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Presso Smartshot FAQs
WHICH WAY ROUND SHOULD THE SILICONE SCREEN BE FITTED?
The stepped (raised) area should face outwards. Flat area inwards.
CAN I DISMANTLE MY UNIT?
No. It’s not necessary to take your unit apart. You can clean the black filter disc by removing it from the underside. We will be supplying a service kit in the near future so the o-ring can be replaced. The factory fitted o-ring will last many years and can be cleaned by rinsing the unit through, first with soapy water followed by clean water.
I SEE THAT THE EXIT HOLE ON THE BASE OF THE SMARTSHOT BASKET IS NOT CENTRED. WON’T THIS CAUSE UNEVEN EXTRACTION?
Actually it will not. This is because the entire basket area above the exit hole is pressurised. The extraction pressure will equalise everywhere between the exit hole and the o-ring. This ensures a very even extraction.
CAN I USE A ROK NAKED PORTAFILTER IN MY PRESSO SMARTSHOT?
Technically you can, but we do not recommend it.
SOMETIMES THE PORTAFILTER HANDLE UNWINDS A LITTLE IN USE. IS THIS A PROBLEM?
An unwinding handle is a sign that the black silicone seal needs a clean. Remove the seal and clean both sides with soapy water. Also clean the round area in the body where the seal locates. Rinse both areas then dry the seal before replacing and using. The silicone screen and portafilter basket (not the wooden handled portafilter body) are also dishwasher safe.
See a video here.
HOW MUCH EXTRACTION PRESSURE DOES THIS MACHINE GIVE?
We’ve designed the Presso Smartshot to perfectly balance the extraction pressure so you get a tasty coffee, cup after cup. Extraction pressures will vary depending on the amount and fineness of coffee grinds. Expect between 6 and 10 bar.
THE PLUNGER FAILS TO GO COMPLETELY DOWN AT THE END OF THE EXTRACTION. WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Friction between the sliding o-ring and the inner body can become increased by mineral deposits or even when very new. Try this tip to reduce the friction from our ROK community - first remove the silicone seal (black disk with holes) and raise both lever arms. Using your finger, smear a very small amount of olive oil or margarine onto the inner wall of the cylinder. Raise then lower the arms a few times to reduce the o-ring friction. Wipe off any excess oil with kitchen roll. Replace the black silicone seal and use it as normal.
To watch a demo video go here.
Interested in the relationship between oil and coffee? Go here.
MY UNIT MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN I RAISE AND QUICKLY LOWER THE ARMS. WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Presso Smartshot is designed to be used with hot water. If you raise and lower the arms when dry, it may make a noise. A bit like running an engine without oil. If you wish to reduce this dry-run friction, try this lubrication tip here.
I HAVE NOTICED SOME COFFEE STAINS APPEARING ON THE BASE. HOW CAN I REMOVE THEM?
If coffee is left on the base for prolonged periods it can cause some staining. We make a silicone mat which looks great and sits beautifully onto your Presso. Take a look in our webstore.
MY UNIT IS MAKING A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN IN USE. IS THIS A PROBLEM?
No. Many coffee machines with moving parts make a sound. The noise you may hear is the metal parts moving together when the springs compress. Somewhat like the noise made when cycling. To lessen the noise you can add a little lubricant.
To see a video of where and how, go here.