the water level of the tank and fill with tap water, not distilled water. Fill the hopper (bean holder) until you can just barely see a later of beans above the grinder.

That me espresso

Take the portafilter and place the head into the holder underneath the grinder. It should click into place. To begin grinding the beans, press the portafilter once, pushing it forwards into the holder. It should click and grounds will be dispensed. You can use the timer that is already set on the machine or stop it manually by pressing once again. It should be filled into a small mound just above the portafilter’s edge.

Next, use the heavy leveler in the metal basket. Place the metal side onto the espresso grounds. The leveler should fit snugly. Turn the leveler clockwise 3-5 times. Note: You do not need to apply pressure the leveler is heavy enough. Finally, remove the tamper from the machine and firmly press into the espresso puck. This will finish the compacting of your expresso.

Extraction

Clean the edge of your portafilter to ensure no burned coffee on the edges. Then, insert the portafilter to the extractor (right-hand side port) with the handle turned towards the left. Once the top fits snugly inside the port, rotate the handle as far counter-clockwise as it will go. No need for excessive force.

Press the two cup button when you are ready to extract. Place a cup beneath the portafilter. If you have a semi-solid/cold syrup (such as caramel sauce), add it to the cup that the hot espresso will flow into. This will allow it to melt and homogenize. The extraction should take about 25 seconds. Once finished, there will be a clicking sound and water will stop flowing. Remove the cup of espresso and rotate the handle of the portafilter clockwise to remove.

To dispose of grounds, tap the neck of the portafiter on the edge of the trash can. Some force may be needed. Rinse the remaining grounds off in the sink and wipe the inside with a microfiber cloth.

Making the Latte

To make a latte, add desired syrup to a cup. 2-3 pumps are recommended. Next, add espresso on top of syrup and swirl to combine. If using a sauce (defined as a flavoring made with condensed milk), consider using a spoon to mix with espresso. Do not add sauce once milk is in; it won’t integrate as well. Add milk to desired color. I prefer to add 4-6 oz, and I hedge on the darker side (4 oz). After the milk is added, add 1-2 scoops of ice. Allow to sit to cool or stir.

Making a Nitro Cold Brew

Transfer the espresso to the metal milk steamer. Add 2 oz water (roughly to the “min fill” line) and 4-6 ice cubes.

To turn on the steamer, insert the tip of the wand just below the surface of the liquid. Tilt the steamer cup towards the machine at an angle of roughly 30 degrees.

Turn on the steamer by turning the knob on the side of the machine towards yourself. It will take a few beats to turn on.

Create a “whirlpool” by adjusting your position in the steamer, keeping the wand tip barely submerged. You will know you’re in the right position when the liquid is frothing and swirling, but quiet.

Continue this until desired foam is achieved (~10 seconds). Gently submerge the wand tip further into the espresso mixture, maintaining the whirlpool. Continue to steam until the sound of ice cubes hitting the sides of the cup ceases. Turn off the steam as soon as this happens to avoid heating the coffee. Add ice cubes to desired cup with 2-3 pumps of syrup (vanilla recommended). Add frothed mixture over ice and add 1-2 tbs of creamer or milk if desired.

To clean the steam wand, place a microfiber towel around the head of the wand. Turn on the steamer, taking care to absorb any water that comes out of the wand. When the steam begins, wipe the microfiber cloth up and down for 2-3 seconds. Turn off the steam wand while still holding the cloth around the head. Replace the steam wand to its proper position above the drip tray and place the cloth next to the machine.

Important Notes

Please clean your station after use, or Mom will be mad.