1. Product Overview
The GASTROBACK Espresso Portafilter Machine is designed to bring the authentic barista experience into your home. It combines a powerful espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder, allowing you to prepare a wide variety of coffee specialties from freshly ground beans.
Figure 1: GASTROBACK Espresso Portafilter Machine with integrated grinder and accessories.
Official Product Video
Video 1: An overview of the GASTROBACK Design Espresso Barista Pro, showcasing its features and capabilities.
2. Setup
2.1 Water Tank
The machine features a generous 2.8-liter removable water tank located at the rear. Ensure the tank is filled with fresh, clean water for optimal coffee taste. It is recommended to change the water daily.
Figure 2: The 2.8-liter water tank, easily accessible for refilling.
2.2 Bean Container and Grinder
The integrated bean container holds up to 250g of coffee beans and includes an aroma-sealing lid to preserve freshness. The conical burr grinder offers 30 adjustable grind settings, allowing you to fine-tune the grind for any coffee bean type.
Figure 3: Close-up of the bean container with grind settings.
2.3 Pre-warming Plate
A heated pre-warming plate on top of the machine ensures your cups are at the optimal temperature for serving. Pre-warming cups helps maintain the coffee's temperature and enhances the overall taste experience.
Figure 4: Cups warming on the heated plate.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 Basic Controls
The machine features intuitive controls for ease of use:
- On/Off Button: Powers the machine on or off. The thermoblock heating system ensures fast heat-up time.
- Grind Button: Press once to start grinding. Hold the button to enter programming mode for custom grind amounts.
- Single/Double Shot Buttons: Press for one or two espresso shots. Hold these buttons to program your desired coffee volume.
- Rotary Dial: Controls hot water (turn left) and steam (turn right) functions.
Figure 5: The intuitive control panel with illuminated buttons and rotary dial.
3.2 Grinding Coffee
Place the portafilter under the grinder outlet. Press the 'GRIND' button. The machine will dispense freshly ground coffee directly into your portafilter. The 30 grind settings allow for precise adjustment to match your coffee beans.
Figure 6: Direct grinding into the portafilter.
3.3 Tamping
After grinding, use the included professional metal tamper to evenly press the coffee grounds in the portafilter. Proper tamping is essential for optimal water flow and extraction.
Figure 7: The professional metal tamper for compacting coffee grounds.
3.4 Brewing Espresso
Securely attach the filled and tamped portafilter to the brewing head. Place your pre-warmed cup(s) under the spouts. Press either the 'SINGLE' or 'DOUBLE' button to start brewing. The ULKA pump provides up to 15 bar of pressure for a rich, flavorful espresso with excellent crema.
3.5 Milk Frothing
The 360° swiveling milk frothing nozzle allows for easy preparation of creamy milk foam for lattes, cappuccinos, and more. Turn the rotary dial to the steam function and immerse the nozzle into your milk jug. Froth until desired consistency and temperature are reached.
Figure 8: Using the 360° swiveling milk frothing nozzle.
4. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your GASTROBACK Espresso Portafilter Machine.
- Daily Water Change: Always use fresh water for each brewing session.
- Steam Wand Cleaning: Immediately after each use, wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth to remove any milk residue. Briefly activate the steam function to clear any internal blockages.
- Portafilter and Basket Cleaning: Rinse the portafilter and filter baskets after each use.
- Descaling: Depending on your water hardness and usage, regular descaling is necessary to prevent mineral buildup. Refer to the comprehensive manual for detailed descaling instructions and recommended descaling agents.
- Drip Tray: Empty and clean the drip tray regularly to prevent overflow and maintain hygiene.
5. Troubleshooting
- Coffee tastes watery (under-extracted): This often indicates the coffee grind is too coarse, or the water flows through too quickly. Adjust to a finer grind setting.
- Coffee tastes bitter (over-extracted): This can happen if the coffee grind is too fine, causing the water to flow too slowly. Adjust to a coarser grind setting.
- No water flow: Check the water tank level and ensure it is properly inserted.
- Machine not heating: Ensure the machine is properly plugged in and the power button is on. The thermoblock heats up quickly, but allow a moment for it to reach optimal temperature.
- No automatic shut-off for low water: This model does not feature an automatic shut-off for low water levels. Please monitor the water tank to prevent dry running.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | GASTROBACK |
| Model Number | 62616 |
| Color | Black, Stainless Steel-silver |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 34.9 x 32.2 x 41.1 cm |
| Item Weight | 8 Kilograms |
| Voltage | 240 Volts |
| Water Tank Capacity | 2.8 Liters |
| Grind Settings | 30 |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar (ULKA pump) |
| Special Features | Heated warming plate, Thermo-Block heating system (fast heat-up time), 360° swiveling milk frothing nozzle, Electronic PID controller for precise water temperature. |
7. Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information, product registration, and customer support, please visit the official GASTROBACK website or contact your local authorized retailer. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
