1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Aigostar Espresso Portafilter Machine. This versatile coffee maker is designed to deliver barista-quality espresso at home, compatible with both ground coffee and NES* Original capsules. Featuring a powerful 20 Bar pressure pump, a user-friendly digital touch panel, and a milk frothing system, it allows you to prepare a wide range of coffee beverages with ease. Please read this manual carefully before use to ensure safe and optimal operation.
2. Safety Information
- Read all instructions before using the appliance.
- Do not immerse the appliance, power cord, or plug in water or other liquids.
- Ensure the voltage indicated on the appliance corresponds to your local mains voltage before connecting.
- Keep the appliance out of reach of children.
- Always place the appliance on a stable, flat, heat-resistant surface.
- Do not operate the appliance if the power cord or plug is damaged, or if the appliance malfunctions or is damaged in any way.
- Exercise caution when handling hot surfaces and steam.
3. Package Contents
Please check that all items are present and in good condition:
- Aigostar Espresso Portafilter Machine
- 1x Measure Spoon
- 1x One Cup Filter for Single Shot
- 1x Two Cup Filter for Double Shot
- 1x Portafilter (for ground coffee)
- 1x Capsule Coffee Portafilter (for NES* Original Capsules)
4. Product Overview
Control Panel
- Power Switch: Turns the machine on/off.
- One Cup Button: Brews a single shot of espresso.
- Two Cup Button: Brews a double shot of espresso.
- Steam Milk Button: Activates the milk frothing function.
- Capsule Coffee Button: Brews coffee using a capsule.
Other Components
- 0.9L Capacity Water Tank: Removable for easy refilling.
- Removable Drip Tray: Simple to disassemble and clean.
- Stainless Steel Filter: Includes filters for single shot, double shot, and capsule coffee.
- Cup Warmer Grill: Preheats cups to keep espresso warm.
- Steam Wand: For frothing milk.
5. Setup
- Unpack: Carefully remove all packaging materials and accessories.
- Clean: Wash the water tank, portafilter, and filters with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Fill Water Tank: Remove the water tank from the back of the machine, fill it with fresh, cold water up to the MAX line, and place it back securely.
- Power On: Plug the machine into a suitable power outlet. Press the Power Switch button on the LCD touch panel to turn on the machine. The machine will begin heating.
- Initial Rinse Cycle: Before first use, perform a rinse cycle without coffee. Fill the water tank, attach an empty portafilter, place a cup, and press the 'Two Cup' button. Let the water run through. Repeat for the steam wand by activating the steam function. This cleans the internal components.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1 Brewing Espresso (Ground Coffee)
- Ensure the machine is powered on and preheated.
- Insert the desired stainless steel filter (one-cup or two-cup) into the ground coffee portafilter.
- Add finely ground coffee to the filter. Use the measure spoon to ensure the correct amount. Tamp the coffee evenly and firmly.
- Attach the portafilter to the brewing head by aligning it and twisting it firmly to the right until it locks.
- Place your cup(s) on the drip tray beneath the portafilter. For taller cups, the lower part of the drip tray can be removed.
- Press the 'One Cup' or 'Two Cup' button on the control panel to start brewing. The machine will automatically stop when the desired volume is reached.
- Once brewing is complete, carefully remove the portafilter and discard the used coffee grounds.
6.2 Brewing Espresso (Capsules)
- Ensure the machine is powered on and preheated.
- Insert the capsule coffee portafilter into the brewing head.
- Place a compatible NES* Original capsule into the capsule portafilter.
- Attach the capsule portafilter to the brewing head by aligning it and twisting it firmly to the right until it locks.
- Place your cup on the drip tray beneath the portafilter.
- Press the 'Capsule Coffee' button on the control panel to start brewing. The machine will automatically stop.
- Once brewing is complete, carefully remove the capsule portafilter and discard the used capsule.
6.3 Milk Frothing
- Fill a milk pitcher with cold milk (dairy or non-dairy).
- Position the steam wand over the drip tray and press the 'Steam Milk' button on the control panel. Wait for the steam indicator light to illuminate, indicating it's ready.
- Submerge the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk. Turn the steam control knob on the side of the machine to activate steam.
- Move the pitcher up and down to create foam. Once desired foam is achieved, turn the steam control knob off.
- Immediately wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth to prevent milk residue from drying.
6.4 Cup Warmer
Place your espresso cups on the cup warmer grill located on top of the machine. This helps to preheat the cups, ensuring your espresso stays warm longer and tastes better.
6.5 Product Demonstration Video
7. Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance will prolong the life of your espresso machine and ensure consistent coffee quality.
- Drip Tray: Empty and clean the removable drip tray daily. Wash with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
- Portafilter and Filters: After each use, remove the portafilter and discard coffee grounds/capsules. Rinse the portafilter and filters under running water. For a deeper clean, use a small brush to remove any stubborn coffee residue.
- Steam Wand: Immediately after frothing milk, wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth. Briefly activate the steam function to purge any milk residue from inside the wand.
- Water Tank: Remove and clean the water tank periodically with warm soapy water. Rinse well to remove any soap residue.
- Descaling: Over time, mineral deposits can build up in the machine. Descale your machine regularly (e.g., every 2-3 months, depending on water hardness) using a suitable descaling solution. Follow the instructions provided with your descaling product.
- Exterior: Wipe the exterior of the machine with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or immerse the machine in water.
8. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Machine does not turn on | No power supply | Check if the power cord is securely plugged into the outlet and the machine. |
| No coffee or very slow flow | Water tank empty; Coffee too finely ground or over-tamped; Filter clogged; Machine needs descaling. | Fill water tank; Use coarser grind or less coffee; Clean filter; Descale the machine. |
| Coffee is too watery | Coffee too coarsely ground; Not enough coffee; Insufficient tamping. | Use finer grind; Increase coffee amount; Tamp more firmly. |
| No steam from wand | Water tank empty; Steam function not activated; Steam wand clogged. | Fill water tank; Press 'Steam Milk' button and wait for indicator; Clean steam wand. |
| Leaking from brewing head | Portafilter not properly attached; Seal ring worn. | Ensure portafilter is securely locked; Contact customer support if seal is worn. |
9. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | AIGOSTAR |
| Type | Capsule coffee machine |
| Function | Espresso |
| Power (W) | >299W |
| Voltage | 220V-240V |
| Pressure | 20 Bar |
| Housing Material | Stainless steel |
| Capacity (Cup) | 2 cups |
| Water Tank Capacity | 0.9L |
| Heating Time | 25-45 seconds |
| Certification | CE, RoHS |
10. User Tips
- Preheat Your Cups: For the best espresso experience, always preheat your cups on the cup warmer grill. This helps maintain the temperature of your espresso for longer.
- Fresh Water: Always use fresh, cold water in the water tank for optimal taste.
- Grind Size: Experiment with different coffee grind sizes. A finer grind is generally better for espresso, but too fine can lead to slow extraction or clogging.
- Tamping: Apply consistent and firm pressure when tamping ground coffee to ensure even extraction.
11. Warranty and Support
Your Aigostar Espresso Portafilter Machine comes with a manufacturer's warranty. For detailed warranty information, service, or technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or contact Aigostar customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
