You should install a new group gasket about once a year. It is easy to install and you can do it from home. First, you will need to get a new gasket. Please call us to order. The gasket is a large, black circular rubber piece in the group head. This is where your machine makes a seal for pressure brewing. To replace it, follow these instructions:

You will need a broad, flat-head screwdriver.
1. Unplug the machine and let it cool down completely (this is VERY important).
2. Remove the water reservoir and the drip tray grid and drip pan.
3. Locate the shower screen. It is right above where the portafilter normally sits. It looks like a circular metal screen.
4. The screen has a smooth cuff around the edge. It is held on by pressure (no screws or bolts). Just above the screen, along the smooth cuff, is a small indent that goes all the way around. This is where you will pry down using the screwdriver. Place the blade of the flat head screwdriver at the indent and pry down carefully. DO NOT pry down on one side only, as this could warp or bend the piece. It should be pried off slowly from alternating sides. Like a paint can.
5. The group gasket should come off along with the screen and cuff. If it does not, simply pull it straight down until it comes off.
6. Inspect and clean the group head. Make sure the shower screen is clean as well. You can soak it in descaler if needed. DO NOT push a pin through the screen to clear out any clogs. It will increase the diameter of the holes promoting future clogs.
7. Stretch the new gasket over the screen. The side that is beveled should face up into the machine. The completely flat side will face down to create a seal with your portafilter.
8. Push the shower screen back into place with your hand. Make sure it is in securely and completely before inserting your portafilter.
9. Replace the water reservoir, drip tray and drip grid.
10. Turn on the machine and you are ready to brew again.
If you need parts or further assistance, please contact us at 1-888-411-5282

There are several possible causes of this problem. Please follow the instructions below to solve it.

Solution 1

This problem can occur if the metal filter basket in the portafilter is damaged around the edges, or if coffee has built-up on the edges. Ensure that your filter basket is clean around the edges, and if it is damaged, replacements are available by calling us at the number below.

Solution 2

The most common solution to this problem is to replace the group head gasket. You should install a new about once a year. It is easy to install and you can do it from home. First, you will need to purchase a new gasket. Please call us to order. The gasket is a large, black circular rubber piece located in the group head.The group gasket surrounds the shower screen. This is where your machine makes a seal for pressure brewing. To replace it, follow these instructions:

You will need a broad, flat-head screwdriver.
1. Unplug the machine and let it cool down completely (this is VERY important).
2. Remove the water reservoir and the drip tray grid and drip pan.
3. Locate the shower screen. It is right above where the portafilter normally sits. It looks like a circular metal screen.
4. The screen has a smooth cuff around the edge. It is held on by pressure (no screws or bolts). Just above the screen, along the smooth cuff, is a small indent that goes all the way around. This is where you will pry down using the screwdriver. Place the blade of the flat head screwdriver at the indent and pry down carefully. DO NOT pry down on one side only, as this could warp or bend the piece. It should be pried off slowly from alternating sides. Like a paint can.
5. The group gasket should come off along with the screen and cuff. If it does not, simply pull it straight down until it comes off.
6. Inspect and clean the group head. Make sure the shower screen is clean as well. You can soak it in descaler if needed. DO NOT push a pin through the screen to clear out any clogs. It will increase the diameter of the holes promoting future clogs.
7. Stretch the new gasket over the screen. The side that is beveled should face up into the machine. The completely flat side will face down to create a seal with your portafilter.
8. Push the shower screen back into place with your hand. Make sure it is in securely and completely before inserting your portafilter.
9. Replace the water reservoir, drip tray and drip grid.
10. Turn on the machine and you are ready to brew again.
If you need parts or further assistance, please contact us at 1-888-411-5282.

There are several possible causes of this problem. Please follow the instructions below to solve it.

