Important Safeguards
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 this appliance.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- To protect against electric shock, 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. Return appliance to the nearest authorized service facility for examination, repair, or adjustment.
- 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.
- Scalding may occur if the lid is removed during the brewing cycle.
Product Components
The Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECM180 Steam Espresso Machine comes with several components designed for brewing espresso and frothing milk. Familiarize yourself with these parts before operation.
- Espresso Machine Base
- Glass Carafe (20-ounce capacity)
- Portafilter with Handle
- Filter Basket
- Measuring Scoop
- Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher
- Two Ceramic Espresso Cups
- Steam Wand with Froth Aid
Image: The Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECM180 Steam Espresso Machine displayed with its full starter set, including the machine, glass carafe, portafilter, measuring scoop, stainless steel frothing pitcher, and two ceramic espresso cups.
Setup
Initial Setup and First Use
- Unpack all components and remove any packaging materials.
- Wash the glass carafe, portafilter, filter basket, frothing pitcher, and espresso cups in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Place the espresso machine on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface near an electrical outlet.
- For the first use, fill the water reservoir with cold water up to the MAX line. Run a cycle without coffee to clean the internal components.
Filling the Water Reservoir
- Ensure the machine is unplugged and cool.
- Remove the water reservoir lid.
- Fill the reservoir with fresh, cold water. Do not exceed the MAX fill line.
- Replace the water reservoir lid securely.
Preparing the Filter Basket
- Insert the desired filter basket (single or double shot) into the portafilter.
- Using the measuring scoop, add finely ground espresso coffee to the filter basket. For a single shot, use one scoop; for a double shot, use two scoops.
- Lightly tamp the coffee grounds to create an even, compact surface.
- Wipe any excess coffee grounds from the rim of the portafilter.
Image: A hand is shown securely inserting the portafilter, filled with coffee grounds, into the brewing head of the Mr. Coffee espresso machine.
Operating Instructions
Brewing Espresso
- Ensure the water reservoir is filled and the portafilter is securely locked into the brewing head.
- Place the glass carafe under the portafilter spout.
- Plug the machine into a standard electrical outlet.
- Turn the control knob to the 'Brew' position. The indicator light will illuminate, and the machine will begin to heat the water.
- Once the water is heated and steam pressure builds, espresso will begin to flow into the carafe.
- When the desired amount of espresso is brewed (typically 1-4 cups), turn the control knob to the 'Off' position.
- Carefully remove the carafe. Be aware that the machine and carafe will be hot.
Frothing Milk
- Fill the stainless steel frothing pitcher with cold milk (dairy or non-dairy) up to about one-third full.
- Ensure the steam wand is clean and positioned over the drip tray.
- Turn the control knob to the 'Steam' position. Allow the machine to heat up until steam is consistently released from the wand.
- Submerge the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk in the pitcher.
- Slowly lower the pitcher as the milk expands, keeping the steam wand tip just below the surface to create foam.
- Once the milk has reached the desired temperature and froth, turn the control knob to the 'Off' position.
- Immediately wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth to prevent milk residue from drying.
Image: The Mr. Coffee espresso machine is shown actively brewing espresso into its glass carafe, with a frothed latte and an iced coffee beverage positioned nearby, demonstrating its versatility.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Daily Cleaning
- After each use, remove the portafilter and discard used coffee grounds. Rinse the portafilter and filter basket under warm water.
- Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth.
- Empty and clean the drip tray.
- Immediately clean the steam wand after frothing milk to prevent blockages.
Descaling
Mineral deposits can build up over time, affecting performance. Descale your machine every 2-3 months, or more frequently with hard water.
- Prepare a descaling solution according to the descaler product instructions, or use a mixture of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio).
- Fill the water reservoir with the descaling solution.
- Place an empty carafe under the portafilter.
- Run a brew cycle until half of the solution has passed through. Turn off the machine and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Turn the machine back on and complete the brew cycle with the remaining solution.
- Empty the reservoir and rinse thoroughly. Fill with fresh water and run 2-3 full cycles to rinse out any descaling solution residue.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No espresso brews or slow flow | Insufficient water, clogged filter, coffee too fine/tamped too hard, machine needs descaling. | Check water level, clean filter, use coarser grind/lighter tamp, descale machine. |
| Espresso is weak or watery | Too little coffee, coffee too coarse, not enough pressure. | Increase coffee amount, use finer grind, ensure proper tamping. |
| Milk not frothing properly | Steam wand clogged, milk not cold enough, improper technique. | Clean steam wand, use cold milk, ensure steam wand tip is just below milk surface. |
| Machine leaks water | Water reservoir not seated correctly, loose connections, damaged seal. | Ensure reservoir is properly seated, check connections, contact support if seal is damaged. |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Mr. Coffee |
| Model Name | BVMC-ECM180 |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Special Feature | Milk Frother |
| Capacity | 20 Ounces (Espresso) |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
| Power | 900 Watt |
| Product Dimensions | 11.41 x 10.23 x 8.32 inches |
| Item Weight | 3.69 pounds |
| Included Components | Espresso Maker, Glass Carafe, Frothing Pitcher, Measuring Scoop, 2 Ceramic Cups |
Warranty and Support
For warranty information, product registration, or technical support, please refer to the official Mr. Coffee website or contact their customer service department. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
You can typically find contact information and support resources by visiting the Mr. Coffee Store on Amazon or searching for 'Mr. Coffee customer support' online.
