How To Maintain A Spring Lever Espresso Machine
Maintaining a spring lever espresso machine is essential for ensuring its longevity and consistent espresso performance. Spring lever machines, while highly durable, require regular care due to their mechanical complexity. Here’s a detailed guide on how to properly maintain your spring lever espresso machine:
1. Daily Cleaning
a. Flush the Group Head
After every use, it’s important to flush the group head to prevent the buildup of coffee oils and grounds. Run hot water through the group head by raising and lowering the lever a few times. This simple step will help prevent clogs in the system and maintain cleanliness.
b. Wipe the Portafilter and Basket
After pulling a shot, always knock out the used coffee puck and wipe the portafilter and basket clean with a soft cloth. This will prevent coffee residue from hardening and becoming more difficult to remove later.
c. Clean the Steam Wand
Purge the steam wand after each use by running steam for a few seconds to remove any milk residue inside the wand. Wipe the exterior of the wand with a damp cloth immediately after frothing milk.
2. Weekly Maintenance
a. Backflushing
While not required every day, backflushing your spring lever machine once a week is a good practice. Use a backflush disc (blank portafilter basket) and a little bit of espresso machine detergent. Insert the disc into the portafilter, lock it into the group head, and activate the lever multiple times to create backpressure. This flushes out coffee oils and other residues from the internal parts of the machine.
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Steps:
- Insert the blank filter with detergent.
- Raise and lower the lever several times to circulate water and detergent through the machine.
- Repeat the process with clean water to ensure no detergent remains.
Backflushing keeps the internal parts, such as the group head and the valves, clean and functioning smoothly(
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3. Monthly Maintenance
a. Deep Clean the Group Head
Once a month, take apart the group head for a thorough cleaning. Most spring lever machines have group heads that can be disassembled for cleaning. Remove the piston, spring, and seals, and soak them in a solution of water and espresso machine cleaner to remove any built-up residue.
- Lubricate the Piston: After cleaning, re-lubricate the piston with food-safe grease to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear on the seals.
b. Descale the Machine
Descaling removes mineral deposits from the boiler and water paths. Depending on the hardness of your water, descaling should be done every 3-6 months. Use a descaling solution approved for espresso machines, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model. Descaling is especially important for spring lever machines because mineral deposits can interfere with the performance of the spring mechanism and affect water flow.
4. Lubrication of Moving Parts
Spring lever machines rely on mechanical components such as the lever and piston to function properly. Lubricating these moving parts regularly is crucial to ensure smooth operation.
- Apply Food-Safe Grease: Lubricate the piston seals, lever hinges, and any other moving parts with food-safe, heat-resistant grease. This should be done every few months or whenever you notice stiffness in the lever action.
5. Inspect and Replace Seals
Over time, the rubber seals in a spring lever machine can wear down and may need to be replaced. Regularly inspect the seals for wear, especially the piston seals, which endure significant pressure during espresso extraction. If the machine starts leaking or you notice the lever action is not as smooth as before, it may be time to replace the seals.
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Signs You Need to Replace Seals:
- Water leaking from the group head.
- The lever feels less responsive or stiff.
- Inconsistent pressure during extraction.
Seal replacement is relatively simple and can be done at home with replacement parts from the manufacturer or specialty espresso shops(
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6. Boiler Maintenance
The boiler in spring lever machines plays a critical role in maintaining the right temperature and pressure for espresso extraction. Over time, mineral deposits and other debris can accumulate inside the boiler, impacting its performance.
a. Boiler Flushing
Flush the boiler every 6 months to a year depending on water hardness. This involves draining the boiler and running fresh water through it to clear out any built-up deposits.
b. Check for Leaks
Regularly inspect the boiler for any leaks or corrosion, especially around the connections and seals. Any signs of leaking should be addressed immediately to prevent damage to other components.
7. Check the Pressure Gauge
Spring lever machines often come with a pressure gauge to monitor the boiler and group head pressure. Keep an eye on this gauge during operation. If the pressure readings seem off or erratic, it could indicate an issue with the spring, seals, or another internal component that may need attention.
8. Store Properly During Inactivity
If you plan on not using the machine for an extended period, it’s a good idea to:
- Fully clean and descale the machine.
- Drain the boiler to prevent any stagnant water from causing internal damage.
- Store the machine in a dry, cool place to avoid humidity-induced corrosion.
9. Professional Servicing
While most maintenance tasks can be handled at home, it’s a good idea to have your spring lever machine professionally serviced every 2 to 3 years, or more frequently if it sees heavy use. A technician can fully disassemble and inspect the machine, replace worn parts, and ensure everything is functioning optimally.
Conclusion
Spring lever espresso machines are highly durable and can last decades if maintained properly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and timely replacement of seals will ensure that the machine operates smoothly and consistently produces high-quality espresso. Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and keeping an eye on the machine’s performance will help prevent major issues down the line(
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