Priming Your Saeco Aroma Espresso Machine: Step-By-Step Guide

The Saeco Aroma Espresso Machine is a beloved appliance that brings the rich aroma of freshly brewed espresso into your home. It is a medium-priced, stainless steel machine that excels at making espresso drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. Before using the machine for the first time, it is important to prime it to ensure the heating element does not suffer any damage. Priming the machine involves filling the water reservoir with fresh, cold water, ensuring the intake hoses are submerged, turning the steam knob open, placing an empty container under the steam wand, and turning on the machine. The machine should be set to the coffee/brew or hot water setting, depending on the model. Once water flows out of the brew head, the steam valve should be closed, and the system should be flushed with about a cup of water. Regular descaling and cleaning of the machine's parts, such as the portafilter and water reservoir, are also important for maintaining the quality of your coffee and the longevity of the machine.

Filling the water reservoir with fresh, cold water

Step 1: Accessing the Water Reservoir

The first step is to locate the water reservoir. On the Saeco Aroma Espresso Machine, it is either on the front or top of the machine. If it's on the front, simply pull it out towards you to access it. If it's on the top, lift the machine's top cover to expose the reservoir.

Step 2: Checking the Reservoir

Before filling, it's important to check the reservoir for any dirt, particles, or leftover coffee beans, especially if it's located on the top of the machine. Remove any foreign objects or residue to ensure the reservoir is clean.

Step 3: Filling with Fresh, Cold Water

Now, it's time to fill the reservoir with fresh, cold water. The Saeco Aroma has an 80-ounce water reservoir, so make sure you have enough water on hand. Use a pitcher or jug to fill the reservoir, ensuring the water is cold and fresh. Avoid using warm or hot water, as this can affect the taste of your espresso.

Step 4: Securing the Reservoir

After filling the reservoir, carefully place it back into the machine. For front-loading reservoirs, push it back into place until you feel it click or hear it snap into position. For top-loading reservoirs, lower the cover gently to secure the reservoir in place. Ensure the reservoir is correctly seated and stable before proceeding.

Step 5: Running Initial Water Cycles

Once the reservoir is filled and secured, turn on the machine and let it heat up. Then, select the hot water option and dispense 2-3 cups of hot water. This step helps ensure any air trapped in the system is released and that the water is at the optimal temperature for brewing.

By following these steps, you'll be able to prime your Saeco Aroma Espresso Machine effectively, ensuring delicious espresso shots and keeping your machine in good working condition. Remember to use fresh, cold water for the best results and to regularly clean and descale your reservoir to prevent mineral buildup and maintain the highest coffee quality.

Ensuring intake hoses are submerged in the water reservoir

To ensure the intake hoses are submerged in the water reservoir of your Saeco Aroma Espresso Machine, follow these steps:

Firstly, fill your espresso machine's water reservoir with cold water. It is important to use cold water as the first step of priming your machine. This will prevent potential damage to the heating element from overheating.

Next, plug in the machine and turn it on. This will activate the various components of the machine, including the water reservoir and intake hoses, and prepare them for the priming process.

Now, carefully inspect the intake hoses to ensure they are fully submerged in the water reservoir. The hoses should be completely underwater, with their tips positioned close to the bottom of the reservoir. This ensures optimal water intake for the machine. Check for any kinks or blockages in the hoses and adjust them as needed to ensure smooth water flow.

At this stage, turn the steam knob to the open position. This will prepare the steam wand for the priming process, allowing it to release any built-up pressure and function correctly.

Finally, place an empty container under the steam wand. This will catch any liquid released during the priming process, preventing messes or accidental spills.

By following these steps, you can effectively ensure that the intake hoses of your Saeco Aroma Espresso Machine are properly submerged in the water reservoir, facilitating optimal water intake and machine performance.

Opening the steam knob and placing an empty container under the steam wand

To open the steam knob and place an empty container under the steam wand of your Saeco Aroma Espresso Machine, follow these steps:

First, ensure that your machine is unplugged and has cooled down sufficiently. Next, remove the water tank and carefully loosen the two Philips-head screws that secure the metal cover in place. Take care not to misplace the serrated washers.

You will now be able to observe the steam knob, which is secured by a snap ring and a washer. These components prevent the knob from being turned too far. Remove the snap ring; if it falls inside the machine, use a magnetised screwdriver to retrieve it.

Continue to turn the steam knob in a counter-clockwise direction until it comes out completely. Set the large metal washer aside for now. With the snap ring, washer, and knob removed, you may notice some corrosion on the tip of the steam wand. Use a suitable abrasive material, such as extra-fine steel wool or fine-grit sandpaper, to gently remove the corrosion until the surface is smooth. Be cautious, as brass is a soft metal and it doesn't take long to remove a significant amount of material.

Now, refer to the images or instructions that guided you to this process to determine if there are any other steps required to address the specific issue you are facing with your machine. If not, you can proceed with reassembly.

Place the large metal washer back onto the steam wand and reinsert the steam knob, turning it clockwise until it is secure. Reinstall the snap ring, ensuring it is properly seated. Finally, replace the metal cover and secure it with the two Philips-head screws.

Throughout this process, it is important to have an empty container placed under the steam wand to catch any water or debris that may fall during the procedure.

Setting the machine to the coffee/brew setting or hot water setting

To set your Saeco Aroma Espresso Machine to the coffee/brew setting, start by filling the water tank and coffee bean hopper. Remove the water tank and fill it with fresh water up to the 'Max' level indication. Then, fill the coffee bean hopper with your chosen espresso beans—avoid flavoured or overly oily beans.

Next, turn on your machine by inserting the small plug into the socket at the back of the machine, and the main plug into a wall socket. Turn the main switch to 'I' if it's located on the machine. Place a cup under the hot water spout/steam wand to collect water dispensed during priming, and press the 'Standby' button to switch on the machine.

Now, prime the water circuit. The display will show the circuit priming icon; select 'OK' to start. The machine will begin dispensing water.

If your machine is compatible with the AquaClean filter, prepare and activate the filter. Shake the filter for five seconds, then hold it upside down in a container/bowl with water until no more air bubbles come out. Place the filter back into the water tank and fill the tank with water.

Finally, adjust the coffee strength to your preference. Press the 'Aroma strength' button to change the coffee strength—each press changes the strength by one level. The display will show the chosen strength, which will be saved when you change the strength while brewing.

To set the machine to the hot water setting, follow the steps above, and then select the 'hot water' option when the machine has heated up. Dispense 2-3 cups of hot water.

Flushing the system with a cup of water

To flush the system with a cup of water, start by locating the water reservoir. The Saeco Aroma Espresso Machine has an 80-oz water reservoir, which is perfect for brewing multiple espressos without needing to refill. The reservoir is removable, making it easy to clean and refill.

Once you have located the water reservoir, follow these steps:

• Remove the water reservoir from the machine.
• Fill it with fresh, clean water. Ensure that the water you use is free from impurities, as this can affect the flavour of your espresso.
• Reinsert the water reservoir into the machine.
• Place a cup under the coffee spout.
• Turn on the machine and initiate the brewing cycle.
• Let the machine run for a full cycle, allowing the water to flush through the system.
• Repeat this process if necessary, especially if you haven't used the machine in a while or if you're using it for the first time.

Frequently asked questions