Smeg ECF01 - Espresso Coffee Machine Manual

Description

Product Description

1. Cup warmer tray
2. Grouphead
3. Filter holder
4. Steel cup tray
5. Floater
6. Stainless steel drip tray
7. Hot water and steam wand/Cappuccino frother
8. Steam valve
9. ON/OFF switch
10. Water tank cover

11. Water tank (1 liter)
12. Measuring scoop/tamper
13. Soft pod filter basket
14. 1-cup ground coffee filter basket
15. 2-cup ground coffee filter basket
16. Water softener filter (optional)
17. 1-cup coffee button (white light)
18. 2-cup coffee button (white light)
19. Steam button (white light)/Descaler button (orange light)
20. Non-slip feet

Use

Before first use

1. Remove any labels and stickers from the espresso machine.
2. Thoroughly wash and dry the espresso machine's parts (see "Cleaning and maintenance").
3. Remove the cover (1) by pulling it upwards and then pull out the tank (2).

4. Fill the tank (2) with fresh, clean water directly from the faucet or by using a pitcher, being careful not to exceed the maximum level indicated on the tank.

Risk of accident

• Do not operate the espresso machine without water in the tank or without the tank in place.

The parts that may come into contact with food are made of materials that comply with all legal provisions in force.

First use

1. Turn on the espresso machine using the ON/OFF switch (1): the lights of the three buttons (2), (3) and (4) will flash in sequence.
2. Lights (2) and (3) will flash to indicate that the machine is reaching the pre-set temperature. The espresso machine is ready for use as soon as the lights stop flashing.
3. Place a container under the hot water/steam wand (4).
4. Turn the steam valve (5) to the position and dispense 1/2 cup of water.
5. Turn the steam valve (5) back to the position.

Make 4-5 espressos or 4-5 cappuccinos to obtain a satisfactory result.

6. Attach the filter holder by aligning the handle with and turning it to the right to the position.
7. To rinse the machine's internal circuits, place a container under the coffe spout and press the button.
8. Repeat this procedure 5 times.

Then proceed with rinsing the "steam" circuit:

9. Place a container under the hot water spout and turn the steam valve to the position. Hot water is delivered.
10. When the appliance automatically stops the hot water delivery, turn the steam valve back to the position.
11. Repeat this procedure 1 more time (if necessary, refill the tank).

Filters
The coffee machine comes with three filters: a one-cup filter, a two-cup filter, and a soft pod filter. Below each filter you will find the corresponding symbol.

How to make espresso

Ground coffee:

1. Place the ground coffee filter basket (1) in the filter holder (2), choosing the one-cup or the two-cup basket
   
2. Tamp the ground coffee down using the tamper (3).
   

Coffee soft pods:

1. Insert the coffee soft pod filter basket in the filter holder.
2. Insert the soft pod in the filter holder trying to center it as much as possible.
3. Proceed in the same way as with ground coffee.

Risk of scalding

• To avoid any splashing, do not detach the filter holder while coffee is being dispensed. Wait a few seconds for the process to finish.

• The process can be interrupted at any time by pressing the coffee button.
• To increase the amount of coffee in the cup, hold down the coffee button.

How to make cappuccino

1. Make an espresso in a large cup.
2. Press the button: the light will flash.
3. Fill a container with 1/2 cup cold, partially skimmed milk for each cappuccino you want to make.
4. When the light stops flashing, place an empty container under the cappuccino frother (1) and turn the steam valve (2) to the position to drain any water present and then close the valve.
5. Place the container with the milk under the cappuccino frother (1), immersing the cappuccino frother a few millimeters below the surface. Turn the steam valve (2) to the position and slowly move the container up and down to obtain a creamier foam.
6. Once the volume of the milk has doubled, dip the cappuccino frother deep into the milk and heat to 140°F (60°C). Stop the frothing process by turning the steam valve clockwise.
7. Pour the milk into the cups with the espresso.
   

• To make more than one cappuccino, first prepare all the espresso and then froth the milk for all the cappuccinos.
• For hygiene reasons, it is recommended to clean the cappuccino frother after use.
• Clean out the milk residue by opening the steam valve to let out the steam.
• Release the steam for only a maximum of 60 seconds.

How to heat water

1. Turn the machine on using the ON/OFF switch.
2. Place a container under the cappuccino frother.
3. Turn the steam valve to the position to let the hot water out.