Solution 1

The most common solution to this problem is to backflush regularly. You should backflush the machine once a week with water, and every other week with backflush-cleaning powder. We recommend Cafiza by Urnex. You only need to use about 1 teaspoon each time. To backflush, follow these steps:

1. Turn the machine on and let it heat to normal brewing temperature.
2. Remove the normal basket from the portafilter and insert the backflush disk. The backflushing disk is either rubber or stainless steel. It will have no holes in it.
3. If backflushing with just water, insert the portafilter into the machine normally as if brewing.
4. If you are going to backflush using the cleaning powder, simply sprinkle about a teaspoon onto the backflush disk, and then insert the portafilter into the machine normally.
5. Turn on the brewing mechanism. (some machines have a switch, some have a lever, and some a free flow button)
6. Listen to the pump. It will begin normally and then change pitch. After the pump changes pitch, count to three.
7. Now, stop the flow of water by stopping the brewing mechanism.
8. A gush of water is now expelled into your drip tray. Repeat steps 2-6 again at least 2 more times. You can repeat it until you feel like the brew head is clean. Make sure if you are using backflush cleaner, to remove the portafilter after several cycles and make sure all of the powder is dissolved and no longer visible.
9. Remove the portafilter and take out the backflush disk. Replace the regular filter basket and you are ready to brew again.

Solution 2

If the first solution does not work, your shower screen may be clogged. This can happen through regular use. Some common causes are not backflushing on a regular basis, or using a very fine grind. Follow these steps to remove the shower screen:

1. Make sure your machine is cold and unplugged.
2. You will need a thin flat head screw driver.
3. Now locate the shower screen. It is above the spot where you insert the portafilter for brewing. It is a metal screen that has many holes in it. It is held on by a pressure cuff. The cuff surrounds the screen and is silver in color.
4. You will need to pry off the cuff in order to access the shower screen. DO NOT stick the screw driver blade between the screen and pressure cuff. This will ruin your shower screen and you will need to purchase a new one.
5. The top of the pressure cuff is located right where the group gasket meets it. The group gasket is a large black rubber ring located on the outer perimeter of the group head.
6. Place the flat blade of the screw driver in the area where the group gasket and pressure cuff meet. Pry slightly downwards. DO NOT pry the pressure cuff down in one location. It will bend. You need to remove it as you would the lid of a paint can.
7. Pry all the way around until the pressure cuff can be easily removed. You do not have to use a lot of force.
8. Remove the shower screen and hold it up to a light. You should be able to see through most of the holes. If not, soak it in some dissolved backflush cleaner, such as Cafiza by Urnex. DO NOT use a pin to clean out any clogs. This will expand the openings and cause future clogs in the group head.
9. Clean the group head using a brush. Make sure it is mostly clean. You can dip the brush in the dissolved cleaner to aid in the cleaning.
10. Replace the shower screen by simply pushing it back into its place.
11. Backflush your machine, making sure to thoroughly rinse any cleaner you have used.
12. Your shower screen is now clean. Do this at least once every 6-8 weeks to keep your machine working at its best.

Solution 3

If the first 2 solutions did not work, you may have a major clog or a pump issue. Please call us to set up a repair.

Your machine may be experiencing a bit of vapor lock, which can happen occasionally. Try to keep the water reservoir to full capacity if possible, but if you run into this issue again, you can remedy it by forcing water through the tube manually. Follow these steps:

1. Unplug the machine and allow it to cool completely. Make sure the reservoir is full or the machine will not function.
2. First you need to get a turkey baster or something that can inject water with some pressure. If you do not have anything suitable please call us to order a priming pump.
3. Look into the reservoir and find the soft tubes. There is usually 1 or 2. You will need to locate the inlet tube. It is usually the longer tube with a V-shaped cut or angled cut at the end. This is the tube you are going to inject water into. NOTE: if your machine has a water softener on it, remove this while priming.
4. Fill the turkey baster or priming pump with water.
5. Plug in your machine and turn it on.
6. Now the pump will activate. Quickly make a tight seal with the priming pump/turkey baster and the inlet tube and force water into the tube.
7. As soon as you have injected the water, turn the pump off by turning off the brewing button (we recommend doing this step 2-3 times before going on to the next step).
8. Once you see water being pulled through the machine, replace the tube into a FULL water reservoir and let the water run out of the steam wand for 1 minute or until you no longer see sputtering. Your machine is now re-primed and ready to use again.

