Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Mr. Coffee Café 20-Ounce Steam Automatic Espresso and Cappuccino Machine. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your new appliance. Please read all instructions carefully before first use and retain this manual for future reference.
Important Safeguards
- Read all instructions before operating 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.
Product Components

Image Description: A silver and black Mr. Coffee espresso and cappuccino machine with a glass carafe positioned under the espresso dispenser. The machine features a steam wand on the right side and control knobs.
- Water Reservoir
- Filter Holder (Portafilter)
- Filter Basket
- Glass Carafe (20-ounce capacity)
- Steam Wand with Frothing Aid
- Control Knob (Brew/Steam/Off)
- Power Indicator Light
- Drip Tray and Removable Cover
Initial Setup
- Unpacking: Carefully remove all packaging materials and ensure all components are present.
- Cleaning: Wash the glass carafe, filter holder, and filter basket in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Wipe the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth.
- First Use (Priming):
- Fill the water reservoir with cold water up to the MAX fill line.
- Place the empty filter holder (without coffee) into the machine and lock it into place.
- Place the glass carafe on the drip tray.
- Plug the machine into a standard electrical outlet.
- Turn the control knob to the "Brew" position. The power indicator light will illuminate.
- Allow the machine to pump water through until the reservoir is empty. This primes the pump and cleans the internal components.
- Turn the control knob to "Off" and unplug the machine. Discard the water and allow the machine to cool.
Operating Instructions
Making Espresso
- Ensure the machine is clean and primed.
- Fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold water to the desired level for your espresso shots.
- Place the filter basket into the filter holder. Add finely ground espresso coffee to the filter basket. For a single shot, use one scoop; for a double shot, use two scoops. Tamp the coffee grounds firmly and evenly.
- Wipe any excess coffee grounds from the rim of the filter holder.
- Insert the filter holder into the machine and turn it firmly to the right until it is securely locked.
- Place the glass carafe on the drip tray, aligning it under the filter holder spouts.
- Plug in the machine. Turn the control knob to the "Brew" position. The power indicator light will illuminate.
- Espresso will begin to brew into the carafe. Once the desired amount of espresso is brewed, turn the control knob to "Off".
- Carefully remove the carafe. Allow the machine to cool before removing the filter holder and discarding the used coffee grounds.
Frothing Milk for Cappuccinos and Lattes
- After brewing espresso, ensure there is sufficient water in the reservoir.
- Fill a metal frothing pitcher with cold milk (dairy or non-dairy) up to one-third full.
- Turn the control knob to the "Steam" position. The power indicator light will illuminate. Allow the machine to heat up for approximately 1-2 minutes until steam is ready.
- Position the steam wand just below the surface of the milk in the pitcher.
- Slowly lower the pitcher, keeping the steam wand tip just below the surface, to create foam. Move the pitcher up and down gently.
- Once the milk has doubled in volume and reached the desired temperature (approximately 150-160°F or 65-70°C), turn the control knob to "Off".
- Immediately wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth to prevent milk residue from drying.
- Tap the pitcher gently on a counter to remove large bubbles, then swirl the milk to integrate the foam.
- Pour the frothed milk over your freshly brewed espresso.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Daily Cleaning
- Filter Holder and Basket: After each use, remove the filter holder, discard coffee grounds, and rinse the filter holder and basket under warm water.
- Glass Carafe: Wash the carafe with warm, soapy water after each use.
- Steam Wand: Immediately after frothing milk, wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth. Run a short burst of steam to clear any internal milk residue.
- Drip Tray: Empty and rinse the drip tray and its cover regularly.
- Exterior: Wipe the exterior of the machine with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scourers.
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 a descaling solution by mixing white vinegar and water in equal parts, or use a commercial descaling solution according to its instructions.
- Fill the water reservoir with the descaling solution.
- Place the empty filter holder (without coffee) into the machine and lock it. Place the glass carafe on the drip tray.
- Turn the control knob to "Brew" and allow half of the solution to brew through.
- Turn the control knob to "Off" and let the machine sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Turn the control knob to "Brew" again and brew the remaining solution.
- Discard the solution. Rinse the reservoir thoroughly and fill with fresh, cold water.
- Run two full cycles of fresh water through the machine to rinse out any remaining descaling solution.
Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No water flows through | Water reservoir is empty; Machine is not primed; Clogged filter basket or internal components. | Fill reservoir; Prime the machine; Clean filter basket; Descale the machine. |
| Espresso brews too slowly or not at all | Coffee grounds are too fine or tamped too firmly; Clogged filter basket; Machine needs descaling. | Use coarser grounds or tamp less firmly; Clean filter basket; Descale the machine. |
| Espresso brews too quickly | Coffee grounds are too coarse or not tamped firmly enough. | Use finer grounds and tamp more firmly. |
| Steam wand not producing steam | Steam wand is clogged; Not enough water in reservoir; Machine not heated sufficiently. | Clean steam wand; Fill reservoir; Allow machine to heat longer. |
| Leaking from filter holder | Filter holder not securely locked; Coffee grounds on rim of filter holder; Worn gasket. | Ensure filter holder is locked tightly; Clean rim of filter holder; Contact customer support for gasket replacement. |
Product Specifications
- Brand: Mr. Coffee
- Model Number: SSFP
- Color: Silver
- Coffee Maker Type: Espresso Machine
- Operation Mode: Fully Automatic
- Coffee Input Type: Ground Coffee
- Special Feature: Milk Frother
- Included Components: Milk Frother
- Unit Count: 1.00 Count
- Item Weight: 5.54 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 12.5 x 10.5 x 10 inches
- UPC: 072179235996
Warranty and Customer Support
This Mr. Coffee appliance is covered by a limited warranty. For specific warranty details, duration, and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official Mr. Coffee website. If you encounter any issues or require assistance, please contact Mr. Coffee customer support:
- Website: www.mrcoffee.com
- Phone: Refer to your product documentation for the most current contact number.
Please have your model number (SSFP) and proof of purchase available when contacting customer support.