Opening: open the water tap and the main switch and wait for the boiler to reach working temperature and pressure. Let the groups and portafilters warm up before the first coffee.
Closing: clean the groups, the filter baskets and the steam wand, backflush with the dedicated cleaner, then switch the machine off.
Opening: step by step
- Open the water tap and check that the machine fills.
- Switch on the main switch.
- Wait for the boiler to reach working temperature and pressure.
- Let the groups and portafilters warm up before the first coffee.
Closing: step by step
- Clean the groups, baskets and steam wand.
- Backflush with the dedicated cleaner.
- Rinse portafilters and baskets.
- Switch off the machine and close the water tap as the manufacturer advises.
Opening the machine: what to watch
A properly pre-heated machine gives consistent coffee from the first serving. If the machine is switched on and serves immediately, the first coffee usually comes out too cool with an unstable extraction.
- Never switch the machine on without water in the boiler, as the heating element can be damaged.
- Let a little water run through each group to purge the air.
- Check the gauges before first use.
Closing the machine: common mistakes
- Closing without a backflush, leaving coffee residue in the group.
- Leaving milk residue on the steam wand, which blocks its holes.
- Leaving portafilters in the groups overnight, which wears the gaskets.
Checklist before the first service
- The water tap is open and the machine has filled.
- The gauge shows the normal operating pressure of your machine.
- The portafilters are in place and warm.
- Run a flush through each group and check that the water runs clean and steady.
Write down what changes
If anything changes from day to day, such as warm-up time, pump noise or drips under the machine, write it down. Notes help the technician find the fault quickly. A ready-made form is in our printable PDF checklists.
When to book a service
If pressure does not build, if there are leaks, or if coffee is inconsistent despite a correct routine, the machine needs inspection. See machine has no pressure or request coffee machine service.