ASCASO Coffee Machines

Q1. My coffee is not hot? What should I do?
A. If your coffee is coming out cold it is very likely the machine has not yet reached the temperature required to start brewing. Before making your coffee please make sure that the pilot lights have gone out. – This will confirm the water in the boiler is heated and the machine is ready to brew. Please also make sure accessories such as filter holder and cups are warm.

Q2. The coffee is coming out very fast
A. One of the possible reasons your coffee could be coming out very fast is the grind of coffee you have used. If the grind is too coarse, not tamped properly or there is insufficient coffee the quality of your brew will be poor. We recommend that you experiment with different grinds of coffee and use greater or less tamping. . Another reason, particularly if you are not using a crema filter is that you have insufficient coffee in the filter basket. Try increasing the quantity of coffee.

Q3. My espresso has no crema
A. Possible reasons for this are due to the coffee grind being too coarse, the coffee has not been tamped firmly, your coffee has gone stale or the quality is poor. To produce great crema it is very important to use good quality coffee. Freshly ground coffee is the best option. If you have a versatile machine (pods & ground coffee) make sure there is sufficient coffee in the filter basket.

Q4. There is hardly any coffee coming through
A. Please make sure you check that the water reservoir is filled with sufficient water and is correctly positioned. Also make sure the steam switch is not on as this will prevent water coming through. Check the filter basket and the shower head for any obstructions and make sure they are clean. Please also check for any limescale that has built up in the machine – descaling of your machine is recommended and you can buy descaling powder from our website. Another possible cause of slow coffee brewing could be due to hard tamping. If you are still having problems please contact our repair services.

Q5. There is a lot of water left in the filter basket after brewing
A. This is normal, and the water will gradually run out of the basket into the drip tray beneath. If there is insufficient coffee in the filter basket it will cause the grounds to swirl around. Please increase the quantity of grounds you are using on the next occasion you make coffee.

Q6. There is coffee coming over the edges of the filter basket
A. If you find coffee coming over the edges of the filter basket please check that the filter holder has been correctly positioned to the brew head also that there are no remains of ground coffee on the edge of the filter basket. If you find any remains please wash your filter basket. Other possible causes could be due to the brew head being dirty or defective. If your brew head is dirty you can clean it with a damp cloth or a brew head brush (available on our website). If the problem still persists please contact our repair service.

Q7. The milk is not creamy
A. Please make sure your milk is fresh and cold. If your milk is hot or lukewarm it will not froth. Check your steam arm for any blockages. If the steam arm is blocked wipe it clean with a damp cloth and open the steam arm to let water to go through pushing out any blockage. If the problem persists please contact our repair services.

Q8. My machine is making a lot of noise
A. Possible causes for this could be due to insufficient water in the reservoir, the reservoir is not positioned properly and the water intake tube is not immersed fully in the reservoir. Please make sure you always double check the water level in the tank before making coffee.

Q9. The water is dripping from the Brew head, what should I do?
A. It is quite normal to have some dripping in the brew head as a result of water heating up to generate steam in the boiler of any domestic coffee machine.

Water when turning into steam expands and the pressure will increase in the boiler. When the steam tap is shut, there is nowhere for the slight excess pressure to escape than through the brew head. Water will therefore drip until this pressure is eliminated.

The solenoid valve where fitted will eliminate this dripping.

If water does drip through the brew head (this is typical after 2 years of use) it is possible that the seal in the brew head will need replacing. Please contact our repair services.

Q10. There is no water coming through the brew head at all
A. If your machine has not been used for a while or it is brand new, it is possible that the machine has developed an “Air Lock”. Switch the machine on at the mains. Check that the tubes from the tank are not kinked. Switch on the coffee button without placing the filter holder in the machine. If you still have no water coming through the brew head, please place a cup under the steam pipe, open the steam tap with the coffee button on the machine still in the on position and wait a few seconds. Water should start coming through clearing the air block. Please make sure you close the steam tap and switch off the coffee button.

Important things to remember:

• Turn your machine on and wait for the pilot light switch to go off, this will ensure the machine has reached the temperature required to start brewing coffee.
• Please always make sure there is sufficient water in the water tank prior to making a coffee. If you try and brew coffee with insufficient water you could damage the heating element as well as the pump.
• Use filtered water to prevent limescale and ensure longevity of your machine.
• Never leave used coffee pods or ground coffee in the filter basket. This can leave a rancid flavour in the filter holder and alter the taste of you coffee. If this has happened please make sure you run water through the empty filter basket a few times before making a new coffee.
• To prolong the life of your heating element we advise you to run some water through the brew head “straight away” before making your coffee. Hold a cup or container under the brew head (please carry this out without placing the filter holder in the brew head), turn the coffee switch on and let water run through the brew head for 5 to 10 seconds.
• After making steam always turn the Steam button off, otherwise you will overheat the boiler, and risk damaging the element.