Backflushing the Mini

[SnowDragon]

In the instruction manual for the Mini, nowhere does it speak about backflushing.

Nor did I get a blank disk with the rig.

I read about the backflushing procedure in the plumbed VII manual on line but again there nothing about it in the Mini manual.

I do need to backflush the Mini, don't I?

[chas]

Read the Backflushing FAQ here: http://www.rimpo.org/s1v2/faqs.htm

[SnowDragon]

Thanks again Chas
:bigsmurf:

[chas]

So that explains why they don't include a backflush disk and send you a "barbecue cleaner" brush instead. That said, almost everyone does backflush. If you didn't get a disk, they are available for purchase from various locations in the US. Chris Coffee sells the rubber disks and includes one when purchased from them. However, I replaced this with a metal one from Espresso Parts. The metal ones are essentially a portafilter with no holes.

[JohnB]

When you order either the rubber disc or blank basket get yourself one of the Pallo brushes for cleaning the gasket/screens. Save that nasty brush that came with the machine for cleaning rust off your car.

[SnowDragon]

Cute with the rust brush.

I don't understand why they don't include the disk with the machine, since it's such an important step to keep the rig clean.

Anyhow, I have the disk and the brush ordered.

Should be here in a couple weeks; it's coming up by dog team.

[JohnB]

Cute with the rust brush.

I don't understand why they don't include the disk with the machine, since it's such an important step to keep the rig clean.

Mine came with the rubber disc so I figured it was part of the factory package. Evidently the U.S. distributor, Chris Coffee, throws them in. He also includes a more comprehensive manual with the machines he sells.

[SnowDragon]

I originally called CC to order my equipment but they suggested that I order through their Canadian distributor "Caffetech".... Custom charges & stuff.

That was a good move in a sense because it was all here in 3 days from the time they shipped it. They just put it on the plane and voila.

Got it at 5 in the evening, had it all set-up by 9, had our first shot and couldn

[SnowDragon]

Cleaning Products.

What is the best product to use when backflushing.

I have a friend that doesn

[JohnB]

Citric Acid is a good product for descaling the boilers but for a cleaning backflush I use the Cafiza that CC ships with the machine. I only do this once every 3-4 weeks with the Cafiza & do plain water backflushes at the end of each day.

[zoey]

The guys at Chris's told me that I shouldn't back flush with cafiza more than once a month (at most). I believe it also stated that in the info that Chris's sent me.

[Niko]

Too often is certainly not a good thing, I once backflushed a machine until the valves squeeked

[JohnB]

The guys at Chris's told me that I shouldn't back flush with cafiza more than once a month (at most). I believe it also stated that in the info that Chris's sent me.

Chris's manual states that backflushing with cleaner only needs to be done once a month & they don't recommend more often then every 3 weeks. To be honest I usually forget & probably end up doing it closer to every 6 weeks then 4.

[zoey]

Yep John! That was the deal!