Do not leave espresso maker .”ON”. - Energy saving mode is mentioned in the operating manual as a safety feature. When the operator forgets to turn the machine off, as a safety feature the machine will switch to energy saving mode. Leaving the espresso maker 'On' reduces the life of seals & electrical components. If the machine will not be used for two or more hours, turn the power switch off. It only takes less than 3 minutes for the machine to warm up.

All espresso machines must be “DESCALED” regularly. Filtered water or bottled water is free from odour of chemicals but not free from minerals. Using a water softener is the best option for mineral free water. If a water softener is not installed, then the best option is to descale the machine at least every 2-months. The Official Gaggia Descaler can be ordered online from us

** Do not rely on the machine to remind you when descaling is due. When available, this feature is programmed by the number of espresso's served. The machine cannot sense the variable hardness of water from one place to another. Follow a definite schedule for descaling every two months. “DO NOT” use Vinegar or Lemon juice for descaling

** Automatic programmed descaling does not do a complete job. It flushes descaling solution only through the hot water/steam pipe. It does not flush the espresso hydraulic system ( Boiler outlet ).

Make a few espressos using the descaling solution to clean the espresso hydraulic water system.

** Prime the machine after several days of non-use. Priming is simply flushing 2 to 3 oz. of water through the steam/hot water wand. This will ensure that :-

Incanto series, Syncrony compact, Syncrony Compact Digital, Syncrony Digital, Platinum series, Talea & Odea series, Titanium/Plus are automatic models which have more serious and frequent problems with oily coffee beans.

**Do not store espresso beans in refrigerator: Roasted coffee beans are not a perishable seafood or Dairy product and do not need refrigeration. Roasted beans are highly hygroscopic, they absorb moisture and or Oxygen from the air and need protection from moisture. Moisture and air oxidize the aromatic ingredients causing chemical changes. Beans with absorbed moisture will cause Damage/rusting of the grinder burrs. The moisture content is much higher when beans are refrigerated.

*** Oxygen oxidizes the oil readily if it is on the surface of the bean. Air tight sealed containers protect beans from coming in contact with air and Oxygen.

*** To protect from light, Beans can be stored in closed cabinets.

*** The best way to store and keep espresso beans fresh is to an Airtight container.

Immediately after opening a new bag of espresso, divide its contents in four to six portions and seal them in airtight container/zip lock bags. Squeeze air out of zip lock bags before sealing. The beans will remain fresh for several weeks if they are not in contact with air or moisture. Open one bag at a time in small portions for quick consumption, before beans become rancid.

** Do not use bean hopper as storage container. It is not a sealed container. Fill just enough beans in the Bean hopper at a time for one or two days use...
While making espresso, have a wet rag handy for wiping/cleaning purpose.

**Do not leave the machine without daily (simple) cleaning. The machine is not capable of cleaning after itself. Here are a few steps that must be taken as a routine:

** Make one last espresso without coffee in the filter basket for manual machines or make a last espresso using the pre-ground cycle in machines with a pre-ground cycle option.

** Remove the frother sleeve to wash/rinse. (Hold the steam pipe to which the frother is attached when pulling to remove or pushing the sleeve back on). Flush hot water to clean the nozzle. Pull the frother sleeve and wipe the nozzle. Flush the frother sleeve and replace. To prevent build up of Milk stone, unscrew the nut and tighten it just to loosen the accumulation of dried milk. Once every week dismantle the parts of frother to clean and sanitize the parts using mild chlorine based sanitizer. Or milk cleaning solution which can be ordered online from us.

** “CAUTION” when using the pre-ground function (on selected models). Only use ONE level scoop (of the scoop provided). Increasing the quantity of pre-ground coffee can damage the machine. Ground coffee doses in excess of 8grms can damage the brew group, brew group drive gears and cause loss of pumping pressure from the pump. For stronger espresso, use less water instead of more coffee.