Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Cecotec Barista Baristeo Intima Professional Espresso Maker. This machine is designed to provide a high-quality coffee experience with its 15-bar pump, pre-brew system, and advanced temperature control. To ensure safe and optimal operation, please read this manual thoroughly before first use and keep it for future reference.
This manual provides essential information on setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for your espresso machine.
Important Safety Instructions
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 carefully.
- 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
Familiarize yourself with the main parts of your Cecotec Barista Baristeo Intima Espresso Maker:
- Control Panel: Features buttons for power, single shot, double shot, and steam, along with a digital display for temperature and timer.
- Portafilter: Professional 58 mm filter holder for ground coffee.
- Brew Head: Where the portafilter locks in for coffee extraction.
- Steam Wand: Stainless steel rotating wand for frothing milk.
- Water Tank: Removable 1.7-liter capacity tank located at the back.
- Drip Tray: Removable tray with a grid to collect excess liquids.
- Cup Warmer: Heated surface on top of the machine to pre-warm cups.
- Pressure Gauge: Displays the brewing pressure.
Image: Front view of the Cecotec Barista Baristeo Intima Espresso Maker, showcasing its sleek design, control panel, portafilter, and drip tray.
Setup
- Unpacking: Carefully remove all packaging materials and ensure all components are present.
- Placement: Place the machine on a stable, flat, heat-resistant surface, away from water sources and direct sunlight. Ensure adequate ventilation around the machine.
- Initial Cleaning: Before first use, wash the water tank, portafilter, and drip tray with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Wipe the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth.
- Filling the Water Tank: Remove the water tank from the back of the machine. Fill it with fresh, cold, filtered water up to the MAX line. Replace the tank securely.
- First Use / Priming:
- Plug the machine into a grounded power outlet.
- Turn on the machine using the power button. The machine will begin to heat up.
- Place a large container under the brew head and steam wand.
- Run a cycle of hot water through the brew head without coffee to prime the pump and rinse the system.
- Open the steam knob to release steam for a few seconds to prime the steam wand. Close the knob.
Image: A person pouring water into the removable 1.7L water tank located at the top rear of the espresso machine.
Operating Instructions
Making Espresso
- Pre-heat: Ensure the machine is fully heated. The PID control allows you to select the pre-brew temperature for optimal extraction.
- Prepare the Portafilter: Grind fresh coffee beans to a fine consistency suitable for espresso. For best results with the non-pressurized filter, a quality burr grinder is recommended.
- Dose and Tamp: Fill the portafilter basket with the desired amount of ground coffee (e.g., 7-9g for a single shot, 14-18g for a double shot). Distribute the coffee evenly and tamp firmly with consistent pressure.
- Attach Portafilter: Wipe any loose grounds from the rim of the portafilter. Insert the portafilter into the brew head and twist firmly to lock it into place.
- Place Cups: Place one or two pre-warmed espresso cups on the drip tray directly under the portafilter spouts. The machine features a cup warmer on top to pre-heat your cups.
- Brew: Press the single or double shot button. The machine will initiate the pre-brew system, evenly moistening the coffee, followed by extraction. Monitor the pressure gauge for optimal brewing pressure (typically 9-10 bar).
- Stop Extraction: The machine may have a programmable shot time. Stop the extraction manually if desired by pressing the brew button again once the desired volume is reached.
Image: A close-up view of the 58mm portafilter basket filled with freshly ground coffee, ready for tamping.
Image: Two clear glass espresso cups placed on the heated cup warmer surface of the machine, preparing them for coffee.
Image: Rich, dark espresso flowing from the portafilter into two clear glass cups, showcasing the dual coffee outlet feature.
Steaming Milk
- Prepare Milk: Fill a stainless steel milk pitcher with cold milk (dairy or non-dairy) up to just below the spout.
- Activate Steam: Press the steam button on the control panel. Wait for the machine to reach steaming temperature (indicated by the display or indicator light).
- Purge Steam Wand: Before inserting into milk, briefly open the steam knob to purge any condensed water from the wand. Close the knob.
- Steam Milk: Insert the steam wand tip just below the surface of the milk. Open the steam knob fully. Angle the pitcher to create a vortex, incorporating air for frothing. Once the desired foam texture is achieved, submerge the wand deeper to heat the milk to temperature (around 60-65°C or 140-150°F).
- Clean Steam Wand: Immediately after steaming, close the steam knob. Wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth to remove any milk residue. Briefly purge the wand again to clear any internal milk.
Image: A hand holding a stainless steel milk pitcher while the steam wand of the espresso machine froths milk, creating a creamy texture for lattes and cappuccinos.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular cleaning and maintenance will prolong the life of your espresso machine and ensure consistent coffee quality.
- Daily Cleaning:
- Empty and rinse the drip tray after each use.
- Remove the portafilter, discard the coffee grounds, and rinse the portafilter and filter basket under hot water.
- Wipe down the brew head screen with a damp cloth.
- Clean the steam wand immediately after each use as described in the operating instructions.
- Water Tank Cleaning: Clean the water tank weekly with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
- Descaling: Depending on water hardness and frequency of use, descale the machine every 2-3 months. Use a commercial descaling solution designed for espresso machines and follow the product's instructions. This process removes mineral buildup that can affect performance and taste.
- Exterior Cleaning: Wipe the exterior surfaces of the machine with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No coffee dispenses | No water in tank; clogged filter; machine not heated. | Fill water tank; clean filter/portafilter; allow machine to heat up. |
| Coffee brews too slowly or not at all | Coffee ground too fine; too much coffee in filter; machine needs descaling. | Use coarser grind; reduce coffee amount; descale machine. |
| Coffee brews too quickly / weak coffee | Coffee ground too coarse; not enough coffee; tamping too light. | 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 heat; clean wand thoroughly. |
| Water leaking from machine | Water tank not seated correctly; drip tray full. | Ensure water tank is properly inserted; empty drip tray. |
Specifications
- Model: Intima
- Model Number: A01_EU01_100127
- Brand: Cecotec
- Pump Pressure: 15 Bar
- Water Tank Capacity: 1.7 Liters
- Power / Wattage: 1550 watts
- Voltage: 230 Volts
- Material: Metal
- Product Dimensions: 25.4 x 36 x 38.1 cm
- Item Weight: 1 Kilograms
- Special Features: Auto Shut-Off, Programmable, Pre-brew System, PID Control, Cup Warmer
Warranty and Support
Your Cecotec Barista Baristeo Intima Professional Espresso Maker comes with a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product for specific terms and conditions, including coverage period and details on how to make a claim.
For technical support, spare parts, or any inquiries not covered in this manual, please contact Cecotec customer service. Contact information can typically be found on the Cecotec official website or on the product packaging.
