1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation of your SEVERIN Espresa KA 5994 Espresso Machine. Please read all instructions carefully before first use and keep this manual for future reference.
2. Important Safety Instructions
- Read all instructions before using the appliance.
- Do not immerse the appliance, cord, or plug in water or other liquids.
- Ensure the voltage indicated on the appliance matches your local mains voltage.
- Keep the appliance out of reach of children.
- Always unplug the appliance from the power outlet before cleaning or when not in use.
- Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
- Avoid contact with hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- Use only cold water in the water tank.
- Never use the appliance without water in the tank.
- Do not place the appliance on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
- This appliance is intended for household use only.
3. Product Overview
The SEVERIN Espresa KA 5994 is a versatile espresso machine designed for preparing various coffee and milk specialties. It features a powerful Thermoblock heating system for quick heating and optimal temperature control.

Image 3.1: Front view of the SEVERIN Espresa KA 5994 Espresso Machine, showcasing its brushed stainless steel and black design with two espresso cups on the drip tray.

Image 3.2: Diagram highlighting key features: Thermoblock System, Milk Frother, 40-second heating, and Easy Cleaning.
Components:
- Water Tank: Removable, 1.1-liter capacity.
- Control Panel: Buttons for single espresso, double espresso, and steam.
- Portafilter: Holds ground coffee or ESE pods.
- Filter Inserts: Three inserts for single espresso, double espresso, and ESE pods.
- Steam Wand (Pannarello): For frothing milk.
- Drip Tray: Removable for easy cleaning.
- Cup Warming Plate: Passively heated surface on top of the machine.
- Tamper/Measuring Spoon: Included accessory for compacting coffee grounds.
4. Setup and First Use
4.1 Unpacking
- Carefully remove all packaging materials.
- Check that all components are present and undamaged.
- Place the machine on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface.
4.2 Initial Cleaning
- Wash the water tank, portafilter, filter inserts, and drip tray with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Wipe the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth.
4.3 Filling the Water Tank
- Remove the water tank from the back of the machine.
- Fill the tank with fresh, cold water up to the MAX mark.
- Replace the water tank securely.
4.4 Priming the System (Before First Use)
- Ensure the water tank is filled.
- Place a large container under the portafilter and steam wand.
- Plug in the machine and press the power button twice to turn it on. The indicator lights will flash during heating (approx. 40 seconds).
- Once the lights are steady, press the single espresso button to dispense water through the portafilter until the tank is empty.
- Turn the steam knob to release steam through the steam wand until water flows out, then close the knob.
- Repeat steps 2-5 with a full water tank. The machine is now primed.
5. Operation
5.1 Making Espresso

Image 5.1: The portafilter with various filter inserts (single, double, ESE pod) and the tamper/measuring spoon.
- Preheat: Ensure the machine is turned on and the indicator lights are steady (preheated). Place your espresso cups on the cup warming plate.
- Prepare Portafilter: Insert the desired filter (single, double, or ESE pod) into the portafilter.
- Add Coffee:
- For ground coffee: Fill the filter with finely ground espresso coffee. Use the measuring spoon to add the correct amount (approx. 7g for single, 14g for double). Level the coffee and tamp it firmly with the tamper. Wipe any excess coffee from the rim.
- For ESE pods: Place one ESE pod into the appropriate filter insert.
- Attach Portafilter: Align the portafilter with the group head, insert it, and turn it firmly to the right until it is securely locked.
- Brew Espresso: Place one or two cups under the portafilter spouts. Press the single or double espresso button. The machine will dispense the programmed amount of espresso.
- Stop Brewing (Manual): To stop brewing manually or adjust the volume, press the selected espresso button again. You can also program custom volumes by holding the button until the desired volume is reached, then releasing it.
- Remove Portafilter: After brewing, carefully turn the portafilter to the left to remove it. Dispose of the used coffee grounds/pod.

Image 5.2: The espresso machine brewing two cups of espresso, with a latte macchiato in the background, demonstrating its versatility for various coffee and milk beverages.
5.2 Adjusting Temperature Settings
The machine offers 3 selectable temperature settings for your espresso. Refer to the full instruction manual for specific steps on how to change these settings, typically involving a combination of button presses during startup or standby mode.
5.3 Frothing Milk (Pannarello Steam Wand)
- Prepare Milk: Fill a stainless steel frothing pitcher with cold milk (dairy or non-dairy) up to one-third full.
- Activate Steam: Press the steam button. The indicator light will flash while heating to steam temperature, then become steady.
- Purge Steam Wand: Position an empty cup under the steam wand. Turn the steam knob counter-clockwise to release any condensed water until only steam comes out. Close the knob.
- Froth Milk: Immerse the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk. Turn the steam knob counter-clockwise. Angle the pitcher to create a swirling motion.
- Achieve Desired Foam: Lower the pitcher slightly to introduce air for foam, then immerse deeper to heat the milk. Continue until the milk reaches the desired temperature and consistency.
- Stop Steaming: Close the steam knob, then remove the pitcher.
- Clean Steam Wand: Immediately wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth to remove any milk residue. Briefly open the steam knob again to purge any milk from inside the wand, then close it.
6. Cleaning and Maintenance
6.1 Daily Cleaning
- Portafilter and Filter Inserts: After each use, remove the portafilter, discard coffee grounds, and rinse the portafilter and filter inserts under running water.
- Drip Tray: Empty and rinse the drip tray and grid daily.
- Steam Wand: Clean immediately after each use as described in Section 5.3.
- Exterior: Wipe the exterior of the machine with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
6.2 Descaling
Regular descaling is crucial to maintain machine performance and extend its lifespan. The machine has a practical descaling function. The frequency depends on water hardness and usage. When the descaling indicator light illuminates, follow these general steps:
- Prepare a descaling solution according to the descaler manufacturer's instructions.
- Fill the water tank with the descaling solution.
- Place a large container under the portafilter and steam wand.
- Initiate the descaling program (refer to your full manual for specific button combinations).
- The machine will run the solution through the system in cycles.
- After the descaling cycle, rinse the water tank thoroughly and fill it with fresh water.
- Run several cycles of fresh water through the machine to rinse out any descaling residue.
- To reset the descaling indicator, press and hold the power button and the 2-cup button simultaneously for 3 seconds (as per customer review advice).
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No coffee dispenses | Water tank empty; machine not primed; clogged filter. | Fill water tank; prime the system; clean filter/group head. |
| Espresso is too weak | Coffee too coarse; not enough coffee; insufficient tamping. | Use finer grind; increase coffee amount; tamp more firmly. |
| No steam from wand | Steam function not activated; wand clogged. | Press steam button and wait for heating; clean steam wand. |
| Water leaks from machine | Water tank not seated correctly; portafilter not secured. | Ensure water tank is firm; secure portafilter tightly. |
| Descaling light remains on after descaling | Descaling cycle not reset. | Press and hold power button and 2-cup button for 3 seconds. |
8. Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | KA 5994 |
| Brand | Severin |
| Color | Brushed stainless steel/matte black |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 45 x 16.5 x 30 cm |
| Weight | 1 Kilogram (product), 4.3 Kilograms (package) |
| Capacity | 1.1 Liters (water tank) |
| Power | 1350 Watts |
| Voltage | 230V |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar |
| Material | Stainless steel, Plastic |
| Special Features | Milk frother, Cup warmer, Thermoblock heating system, 3 temperature settings, ESE pod compatible |
| Automatic Shut-off | Yes (adjustable) |
9. Warranty and Customer Support
For warranty information, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or visit the official Severin website. For technical support or service inquiries, please contact Severin customer service directly.





