Important Safety Instructions
Please read all instructions carefully before using the appliance. Keep this manual for future reference.
- Ensure the voltage rating on the appliance matches your local power supply.
- Do not immerse the appliance, power cord, or plug in water or other liquids.
- Unplug from the 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 the cord hang over the edge of a 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.
- Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot liquids.
- This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
- Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the components of your CREATE THERA MATT RETRO Espresso Machine.
Figure 1: Front view of the CREATE THERA MATT RETRO Espresso Machine, showing the control panel, portafilter, and drip tray.
Figure 2: Side view of the machine, highlighting the transparent removable water tank at the back.
Figure 3: Detailed view of the control panel, including the power button, coffee button, steam button, temperature gauge, and steam control knob.
Figure 4: The portafilter with a wooden handle and two different sized filter baskets for single or double espresso shots.
Components:
- Water Tank: Removable, 1.25 liter capacity.
- Control Panel: Power, Coffee, Steam buttons, and temperature gauge.
- Steam Wand: Adjustable for frothing milk.
- Portafilter: Holds ground coffee, with single and double shot filters.
- Drip Tray: Removable for easy cleaning.
- Cup Warming Tray: Located on top of the machine.
Setup
- Unpacking: Carefully remove all packaging materials. Check that all components are present and undamaged.
- First Use Cleaning: Before first use, clean all removable parts (water tank, portafilter, filter baskets, drip tray) with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Wipe the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth.
- Fill Water Tank: Fill the removable water tank with fresh, cold water up to the MAX line. Place the tank back into its position on the machine.
- Prime the Machine:
- Plug the machine into a grounded electrical outlet.
- Place a large cup under the portafilter.
- Press the Power button to turn on the machine. The indicator light will illuminate.
- Once the temperature gauge indicates the machine is ready (usually when the light stops blinking or reaches the optimal temperature zone), press the Coffee button to run water through the system for about 30 seconds. This primes the pump and heats the internal components.
- Repeat this process for the steam wand by turning the steam control knob to release steam for a few seconds.
Operating Instructions
Making Espresso:
- Prepare Portafilter: Select the desired filter basket (single or double) and place it into the portafilter. Add finely ground espresso coffee to the basket.
- Tamp Coffee: Use the coffee tamper to press the ground coffee firmly and evenly. Ensure the surface is level.
Figure 5: Proper technique for tamping ground coffee in the portafilter for optimal extraction.
- Attach Portafilter: Insert the portafilter into the group head of the machine. Turn it firmly to the right until it is securely locked in place.
- Pre-heat Cups: Place your espresso cups on the cup warming tray on top of the machine, or rinse them with hot water from the machine to pre-heat.
- Brew Espresso: Place the pre-heated cup(s) under the portafilter spouts. Ensure the machine is at the optimal brewing temperature (indicated by the gauge). Press the Coffee button to start brewing. The machine will dispense espresso. Press the Coffee button again to stop the flow when the desired volume is reached.
Figure 6: The machine brewing two cups of espresso simultaneously, demonstrating the dual spout portafilter.
- Remove Portafilter: After brewing, carefully remove the portafilter by turning it to the left. Dispose of the used coffee grounds.
Frothing Milk for Cappuccino/Latte:
- Prepare Milk: Fill a stainless steel frothing pitcher with cold milk (dairy or plant-based) to just below the spout.
- Activate Steam: Press the Steam button on the control panel. Wait for the machine to reach steaming temperature (the indicator light will illuminate steadily or the gauge will show the steam zone).
- Purge Steam Wand: Before frothing, briefly open the steam control knob to release any condensed water from the steam wand into an empty cup. Close the knob.
- Froth Milk: Immerse the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk. Open the steam control knob. Move the pitcher up and down slightly to create foam. Once the milk has reached the desired temperature and consistency, close the steam control knob and remove the pitcher.
Figure 7: Demonstrating the use of the adjustable steam wand to froth milk for cappuccino or latte.
- Clean Steam Wand: Immediately after frothing, wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth to remove any milk residue. Briefly open the steam control knob again to clear any milk from inside the wand.
- Combine: Pour the frothed milk over your freshly brewed espresso to create your desired coffee beverage.
Maintenance
Daily Cleaning:
- Drip Tray: Empty and clean the drip tray daily. It is removable for easy access.
Figure 8: The removable drip tray, designed for easy cleaning and maintenance.
- Portafilter and Filter Baskets: After each use, remove coffee grounds and rinse the portafilter and filter baskets under warm water.
- Steam Wand: As mentioned in the operating instructions, wipe and purge the steam wand immediately after each use.
- Water Tank: Rinse the water tank daily and refill with fresh water.
- Exterior: Wipe the exterior of the machine with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
Descaling:
Regular descaling is crucial to maintain machine performance and extend its lifespan, especially in areas with hard water. Descape every 2-3 months, or more frequently if you notice reduced water flow or temperature issues.
- Prepare a descaling solution according to the descaler manufacturer's instructions (or use a mixture of white vinegar and water, 1:1 ratio).
- Pour the descaling solution into the water tank.
- Place a large container under the group head and steam wand.
- Turn on the machine and allow it to heat up.
- Run about half of the solution through the group head by pressing the Coffee button.
- Run the remaining solution through the steam wand by opening the steam control knob.
- Turn off the machine and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Empty the water tank and rinse it thoroughly. Fill with fresh water.
- Run several full tanks of fresh water through both the group head and steam wand to rinse out any descaling solution residue.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No coffee dispenses. | No water in tank; tank not properly seated; clogged filter; machine not primed. | Fill water tank; ensure tank is seated correctly; clean filter; prime the machine. |
| Coffee brews too slowly or drips. | Coffee ground too fine; too much coffee in filter; coffee tamped too hard; clogged filter/group head; machine needs descaling. | Use coarser grind; reduce coffee amount; tamp lighter; clean filter/group head; descale machine. |
| Coffee brews too quickly or is watery. | Coffee ground too coarse; too little coffee in filter; coffee tamped too lightly. | Use finer grind; increase coffee amount; tamp firmer. |
| No steam from wand. | Steam button not pressed; machine not at steaming temperature; steam wand clogged. | Press steam button and wait for readiness; clean steam wand. |
| Machine leaks. | Water tank not seated correctly; drip tray full; portafilter not properly locked. | Reseat water tank; empty drip tray; ensure portafilter is locked firmly. |
Specifications
- Model: THERA MATT RETRO
- Brand: CREATE
- Power: 1100W
- Voltage: 240 Volts
- Pressure: 15 Bar (Pump)
- Water Tank Capacity: 1.25 Liters
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 19.99 x 28.8 x 31.39 cm (approx. 20 x 29 x 31.4 cm)
- Weight: 4.58 kg
- Special Features: Integrated Thermometer, Cup Warmer, Milk Frother, Removable Water Tank, Removable Drip Tray.
- Material: Stainless steel boiler, BPA-free components.
Warranty and Support
This product comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty. For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official CREATE website.
For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or spare parts, please contact CREATE customer service through their official channels. Contact information can typically be found on the product packaging or the brand's website.
