Basic Overview Of Using The Machine - Cafelat Robot User Manual

4. Basic Overview of using the machine

The Robot is capable of making real espresso coffee as defined by the
Instituto Nazionale Espresso Italiano. http://www.espressoitaliano.org/
Modern espresso coffee can trace it's origins back to the first lever coffee
machine produced by Gaggia in 1948 which used a spring and a piston to
force water at pressure through the coffee grounds. Such machines are
referred to as Traditional Lever Coffee Machines. (TLCM) The Robot uses
the exact same principal as a TLCM, except the power to drive the piston is
not provided by a spring but by the user.
The Robot does not have a boiler or a heating element, yet is still able to brew
coffee the same as a TLCM thanks to it's oversized filter basket which
becomes a brewing chamber once it is filled with hot water.
By raising or lowering the lever arms the piston is raised or lowered into the
filter basket.
It is important to find a sturdy table or counter on which to use the machine,
trial and error will help you find a comfortable height to place the machine as
well. For example a table that is lower than usual will help you get your
shoulders over the machine and allow you to push the arms. Whereas a
counter that is higher will allow you to bend over and pull the arms down -
you may not get as much power in the shot but you will get a better look of the
process.
Having a counter that is level is important as a wonky counter may cause
under or over extraction in one area of the basket.
The Base Plate has a silicone gasket on the underside that prevents damage
to your counter top and helps it to grip the surface.
Assembling the portafilter
The handle that holds the filter basket and locks into the main body is called
the Portafilter (PF). One of the most important developments in espresso in
recent times has been the introduction of bottomless portafilters, (BPF) i.e.
portafilters without spouts.
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Robot User Manual 2.0 June 2020