Close down your espresso coffee machine for an extended period


It is possible that you will not be using your espresso machine and coffee grinder for a period of time during the prolonged closure period. Here is a wide range of useful information on what you should do prior to putting your espresso equipment into a non-operating period.

How to close down your espresso coffee machine for an extended period

  • Clean all groups thoroughly with the blank filter insert and Quartz Liquid cleaning product (or similar)
  • Use a group head brush to thoroughly clean all dried coffee grounds from inside the group
  • Clean the steam tubes with a food-safe, anti-bacterial cleaner to remove all milk residue. Including removing and cleaning the steam tube nozzles
  • If your equipment is fitted with an automatic milk frother system, follow the daily cleaning guide for cleaning and hygiene procedures for this and reassemble
  • Soak the metal part only of the filter holders in a jug or pan containing a solution of Liquid Quartz and water for around 30 minutes. This will help to remove all coffee oils residue from under the filter basket. Thoroughly rinse with clean water. Do not place filter holders back into the group for storage
  • Remove the drip tray and thoroughly wash with warm soapy water and rinse with fresh water. Whilst the drip tray is removed from the machine, pour a small quantity of Liquid Quartz, or 2 teaspoons of a similar powder product, into the black waste drain receptor on the machine. Refit the drip tray and flush hot water through for approx. 30 seconds to help clear the waste pipes
  • Turn the machine power switch off and place filter holders on the drip tray for storage
  • Equipment used in a mobile vehicle or outdoors unit should not be stored in an area where the temperature may drop to or below freezing point. If it cannot be moved to a warmer location, provide some form of space heating in the area. This will prevent the water in the equipment from freezing. Should this happen, call your local service team for advice.

How to re-start your espresso coffee machine after an extended period

  • Turn the machine power button on
  • Clean all groups thoroughly with the blank filter insert and Quartz Liquid cleaning product (or similar)
  • Use a group head brush to thoroughly clean all dried coffee grounds from inside the group
  • Clean the steam tubes with a food-safe, anti-bacterial cleaner to remove all milk residue, including removing and cleaning the steam tube nozzles
  • If your equipment is fitted with an automatic milk frother system, follow the daily cleaning guide for cleaning and hygiene procedures for this and reassemble.
  • As water has been left inside the machine during storage, it is essential that you flush the machine through before using. To do this, open the steam valves whilst the machine is heating up. As the machine heats and steam begins to appear from the steam tubes, close the steam valves again and allow the machine to build pressure to normal operating levels. Once at normal pressure, press the ‘star’ or continuous operation button on all groups and allow to run for 10 – 15 seconds periods several times to flush the group. Allowing the group to run continuously for periods linger than 15 seconds could damage the electric solenoid valve that controls the group operation.
  • Purge steam tubes several times over the drip tray.
  • Dispense hot water from the hot water valve to allow the boiler to refill with fresh water.
  • Fit the filter holders back into the group to warm through
  • Your machine is now ready for use.

How to close down your coffee grinder for an extended period

  • Empty any unused coffee beans from the grinder hopper by moving the bean shutter to the closed position, press the retaining clips inwards and lift the bean hopper from the grinder.
  • Throw away any beans from the hopper into the bin
  • Wash the hopper in warm soapy water. Do not place it in a dishwasher. Rinse in fresh water and dry
  • Refit the hopper and place an empty container under the doser outlet or under the dispense nozzle of your grinder, according to type.
  • Grind off any beans remaining inside the grinder system until empty and discard the ground coffee.
  • Switch off the grinder and unplug from the mains connection.
  • If you have a Knockout Drawer, make sure the drawer is empty and thoroughly cleaned with hot soapy water. Dry and re-assemble. Clean all milk jugs in a dishwasher.

How to close down your Bean to Cup espresso coffee machine for an extended period

  • Remove the bean hopper(s) and dispose of all coffee beans. Clean the bean hopper(s) with warm soapy water (do not use a dishwasher), rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly. Replace the bean hopper(s) in the machine.
  • Press the Espresso or Black Coffee selection buttons multiple times until the machine has used the last of any remaining coffee beans within the system.
  • Follow the daily coffee and milk system cleaning instructions for the machine using the correct cleaning products. This must also include the removal, cleaning with warm soapy water, rinse and replacement of the dispense head.
  • Follow any further daily cleaning instructions – including the drip tray, empty and clean the grounds drawer with warm soapy water and rinse. Replace these into the machine.
  • Switch off the machine.
  • If your machine uses milk from a milk fridge, thoroughly clean the fridge including all tubes and the inside of the fridge. Ensure No milk remains inside the fridge.
  • Turn off the fridge power and leave the door open

Thank you to Peter Atmore, Sales Director at Fracino for this guide on ensuring your coffee machine equipment rmeains ready for use when your business reopens.