The water softener helps keep the amount of scale build up under control. It is attached to the end of the soft rubber inlet tube in your water tank. It looks like it is full of little crystal grains. The water softener should be cleaned and recharged about once every 1-2 months, or more frequently if you have a higher mineral content in your water. To charge it for the first time, or to recharge it, follow these simple steps:

The machine should be off and cold before following these steps.

1. Prepare a solution of 3 teaspoons of fine salt and 8 oz of water. Mix well.
2. Remove the water softener from the rubber tube by pulling the pointy end off of the soft rubber tube. Make sure you do not pull the end of the water softener off.
3. Pour the solution through the big end of the filter. It will flow freely out of the bottom pointy end.
4. Let is sit for about 5 minutes, then run tap water through it to rinse it. When the water coming out of the softener is no longer salty, the water softener is fully charged/recharged and ready for use.
5. Put the softener back on the tube by simply pushing the pointed end back into the soft inlet tube.
6. Put them both back into a full water tank. It may float up, and this is normal as long as the end that allows water to enter the machine is submerged. You do not want the machine to accidentally suck in some air, causing the pump to lose its prime.

The machine is now ready to be turned on and used again.

Cleaning Products Page

Expobar machines are not designed as pod machines, but it is possible to brew pods with them by using the Gaggia pod filter basket. Because of the high quality brewing components, Expobar machines are designed to make an excellent shot of espresso. This is best done by using your own freshly ground coffee rather than pods. Pods do offer added convenience when brewing, but with a highly capable machine like the Brewtus II, you will always get the best results if you can perfect the grind and tamp yourself.

Gaggia Gaggia Pod/Single Filter Basket

Refurbished machines, excluding Capresso models, come with a six-month warranty covering limited parts and labor through Whole Latte Love. Before a machine can be offered through the Outlet, our technical staff carefully inspects it to ensure it is in perfect working order, so you can always be sure you’re getting the best in quality and performance. Each refurbished machine comes complete with all components that are necessary for proper use.

Capresso refurbished machines come with a full one-year warranty and all repairs will go directly through the manufacturer. Before these machines were made available for resale, Capresso’s own technicians carefully inspected each machine to ensure it is in perfect working order. Each refurbished Capresso machine comes complete with all the accessories that normally come with a new product.

For more information on our refurbished machines, please read the article linked below and visit the Whole Latte Love Outlet.

Whole Latte Love Refurbs

Whole Latte Love Outlet

Comments (1)

There are a few things that will help get your espresso hot. The first, which you mentioned, is letting the machine heat up a little longer before you use it. Make sure that the temperature ready light comes on before you try to use the machine. After the machine says its up to temperature, you’ll also want to run a "blank shot". This is simply activating the brew function while the empty portafilter is in place to allow hot water to come through the brew group and portafilter. In addition, you should preheat the cup you’ll be brewing into with hot water. Cold brew groups, portafilters, and cups will absorb the heat from your espresso, making it colder and reducing the amount of crema you get. Preheating all of these components prevents that from happening and helps you to get the perfect shot.

If you have a leak pouring over your portafilter during brewing, it leads me to believe that you need a new group-head gasket. You can purchase this part directly through us by calling us at 888-411-5282.

This part is available directly through us. Simply give us a call at 888-411-5282 and we’ll be able to send one out to you.

The temperature of the water in your cup is fairly normal - although the machine brews at a higher temperature (around 200F), after its exposure to air and absorption of some of the heat from your cup, 180 is right on target, so I don’t think it’s a temperature issue. It sounds like you may simply need to give your steam tip a good cleaning. Just add a spoonfull of Cafiza (what you use to backflush) to a cup of hot water and let the steam tip soak for a while. As some preventative maintenance, after steaming your milk you should blow some additional steam out of the wand to ensure nothing is stuck in the wand. If you’ve tried this and are still experiencing problems, give us a call at 888-411-5282 so that we can more thoroughly diagnose the problem.

