Introduction
This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your KRUPS IL Primo Espresso and Cappuccino Maker. Please read this manual thoroughly before first use and keep it for future reference.
The KRUPS IL Primo is designed to prepare 1-4 cups of espresso or cappuccino. It operates by forcing hot water through ground coffee under steam pressure to extract flavor, and features a milk frother for cappuccino preparation.
Note: The coffee machine is white, not black as depicted on some packaging materials.

Image: KRUPS IL Primo Espresso and Cappuccino Maker. This image displays the white espresso machine with its various components, including the portafilter, steam wand, and drip tray, ready for use.
Important Safety Instructions
- 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.
- Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
- Ensure the lid is securely in place before operating.
- Scalding may occur if the lid is removed during the brewing cycle.
Product Components
Familiarize yourself with the parts of your KRUPS IL Primo Espresso and Cappuccino Maker:
- Water Reservoir: Holds water for brewing.
- Boiler Cap: Secures the water reservoir and pressure system.
- Portafilter: Holds ground coffee for brewing espresso.
- Filter Basket: Inserted into the portafilter to hold ground coffee.
- Steam Wand / Frothing Nozzle: Used for steaming and frothing milk.
- Drip Tray: Collects excess liquid and drips.
- Control Knob/Buttons: For selecting functions (brew, steam, off).
- Glass Carafe: Collects brewed espresso.
Setup and First Use
- Unpacking: Carefully remove all packaging materials and ensure all components are present.
- Initial Cleaning: Wash the portafilter, filter basket, glass carafe, and drip tray in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Wipe the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth.
- Fill Water Reservoir: Unscrew the boiler cap. Fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold water up to the desired level (e.g., 4-cup mark). Do not overfill. Securely replace the boiler cap.
- Priming the Machine (First Use or After Extended Storage):
- Ensure the steam wand is positioned over the drip tray or an empty cup.
- Turn the control knob to the "Steam" position (if applicable, or the position that activates the steam wand).
- Plug in the machine and turn it on. Allow water to flow through the steam wand until a steady stream is observed. This purges air from the system.
- Turn off the machine and allow it to cool.
- Your machine is now ready for use.
Operating Instructions
Making Espresso
- Prepare Water: Ensure the water reservoir is filled with fresh, cold water to the desired level (e.g., 2-cup or 4-cup mark). Secure the boiler cap.
- Prepare Coffee: Grind fresh espresso beans to a fine consistency. For 2 cups, use approximately 2 scoops (or 14g) of ground coffee. For 4 cups, use approximately 4 scoops (or 28g).
- Fill Portafilter: Place the filter basket into the portafilter. Add the measured ground coffee to the filter basket. Lightly tamp the coffee evenly. Wipe any excess coffee from the rim of the portafilter.
- Attach Portafilter: Align the portafilter with the group head on the machine. Insert and twist firmly to the right until it is securely locked in place.
- Position Carafe: Place the glass carafe under the portafilter spouts.
- Brew Espresso: Plug in the machine. Turn the control knob to the "Brew" or "Coffee" position. The machine will begin to heat the water and force it through the coffee.
- Monitor Brewing: Once the desired amount of espresso has been brewed into the carafe, turn the control knob to the "Off" position. Do not over-extract.
- Serve: Carefully remove the carafe and serve the fresh espresso.
Making Cappuccino (Steaming Milk)
After brewing espresso, you can steam milk for cappuccino:
- Prepare Milk: Fill a metal frothing pitcher with cold milk (dairy or non-dairy) to about one-third full.
- Heat for Steam: Turn the control knob to the "Steam" position. Allow the machine to heat up until steam is consistently produced from the steam wand.
- Position Steam Wand: Submerge the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk in the pitcher.
- Steam Milk: Open the steam valve (if applicable, or ensure the control knob is fully in the steam position). Angle the pitcher slightly to create a swirling motion in the milk. Move the pitcher up and down slightly to incorporate air for froth.
- Monitor Temperature: Continue steaming until the milk reaches the desired temperature (approximately 150-160°F or 60-70°C) and has a creamy, frothy texture. The pitcher will become hot to the touch.
- Finish: Close the steam valve and turn the control knob to "Off". 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.
- Combine: Pour the steamed milk over your freshly brewed espresso to create a cappuccino.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Daily Cleaning
- After Each Use: Unplug the machine. Allow it to cool. Carefully remove the portafilter, discard the used coffee grounds, and rinse the portafilter and filter basket under warm water.
- Drip Tray: Empty and rinse the drip tray regularly.
- Steam Wand: Always wipe the steam wand immediately after frothing milk. Briefly purge steam through the wand to clear any internal milk residue.
- Exterior: Wipe the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or immerse the machine in water.
Descaling
Mineral deposits from water can build up over time, affecting performance. Descale your machine every 2-3 months, or more frequently if you have hard water.
- Prepare Descaling Solution: Mix a descaling solution according to the manufacturer's instructions (e.g., white vinegar and water, or a commercial descaler).
- Fill Reservoir: Pour the descaling solution into the water reservoir.
- Run Cycle: Place an empty carafe under the portafilter. Run a brewing cycle until about half of the solution has passed through.
- Steam Wand: Direct the steam wand into an empty cup and run steam through it until about half of the remaining solution has passed through.
- Soak: Turn off the machine and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse: Run the remaining solution through the brew head and steam wand.
- Flush: Rinse the water reservoir thoroughly and fill it with fresh, clean water. Run several full cycles of clean water through both the brew head and steam wand to remove any descaler residue.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No coffee brews. | No water in reservoir; machine not turned on; clogged filter basket; boiler cap not sealed. | Fill reservoir; ensure power is on; clean filter basket; ensure boiler cap is tightly closed. |
| Weak or watery espresso. | Coffee grounds too coarse; not enough coffee; insufficient tamping; machine needs descaling. | Use finer grind; increase coffee amount; tamp more firmly; descale the machine. |
| No steam from wand. | Steam wand clogged; machine not hot enough; no water in reservoir. | Clean steam wand; allow machine to heat longer; fill water reservoir. |
| Machine leaks. | Portafilter not properly secured; drip tray full; boiler cap loose. | Re-secure portafilter; empty drip tray; tighten boiler cap. |
Specifications
- Brand: KRUPS
- Model: IL Primo
- Color: White
- Coffee Maker Type: Espresso Machine
- Operation Mode: Fully Automatic
- Coffee Input Type: Ground Coffee
- Special Feature: Milk Frother
- Item Weight: 4.44 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 11.6 x 10.1 x 8.5 inches
- Manufacturer: Krups
- First Available: May 3, 2010
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official KRUPS website. Do not attempt to repair the appliance yourself; contact authorized service personnel for assistance.





