Saeco Aroma: Perfect Coffee Grind Quantity For Best Brew

The amount of coffee grind to put into the Saeco Aroma depends on the desired strength and flavour profile. The grind size significantly influences the taste of the coffee, with finer grinds resulting in stronger extraction and bolder flavours, while coarser grinds yield milder flavours with decreased extraction. The recommended grind size for the Saeco Aroma is medium-fine, which strikes a balance between extraction and flavour. However, users can experiment with different grind sizes to find their preferred taste. It is important to note that the amount of coffee grind used also depends on the type of coffee being brewed, such as espresso or drip coffee. For a classic espresso shot, a fine grind is necessary, while a medium grind is more suitable for drip coffee. Additionally, factors such as coffee bean type, roast level, water temperature, and brewing method can impact the ideal grind size and should be considered when adjusting the grind settings.

Adjusting the grinder setting to a finer grind

• Identify Your Grinding Mechanism: The Saeco Aroma offers two options: using the built-in grinder for fresh coffee beans or opting for pre-ground coffee.
• Understand Grind Consistency: The consistency of the grind directly impacts the extraction and flavour of your coffee. The Saeco Aroma allows you to adjust the grind size using a dial or settings knob. Turning the dial towards a finer setting will result in a finer grind, while the coarser setting produces a coarser grind.
• Grinding for Espresso: If you're preparing a classic espresso, adjust the knob to a finer setting, similar to powdered sugar. This ensures optimal extraction during the short brewing time.
• Brewing for Drip Coffee: For drip coffee enthusiasts, a medium grind is preferable. Set the dial to a coarser setting, resembling granulated sugar, to achieve a slow extraction and enhance the flavour.
• Visual Aids: Visual aids or instructional videos can be incredibly helpful in understanding the grind adjustment process. These resources provide a clear picture of the steps involved, ensuring accuracy in your adjustments.
• Experiment with Tasting: Adjusting the grind size is an art, and experimentation is key. Play with different settings to find your preferred taste. Record your observations to create a reference for future brews.

By following these steps, you can fine-tune your Saeco Aroma to achieve the perfect grind size for your coffee preferences. Remember that a finer grind will increase the intensity and boldness of your espresso, while a coarser grind will result in a smoother drip coffee experience.

Rinsing the brew group

• Switch off the machine and wait until it is completely off and no longer making any noises (this usually takes around 15-20 seconds).
• Open the service door and remove the brew group. This involves pressing the "PUSH" button on the right side, holding it, and pulling the brew group towards you.
• Rinse the brew group thoroughly with lukewarm water, paying close attention to the filter and any small openings and grooves.
• Let the brew group air-dry completely before placing it back into the machine.

It is recommended to rinse the brew group on a weekly basis to ensure optimal performance and coffee taste. In addition to rinsing, it is also important to lubricate the brew group every month to keep the mechanical parts moving smoothly. This involves applying a thin layer of food-safe lubricant to the piston, shaft, and rails of the brew group.

Troubleshooting a clogged coffee dispensing spout

If your Saeco Aroma coffee machine is not dispensing coffee, there are a few possible reasons and troubleshooting steps you can try.

Clogged Coffee Dispensing Spout

Firstly, check if the coffee dispensing spout is clogged. To clean it, you can use a pipe cleaner or a needle to remove any dirt or blockage.

Dirty or Clogged Brew Group

Another common issue is a dirty or clogged brew group. It is important to rinse the brew group weekly. Here are the steps to do so:

• Switch off the machine and wait until it is completely off and no longer makes any noises (this usually takes about 15-20 seconds).
• Open the service door and remove the brew group by pressing the "PUSH" button on the right-hand side. Hold it and pull it towards you.
• Rinse the brew group thoroughly with lukewarm water and let it air dry before placing it back.

Blocked Coffee Funnel

If the above solutions do not work, the coffee funnel might be blocked by ground coffee. To unblock it:

• Remove the brew group.
• Clean the coffee funnel with a spoon handle. If there is no pre-ground coffee funnel, insert the spoon handle into the coffee funnel from below.

Adjust Grinder Setting

If your machine is brewing watery coffee, the grinder setting may need to be adjusted. When adjusting to a finer grind, it is possible to accidentally overturn the setting, resulting in the grinding stones being set too close together. This can cause the grind to be too fine and prevent water absorption. To fix this, simply readjust the grind setting to a coarser setting by turning the knob inside the coffee bean container to a higher number or larger coffee bean.

Descale the Machine

If your machine still does not dispense coffee, it may be due for descaling. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to descale your Saeco Aroma espresso machine.

Other Tips

• Ensure that the water tank is placed properly into the machine.
• Check if there is trapped air in the machine, which can block the water supply. Follow the steps provided by Saeco to remove trapped air.
• If you are using the machine for the first time, it is normal for the first few brewed coffees to be watery as the system is still adjusting. Brew a few more cups to optimise the extraction.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to address a clogged coffee dispensing spout and other common issues with your Saeco Aroma coffee machine.

Using the pre-ground coffee function

Step 1: Prepare the Machine

Before using the pre-ground coffee function, ensure that your Saeco Aroma machine is switched on and ready for use. It is important to wait until the machine has heated up and is in a ready state. This initial preparation ensures optimal performance and consistent results.

Step 2: Add Pre-Ground Coffee

Once your machine is ready, it's time to add the pre-ground coffee beans. Open the pre-ground coffee compartment, which is usually located inside the service door. Use the provided spoon to add one full scoop of pre-ground coffee beans. Make sure to level off the top excess to ensure you don't exceed the recommended amount. Overfilling the compartment may lead to issues with the brew group and coffee brewing.

Step 3: Avoid Overfilling

It is crucial to pay attention to the amount of coffee grounds you add. The Saeco Aroma machine is designed to accommodate a specific amount of coffee grounds for optimal brewing. Exceeding the recommended amount can cause the brew group to become overfilled, which may result in the machine aborting the coffee brewing process. Therefore, be careful not to overfill the pre-ground coffee compartment.

Step 4: Close the Compartment

After adding the correct amount of pre-ground coffee, close the lid of the pre-ground coffee compartment securely. Ensure that it is properly latched or locked into place. This step is important to prevent any grounds from spilling or falling out during the brewing process.

Step 5: Start the Brewing Process

With the pre-ground coffee securely in place, you can now initiate the brewing process. Depending on your machine's model, there may be a dedicated button or switch to start brewing. Refer to your machine's user manual if you're unsure about the specific steps to start brewing.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Coffee

Once the brewing process is complete, your freshly brewed coffee will be ready to serve and enjoy. Remember to clean the machine according to the user manual's instructions, especially if you plan to switch between pre-ground coffee and whole beans. Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and helps maintain the quality of your coffee.

Descaling the machine

Descaling your Saeco Aroma is a simple process, but it's important to do it every 3-4 months to prevent limescale buildup. You'll need to use a non-toxic descaling product suitable for coffee machines—vinegar is not recommended.

First, remove and empty the water tank, then mix the descaling solution with water according to the instructions. Pour the solution into the machine's water reservoir, and turn the machine on. Place a container below the steam spout, then open the knob and press the button to dispense the solution. Allow the solution to settle between dispensing by turning the machine off for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process until the descaling solution is used up, then reinsert the water tank. Dispense 2/3 of the water, then let the machine warm up and empty the tank again. Finally, rinse the machine with another full tank of water.

Frequently asked questions