Tchibo Cafissimo PICCO Capsule Coffee Machine User Manual

1. Important Safety Instructions

Please read these safety instructions carefully before using the appliance. Incorrect use can lead to injury or damage.

• Electrical Safety: Ensure the voltage indicated on the appliance corresponds to your mains voltage. Do not immerse the appliance, power cord, or plug in water or other liquids. Do not operate the appliance with a damaged cord or plug.
• Hot Surfaces: The brewing unit and coffee outlet become hot during operation. Avoid contact with hot surfaces. Use handles and knobs.
• Children: This appliance is not intended for use by children. Keep the appliance and its cord out of reach of children.
• Placement: Place the appliance on a stable, heat-resistant, and level surface, away from hot gas or electric burners, or heated ovens.
• Water Tank: Only fill the water tank with fresh, cold drinking water. Do not use milk or other liquids.
• Cleaning: Always unplug the appliance before cleaning. Allow it to cool down completely.
• Repairs: Do not attempt to repair the appliance yourself. Contact qualified service personnel for repairs.

2. Product Overview

The Tchibo Cafissimo PICCO is a compact capsule coffee machine designed for easy preparation of espresso and caffè crema. It features a unique 2-level brewing pressure system and a freely programmable beverage quantity.

Figure 1: Tchibo Cafissimo PICCO Capsule Coffee Machine. This image shows the compact design of the machine, highlighting its red color, the visible water tank on the side, and the adjustable drip tray at the front.

Key Features:

• 2 Brewing Pressure Levels: Up to 15 bars for perfect espresso and caffè crema.
• Programmable Beverage Quantity: Customize your drink volume.
• Adjustable Drip Tray: Accommodates various cup sizes, including latte macchiato glasses.
• Removable Water Tank: 0.9 L capacity, sufficient for up to 6 caffè crema servings.
• Fast Heating: Ready in approximately 30 seconds.
• Energy Efficient: Certified according to Eco TopTen criteria.
• Easy Operation: Simple one-button control.

3. Setup

1. Unpacking: Carefully remove the coffee machine from its packaging. Remove all protective films and packaging materials.
2. Initial Cleaning: Before first use, clean the water tank, drip tray, and capsule container with warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Positioning: Place the machine on a clean, dry, and stable surface. Ensure there is enough space around the machine for ventilation and access.
4. Fill Water Tank: Remove the water tank from the machine. Fill it with fresh, cold drinking water up to the "MAX" mark. Reinsert the water tank securely.
5. Plug In: Insert the power plug into a suitable wall socket. The machine will enter standby mode.
6. First Use / Priming:
   • Place a cup under the coffee outlet.
   • Press the coffee button (usually the larger one for caffè crema) without inserting a capsule.
   • Allow the machine to run through a full cycle of water to rinse the internal system. Repeat this process 2-3 times.
   • The machine is now primed and ready for use.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Preparing Coffee (Espresso or Caffè Crema)

1. Turn On: Press any button to turn on the machine. The buttons will flash during the heating phase (approx. 30 seconds) and illuminate steadily when ready.
2. Fill Water Tank: Ensure the water tank is filled with fresh, cold water.
3. Insert Capsule: Open the capsule lever, insert a Tchibo Cafissimo capsule into the capsule holder, and close the lever firmly.
4. Place Cup: Position your cup under the coffee outlet. Adjust the drip tray height if necessary.
5. Select Drink:
   • For Espresso, press the smaller button (usually marked with a small cup icon).
   • For Caffè Crema, press the larger button (usually marked with a larger cup icon).
   The machine will start brewing. The selected button will flash during the brewing process.
6. Remove Capsule: Once brewing is complete, open the capsule lever. The used capsule will automatically drop into the integrated capsule container. Close the lever.
7. Enjoy: Your coffee is ready.

4.2 Programming Beverage Quantity

You can customize the amount of coffee dispensed for both Espresso and Caffè Crema.

1. Ensure the machine is ready (buttons steadily illuminated).
2. Insert a capsule and place a cup as described above.
3. Press and hold the button for the drink you wish to program (Espresso or Caffè Crema).
4. Release the button when the desired amount of coffee has been dispensed into your cup. The new quantity is now saved for future preparations of that drink type.

5. Maintenance

Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your coffee machine.

5.1 Daily Cleaning

• Drip Tray and Capsule Container: Empty and rinse the drip tray and used capsule container daily. Wash them with warm water and a mild detergent, then dry thoroughly.
• Water Tank: Rinse the water tank daily with fresh water. Refill with fresh water for each use.
• Coffee Outlet: Wipe the coffee outlet area with a damp cloth to remove any coffee residue.
• Exterior: Wipe the exterior of the machine with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.

5.2 Descaling

Depending on water hardness and frequency of use, descaling should be performed regularly (e.g., every 3-6 months) to prevent limescale buildup, which can affect performance and taste.

1. Prepare Descaling Solution: Use a commercially available descaling agent suitable for coffee machines. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the solution with water.
2. Empty Machine: Ensure the water tank, drip tray, and capsule container are empty.
3. Fill Tank: Pour the descaling solution into the water tank.
4. Start Descaling: Place a large container (at least 1 liter) under the coffee outlet. Start the descaling process by pressing and holding both coffee buttons simultaneously for a few seconds until the descaling cycle begins (refer to specific machine indicators if available, otherwise, run several full cycles of water through).
5. Rinse: After the descaling solution has run through, rinse the water tank thoroughly and fill it with fresh water. Run at least two full tanks of fresh water through the machine to remove any descaling agent residue.
6. Final Cleaning: Clean the drip tray and capsule container again.

Note: Specific descaling instructions may vary slightly. Always refer to the descaling agent's instructions.

6. Troubleshooting

Before contacting customer service, please consult the following table for common issues and their solutions.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

Your Tchibo Cafissimo PICCO coffee machine comes with a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included in your product packaging for specific terms and conditions, including the warranty period and coverage details.

For technical support, spare parts, or service inquiries, please contact Tchibo customer service. Contact information can typically be found on the official Tchibo website or on your purchase receipt.

• Online Support: Visit the official Tchibo website for FAQs, product registration, and contact forms.
• Customer Service Hotline: Check your product documentation or the Tchibo website for local contact numbers.