The Water Quality; Filling The Filter Basket - Gastroback DESIGN ESPRESSO MACHINE BASIC Operating Instructions Manual

THE WATER QUALITY

• De-mineralized or highly filtered water as well as mineral water with high mine-
ral content are not recommended for extracting espresso. In most cases, clear,
cold tap water is suited best.
• If the tap water in your residential area has a very high water hardness (high
mineral content, approx. 350 mg/L and more), we recommend to use low-
mineral bottled water (table water). This will help to protect your machine from
excessive lime deposits and improve the taste of your coffee.
• For operation, only fill cold, clear water into the water tank of the machine. Without
any important reason (e.g. disinfection of the water is required), do not heat or boil
the water prior to filling the water tank. In all cases, always use COLD water.
• Do not leave the water in the water tank for an elongated period of time, because
your coffee could get an unpleasant, flat taste when using stale water. Empty the
water tank at least every day and fill it again, before starting the next coffee making
session. Let a few litres of water run out of the tap, before filling the water tank.
• Empty the water tank and wipe dry even the interior, if the appliance will not
be used for more than a few days. This avoids excessive lime deposits and the
build-up of algae.

FILLING THE FILTER BASKET

• Pre-heat the cups, filter basket, and portafilter before each extraction to maintain
the correct temperature of your espresso. For this, you may use the hot water
function of the appliance. After pre-heating, place cups and glasses onto the
warming plate for keeping them warm.
• Portafilter and filter basket must be completely dry, before filling in coffee pow-
der. Otherwise, during extraction the water may flow through at the rim of the
filter basket.
• Do not overfill the filter basket. The coffee powder must have some free space for
swelling. The surface of the tamped coffee powder may not protrude the MAX
filling mark of the filter basket. By using a knife or a similar tool, scrape off any
surplus coffee powder.
• If required, fill the coffee powder in portions into the filter basket to avoid over-
flow and for getting an even surface.
• Distribute and tamp the coffee powder evenly. Getting an even surface is cru-
cial for making the water flow through the complete filling during the extraction
process.
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