Cleaning question

[JamesDH]

I've had my S1 two weeks and have pulled at least 70 shots thru it.

Would you recommend cleaning?

I typically run a shot thru after I take the PF out to clean off the screens and every so often I swizzle the cleaning brush around inside the g/h while running some water thru.
I'm just wondering if it's time to clean with some Cafiza?

In looking thru the manual I failed to find the procedure for cleaning.
I see it mentioned to clean it but no step by step.
1. Insert this
2. Press that
etc..

How do you do it? (in a step by step sort of manner)

Thanks
James

[chas]

I was going to point you to the FAQs page on the S1 VII Website but I see there's currently a code problem I need to fix. Here are the instructions that are on the FAQs page:

How do I backflush the S1?

* Using 1/3 tsp Cafiza every 2-3 weeks is plenty for home use. Backflush the S1 Vivaldi II more often with plain water.
* Place the backflush disk in the single basket with 1/3 tsp of Cafiza powder.
* Press the single or double cup button. In 5-10 seconds the three yellow LEDs will start to blink indicating a "flow problem".
* Press the single or double cup button again to stop the pump which automatically engages the 3-way valve. (The three yellow LEDs normally come on when you grind too fine and choke the machine. So the instant this condition is sensed is the ideal point at which to engage the 3-way valve.)
* Otherwise, normal backflush instructions apply.
* Perform the above cycle 5 times waiting about 30 seconds between each cycle.
* Then rinse the remaining detergent from the basket and replace the portafilter with the backflush disk still installed.
* Backflush for 5 more cycles to rinse the remaining residue from the group and 3-way valve.
* Remove the backflush disk, make a single or double shot of espresso and throw it out.
* Now you're back in business.

Late breaking news from LaSpaziale. I have the official recommended method for cleaning the S1 Vivaldi II group head. Did you ever wonder why you got that "barbecue grill" wire brush and the extra set of shower screens? LaSpaz didn't include the extra screens so you'd have an extra set. They are required with their recommended cleaning regimen which is targeted at light commercial use where there is no time for a complete backflush routine. The supposed reason for the double screen arrangement is to trap grounds between the screens so that the 3-way valve doesn't really need a detergent cleaning.

1. With the S1 Vivaldi II still on, use the included wrench to remove the shower screen bolt.
2. Drop out the screens and the dispersion disk.
3. Use the "barbecue grill" brush to quickly scrub the group head while water is running through the group to flush out the particles. (Apparently this is why the long handled brush - to keep your hands well away from boiling water.)
4. Also give the dispersion disk a quick scrub.
5. Reassemble using the other set of screens.
6. Soak the original set of screens in Cafiza, scrub, rinse, and put away for next time.

There you have it, straight from LaSpaziale. Frankly, I'm sticking with my backflush routine.

[JohnB]

I didn't notice it until you brought it up but the section on backflushing with & without detergent seems to have been left out of the most recent version of the Owner's Manual. The version that came with my machine last January runs you through the procedure & recommends a detergent cleaning no more then once every 3-4 weeks. Most of us do a series of plain water backflushes at the end of each day & I would recommend dropping the screens at least once a week to clean out the grinds.

I've been doing the detergent backflush once a month & while I do get some brown oils flushing out its not much so I don't see a need to do it more often. You seem to be pulling more shots then I am so try it at 3 weeks & see how much stuff comes out.

Chas - Was there a reason the backflushing how to was dropped from the current version of the manual?