How To Backflush an Espresso Machine – Barista Tips
1 – Remove the filter basket from the group handles and soak these in cold water overnight.
2 – Fit your blind backflush disk or rubber blanking disc (this is used with the filter basket still in the group handle)
3 – With the blank fitted, add one heaped tablespoon of espresso cleaner to the group handle. Place this into the espresso machine and press the espresso button to flush water around the group and the various pipes. Allow this to run for 10 seconds.
4 – Remove the group handle from the espresso machine and empty out any water, cleaner and coffee grounds.
5 – Repeat steps 3 & 4 for 5-6 times with just clean water, do NOT add anymore espresso cleaner. This will remove the espresso cleaner and any coffee grounds. This is very important because if not washed out, the espresso cleaner will taint the first couple of coffees made the next day.
6 – With the group handle removed, gently clean the group seal using a circular motion with a group head cleaning brush.
7 – Place the group handle back in the espresso machine and run through with clean water one more time.
8 – Repeat steps 1-7 for any other group handles on the espresso machine.
9 – Once a week the group handles should be soaked to remove the coffee oils.
10 – Do this by placing them handle up, in a large bowl type container and fill with boiling water just to the top of the metal baskets. Make sure that the rubber handles are not in the water as this can damage them. Add to this one teaspoon of espresso cleaner and leave overnight.
11 – The following day rinse the handles thoroughly with fresh water to remove any cleaner.
Following these simple steps will remove the coffee and coffee oils build up and ensure that you are selling the best tasting coffees.
Watch out for our video guide on how to backflush an espresso machine coming soon!
