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Published 13/10/2025

How to use the ProCook Espresso Coffee Machine

Sipping barista quality espresso within the comfort of your own home is one of life’s finest pleasures, so why not learn how to brew and pour delicious coffee with the help of an espresso machine?

Our ProCook Espresso Coffee Machine is the perfect addition to all kitchens. We also have the ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Coffee Machine and ProCook Barista Elite Bean to Cup Espresso Coffee Machine.

We’ve compiled this handy guide to help you brew coffee with ease when using the ProCook Espresso Coffee Machine.

Understanding the ProCook Espresso Coffee Machine

Firstly, you need to familiarise yourself with the machine. You can do this by watching our video guide (found above) and reading the user manual that comes in the box but can also be read online.

The ProCook Espresso Coffee Machine features a manual steam wand for frothy, silky milk and a 15 bar pump, which is the ideal pressure for extracting rich, flavourful coffee. It’s perfect for coffee lovers.

Core components of the ProCook Espresso Coffee Machine

Espresso machines are brilliant, and although brands may have slight differences and add-ons, coffee machines will typically have the same core components.

The ProCook Espresso Coffee Machine has the following features:

Tamper: A small, weighted coffee accessory that’s used to compress ground coffee into a dense disc (sometimes called a “puck”) inside a portafilter.

Group head: The group head is found at the front of an espresso machine and where the portafilter locks in. It is where the boiling water meets the tamped coffee.

Portafilter: A handle that holds the coffee grounds in a filter basket used to brew espresso. It fits into the group head.

Filter basket: A metal basket that holds the ground coffee in the portafilter.

Steam wand: A long, metal nozzle attached to the coffee machine and used to make textured milk for lattes, cappuccinos, etc. Can be used for all milk types and alternatives.

Water tank: A removable plastic tank usually found at the back of a coffee machine used to store water needed for brewing coffee.

Drip tray: Designed to catch coffee drips and spills from the coffee brewing process. Prevents messes on your countertops.

List of coffee accessories

The ProCook Espresso Coffee Machine comes with the following accessories to help with the brewing process and care of your coffee machine:

  • Tamper

  • Cleaning pin

Before first use

It’s time to make your first shot of espresso, but first, you need to prepare your espresso machine for use. The following instructions are important for first use – or if you haven’t used the espresso machine for a while.

  1. Remove all packaging material, stickers and tape from the coffee machine. Check all parts are there and not damaged.

  2. Remove the water tank from the machine and discard the rubber plug found where the water tank connects to the machine. Fill the tank with cold tap water, making sure not to exceed the MAX level. Return the water tank to the machine, making sure it is flush to the back of the machine and locked into position.

  3. Plug in the machine and turn it on by pressing the power button - the buttons will flash during this preheating mode. Once preheating is finished, all buttons will stop flashing and stay lit.

  4. Insert the empty double-cup filter basket into the portafilter. To lock the portafilter into place, place into the machine’s group head with the handle pointing to the lift, then rotate anticlockwise so the handle faces towards you.

  5. Place a cup under the portafilter and press the ‘double cup’ button to rinse through the machine. The machine will automatically stop. Remove the portafilter and dry the double-cup filter basket.

  6. To rinse through the steam wand, place a heatproof milk jug to the right of the machine and angle the steam wand above it. Press the ‘hot water’ button, and after 15 seconds, press again to shut off the water.

  7. Thoroughly wash any detachable parts of the machine in warm water but avoid putting any parts in the dishwasher.

How to brew the perfect espresso

Once your new espresso machine is unpackaged, cleaned and prepped, it’s time to brew your first shot of espresso. Do the following to brew a single cup of espresso:

  1. Fill the water tank with cold tap water and press the power button to turn the espresso machine on.

  2. Place the single-cup filter basket into the portafilter.

  3. If you need to grind your own coffee, do so now with a burr coffee grinder. Add the ground coffee and use the tamper to firmly and evenly tamp the coffee downwards until it’s level with the top of the filter basket.

