Can I clean my espresso machine without using the back flush method mentioned? I do not have the 3 way valve and I don't have a back flush filter.
1959160
While I don't know about cleaning the espresso machine without using the back flush method, I have cleaned the basket and the filter by soaking them in cefiza for 1/2-1 hour when they were clogged.
1078084
This should help:http://www.paradiseroasters.com/news/26/Cleaning-Your-Espresso-Machine.html
274225
You need to use a tamper to tamp down your espresso in the filter basket so it makes a nice solid 'puck.' A tamper is essential! Amazon.com sells an aluminum one that isn't very pretty, but it fits the basket on this machine, and it sells for $6.xx.
698403
After each cappuccino or macchiato drink or after making several milk-based drinks sequentially for several people, you will be prompted to RINSE the milk system via an LED message ("C-RINSE") . To rinse the milk system you simply place an empty bowl on the drip tray, press the rotary switch and the machine flushes itself using water from the reservoir. But you're not done yet! Each DAY that you make a milk-based drink you must also CLEAN the milk system. You will not be prompted to CLEAN the milk system (only to RINSE it), so keep this in mind. To CLEAN the milk system, you should place an empty bowl on the drip tray, press and hold the rotary switch until RINSE appears, press the rotary switch to enter the program item (C-CLEAN) and then press the rotary switch to queue-up cappuccino frother cleaning (CLEANER FOR CAPPU). At this point you add a capful of the provided Cappuccino cleaner to about 9 oz of water, lift the milk tube out of your milk container and dip it in the water-cleaner mixture and then press the rotary switch to clean the system. After this is done the machine will flash ("WATER FOR CAPPUCCINO") at which time you will flush the cleaner mix out of the system by lifting the milk tube out of the water-cleaner mixture, dipping it into a 9 oz. glass of clean water and then press the rotary switch. The 3rd and last part (cleaning the dual spout) takes about 1 minute. You simply remove the dispensing unit by pressing two tabs and pulling down, you pull out the two rubber parts, rinse them under the tap, snap them back into the dispenisng unit and press the dispensing unit back into place. Outside of this, the machine automatically cleans/flushes itself when making espresso or coffee but Jura recommends that you rinse the two rubber parts in the dispensing unit periodically as above to keep things clean. I'm sure that a lot of this may sound very complicated on paper but you will be a pro after two tries. This machine really is amazing. Good luck!
1080389
Another option...I don't even use that bothersome setup. I just stick the steamer nozzle straight into my cup of milk, froth it and then stick the cup under the espresso spout and finish up. In the meantime, I take off the steamer nozzle and go rinse it and put it back on. It's just a lot faster and less of a hassle.
347730
Easy fix. Just run a few squirts of hot water through the frothing tube before you start to pump your coffee. (Middle switch to the left and pump switch to the right to squirt water through the frothing tube. Middle switch to the left top switch to the left to pump coffee.) When you do this, it resets and clears the thermal block. I simply do it every time I make a cup. I usually make a cappucino, froth the milk, clear the system by squirting a bit of hot water into my cup to warm it a bit, dump the water and put the cup in place as I turn the top switch to the left to pump the coffee. Works like a charm! Great espresso, great crema, great froth! Easy fix. Just run a few squirts of hot water through the frothing tube before you start to pump your coffee. (Middle switch to the left and pump switch to the right to squirt water through the frothing tube. Middle switch to the left top switch to the left to pump coffee.) When you do this, it resets and clears the thermal block. I simply do it every time I make a cup. I usually make a cappucino, froth the milk, clear the system by squirting a bit of hot water into my cup to warm it a bit, dump the water and put the cup in place as I turn the top switch to the left to pump the coffee.... » Read More Easy fix. Just run a few squirts of hot water through the frothing tube before you start to pump your coffee. (Middle switch to the left and pump switch to the right to squirt water through the frothing tube. Middle switch to the left top switch to the left to pump coffee.) When you do this, it resets and clears the thermal block. I simply do it every time I make a cup. I usually make a cappucino, froth the milk, clear the system by squirting a bit of hot water into my cup to warm it a bit, dump the water and put the cup in place as I turn the top switch to the left to pump the coffee. Works like a charm! Great espresso, great crema, great froth! « Show Less
1751968
I have used this product twice to clean my Starbuck Verismo and it does a great job. As to your question, not sure what machine you have, but I DID NOT remove any filter first before using this.
1271846
There's a metal insert that you use in the espresso part of the machine. There's a one shot one and a two shot one so you can control how much espresso you make. There are no filters to buy. There's actually nothing extra to buy except the ingredients you'll need to make a coffee drink.
465001
Hi Margaret, please follow cleaning instructions that came with your machine. Thats what i do. Put clean water in tank and flush system after use....
124625
It should be cleaned after each use to keep it from clogging. Removing it will make it easier. First push the button for espresso and then turn the dial to run water thru it. After that yup can remove it and rinse it if you see milk it it. Just hold it under your faucet or sprayer.
344779
If you steam your milk after you have drawn your espresso the Gaggia automatically back flushes itself. You will see hot water coming out of the overflow downspout. You don't need to manually back flush the machine and in fact the manufacturer specifically asks that you do not back flush it.
41236
Do not tamp it down too hard and as long as your hear a 'chugging' noise, it is working. Check your grind, too. It may be too fine. Espresso grind is too fine, use a slightly coarser grind. Also, get a burr grinder. Blade grinders make too much fine powder and will clog the filter. Cool?
903968
You can't! Do not waste your money on this machine. It makes a huge mess when the coffee was brewing. I returned it and would not waste my money on this garbage.
111173
Mine is almost center but still more to the left side. As for the flow of espresso, it should be a stream. It may be your filter is clogged. Thoroughly clean the filter (refer to instructions on how to clean filter in the manual).
776394
I've had my machine for less than a year, and lately also have not been able to get the water to push through the grounds as it always has. I've taken the baskets apart, cleaned all the filters, made an attempt at descaling, and still, the water flow stops at the grounds. My espresso machine's constipated! I'll try what Bill says, but I'm doubtful. I think it may be time already to shell out more money for repair or another model.
303337
Not having an espresso machine I don't know. It is recommended to use either a coffee press or a coffee maker with a gold filter. You could certainly try.
1078081
R. Freidenberg is correct. But in order to backflush you need a "blank" portafilter basket. This will prevent water from passing through the portafilter and enable your machine to suck up the cleaning solution. Blanks can be ordered online. Make sure you get one that is the correct size for your portafilter.