Espresso machines heat water under pressure, and every liter leaves a little mineral behind. Over time, scale coats the boiler, heating elements, valves and group heads. That leads to temperature swings, low pressure and bad shots. Descaling on schedule protects the machine and the coffee.
Shop the equipment in this article: ES60 STILO 110V single group automatic espresso machine, ES70 STILO 110V two group automatic espresso machine and ES100 STILO 220V three group automatic espresso machine. Freight is included on every order.
Manual First, Then Safety
Espresso machines vary widely. Some have automatic descaling programs. Others require a technician to descale the boiler. Follow the manufacturer’s manual for your machine and do not attempt a boiler descale unless the manual says operators can. Turn off and unplug the machine before removing parts. Hot water and steam can burn, so let the machine cool fully. Use only descalers and cleaners approved for espresso machines, following each label.
Daily Cleaning (Not Descaling)
- Backflush group heads with a blind basket and an espresso machine cleaner, per the manual.
- Remove and soak portafilters and baskets in cleaner solution.
- Scrub the group gasket and shower screen with a group brush.
- Purge and wipe the steam wand after every use, then soak its tip in cleaner at closing.
- Empty and wash the drip tray.
How Often to Descale
Frequency depends on water hardness and volume. Many operators descale every one to three months. Test your water hardness with strips. A water filter or softener on the supply line reduces how often descaling is needed.
General Descaling Steps
These steps are general. Follow your manual where it differs.
- Remove the water filter if the manual directs it.
- Mix descaler per the label.
- Add it to the reservoir or run it through the water line, as the manual directs.
- Run the descaling program or open the group and steam valves to draw solution through.
- Let it sit for the time listed on the label.
- Flush with clean water until no taste or odor remains.
- Reinstall the water filter.
- Pull test shots and discard them.
Plumbed Machines
Plumbed machines often need a technician to descale the boiler. Operators can still descale the group heads and steam wands with approved products. Keep a service schedule.
Signs of Scale
- Low steam pressure.
- Uneven shot times.
- Water that does not reach temperature.
- White deposits around the group or wand.
Model Examples
Single group machines like the ES60 STILO 110V single group automatic espresso machine, two group machines like the ES70 STILO 110V two group automatic espresso machine and three group machines like the ES100 STILO 220V three group automatic espresso machine each have more group heads to backflush as size goes up. Check the product page and manual for the descaling method.
Protect the Machine
- Use filtered water.
- Keep the drip tray clean.
- Do not use vinegar unless the manual approves it, since it can damage seals.
- Log each descale and filter change.
Do Not Forget the Grinder
Descaling helps the machine, but stale coffee oils in the grinder hurt shot quality just as much. Empty the hopper weekly, wipe it with a dry cloth and brush out the chute. Use a grinder cleaning product made for commercial grinders if the grinder manual allows it. Always unplug the grinder before reaching into the chute or burr area.
Keep the Steam Wand Clean
Milk dries on a steam wand within seconds. Purge the wand and wipe it with a dedicated damp cloth after every drink. At closing, soak the tip in a milk system cleaner approved by the manufacturer and clear the holes with a small pin if the manual allows.
Next Steps
If your machine is out of service too often, a new one may make sense. Compare options in bar equipment and other commercial kitchen equipment. Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.