Neretva Espresso Machine User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Neretva Espresso Machine. This professional 15-bar espresso maker is designed to help you craft delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos at home. Featuring a visible pressure gauge, pre-infusion function, automatic pressure relief, and a powerful milk frother, this machine provides a comprehensive coffee brewing experience. Please read this manual thoroughly before first use to ensure proper operation and maintenance.

2. Important Safeguards

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.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
• To protect against fire, electric shock, and personal injury, 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 personal injury.
• 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.

3. Product Overview and Components

Familiarize yourself with the parts of your Neretva Espresso Machine.

Image 3.1: The Neretva Espresso Machine in white, showcasing its main body, portafilter extracting espresso into two cups, and a stainless steel milk frothing pitcher on the drip tray.

Included Components:

• Espresso Machine (1 unit)
• Milk Frothing Pitcher (1 unit)
• Dosing Funnel (1 unit)
• Single Shot Filter (Pressurized) (1 unit)
• Double Shot Filter (Pressurized) (1 unit)
• 1 Cup Filter (1 unit)
• Spoon/Tamper (1 unit)
• 51mm Portafilter (1 unit)
• User Manual (1 unit)

4. Setup and First Use

4.1 Unpacking

1. Carefully remove all components from the packaging.
2. Remove any protective films or stickers from the machine.
3. Retain packaging for future transport or storage.

4.2 Initial Cleaning

1. Wash the portafilter, filter baskets, milk frothing pitcher, and water tank with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
2. Wipe the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth.

4.3 Priming the Machine

Before making coffee, the machine needs to be primed to fill the internal system with water.

1. Fill the removable water tank with fresh, cold water up to the MAX line. Ensure the tank is securely placed back into the machine.
2. Place a cup under the portafilter spout (without coffee).
3. Turn on the machine by pressing the power button. The indicator lights will illuminate.
4. Once the machine reaches operating temperature (indicator light stops flashing), press the espresso brewing button to run water through the group head for about 30 seconds.
5. Turn the steam knob to release steam for about 15-20 seconds to prime the steam wand.
6. Repeat this process 2-3 times to ensure the system is fully primed and clean.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Making Espresso

1. Fill Water Tank: Ensure the water tank is filled with fresh, cold water.
2. Preheat: Turn on the machine. Allow it to preheat until the indicator light for brewing stops flashing, indicating it has reached the optimal temperature (approximately 198°F).
3. Prepare Coffee Grounds: Grind fresh coffee beans to a fine consistency suitable for espresso. For a single shot, use 13-14g of coffee; for a double shot, use 17g.
4. Load Portafilter: Place the appropriate filter basket (single or double shot) into the portafilter. Add the ground coffee using the dosing funnel to prevent spills.
5. Tamp: Use the tamper to press the coffee grounds firmly and evenly. Ensure the surface is level.
6. Attach Portafilter: Securely attach the portafilter to the group head by inserting it and rotating it to the right until it is tight.
7. Place Cup: Position your espresso cup(s) on the drip tray directly under the portafilter spouts. The machine also features a cup warming area on top.
8. Start Extraction: Press the espresso brewing button. The machine will begin extracting espresso.
9. Monitor Pressure Gauge: Observe the visible pressure gauge during extraction. The ideal pressure range for perfect extraction is typically 8-12 Bar.

Image 5.1: The visible pressure gauge helps monitor extraction. Less than 8 Bar indicates insufficient extraction, 8-12 Bar is perfect, and over 12 Bar indicates over-extraction.

Image 5.2: The pre-infusion function ensures smoother water flow and preserves coffee purity by gradually increasing pressure, reducing air bubbles for a balanced extraction.

Image 5.3: Achieving an Italian 'Gold Cup' espresso is facilitated by the machine's stable 198°F water temperature, 15 Bar pressure system, and pre-infusion feature.

5.2 Milk Frothing

The powerful steam system allows you to create delicate milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos.

1. Prepare Milk: Fill the stainless steel milk frothing pitcher with cold milk (dairy or non-dairy) up to one-third full.
2. Activate Steam: Press the steam button. Wait for the steam indicator light to stop flashing, indicating the machine has reached steaming temperature.
3. Purge Steam Wand: Position the steam wand over the drip tray and briefly open the steam knob to release any condensed water. Close the knob.
4. Froth Milk: Immerse the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk in the pitcher. Open the steam knob fully.
5. Create Foam: Keep the wand tip near the surface to create foam, then lower it slightly to heat the milk. Continue until the milk reaches desired temperature and texture.
6. Stop Steaming: Close the steam knob and remove the pitcher.
7. Clean Steam Wand: Immediately wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth to remove any milk residue. Briefly open the steam knob again to clear any milk from inside the wand.

Image 5.4: The machine features a powerful 360° universal steam wand, capable of producing 26g/min of high-pressure steam for effective milk frothing.

6. Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your espresso machine.

6.1 Daily Cleaning

• Portafilter and Filter Baskets: After each use, remove the portafilter, discard coffee grounds, and rinse the portafilter and filter basket under hot water. Wipe clean.
• Steam Wand: Always wipe the steam wand immediately after frothing milk with a damp cloth. Briefly purge steam to clear any internal residue.
• Drip Tray: Empty and rinse the drip tray daily. Wipe the drip tray grid.
• 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.

6.2 Descaling

Over time, mineral deposits (limescale) can build up in the machine, affecting performance and taste. Descale your machine every 2-3 months, or more frequently if you have hard water.

1. Prepare Descaling Solution: Mix a commercial descaling solution with water according to the product instructions, or use a solution of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio). Fill the water tank with this solution.
2. Run Solution: Place a large container under the group head and steam wand. Turn on the machine. Once heated, run half of the descaling solution through the group head by pressing the espresso button.
3. Steam Wand Descale: Open the steam knob and run the remaining solution through the steam wand until the tank is empty.
4. Rinse: Fill the water tank with fresh, clean water. Run several full tanks of clean water through both the group head and steam wand to thoroughly rinse out any descaling solution.

7. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your espresso machine.

Image 7.1: The automatic pressure relief (OPV) system controls extraction pressure within safe limits, preventing over-pressurization and ensuring consistent coffee quality.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Customer Support

Neretva is committed to providing quality products and excellent customer service. While specific warranty details are not provided in this manual, Neretva offers a 12-hour quick-response customer service to assist with any inquiries or issues you may have.

For assistance, please refer to the contact information provided with your purchase or visit the official Neretva website. Please have your model number (PE3690WH) and purchase details ready when contacting support.