An espresso in the morning or the afternoon is an excellent choice, whether you make it yourself or get it from a coffee shop. If you are looking to be your own barista, you should consider buying an espresso maker for your home. It will ensure that you do not have to leave your house to get an espresso. It is also a great way to refine your skills in making coffee. Having your espresso machine will also ensure that you can make your coffee just the way you like it. An excellent coffee machine choice is the Sowtech Espresso Machine.
Sowtech espresso machines are sold by LoHi, a company established in 2015. They endeavor to produce devices that make life better. The Sowtech Espresso Machines come with features to ensure excellent pressure and to create bold and rich flavors in your espresso. In addition, they are durable and easy to maintain, ensuring you can enjoy your coffee for a very long time. The machine also has an excellent milk frother to ensure each cup has thick and creamy foam.
If you want to buy the Sowtech Espresso Machine for your home or office, it is crucial to know how to use, clean, and maintain it. It is also essential that you learn about the signs of problems and how to fix them quickly. Below you will find a comprehensive guide on how to use and troubleshoot your espresso machine.
How to use a SowTech Espresso Machine
After purchasing your espresso machine, you will need to plug it into an outlet to use. Make sure that you check the number of devices in your outlets to prevent overloading the circuits. It is also essential to ensure that you have high-quality ingredients to make your coffee. You can choose to buy coffee beans or pre-ground coffee to make your first cup of espresso. If you are using coffee beans, ensure that you use a high-quality grinder to ensure the coffee is at its finest. Fine coffee is best when making espresso. To make your espresso, follow these easy steps.
- Make sure that you clean the machine before using it for the first time. You can make two or four cups of espresso using the Sowtech Espresso Machine. Use the spoon that comes with the machine and scoop the fine ground coffee into the filter.
- Use two spoons for 4 cups and one for 2 cups. Make sure you tamp down the coffee.
- Put the filter into the funnel and connect it to your espresso machine.
- Fill the tank with water and close it. You can use tap water or bottled water, depending on what you prefer.
- Place the carafe directly under the funnel and turn on the machine. Make sure that you turn the knob to the coffee cup symbol and wait. Your espresso should be ready within 3 minutes.
- You can choose to add milk; use the frother to ensure you have creamy, rich espresso.
How to clean a Sowtech Espresso Machine
It is essential to clean your Sowtech Espresso Machine after use. If you do not clean your device, it will affect the taste and aroma of your coffee. Follow these steps to clean your new Sowtech Espresso machine.
- Use white vinegar to clean your espresso machine. Fill the tank with enough vinegar to make 4 cups of coffee and turn on the device, like you would do when making an espresso.
- Allow the vinegar to run through the entire system, including the steam assembly.
- Repeat the process three times using clean water.
- Clean the carafe, filter, funnel and spoon using warm soapy water, or clean them in your dishwasher.
- Ensure that you wipe the machine using a damp cloth and clean the removable base using soap and water.
- After they dry, reassemble your Sowtech Espresso Machine.
- You can also use lemon juice to clean your espresso machine.
How to Descale a Sowtech Espresso Machine?
If you use tap water to make your espressos, it may result in a mineral build-up in the machine. It is essential to descale your espresso machine as the minerals can affect the taste and aroma of your coffee. You can use citric acid, vinegar, or commercial descaling products. Follow these easy steps.
- If you are using citric acid or descaling products, you need to mix them with water. However, you can use vinegar without mixing it with water.
- Make sure that you fill your espresso machine water reservoir with 4 cups of water.
- Place a container under the funnel to collect the cleaning solution.
- Switch the machine on and allow the cleaning solution to run through the entire system, including the steam assembly.
- Use clean water to rinse out the device using the same process as above. When you feel that the system is clean, smell the water. If it smells like the cleaning solution, rinse it again.
How to unclog a Sowtech Espresso Machine
If your espresso machine is clogged, you will not enjoy your coffee. Use the following steps to unclog it so that you can make excellent coffee.
- Start by descaling the espresso machine as explained above.
- Run a steam cycle to unclog the steam assembly.
- Clean the filter and funnel assembly if you have not cleaned them in a long time.
- That should remove any clogs and ensure your espresso maker works correctly.
Why is my Sowtech Espresso Machine not working
It can be very inconvenient when your espresso machine stops working suddenly. It is essential to find the issue so that you can fix it. Here are some of the problems you might have and how to fix them.
Does not froth milk
If your espresso machine does not froth the milk, it could be due to a blocked steam nozzle, trying to refroth boiled milk or low steam pressure.
- Consider cleaning the steam nozzle and try frothing your milk again.
- Ensure that you have the correct boiler pressure.
- If you are using boiled milk, discard it and start with fresh cold milk.
Cold espresso
If you made your coffee and realized that it is cold, it could be due to a problem with the heating elements or serving in cold cups. Make sure that you heat your cups before serving espresso. In case your heating element is not working, you will need to replace it.
Coffee dispenses slowly
If your Sowtech Espresso slows down, that could be a sign that you over-tamped the coffee in the filter, there is too much coffee in the filter holder, or the coffee grind is too fine. To remedy this issue do not over-tamp the coffee and do not over-grind your coffee. Also, make sure that you put the correct amount of coffee in the filter.
