Introduction
Welcome to the Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine user manual. This guide provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your new espresso machine. Designed for ease of use, this machine allows you to enjoy rich espressos, creamy cappuccinos, and lattes in the comfort of your home.
Important Safeguards
Please read all instructions before operating the Capresso 303.01. Improper use can result in personal injury or damage to the appliance. Always follow basic safety precautions, including:
- 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.
- Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot liquids.
Components Overview
Familiarize yourself with the main components of your Capresso 303.01 machine:
- Water Reservoir Cap: Located on top, used for filling water.
- Coffee/Steam Selector Knob: Controls brewing and steaming functions.
- Portafilter: Holds ground coffee for brewing.
- 4-Cup Glass Carafe: Collects brewed espresso, with measurement markings.
- Steam Wand: For frothing milk.
- Drip Tray: Collects excess liquid and is removable for cleaning.
- Power Button: Located on the side to turn the machine on/off.

Figure 1: Front view of the Capresso 303.01 Espresso and Cappuccino Machine.

Figure 2: The 4-cup glass carafe with clear measurement markings for 2 and 4 cups.
Setup
- Unpacking and Initial Cleaning: Remove all packaging materials. Wash the glass carafe, portafilter, and drip tray in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Wipe the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth.
- Filling the Water Reservoir: Unscrew the water reservoir cap on top of the machine. Pour fresh, cold water into the reservoir using the carafe for accurate measurement (up to 4 cups). Securely screw the cap back on.
- Inserting the Portafilter: Ensure the portafilter is empty and clean. Align it with the brewing head and twist it securely into place.
- Placement: Place the machine on a stable, flat, heat-resistant surface. Ensure the power button is in the "off" position before plugging into a grounded electrical outlet.
Video 1: Product Summary Video demonstrating the machine's features and basic setup.
Operating Instructions
Making Espresso
- Prepare Portafilter: Remove the portafilter from the machine. Add your desired amount of finely ground espresso coffee into the filter basket. For 2 cups, use one scoop; for 4 cups, use two scoops. Tamp the coffee down firmly using the tamper end of the measuring spoon.
- Attach Portafilter: Securely reattach the portafilter to the brewing head.
- Place Carafe: Place the glass carafe on the drip tray directly beneath the portafilter.
- Power On: Turn on the machine using the power button. Allow the machine to heat up until the indicator light illuminates (this may take a few minutes).
- Brew Espresso: Turn the Coffee/Steam selector knob to the coffee cup icon (brew setting). Espresso will begin to drip into the carafe. Turn the knob back to the "off" position once the desired amount of espresso has been brewed.
- Serve: Carefully remove the carafe and pour the fresh espresso into your cups.

Figure 3: The Capresso 303.01 machine actively brewing espresso.
Steaming Milk for Cappuccinos and Lattes
- Prepare Milk: Fill a frothing pitcher with cold milk (dairy or non-dairy). Do not fill more than one-third full to allow for expansion.
- Heat Steam Wand: Turn the Coffee/Steam selector knob to the steam icon (steam setting). Allow the machine to build steam pressure. A small amount of steam may release from the wand.
- Froth Milk: Submerge the steam wand tip just below the surface of the milk. Turn the steam control knob on the side to release steam. Move the pitcher up and down to create foam. For more froth, keep the tip closer to the surface; for hotter milk, submerge it deeper.
- Finish: Once desired froth and temperature are achieved, turn off the steam control knob and then the Coffee/Steam selector knob. Carefully remove the pitcher. Wipe the steam wand immediately with a damp cloth to prevent milk residue from drying.
- Combine: Pour the frothed milk over your freshly brewed espresso.

Figure 4: Demonstrating the milk frothing process using the steam wand.
Video 2: Official product video showcasing the Capresso 303.01's features, including steaming milk.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity of your machine.
- Daily Cleaning:
- After each use, remove the portafilter and discard used coffee grounds. Rinse the portafilter and filter basket under warm water.
- Empty and rinse the drip tray.
- Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth.
- Immediately after frothing milk, wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth to remove any milk residue. Run a short burst of steam to clear the internal tube.
- Descaling:
Depending on water hardness, descale your machine every 2-3 months. Use a commercial descaling solution designed for espresso machines or a mixture of white vinegar and water (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water). Follow the descaling solution's instructions or run the vinegar solution through the machine as if brewing coffee, then rinse thoroughly with several cycles of fresh water.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No coffee brews. | No water in reservoir; clogged filter; machine not heated. | Fill reservoir; clean filter; allow machine to heat up. |
| Weak espresso. | Insufficient coffee grounds; coffee not tamped firmly enough; coarse grind. | Add more coffee; tamp firmly; use finer grind. |
| Steam wand not producing steam. | Not enough water; steam wand clogged. | Fill reservoir; clean steam wand thoroughly. |
| Machine leaking. | Portafilter not securely attached; drip tray full. | Ensure portafilter is locked in place; empty drip tray. |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Capresso |
| Model Name | 303 |
| Item Model Number | 303.01 |
| Color | Black |
| Product Dimensions | 7.5"D x 9.75"W x 13.25"H |
| Item Weight | 5.94 pounds |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Filter Type | Reusable |
| Operation Mode | Fully Automatic |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Special Feature | Milk Frother, Drip Tray, Hot Water Dispenser |
Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or to purchase replacement parts, please refer to the official Capresso website or contact their customer service. You can also find the full user manual in PDF format for detailed information:





