Introduction
The Krups 867-42 Il Caffe Bistro is a versatile appliance designed to brew both regular drip coffee and espresso. This dual-purpose machine features separate water tanks, allowing for simultaneous preparation of coffee and espresso. It includes a steam nozzle with a frothing attachment for creating various coffee beverages like cappuccinos and lattes. This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your appliance.
Important Safety Instructions
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons, including the following:
- Read all instructions before using the appliance.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- To protect against fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, do not immerse cord, plugs, or appliance in water or other liquid.
- Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
- Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning the appliance.
- Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions, or has been damaged in any manner.
- The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may result in fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
- Do not use outdoors.
- Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
- Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
- Always attach plug to appliance first, then plug cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn any control to "off", then remove plug from wall outlet.
- Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
Components Overview

Front view of the Krups 867-42 Il Caffe Bistro, showing the coffee carafe on the left, the espresso carafe on the right, control panel in the center, and the steam wand.
- Coffee Water Tank: Located on the left side, for drip coffee brewing.
- Espresso Water Tank: Located on the right side, for espresso brewing.
- Control Panel: Central panel with digital clock/timer, "on/off" switch, and "auto" button for programmable brewing.
- Coffee Carafe: Glass carafe for brewed drip coffee, sits on a warming plate.
- Espresso Carafe: Smaller glass carafe for brewed espresso.
- Filter Holder (Portafilter): For holding ground espresso coffee.
- Steam Wand/Nozzle: For frothing milk for cappuccinos and lattes.
- Brew Selector Knob: To switch between espresso brewing and steam/frothing.
Setup
- Unpacking: Carefully remove all packaging materials. Retain packaging for future transport or storage.
- Initial Cleaning: Before first use, wash the coffee carafe, espresso carafe, filter holder, and frothing attachment in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly. Wipe the exterior of the appliance with a damp cloth.
- First Use Cycle (Coffee Side):
- Fill the coffee water tank with fresh cold water to the 10-cup mark.
- Place an empty filter into the coffee filter basket.
- Place the coffee carafe on the warming plate.
- Press the "on" button for the coffee side. Allow the full cycle to complete. Discard the water.
- First Use Cycle (Espresso Side):
- Fill the espresso water tank with fresh cold water to the 4-cup mark.
- Attach the empty filter holder to the espresso machine.
- Place the espresso carafe under the filter holder.
- Turn the brew selector knob to the espresso position. Allow water to flow through. Discard the water.
- Turn the knob to the steam position to clear the steam wand.
Operating Instructions
Brewing Drip Coffee
- Fill Water Tank: Open the lid of the coffee water tank and fill with desired amount of fresh, cold water. Do not exceed the 10-cup maximum.
- Add Coffee Grounds: Insert a paper filter (or reusable filter) into the coffee filter basket. Add desired amount of ground coffee (approximately 1 tablespoon per cup, adjust to taste).
- Place Carafe: Ensure the coffee carafe is properly placed on the warming plate.
- Start Brewing: Press the "on" button for the coffee side. The brewing process will begin. The warming plate will keep the coffee hot after brewing.
- Programmable Brewing: To set a delayed brew time, use the programmable digital clock/timer. Refer to the specific instructions in your full manual for setting the timer (usually involves "prog" and "auto" buttons).
Brewing Espresso
- Fill Water Tank: Open the lid of the espresso water tank and fill with fresh, cold water. Do not exceed the 4-cup maximum.
- Add Espresso Grounds: Place the desired amount of finely ground espresso coffee into the filter basket of the filter holder. Tamp the coffee evenly.
- Attach Filter Holder: Securely attach the filter holder to the espresso machine by twisting it into place.
- Place Carafe: Place the espresso carafe under the filter holder.
- Start Brewing: Turn the brew selector knob to the espresso brewing position. The machine will begin to brew espresso.
- Stop Brewing: Once the desired amount of espresso is brewed (up to 4 cups), turn the brew selector knob back to the "off" position.
Frothing Milk for Cappuccino/Latte
- Prepare Milk: Fill a frothing pitcher with cold milk (dairy or non-dairy) to about one-third full.
- Heat Machine: After brewing espresso, or if starting fresh, ensure the espresso side is heated. Turn the brew selector knob to the steam position. Wait for the steam indicator light (if present) to illuminate, indicating the machine is ready to produce steam.
- Purge Steam Wand: Briefly open the steam valve to release any condensed water from the wand into an empty cup. Close the valve.
- Froth Milk: Immerse the steam wand tip just below the surface of the milk. Slowly open the steam valve. Move the pitcher up and down to create foam. For latte, immerse deeper for less foam.
- Stop Steaming: Once desired foam and temperature are reached, close the steam valve and remove the pitcher.
- Clean Steam Wand: Immediately wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth to prevent milk residue from drying. Briefly open the steam valve again to clear any milk from inside the wand.
Maintenance
Daily Cleaning
- Carafes and Filter Baskets: Wash the coffee and espresso carafes, coffee filter basket, and espresso filter holder with warm, soapy water after each use. Rinse thoroughly.
- Drip Trays: Empty and clean the drip trays regularly.
- Exterior: Wipe the exterior of the appliance with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
Descaling
Mineral deposits from water can build up in your machine over time, affecting performance. Descale your machine every 2-3 months, or more frequently if you have hard water.
- Prepare Descaling Solution: Use a commercial descaling solution specifically designed for coffee machines, or a mixture of white vinegar and water (1:2 ratio).
- Coffee Side Descaling:
- Fill the coffee water tank with the descaling solution.
- Place the empty coffee carafe on the warming plate.
- Run a full brewing cycle. Turn off the machine and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Run another cycle to empty the tank.
- Rinse by running 2-3 full cycles with fresh, cold water.
- Espresso Side Descaling:
- Fill the espresso water tank with the descaling solution.
- Place the empty espresso carafe under the filter holder.
- Run half of the solution through the espresso brewing cycle.
- Turn the knob to the steam position and release steam through the wand for about 30 seconds.
- Turn off the machine and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Run the remaining solution through the espresso brewing cycle and steam wand.
- Rinse by running 2-3 full cycles with fresh, cold water through both the brewing head and steam wand.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee not brewing / Espresso not flowing |
|
|
| Weak coffee/espresso |
|
|
| No steam from wand |
|
|
Specifications
- Model: 867-42
- Brand: KRUPS
- Dimensions: 10"D x 12"W x 13"H
- Weight: 4.75 pounds
- Coffee Capacity: 10 cups (5 oz each)
- Espresso Capacity: 4 cups (2 oz each)
- Power: 1500 Watts
- Features: Programmable digital clock/timer, 20-second pause for mid-brew pour.
Warranty Information
The Krups 867-42 Il Caffe Bistro carries a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Parts and service are covered for 90 days from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from misuse, neglect, accident, alteration, or unauthorized repair. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Customer Support
For further assistance, troubleshooting, or to inquire about replacement parts, please contact KRUPS customer service. You may also visit the official KRUPS website for additional resources and FAQs.
- KRUPS Official Website: www.krups.com
- User Manual (PDF): A digital version of the user manual may be available for download. Download PDF