• Release the steam for only a maximum of 60 seconds.

Accessing the programming menus and changing the settings

1. Make sure that the machine is ready to use and hold the button for 10 seconds until the three buttons start flashing: the machine will enter programming mode.
2. Program the machine settings to your own needs.
3. To exit the menu, simply do not press any button for 15 seconds.

Setting the coffee temperature

1. Access the programming menu.
2. Press the button to select the temperature of the coffee. The lights of the current setting will turn on:

Lights	Temperature setting
	Low
	Medium
	High

3. The lights will start flashing in sequence.
4. Press the button corresponding to the desired temperature: low , medium or high
5. The button will flash to indicate the selection has been saved.

Setting the amount of coffee

To change the quantity of coffee dispensed by the machine:

1. Place one or two cups under the filter holder spouts.
2. Press the button for one cup or two cups and hold it down.
3. The machine will start dispensing coffee.
4. Release the button as soon as you reach the desired amount of coffee.
5. The light will flash to indicate that the selected quantity has been saved.

Setting the water hardness

1. Access the programming menu.
2. Press the button to select the water hardness. The lights of the current setting will turn on:

Lights	Water setting
	Soft
	Medium
	Hard

3. The lights will start flashing in sequence.
4. Press the button corresponding to the water hardness:

Soft	Medium	Hard
<10°dH	10°dH - 20°dH	> 20°dH
<18°fH	18°fH - 36°fH	> 36°fH
< 180 mg/l CaCo3	180-300 mg/l CaCo3	360 mg/l CaCo3

5. The button will flash to indicate the selection has been saved.

Setting the auto shut-off time

For energy saving reasons, the espresso machine is equipped with an auto shut-off feature that activates when the machine has been left on for a long time.

To set the auto shut-off time:

1. Access the programming menu.
2. Press the button to select the auto shut-off time. The lights of the current setting will turn on:

Lights	Time setting
	9 minutes
	30 minutes
	3 hours

3. The lights will start flashing in sequence.
4. Press the button corresponding to the time you want to set, choosing from 9 minutes , 30 minutes or 3 hours .
5. The button will flash to indicate the selection has been saved.

Restoring the factory settings

To restore factory settings:

1. Access the programming menu.
2. Turn the steam valve to the position.
3. Press the button: the three lights will blink to indicate that the original settings have been restored.
4. Turn the steam valve back to the position.

How to cool down the boiler

The boiler must be cooled down if you want to make coffee immediately after frothing milk for cappuccino.

If the boiler is not cooled down, the coffee will be burned.

1. Place a container under the cappuccino frother and open the steam valve to dispense hot water.
   
2. The hot water will stop coming out as soon as the machine has cooled down.
3. Close the steam valve and proceed with making the coffee.

Cleaning and maintenance

Warnings

Misuse Risk of electric shock Unplug the espresso machine before cleaning. Do not immerse the espresso machine in water or other liquids. Allow the espresso machine to cool before cleaning.

Misuse Risk of damage to surfaces Do not use steam jets to clean the espresso maker. Do not use cleaning products containing chlorine, ammonia or bleach on parts with metallic surface finishes (e.g. anodizing, nickel or chrome plating). Do not use abrasive or corrosive detergents (e.g. powders, stain removers and metal scouring pads). Do not use rough or abrasive materials or sharp metal scrapers.

Cleaning the body of the espresso machine

To maintain the outer surfaces, you must clean them regularly after each use after letting them cool down. Clean with a soft, damp cloth.

Cleaning the parts of the espresso machine

Cleaning the drip tray

The drip tray is fitted with a red floater (1) that protrudes from the cup tray as soon as the maximum level of liquid is exceeded.

1. Remove the cup tray (2) and then the drip tray (3) to empty it.
   
2. Clean the tray with a cloth and put it back in place with the cup tray.

Cleaning the filter baskets

Clean the filter baskets regularly under running water. If the holes are clogged, clean them with a pin or a brush.

Cleaning the cappuccino frother

Clean the cappuccino frother immediately after use.

1. Turn the steam valve to release a little steam and to clean out the milk remaining inside it.
2. Switch off the espresso machine using the ON/OFF switch.
3. Hold the tube of the cappuccino frother (1) with one hand and with the other turn the cappuccino frother (2) counterclockwise and slide it down.
   
