Espresso Tech 101: Basic Bench Testing

Not sure if your espresso machine is performing normally? Follow these steps to test your espresso machine's basic functions.

Tools Needed:
- Stopwatch or equivalent
- 12 fl oz measuring cup OR espresso scale w/ cup
- Back flush blank and portafilter

NOTE: It is highly recommended to make sure your machine is up-to-date on group head maintenance and cleaning before performing these tests. 
How to Clean and Backflush E61 Group Head Machines
How to Clean and Backflush (non-E61 Group Head) Espresso Machines

NOTE: If your machine is equipped with programmable pre-infusion, that will need to be turned off or set to 0 before running the following tests.

NOTE: If your machine is equipped with flow control, it's important to set the paddle in the wide open position before performing these tests.

NOTE: You will need to remove any filters, screens, softeners, or softening pouches from your machine's water reservoir before running the following tests.

Test 1: Flow Rate

1. Remove the portafilter from your machine.

2. Place your measuring cup under the bare group head.
OR
Place the cup on the scale, tare the scale, then place under the bare group head.

3. Lift the brew lever or hit the appropriate shot button and start your stopwatch as soon as water begins to dispense from the machine. Stop the "shot" as soon as the stopwatch reads 30 seconds.

4. Record the results and compare your results to the following bench marks:

Standard E61 group head machines: 8-12 fl oz (235-355g) in 30 seconds.
Flow control device equipped espresso machines: 6-8 fl oz (175-235g) in 30 seconds.
Saturated group head machines: 6-12 fl oz (235-355g) in 30 seconds.
Semi-saturated group head machines: 8-16 fl oz (235-475g) in 30 seconds.

Test 2: Group Head Pressure

1. Install the back flush blank into your portafilter and lock the portafilter into the group head.

2. Lift the brew lever or hit the appropriate shot button to start the machine's brew function. If your machine doesn't have a shot timer, start your stopwatch at the same time.

3. Watch the brew pressure gauge. Take note of how long the needle takes to reach the set pressure.

4. Record the results. The needle should rise and reach the machine's set pressure (9-10 Bar) within 10 seconds. 

NOTE: If your machine is equipped with a flow control device, it's important to make sure that the flow control paddle is in the fully open position. Then as you run Test 2, compare the behavior of the group head pressure gauge to the pump pressure gauge on the face of the machine; it's okay if they don't match perfectly, but their action should correlate. Record the results.

Test 3: Steam Function

1. Allow the steam boiler to fully heat and come to full pressure. The needle on the steam pressure gauge should read between 1.25-1.75 Bar depending on your settings.

2. Open the steam wand into a cup and observe the steam pressure gauge. It should drop immediately and smoothly by about 0.50-0.75 Bar. (If your machine is equipped with a digital PID display, make note of how far the temperature drops from the boiler set temperature throughout this test.)

3. Allow the steam wand to run for 30 seconds. The needle should hover right around ~0.5-1.0 Bar for the entire duration. A little higher or lower is no cause for concern.

4. Turn off the wand and watch the steam boiler reheat. The steam pressure gauge should return to its normal idling pressure. If your machine is equipped with a digital PID display, the steam boiler temperature should return to its set temperature.

5. Repeat this test a few times. The machine should operate fairly consistently each time.

Test 4: Steam Boiler Temperature Recovery

1. Allow the steam boiler to fully heat and come to full pressure. The needle on the steam pressure gauge should read between 1.25-1.75 Bar depending on your settings.

2. Open the hot water tap or press the button to dispense hot water from the machine into a catch cup. 

3. Dispense 8-12 fl oz of hot water and watch the steam pressure gauge drop. The pump should kick on immediately after to re-fill the boiler. 

4. Keep an eye on the PID temperature and/or the steam pressure gauge. Temperature and pressure should both rise steadily back to their set points.

5. Repeat this test a few times. The machine should operate fairly consistently each time.

If either of these tests fall outside the stated range, please reach out to our tech team:

Clive Coffee Troubleshooting and Repair