Bezzera BZ10: User Manual

Please read carefully before using your Bezzera BZ10 Espresso Machine. If you have any other questions, be sure to contact us.

Included Accessories:

• Double spouted portafilter
• Single basket (7g)
• Double basket (18g)
• Backflush disc
• Group head brush
• Temporary plastic tamper

Water

Espresso machines have specific requirements when it comes to water. There are two primary considerations: filtration and hardness.

Filtration gets rid of tiny particles, such as sand or rust, in your water. If these particles were allowed to enter your machine, they could cause all manner of trouble, specifically by clogging the small valves and other parts in your espresso machine. Almost any water filter will do the job, whether it’s the one built into your fridge, a Brita, or a whole house filter. Ensuring that this filter is replaced in proper time will be important to ensure machine health.

Water hardness is equally important. First, use the water hardness test strips included with your machine to test the water you plan to use. Ideally, we want a hardness of between 35-85 ppm (parts per million). Hardness refers to the dissolved solids or mineral content in your water. Common dissolved solids are things like magnesium, calcium, and various forms of sodium. These dissolved solids are what make water, and therefore espresso, taste good. But an excess will result in scale buildup inside your machine. Scale can cause irreparable damage to your machine by clogging and forming a mineralized layer over the surface of metal parts. The process of descaling is even more damaging, eating away at the machine’s metal internals. Luckily, the buildup can be entirely avoided by keeping your water hardness within the recommended TDS range of 35-85 ppm.

There are numerous methods to soften your water if the mineral content has been tested to be too high for your machine.

• A Note on RO (Reverse Osmosis) or Distilled Water

Taste aside, espresso machines require some mineral content to function properly. Their steam boiler fill probes, in particular, use the conductivity of water to detect the water level. With no dissolved solids, they’ll overfill, giving you water instead of steam. You must add some mineral content back in. Our recommendation is Third Wave Water packets, designed to offer ideal flavor and be safe for your machine.

• Reservoir Solutions

Our first recommendation is an in-tank water softening pouch. They’re affordable, last 4-6 months, and very effective. Using distilled water purchased by the gallon in combination with Third Wave Water packets is another effective option.

No matter what solution you pick, we recommend testing the water coming from your machine’s group head every few months. City water hardness changes seasonally, and softening systems wear out. Quarterly testing will ensure you keep your machine safe.

• First Time Setup with Reservoir

First, fill the reservoir with your filtered and softened water, leaving a few inches at the top to prevent spillage. Ensure that you do not spill water on top of the machine when filling, as this may cause electrical damage. When filling the reservoir, verify that the rubber/plastic water intake line is arranged such that it is fully submerged and touches the bottom of the reservoir. 

Technical Details

For a complete list of technical details, please see the spec table on our product page.

Now you're ready to start pulling shots! Check out our Espresso 101 section to learn about steaming milk, latte art, our suggested starter espresso recipe, grinder dial-in tips, and much more.

Helpful Links

• Espresso 101
• More on Water and Setup
• Clive Blog
• Espresso Machine Cleaning & Maintenance

Still have questions? Reach out to our coffee experts and technicians.