4. Remove the rubber nozzle (3) from the frother tube by pulling down on it.
   
5. Wash the cappuccino frother and the nozzle with warm water.
6. Check that the hole (4) is not obstructed.
   
7. Insert the nozzle (3) in the cappuccino frother tube (1) and reposition the cappuccino frother (2) by sliding it upwards and turning it counterclockwise.
8. Put the cappuccino frother back together by following the cleaning instructions in reverse order.

Cleaning the grouphead

The grouphead should be rinsed out after every 200 coffees by flushing about 2 cups of water through it. To do this, press the coffee button without loading ground coffee or a soft pod.

Cleaning the water tank

Clean the water tank about once a month with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Descaling

The espresso machine should be descaled when the button lights up orange.

1. Fill the water tank with a solution of water and descaling solution in the amounts recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Press the ON/OFF switch.
3. Remove the filter holder and place a container under the cappuccino frother.
4. Wait until the lights stop flashing.
5. Hold down the button for 10 seconds until the three buttons begin to blink in sequence.
6. Turn the steam valve to the position.
7. Press to start the descaling process.
8. The descaling cycle will automatically perform a series of rinses to remove limescale from the espresso machine.
9. When the orange indicator light flashes, it means the descaling cycle has been interrupted.
10. Remove the water tank, empty it and rinse it.
11. Fill the tank up with water to the maximum level and put it back in place.
12. Place an empty container under the cappuccino frother and check that the steam valve is in the position. Then, press the button to start the rinse cycle.
13. When the water tank is empty, it is necessary to perform a new rinse cycle, following steps 10,11 and 12.
14. When the water tank is empty, the orange indicator light turns off to indicate that descaling has finished.
15. Make sure that the steam valve is in the closed position .

Risk of injury Descaler contains acids which may irritate the skin and eyes. Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety warnings on the packaging in the event of contact with the skin or eyes. Use a descaling solution recommended by Smeg to avoid damage to the espresso machine.

Descaling and rinsing the grouphead

During the descaling cycle, close the steam valve from time to time to make the descaling solution flow out of the grouphead.

During the rinse cycle, close the steam valve from time to time to rinse the grouphead.

What to do if...

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
The coffee does not come out	No water in the tank.	Fill the tank.
	The filter holes are blocked.	Clean the filter basket by using a brush or a pin.
	The tank is not inserted correctly.	Insert the tank correctly.
	Presence of limescale.	Run the descaling cycle.
The coffee drips from the filter holder and not from the spouts	The filter holder is not attached properly or is dirty.	Attach the filter holder and turn it until it stops. Clean the filter holder.
	The grouphead gasket is worn.	Have it replaced at an authorized service center.
	The spout holes are clogged.	Clean the spout holes.
The filter holder does not latch into the espresso machine	The filter basket is too full.	Use the measuring scoop provided and use the correct filter basket.
The espresso machine does not work and all the lights are blinking	Possible fault.	Unplug the espresso machine and contact an authorized service center.
The espresso's crema is clear and comes out too quickly from the spout	The ground coffee has not been tamped enough.	Tamp the coffee more.
	There is too little ground coffee.	Increase the amount.
	The coffee grind is too coarse.	Only use ground coffee for espresso machines.
	The quality of the ground coffee is not correct.	Change the type of ground coffee.
The espresso's crema is dark and comes out too slowly from the spout	The ground coffee has been tamped too hard.	Tamp the coffee less.
	There is too much ground coffee.	Decrease the amount.
	The grouphead or the filter basket is clogged.	Clean the outlet and the filter basket.
	The coffee grind is too fine.	Only use ground coffee for espresso machines.
	Presence of limescale.	Run the descaling cycle.
Theand lights flash for a few seconds	Steam valve open.	Close the steam valve.
	Boiler temperature is too high.	Cool down the boiler.
	Presence of limescale.	Run the descaling cycle.
	No water in the tank.	Fill the tank.
	The grouphead or the filter basket is clogged.	Clean the grouphead and the filter.
	The tank is not inserted correctly.	Insert the tank correctly.
Coffee is not hot	Machine not used for a long time.	Increase the temperature of the coffee from the programming menu following the instructions in section "Setting the coffee temperature". Dispense hot water into the cup in which the coffee will be prepared in order to heat the cup.

If the problem has not been resolved or there are other types of faults, contact your local authorized service center.