To remove the shower screen on the Expobar, you’ll need to use a flat head screwdriver. Insert the flat side of the screwdriver on the right side of the group head, between the shower screen and brew group, and apply gentle pressure to start prying it out. Then do the same thing on the left side of the group head to prevent bending the screen. You can request a set of detailed instructions on cleaning the shower screen a brew group by calling us at 888-411-5282.

If your machine is tripping your GFI switch, you may need to send it in for repair. Please call us at 888-411-5282 so that we can thoroughly diagnose the problem and provide you with the most appropriate solution.

It sounds like you simply need to replace the brew group gasket, which is generally necessary every year or so. Please contact us at 888-411-5282 so we can send you this part and instructions on how to replace it.

You don’t have to remove the filter basket every day for cleaning, but I would recommend rinsing and wiping the filter basket out every time you’ve knocked out your spent grounds. However, the filter basket should be removed every month or so for deeper cleaning. You can usually remove them with a fingernail, but a butterknife or flat screwdriver will do if it’s really snug - just be careful not to bend the basket with your force. Then simply add a teaspoon of Cafiza (what you use to backflush your machine) to a cup of hot water and let the filter baskets soak for 10 or 15 minutes. Also, hold the filter basket up to the light to see if any of the holes are clogged. If you do notice this, you can clean the holes out with a toothpick and then soak the baskets as recommended.

This machine is meant for home use and is a great addition to any kitchen. The only thing you’ll want to make sure of is that it will fit where you want to put it, since it is fairly tall - it stands 30"H x 11"W x 14.5"D.

It sounds like you simply need to reset your high limit switch. Please contact us at 888-411-5282 so that we can send you instructions for this procedure.

The Expobar’s group head and portafilter have a 58mm diameter, which is the standard commerical size. This means it would use a 58mm tamper as well. Information like this can be found for any of the espresso machines we carry by following the link below to our Compare-O-Matic.

Compare-O-Matic

Expobar does not currently manufacture a single spout portafilter. However, even though the espresso is coming out of both spouts, you can catch both streams in a single cup if it is positioned in the center.

The dome can be removed if you’d like to fit it in a smaller area. Doing so will bring the machine down from its original 30" height to about 16.5".

The Athenea is 30" with the eagle in place. Since the eagle itself is about 8 ¼" tall, removing it will reduce the height to about 21 ¾" tall.

It sounds like you need to adjust your pressure stat and/or clean your vacuum relief valve. For detailed instructions on these procedures, please contact us directly at 888-411-5282.

Regular maintenance of this machine requires backflushing every day with water and weekly with a cleaner like Urnex Cafiza. Cafiza is available through us and can be purchased online by following the link below or over the phone by calling us at 888-411-5282.

Products

This doesn’t sound like anything is wrong with the machine - it’s actually working very well. The pump is kicking on because the water in the boiler has started to dissipate over the hours that the machine hasn’t been used. The pump is simply coming on to bring new water into the boiler and prevent it from burning out. This is actually preventing the machine from having a future problem and shouldn’t worry you at all.

The Athenea, like all the espresso machines we carry, is a 110v machine. Unfortunately, we do not carry any 220v machines at this time.

Products

One of the main reasons for an uneven pour like you’re describing is if your tamping isn’t level. If you simply apply more pressure on one side than the other, water will find the path of least resistance through the less-tamped side. However, if you’re pretty sure that tamping isn’t the issue, it could be that your machine is sitting on a surface that isn’t level. Try propping up the side of the machine that more espresso seems to come out of. As long as your tamping is even, this should remedy your problem.

Your thinking is correct - this is something that can be adjusted easily to fix the problem. First, remove the reservoir, and then remove the metal plate below it. Simply put a slight downward bend in the center of the metal plate, so that when you replace it the center touches the sensor before the sides reach that level. Replace the reservoir, and you should be all set. If you continue to have problems, feel free to contact us directly at 888-411-5282 for further assistance.

