What to Prepare Before Using an Espresso Machine

If you’ve just unboxed your first espresso machine—or even if you’ve had one for a while—you might be tempted to just plug it in and start brewing. But skipping the prep steps can lead to poor espresso, machine damage, or even safety risks. So what really needs to be done before that first shot?

Before using your espresso machine, complete seven key steps: install all parts correctly, fill the water tank with clean water, add coffee beans to the grinder (and nothing else), run a cleaning flush, set your grind and dose, and prime the steam wand. These steps ensure safety, performance, and better espresso right from the start.

1. Install All Machine Parts Correctly

Before doing anything else, make sure the coffee machine’s collection tray, drip tray, coffee grounds container, and portafilter are all properly installed and the side door is closed. These components are essential for catching coffee grounds, excess water, and drips. If any part is loose or missing, it can lead to spills, messes, or even internal damage. Double-check that everything is seated correctly before proceeding.

2. Fill the Water Tank Safely

Use clean cold water or purified water for your espresso machine. Before adding water, confirm that the coffee bean hopper is securely closed—this prevents water from leaking into the grinder, which could damage its burrs or motor. Always add water to the tank carefully and ensure the hopper remains sealed throughout the process. Proper water quality also helps prevent mineral buildup and extends machine life.

3. Add Coffee Beans to the Grinder

The next step is to fill the grinder’s bean hopper with coffee beans—but do not add anything else, such as spices, flavored syrups, or foreign objects. Foreign materials can jam or damage the burrs. Only use whole coffee beans in the hopper to ensure proper grinding and to protect the grinder’s mechanism. Choose freshly roasted beans suitable for espresso for the best flavor and extraction.

4. Power On and Run the Initial Test

Plug in the machine and switch the power on. When powered, you’ll hear the machine perform an automatic test sequence, including movements of the brew group controlled by the internal computer. This test ensures all internal components are functioning. Once powered on, remember to turn the machine off when not in use to avoid unnecessary heating, which can shorten its lifespan.

5. Flush the Hot Water Outlet

Place a container under the machine’s hot water outlet. Then, turn the steam or hot water control knob counterclockwise to start the pump. Wait until a steady stream of hot water flows out, then turn the knob clockwise to stop it. This primes the hot water system and clears any air or debris in the line. It’s especially important after long periods of disuse, after refilling the water tank, or if the temperature and steam indicator lights flash simultaneously.

6. Set Your Grind and Dose

Adjust the coffee dose to your preference. On many machines, aligning the coffee dose adjustment knob to point B (as shown in diagram 31-4) increases the amount of coffee—turning it counterclockwise adds more coffee, while turning it clockwise reduces the dose. Getting the dose right is crucial for proper extraction, as too little or too much coffee will affect the balance, strength, and crema of your espresso.

7. Pre-Brew the Machine (If Needed)

Whenever you’re using the machine after a long period of inactivity, after refilling the water tank, or if the temperature and steam indicators flash together, start by running water through the hot water outlet as described in Step 5. This pre-brew step ensures the brew group and water lines are primed, reduces the risk of overheating, and helps maintain consistent temperature for brewing espresso.

Additional Safety Note

Never force-shut off the machine while it’s actively brewing espresso. Allow the full extraction cycle to finish before turning off the power. Cutting the machine off mid-brew can interrupt the extraction process, leave water sitting in the wrong parts, and may cause long-term damage to the heating element or pump.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to do all these steps every time I use the machine?

No, you don’t need to repeat all the steps for every use. The full prep—like flushing the hot water outlet and checking installation—is mainly required after long periods of not using the machine, after refilling the water tank, or if the temperature and steam lights flash together. For daily use, you can skip to dosing and brewing once the machine is already primed.

Why should I avoid adding anything other than coffee beans to the hopper?

Adding non-coffee items like spices or flavored powders to the grinder hopper can damage the burrs, clog the grinding mechanism, or introduce unwanted flavors. Only whole coffee beans should go into the hopper to ensure proper grind consistency and protect the grinder’s internal components.

What happens if I don’t flush the hot water outlet before brewing?

If you skip flushing the hot water outlet, air or old water may remain in the lines, which can lead to inconsistent temperatures or pressure when pulling your espresso shot. Flushing ensures the water pathways are clear and properly heated, contributing to a better extraction and reducing the risk of machine issues.

Can I leave the machine on all day?

No, it’s best to turn off the machine when not in use. Leaving it powered on continuously keeps the heating elements active, which can degrade internal components over time and reduce the machine’s lifespan. Turn it off after each use or during extended idle periods.

How do I know if my machine needs the pre-brew water flush?

You should flush the hot water outlet if the machine hasn’t been used in a while, after refilling the water tank, or if both the temperature and steam indicator lights start flashing. This step ensures the water system is primed, clears any blockages, and stabilizes the temperature for optimal brewing.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Blends for Home Espresso

For home espresso, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for balanced notes of butter and nuts, or the Specialty Blend for a smoother, rounded profile. If you prefer deeper tones, the Black Cocoa Blend offers rich notes of dark chocolate and spice. All three are freshly roasted for espresso machines and deliver strong crema and bold flavors. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.