  4. Inset the portafilter into the group head and turn anticlockwise to lock into position.

  5. Place a mug onto the drip tray below the portafilter and press the ‘single-cup’ button. After a few seconds, the coffee will start to brew and pour into the mug.

  6. Once the machine has finished brewing (approximately 30ml), it will return to standby mode.

If you’re brewing a double-cup of coffee (a double shot of espresso), follow the above steps but use the ‘double-cup’ filter basket and press the ‘double-cup’ button instead.

Note: Never remove the portafilter while the coffee machine is brewing and delivering coffee. Wait until it’s finished.

How to froth milk with steam

The steam wand uses pressurised steam to heat and froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos and more. For easy positioning, the steam wand is moveable and can be positioned in your preferred direction.

  1. Before using, press the ‘steam’ button – this will gently flash until it reaches the set temperature. When the steam wand is ready, the button will remain illuminated.

  2. We recommend releasing any trapped water or milk residue before every use. You can do this by placing an empty heatproof jug under the steam wand and pressing the ‘steam’ button. Wait 10-15 seconds before pressing the 'steam' button again to stop. Empty the jug.

  3. Pour approximately 100ml of your choice of milk into a heatproof jug. Dairy-free milk like oat, almond, etc may not froth to the same effect as cow’s milk due to its lower fat content. The ideal temperature to froth milk is 55-65C.

  4. Submerge the steam wand just below the milk’s surface. Press the ‘steam’ button, and after a short pause, you will start to hear a hissing sound. As the milk starts to froth, swirl the jug to gently incorporate the froth with the rest of the milk, creating a smooth, glossy texture.

  5. You can check whether the milk is ready by carefully and briefly touching the side of the milk jug with the back of your hand. If it is very hot to the touch, the milk is ready. You can also check by observing the texture and appearance of the milk – if it is glossy and have tiny bubbles (microfoam) which is essential for latte art. There should be no large bubbles. If there are large bubbles, tap the jug on the counter a couple of times to release them.

  6. Once the milk is ready, press the ‘steam’ button to pause the frothing and hold to return to standby mode.

  7. Pour the milk into your coffee and enjoy your drink.

How to descale a coffee machine

Your coffee machine will need descaling every 4-6 months depending on the hardness of your water and how frequently you use it. When your coffee machine needs descaling, the display will indicate ‘Descale’ while all buttons will flash 3 times and a beep will sound 3 times.

  1. Before starting the descaling process, place a 1 litre container under the group head and another 1 litre container under the steam wand.

  2. Fill the water tank with 1.5 litres of water and add 70ml of descaler suitable for coffee machines or white vinegar. Press and hold the ‘double-cup’ button and ‘steam’ button for approximately 3 seconds to enter descaling mode.

  3. Press the ‘single-cup’ button. Hot water will flow from the group head for approx. 2 minutes.

  4. When prompted, press the ‘steam’ button. Hot water will flow from the steam wand for approx. 2 minutes.

  5. Next, press the ‘double-cup’ button, then once prompted, press the ‘hot water’ button.

  6. All button lights will flash once descaling is complete. Exit descaling mode by pressing the ‘double-cup’ or ‘steam’ button. Make sure to remove the water tank and rinse thoroughly before refilling and using.

Cleaning your coffee machine

When cleaning the ProCook Espresso Coffee Machine, we recommend the following steps:

  • Always make sure the coffee machine has cooled down and is unplugged before cleaning

  • Do not put any of the detachable parts in the dishwasher

  • Never immerse the coffee machine in water

  • Avoid using abrasive cleaning detergents or alcohol

  • Only use soft sponges and cloths

  • Make sure all parts are thoroughly dry before putting the machine back together

  • When cleaning the steam wand, use the thicker cleaning pin to remove any milk residue

  • Every now and then, remove the end nozzle of the steam wand by twisting it clockwise and wash in warm, soapy water

  • Clean the drip tray by sliding it towards you and carefully lifting the metal grill

  • Clean the filter baskets by rinsing in warm, soapy water and clear any blocked holes with the thinner cleaning pin

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