Coffee dispenses quickly
If you do not tamp the coffee, or the grind is too coarse, it will dispense too quickly. You may also not get a good flavor and aroma from your coffee. Make sure that you use enough coffee to make your espresso. There are markings on the filter that show you how much coffee you should use.
Why is my Sowtech Espresso Machine not pumping water?
If you notice your espresso machine is not pumping water, you need to check the water pump and the hoses.
- Disassemble the machine until you can see the water hoses if you suspect an air pocket. An air pocket can make it difficult for water to flow through the tubes. To fix the problem, follow these steps.
- Using a turkey baster, fill the hoses with water. You will need to squeeze in the water to push out the air pocket. Repeat the process with the machine switched on and ensure that the water in the hose and turkey baster flows out. Put the hose in a water container, and you will notice steam coming out of your steam assembly or water out of the filter.
- A water softener or filter could be the problem if your Sowtech machine has one. It can interfere with water flow, so remove it, and your device will work correctly.
- If your pump is frozen, it will not pump water through your device. To fix that, disassemble the machine until you have access to the water pump.
- On the front of the pump, you will see a screw. Turn it several times to the right and then to the left.
That will fix any pump issues and ensure that it works correctly. Remember to unplug the machine before you do this.
Sowtech Espresso Machine frother not working
Sometimes, your frother may suddenly stop working. Here are some of the reasons why and how to remedy the problem.
Dirty Frothing aid
When milk dries, it clogs the frother, which means it will not work correctly. So make sure that you wipe it clean after each use.
Clogged Frother
If the frother is clogged, you can clean it with a paper clip or a toothpick. Insert the toothpick into the frother’s hole and pry out any particles stuck in there.
Not enough water
If you are not getting enough water into your milk during frothing, you may have a problem in your steam assembly or issues with your water hoses. Descale your espresso machine to remove any calcium clogs.
After fixing these problems, it is advisable to clean the appliance.
Sowtech Espresso Machine Steam Wand not working
There are several reasons why your steam wand is not working, and you can fix the problems at home. First, make sure that you disconnect power before starting work on the machine to prevent electric shocks.
Clogged Wand
Milk can easily clog your wand, but you can clean it using a needle. After removing particles:
- Soak the components in a cup of white vinegar.
- Clean the machine, and it will work correctly.
- Ensure that you leave the steam on for a few seconds after each use to remove any milk particles that could clog it.
Faulty Temperature controls
The temperature control or thermostat cuts off the water when it is at the right temperature. If the thermostat does not work correctly, the water will not reach the best temperature for steam production, and your wand will not work. The frothing wand will instead produce hot water but not steam. Check your temperature thermostat and make sure that you replace it if it is damaged.
Defective Temperature Sensor
A temperature sensor regulates water temperature. If it is damaged or defective, you will get warm water from your wand instead of steam. Remember that you need water at about 115 degrees to produce steam. If that is the problem, make sure that you replace your temperature sensor.
Damaged heating element
Your heating element is crucial because it heats the water that you use to make your coffee. If your wand produces cold water, you need to check your heating element. If it is not working, you should replace it immediately. Follow these easy steps to replace your heating element.
- Remove the bottom of the device to access the repair area. Make sure that you take a picture to ensure you can put it back in place correctly.
- Remove the wiring and the hoses.
- Carefully unscrew the heating element and then install the new one. Make sure that you use a genuine Sowtech heating component to replace the old one. You can also install a new thermostat during this process.
- Reassemble your Sowtech Espresso Machine, plug it in and test it. It should work correctly.
Why does my Sowtech Espresso Machine keep stopping?
If your machine keeps stopping suddenly, it could be due to a problem with your power cord, the on/off switch, or a clogged tube.
- If your power cord or the power switch is damaged, then you need to replace it. If your hoses are clogged by calcium and other minerals, you can use the descaling procedure mentioned earlier in this article. Make sure that you turn off the power before making any repairs to the electrical components of your machine.
- Your appliance could also keep stopping if the heating component keeps shorting. A shorting element could also cause your machine to trip your circuit breaker. If you are having these problems, replace your heating element.
Check this too: Illy Espresso Machine How to & Troubleshooting Guide
Sowtech Espresso Machine Maintenance Tips
It is essential to take good care of your electrical devices, including your espresso maker, to ensure that it serves you for a very long time. Use these tips to care for your Sowtech Espresso Machine. Always allow the machine to cool before you clean it.
- Make sure that you empty the filter and funnel and clean them thoroughly in warm water. Allow them to dry before replacing.
- Ensure that you clean the carafe and its lid. Use warm, soapy water and handle it with care as glass is slippery when wet. Rinse and dry thoroughly before storage.
- Regularly clean the removable drip plate. If you do not, the coffee drips will start to smell.
- If you use tap water, regularly descale your Sowtech Espresso Machine to prevent clogs.
- Do not immerse your espresso machine in water; use a damp cloth to wipe the exterior.