The GASTROBACK® DESIGN ESPRESSO PLUS (Art.-No. 42606) is an espresso machine designed for household use, offering professional functionality and ease of handling for preparing a variety of specialty coffees.
Function Description
The Design Espresso Plus is primarily used for brewing espresso and coffee, and for frothing milk to create beverages like latte macchiato, cappuccino, and latte. It features a thermo-block heating system for quick heat-up and digital temperature control to maintain a constant brewing temperature. A pre-brew function enhances the taste experience by moistening the coffee grounds before full pressure brewing. The integrated steam wand allows for quick and easy milk frothing. The machine also includes an E.S.E.-PAD-SYSTEM, making it suitable for espresso pads for quick coffee indulgence.
Important Technical Specifications
- Model: Art. No. 42606 Design Espresso Pro
- Power Supply: 230 - 240 V, 50 - 60 Hz
- Power Consumption: 1,250 W
- Length of Power Cord: approx. 100 cm
- Weight: approx. 5.7 kg
- Dimensions (width x depth x height): approx. 206 x 285 x 320 mm
- Water Tank Capacity: 1.7 Litre
- Pump Pressure: 15 bar (professional Ulka Espresso pump)
- Heating System: Thermo-block
- Certification: CE
Usage Features
The appliance is designed for user convenience with several key features:
- Selection Switch: A central dial allows selection for espresso (right), steam & hot water (left), and standby (middle/O).
- Power Indicator (POWER): Lights up red when the appliance is switched on.
- Heating Indicator (HEATING): Lights red during preheating and turns off when ready for operation.
- On-/Off Switch: For powering the appliance on and off.
- Grouphead: The component where the portafilter is inserted for brewing.
- Heavy Stainless Steel Portafilter: Designed for easy insertion and secure fit, ensuring good crema.
- Cup-Preheating-Function: A warming plate on top of the appliance preheats cups to prevent coffee from cooling quickly.
- Water Tank: A removable 1.5-liter water tank, easy to fill and located at the back of the appliance. It has MIN (100 ml) and MAX (1500 ml) marks.
- 360° Swivel Steam Wand: Equipped with an attachment for frothing milk, it can be easily moved for optimal positioning.
- Automatic Depressurization System: Ensures safe operation.
- Large Cups: Extra space is provided for larger cups between the filter holder and drip tray.
- Removable Drip Tray: Features a level indicator and a removable grill for easy cleaning.
- Non-Slip Rubber Feet: Prevents slippage and scratches on surfaces.
- Extensive Range of Accessories: Includes stainless steel double-wall filters for one and two cups, an ESE pad system filter, a stainless steel milk jug, a measuring spoon with tamper, and a cleaning set.
- Pre-Brew-Function: A brief pause in pumping water allows the coffee grounds to moisten and swell, improving flavor extraction.
- Espresso Preparation: Involves filling the portafilter with ground coffee (1-2 spoons for single filter, 2-3 spoons for double filter) or an ESE pad, tamping evenly, inserting the portafilter into the grouphead, and turning the selector switch to the espresso position.
- Milk Frothing: Requires filling the milk jug with cold milk, turning the black folding switch to steam, and immersing the steam wand tip into the milk.
- Hot Water Function: Available by turning the black folding switch to hot water and the selector switch to the steam/hot water position.
Maintenance Features
Regular and careful maintenance is crucial for the appliance's performance and longevity.
- Daily Cleaning: Portafilter, filters, water tank, drip tray, measuring spoon, and tamper should be cleaned with warm water and a food-safe detergent. The grouphead and group gasket should be wiped to remove visible pollution.
- Cleaning as Required: The steam wand and hot water wand should be cleaned after each use to prevent milk residue buildup. The exterior of the appliance should be wiped with a soft, damp cloth after cooling down.
- Drip Tray Cleaning: The drip tray should be emptied regularly (when the red float indicator shows it's full). The level indicator, rack, and plastic insert are removable for thorough cleaning with warm soapy water.
- Filter Cleaning: Used filters should be rinsed immediately after each use. Clogged pores can be cleared with the needle in the cleaning tool.
- Steam Wand Cleaning: After frothing milk, the attachment should be removed and rinsed. The steam wand itself should be wiped with a damp cloth and then purged by rotating the selector switch to the steam position. For stubborn clogs, the steam wand tip can be unscrewed, soaked in a hot detergent solution, and cleaned with the needle.
- Descaling: Regular descaling is recommended to prevent calcium deposits, which can impair water flow and coffee quality. Gastroback Premium Descaler (Art. No.: 98175) is recommended, using a mixture of 50 ml descaler and max. 750 ml water. The descaling process involves running the mixture through both the grouphead and the steam wand, followed by rinsing with clear water. The frequency of descaling depends on water hardness (e.g., every 150 liters for mild water, every 90 liters for medium, every 60 liters for hard).
- Storage: Before long-term storage, the appliance should be turned off, unplugged, cleaned, and allowed to cool. The water tank and drip tray should be emptied. It should be stored in a clean, dry, frost-free place, out of reach of children, and protected from excessive strain.