Unfortunately, we do not have an Athenea model available with temperature control at this time. We have two different styles of Athenea machines - the Control and the Lever. The Lever is the only one of these two that has the E61 group. This brew group is identifiable by the fact that it has the protruding group head and a lever control for brewing and solenoid valve release. However, the group head on the original Athenea does have thermal siphoning (constant hot water circulation through it) that is similar to the E61 group itself. Below I have linked to our article on the E61 so that you can learn more about it. Feel free to contact us again with any further questions.

Articles

Blind filter baskets, or backflush discs, are available through us. You can purchase them online by following the link below or over the phone by calling us at 888-411-5282.

Products

The Expobar Athenea is not NSF approved for commercial use. Unfortunately, we do not carry any NSF approved machines at this time.

http://www.wholelattelove.com/tips.cfm?TipID=5447&itemID=29#tipdetail

Unforutnately, we do not carry a 220v version of this machine, or any other machines on our site.

You should not decalcify machines that have heat exchanger boilers (like the Expobar). Due to the design of the boiler, it would be nearly impossible to remove all of the decalcifying solution short of removing the boiler from the machine and taking it apart yourself - this is not recommended by Whole Latte Love or the manufacturer. The best thing you can do to keep your machine clean is to backflush it. This is a simple process that removes coffee oils and residues from the brew group through the solenoid valve. I have provided a link below to our article on backflushing so that you can learn more. In addition, I have linked to Urnex Cafiza and Backflush discs, both of which are necessary for backflushing.

Products

This machine is capable of producing about 80 cups a day, so I wouldn’t recommend it for use in a higher-volume setting. In addition, using it this much for an extended period of time may cause internal problems more quickly. For use in this setting, I would recommend contacting manufacturers directly to inquire about their commercial lines of equipment. Also, keep in mind to check your local health regulations before purchasing a machine, as they do vary from state to state.

The Expobar Athenea machine only has one group head, so it will produce espresso a single (1-1.5 oz) or double shot (2-2.5 oz) at a time.  If you are looking to produce a larger cup of coffee you could make an Americano, which tastes very similar to drip coffee, by adding hot water to your shot using the Athenea’s hot water wand.  For more ideas on drinks to make with an espresso machine, follow the link below to our article on that topic.

You could certainly program extract 6 or 12 ounces at a time if you liked, but this could cause what is called an overextraction that might have a bitter taste. For that purpose, we recommend that you make an Americano as described above.

Articles

Any replacement parts for Expobar machines can be purchased directly through Whole Latte Love. Please call us at 888-411-5282 to place an order.

This is a clear indication that the machine is in need of cleaning.  Your Expobar should be cleaned aproximately twice a week.  The cleaning process is called backflushing and is very simple.  I have included links to an article explaining the process and also the products recommended for backflushing below.

Products

Very basically, the Golden Rule states that using the correct amount of coffee (based on a single or double shot) should produce a shot of espresso in 20 to 25 seconds. Changing the grind setting or the amount of tamp pressure you are using will change how quickly the shot is produced. Follow the links below to find more in depth discussions of the Golden Rule.

Golden Rule
Purchasing Coffee & Brewing Espresso PART I
Purchasing Coffee & Brewing Espresso PART II
Rituals of Making Espresso

Comments (2)

There are 2 main differences between these machines. The first is that the Athenea Lever has an E61 group head - this is the protruding portion of the machine you see that the portafilter locks into. This type of brew group constantly circulates hot water through the brew group to maintain its temperature stability. The original Athenea also has a similar thermal siphon feature, but it does not have the true E61 brew group.

In addition, an E61 brew group means that the Athenea Lever’s brewing and solenoid valve functions are controlled by a lever. This brings me to the second difference between the machines: the brewing controls. Instead of the lever control, the original Athenea has push buttons that you use for brewing. It has a manual on/off switch (press it once to start brewing and again to stop) but also features 4 programmable brewing buttons. You can set each of these buttons to, when pressed, brew a specific volume of coffee and then automatically stop. No matter how brewing stops, the Athenea’s solenoid valve kicks in automatically to remove excess pressure and water from the brew group, rather than you needing to activate it manually like you do on the Athenea Lever. Since all the other components in these machines are identical, your decision will basically come down to what type of controls you prefer.