Setting Up the Espresso System
Creating the perfect espresso drink is easy with your Gaggenau Espresso System, however, for best results we recommend you take the time to set-up the system correctly. This checklist will guide you through the steps.
Water Filter
The unit can be used with or without a water filter placed in the water tank. If a water filter is used, please select the Water Filter Available option in the Settings Menus and touch the check mark to confirm.
Adding the Beans
The selection of beans is extremely important and impacts the results of each beverage.
Always use dry, non oily, freshly roasted beans with a robust flavor. Never use flavored beans.
Setting the Grinding Level
A slider that adjusts the grind is located underneath the bean container. For a finer grind, (recommended for darker beans) move the slider to the left. For a coarser grind, (recommended for lighter beans) move the slider to the right.
It is recommended to make 1 or 2 espresso beverages to determine your optimal grinding level. When changing the grind settings, move the slider in small increments.
Making and discarding several espresso drinks also allows the crema to develop fully.
Setting Up the Milk System
The tubes for the milk system together with a stainless steel connector are also stored in the drawer in the top left corner. Attach a tube to each end of the connector and place the connector seam side down against the two magnetic stainless dots on the right side of the unit. Remove the cover of the dispenser and attach the left tube to the dispenser and replace the cover. Remove the straw (which is located in a vertical slot near the hinged side of the door) and attach to the tube on the right. Guide the tube through the notch on the right and insert the straw into the milk container.
When the milk container is not being used the straw can be inserted into the hole on the right of the container for the discarded coffee grounds.
Programming the Set-Up Menu
Turn on the Power Button and close the door.
Turn the left control knob to the S position, the preset language shown will be Deutsch. Use the right control knob to change the language to English US or the language of your choice. Confirm with the check mark.
Next the preset capacity will be displayed, use the right control knob to change the setting to fl.oz and confirm. All drinks can be customized in terms of volume so this setting is important to achieve the desired result.
Next the preset weight will be displayed, again use the right control knob to change the setting to oz. The milk container rests on a scale that monitors the weight of the container or milk carton used. Setting the weight ensures the system will alert you when the milk level is too low for a programmed beverage.
Next select the temperature unit, change it to Fahrenheit and touch the check mark.
Other options in the Settings menus allow you to change how the Display screen looks, the sounds and volume and also to choose from seven different lighting scenarios.
The preset Standby time is set to 30 minutes. After this time the appliance automatically rinses and switches to Standby mode and the screen goes dark. The preferred Standby time can be set from 5 minutes to 3 hours.
Home Connect
Downloading the Home Connect app and pairing your Gaggenau appliances has many benefits.
The Coffee World menu provides a wide selection of drinks that can be prepared, plus settings and preferences can be changed remotely via the app. Additionally you can take advantage of Remote start (first activated from the machine) and benefit from Remote Diagnostics.
Now it’s Time to Enjoy Some Coffee
Turn the left control to the right and the first beverage selection Espresso will be displayed.
Every time the machine is switched on, a Rinsing Program is run before a beverage can be selected and brewed.
To choose from the expanded selection of beverages, turn the right control knob to the right.
As noted in the Set-Up section, making and discarding a few espresso drinks is recommended in order to adjust the grind level and to allow the crema to develop.
When you have made your first beverage selection, before touching the Play symbol, you can customize the size of the beverage, the strength of the brew, the temperature and, for drinks with milk, the milk to coffee ratio. Simply touch the orange arrow in the top left corner and toggle through the choices, then touch the check mark to confirm and touch Play to brew the beverage.
Once you have determined the perfect settings for your preferred beverage, you can touch the downward arrow on the left of the display and name and save the beverage selection. You can saved up to 8 of these beverage settings.
More Important Things to Know About the Espresso System
For fresh, full flavored espresso and coffee drinks it is important to follow the recommended cleaning and maintenance programs.
The drip tray and the container with the dispensed grounds should be emptied and rinsed daily.
The milk system can be cleaned automatically by turning the left control knob to the S position and choosing the “Clean Milk Frothing System” function with the right control knob. Follow the prompts and touch Play to activate.
The milk system can also be dismantled and rinsed clean with hot water.
This video (video 4 Cleaning and Maintenance) reviews the other important steps for maintaining the Espresso System.
Cleaning the Brewing Unit
Running the Cleaning Program
Running the Descaling Program
Running the Cleaning and Descaling Program together.
The tablets necessary for the Cleaning and Descaling programs can be purchased from the Gaggenau eshop. We recommend keeping these supplies on hand to avoid the machine shutting down if the Descaling program is not run when prompted.
There is always a familiarization process when learning a new appliance, these videos provide more information to help you get the most from your Gaggenau espresso system and to learn how to create amazing customized beverages.
