To make the hottest espresso we recommend pre-heating your cup and portaflter. Simply place boiling water into your cup and dunk in the portafilter head for around 15 seconds. Then fill with ground coffee and use in the normal way. Unlike conventional machines the pressure chamber does not need to be pre-heated as it absorbs heat very slowly. To learn more about extraction thermals from Dale Harris go here.

The stepped (raised) area should face outwards. Flat area inwards.

We’ve designed the Presso Smartshot to perfectly balance the extraction pressure so you get a tasty coffee, cup after cup. Extraction pressures will vary depending on the amount and fineness of coffee grinds. Expect between 6 and 10 bar.

It’s not normally necessary to take your unit apart. You can clean the black filter disc by removing it from the underside. The factory fitted o-ring will last many years and can be cleaned by rinsing the unit through, first with soapy water followed by clean water.

After many years of service it is possible to dismantle your unit after purchasing a Service kit from our webstore. See our movie here.

An unwinding handle is a sign that the black silicone seal needs a clean. Remove the seal and clean both sides with soapy water. Also clean the round area in the body where the seal locates. Rinse both areas then dry the seal before replacing and using. The silicone screen and portafilter basket (not the wooden handled portafilter body) are also dishwasher safe. 

See a video here.

Technically you can, but we do not recommend it.

Actually it will not. This is because the entire basket area above the exit hole is pressurised. The extraction pressure will equalise everywhere between the exit hole and the o-ring. This ensures a very even extraction.

Presso Smartshot is designed to be used with hot water. If you raise and lower the arms when dry, it may make a noise. A bit like running an engine without oil. If you wish to reduce this dry-run friction, try this lubrication tip here.

Friction between the sliding o-ring and the inner body can become increased by mineral deposits or even when very new. Try this tip to reduce the friction from our ROK community - first remove the silicone seal (black disk with holes) and raise both lever arms. Using your finger, smear a very small amount of olive oil or margarine onto the inner wall of the cylinder. Raise then lower the arms a few times to reduce the o-ring friction. Wipe off any excess oil with kitchen roll. Replace the black silicone seal and use it as normal. 

To watch a demo video go here.

Interested in the relationship between oil and coffee? Go here.

No. Many coffee machines with moving parts make a sound. The noise you may hear is the metal parts moving together when the springs compress. Somewhat like the noise made when cycling. To lessen the noise you can add a little lubricant.

To see a video of where and how, go here.

After each use we recommend you clip out the basket from the portafilter. Simply rinse it and the portafilter cup under a tap. We also recommend rinsing off any used coffee grounds from the black silicone seal. This can be done with it in place, no need to remove. See movie here.

For a deep clean you can make a 'coffee-less shot'. Attach the portafilter without filling with coffee, then pull a normal shot using warm soapy water. Repeat, then thoroughly rinse with fresh, clean water. Dry with a towel or allow to air dry. See movie here. 

Occasionally, you can place the steel basket and black silicone seal into a dishwasher. Run on a normal cycle.

If you live in an area with high mineral deposits in the water, follow this guide to descale your Presso.