Keeping it Clean: A Guide to Ascaso Group Head Maintenance

Ascaso espresso machines are known for their beautiful designs and impressive performance, but like any high-quality equipment, they require proper care to ensure longevity and optimal brewing. One of the most crucial aspects of Ascaso maintenance is keeping the group head clean. This component, where the magic of espresso extraction happens, can accumulate coffee oils and residue over time, affecting the flavor of your coffee and potentially hindering performance.

Why Group Head Cleaning Matters

• Flavor Purity: A clean group head prevents old coffee oils and residue from tainting your fresh brews.
• Consistent Extraction: Buildup can obstruct water flow and cause uneven extraction, leading to inconsistent shots and channeling.
• Machine Longevity: Regular cleaning helps prevent scale buildup and keeps your Ascaso machine running smoothly for years to come.

Cleaning Your Ascaso Group Head: A Step-by-Step Guide

Daily Cleaning:

1. Purge the Group Head: After each use, run a short water cycle through the group head to flush out any residual coffee grounds.
2. Wipe Down Surfaces: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the group head and remove any coffee splashes or spills.

Weekly Cleaning:

1. Remove the Portafilter: Take out the portafilter and set it aside.
2. Insert the Blind Filter Basket: Place a blind filter basket (a basket with no holes) into the portafilter.
3. Backflush with Water: Activate the brew cycle for a few seconds, then stop. Repeat this process several times to force water through the group head and flush out any coffee residue.
4. Remove and Clean the Shower Screen: Unscrew the shower screen from the group head and use a dedicated brush (like a cepillo ducha) to scrub away any buildup. Rinse thoroughly.
5. Clean the Group Head: Use a group head cleaning brush to scrub the inside of the group head, paying attention to the area around the shower screen.
6. Reassemble: Reattach the shower screen and put the portafilter back in place.

Monthly Cleaning:

1. Deep Clean with Detergent: Use a specialized espresso machine cleaning tablet or powder. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for backflushing with the cleaning solution.
2. Descale (as needed): Depending on your water hardness, descale your Ascaso machine every 2-3 months to remove mineral buildup. Consult your machine's manual for specific descaling instructions.

Tips for Optimal Group Head Hygiene:

• Use Filtered Water: Using filtered water can reduce mineral buildup and the need for frequent descaling.
• Regularly Check Gaskets: Inspect the group head gaskets for wear and tear and replace them as needed to prevent leaks.
• Consult Your Manual: Always refer to your Ascaso machine's manual for specific cleaning and maintenance instructions.

By following these cleaning practices, you can ensure that your Ascaso espresso machine continues to produce delicious, high-quality espresso for years to come, while maintaining its pristine appearance and optimal functionality.

Some Differences to Note:

I always recommend using dedicated Ascaso accessories although similar enough to e61 group heads to generally be able to use e61 portafilter in a pinch. Below are the details around the differences.  I only note this because if you're properly cleaning your machine and still have some issues it's helpful to relay if you have purchased and typically use a different portafilter with your preferred coffee support Specialist center.

Ascaso portafilter specifications:

• Width including fins: 82.2mm

• Width not including fins: 72.4mm

• Fins: 6.2mm x 26.4mm

Faema E61 portafilter specifications:

• Width including fins: 82.7mm

• Width not including fins: 71 mm

• Fins: 6.2mm x 26mm

La Marzocco portafilter specifications:

• Width including fins: 82.5mm

• Width not including fins: 72mm

• Fins: 6.0mm x 27mm