Hello I am trying to set up the machine and I have this issue; For double espresso, it looks like the dose is ok, it is 20gr., the pressure seems to be ok, the bar reaches the middle black part (but just about, it is only in the beginning and not the middle part) and the coffee does have creme on top but it does not taste good. It tastes bitter. The grind is set to fine, actually it is close to the finest level. When I take the dose out and try to discard it, it looks very dry. It is not easy to get out of the handle. So what is wrong please? I think that the coffee I am using is ok, I am scared to change the factory settings before I consult you. Thank you
Hello, A dry coffee puck in a portafilter can be a sign of a few issues, including: Too much coffee A coffee puck that looks or feels dry and hard can indicate that too much coffee was used. This can lead to a bitter-tasting coffee with a slow extraction flow rate. Coarse grind If the coffee grounds are too coarse, the coffee will be under-extracted and taste sour or hollow. Uneven distribution If the coffee isn't evenly distributed in the portafilter before tamping, it can lead to uneven extraction. Damp portafilter A damp portafilter can lead to uneven extraction and bad-tasting coffee. Please let us know if you are able to address any of the above, we'll do our best to help if not. Thanks, Smeg UK
@@SmegUKOfficial hello thank you. I think I was tampering it too hard. The grind was not too coarse it’s on level 3. Distribution and portafilter is fine. The espresso looks good it has cream on top but I want to ask you, does the pressure needs to be I the middle section of the black part? It does reach the black part but not the middle. Also how do I add more water in the cup? Thanks
@@SmegUKOfficial Eeuhmmm,...i think you didnt read my question right. Is that possible? I wanted to know if its possible that make an extra long pulled shot of espresso with one click of a button.
Hello, If you're having trouble with pressure not building up on your Smeg EGF03, there are a few things you might want to check: Grind Size: Make sure your coffee is ground fine enough for espresso. If the grind is too coarse, the water flows through too quickly, preventing pressure from building. Tamping: Ensure you're tamping the coffee evenly and with enough pressure. An uneven or too light tamp can result in poor pressure. Coffee Dose: Using too little coffee can also affect pressure. Aim for a dose around 18-20g for a double shot. Machine Maintenance: Check if the machine needs descaling or cleaning, especially the group head and portafilter. Blockages can sometimes cause pressure issues. If you've tried all of these and the pressure still won't build, it might be worth contacting Smeg support in case there's a technical issue with the pump or another internal component. Thanks, Smeg UK
Hello, The shot time recommended for the Smeg EGF03 (20-25 seconds) is based on the machine's specific design, pressure, and flow rate, which can affect how quickly water passes through the coffee grounds. While many machines suggest a 28-32 second shot for a more traditional espresso, the Smeg might prioritize a faster extraction to balance flavor based on its features. Factors like grind size, dose, and coffee type also play a big role, so if you're used to the longer shot times, experimenting with these variables can help you find the ideal brew for your taste! Thanks, Smeg UK
Great explanation, thank you!
I can’t fit more then 15g of coffee - the basket is too small/all
Of them?
Hello I am trying to set up the machine and I have this issue; For double espresso, it looks like the dose is ok, it is 20gr., the pressure seems to be ok, the bar reaches the middle black part (but just about, it is only in the beginning and not the middle part) and the coffee does have creme on top but it does not taste good. It tastes bitter. The grind is set to fine, actually it is close to the finest level. When I take the dose out and try to discard it, it looks very dry. It is not easy to get out of the handle. So what is wrong please? I think that the coffee I am using is ok, I am scared to change the factory settings before I consult you. Thank you
Hello,
A dry coffee puck in a portafilter can be a sign of a few issues, including:
Too much coffee
A coffee puck that looks or feels dry and hard can indicate that too much coffee was used. This can lead to a bitter-tasting coffee with a slow extraction flow rate.
Coarse grind
If the coffee grounds are too coarse, the coffee will be under-extracted and taste sour or hollow.
Uneven distribution
If the coffee isn't evenly distributed in the portafilter before tamping, it can lead to uneven extraction.
Damp portafilter
A damp portafilter can lead to uneven extraction and bad-tasting coffee.
Please let us know if you are able to address any of the above, we'll do our best to help if not.
Thanks,
Smeg UK
@@SmegUKOfficial hello thank you. I think I was tampering it too hard. The grind was not too coarse it’s on level 3. Distribution and portafilter is fine. The espresso looks good it has cream on top but I want to ask you, does the pressure needs to be I the middle section of the black part? It does reach the black part but not the middle. Also how do I add more water in the cup? Thanks
They seem to give only one answer. No follow up questions allowed 😂 see that on all videos. A bit sad 😅
@@SmegUKOfficial hello can you respond to my second message?
Is it possible to make a lungo? So that i let my double espresso run for 45-50 seconds? Or should i just push twice on double espresso?
Please see below
@@SmegUKOfficial Eeuhmmm,...i think you didnt read my question right. Is that possible? I wanted to know if its possible that make an extra long pulled shot of espresso with one click of a button.
@@Boellie1981 Hello,
Apologies we replied to the wrong comment at that time!
It is possible to manually pull a longer shot of espresso.
Thanks
@ alright tnx! How? Cant find it:)
Pressure not building up
Hello,
If you're having trouble with pressure not building up on your Smeg EGF03, there are a few things you might want to check:
Grind Size: Make sure your coffee is ground fine enough for espresso. If the grind is too coarse, the water flows through too quickly, preventing pressure from building.
Tamping: Ensure you're tamping the coffee evenly and with enough pressure. An uneven or too light tamp can result in poor pressure.
Coffee Dose: Using too little coffee can also affect pressure. Aim for a dose around 18-20g for a double shot.
Machine Maintenance: Check if the machine needs descaling or cleaning, especially the group head and portafilter. Blockages can sometimes cause pressure issues.
If you've tried all of these and the pressure still won't build, it might be worth contacting Smeg support in case there's a technical issue with the pump or another internal component.
Thanks,
Smeg UK
Many recommend a shot time of 28-32 seconds. Is there any reason this machine recommends 20-25?
Hello,
The shot time recommended for the Smeg EGF03 (20-25 seconds) is based on the machine's specific design, pressure, and flow rate, which can affect how quickly water passes through the coffee grounds. While many machines suggest a 28-32 second shot for a more traditional espresso, the Smeg might prioritize a faster extraction to balance flavor based on its features.
Factors like grind size, dose, and coffee type also play a big role, so if you're used to the longer shot times, experimenting with these variables can help you find the ideal brew for your taste!
Thanks,
Smeg UK