Espresso Machine Maintenance: How to Prevent Disaster

Jul 12th 2023

Espresso Machine Maintenance: How to Prevent Disaster

For coffee lovers and cafe owners alike, custom espresso machines from renowned brands such as La Marzocco, Slayer Espresso, and Kees Van Der Westen are treasured investments that require regular care and maintenance. Keep reading below to learn what you should be doing for espresso machine maintenance!

(Pictured Below: La Marzocco KB90)

La Marzocco KB90 espresso machine maintenance

Preventative maintenance plays a vital role in keeping these high-end espresso machines, including models like the La Marzocco Linea PB, Slayer Steam LP, Kees Van Der Westen Spirit, and Kees Van Der Westen Slim Jim, running smoothly, producing consistently excellent shots of espresso.

In this blog post, we'll explore essential preventative maintenance practices to help you keep your espresso machine and coffee grinder in top shape.

(Pictured Below: Kees Van Der Westen Spirit, Duette)

Kees Van Der Westen Spirit custom espresso machine maintenance


PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE TOP PRACTICES

Water Filtration:

Water quality is essential for the taste and longevity of your custom espresso machine. Install a high-quality water filtration system compatible with your machine to prevent scale buildup and protect internal components. This is particularly important for expensive custom espresso machines like the La Marzocco Linea, La Marzocco KB90, and Slayer Steam espresso machines. It’s the first and best preventative step you can take!

Regular Cleaning:

Cleaning your custom espresso machine and commercial coffee grinder is crucial to prevent the buildup of coffee residue, oils, and mineral deposits. Follow these espresso machine cleaning and maintenance steps:

  1. Daily Cleaning: Wipe down the machine's exterior, steam wand, group heads, and portafilters after each use to remove any leftover coffee grounds or milk residue.
  2. Backflushing: Backflush your machine with Revolution Natural Café Cleaner regularly to remove oils and debris that accumulate in the group heads and dispersion screens. This is particularly important for machines like the La Marzocco Linea, La Marzocco KB90, and Slayer Espresso machines. Since these machines will be performing in higher volume environments, cleaning will extend the time that they function.
  3. Descaling: Even with great water filtration, you must descale your machine periodically to remove mineral deposits. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use a descaling solution specifically formulated for espresso machines. This step is crucial for maintaining the performance of machines like the Slayer Steam and Kees Van Der Westen models with their often smaller needle valves.

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Proper Grinder Maintenance:

To ensure consistently excellent espresso shots, maintain your commercial coffee grinder properly:

  1. Regular Cleaning: Remove the hopper and burrs regularly to clean off any coffee residue. Use a brush or a vacuum to remove any remaining grounds. Empty the hopper and run Grindz cleaning tablets through to prevent any oil buildup over time. This step helps to maintain both custom espresso machines and commercial espresso grinders.
  2. Burr Replacement: Over time, burrs wear down, affecting grind consistency. Replace them according to the manufacturer's recommendations to maintain optimal performance. This is crucial for both custom espresso machines and commercial espresso grinders.

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Sealing and Gasket Replacement:

Inspect the seals and gaskets in your custom espresso machine regularly. Replace them if they show signs of wear or deterioration. This is essential for machines like the La Marzocco Linea, Slayer Espresso machines, and Kees Van Der Westen models, such as the Speedster, Spirit, and Slim Jim.

Temperature and Pressure Calibration:

Periodically check and calibrate the temperature and pressure settings of your custom espresso machine. This ensures consistent and accurate brewing. Refer to your machine's manual or seek professional assistance if needed.

Regular Equipment Inspections:

Perform routine inspections of your custom espresso machine and commercial coffee grinder. Look for leaks, unusual noises, or irregularities in the espresso extraction process. Addressing small problems early can prevent larger and costlier repairs. This is important for all custom espresso machines and commercial espresso grinders. If you find anything out of the ordinary, our service department is happy to help! Simply fill out our service request form or give us a call!

Preventative maintenance is essential for preserving the performance and lifespan of your custom espresso machine and commercial coffee grinder. By following these maintenance practices, specifically tailored for La Marzocco espresso machines, Slayer Espresso machines, and Kees Van Der Westen espresso machines, you can ensure optimal results, minimize the risk of unexpected breakdowns, and continue delighting coffee enthusiasts for years to come.

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Visions Espresso is your partner, and can set up service appointments to regularly replace wear parts and check in on the health of your machine. With proper care, your custom espresso machine and commercial coffee grinder will serve you well and elevate your coffee experience for years to come. Click here to schedule your service appointment today!

Brew Your Best!