Saeco Minuto Focus

The Saeco Minuto Focus is a super-automatic espresso machine featuring a brew system that can make both espresso based drinks and drip style coffee.

Saeco Minuto Focus

Manufacturer: Category:Saeco
Model Name: Minuto Focus
Model Number: HD8775/48
Type: Super-Automatic

Basic Usage

Getting Started

Bypass Doser

If you plan on using the bypass doser function on the machine to brew with pre-ground coffee there are a few things to consider for the best brewing experience:

The bypass doser will only accept 8-9 grams of coffee at a time. The scoop that comes with the machine is merely for transferring coffee grinds, it is not a measurement tool. To prevent overfilling the bypass doser we suggest using a level scoop, and then taking a large pinch out of it. A little bit less than a full scoop is the perfect amount.
If the coffee is ground too coarsely the resulting shot is going to taste sour, weak or watery. Coffee ground for espresso should be slightly finer than table sugar or sand.
Alternatively it is also possible to have coffee that is ground too fine. Extremely fine grinds can result in little or no flow from the machine, and very bitter shots. Coffee that is ground too finely can cause blockages in the system that can only be resolved through deep cleaning or a repair.

Do not add whole beans, or entire bags of preground coffee into this chamber. It will cause irreversible damage to the machine.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Proper machine maintenance is critical for machine function. Most machine failures are caused by lack of cleaning and many manufacturer warranties do not cover cleaning related breakdowns, so it is important to keep a regular maintenance schedule. Listed below is a suggested maintenance schedule for most super-automatic espresso machines:

Machine Maintenance

Descaling

Descaling the machine should be done on a bimonthly basis using the product recommended by the manufacturer. Descaling is still required even if reverse osmosis, distilled, or zero water is being used. Refer to your machine manual for specific instructions for this unit.

Brew Unit

The brew unit of the machine should be removed on a weekly basis and rinsed of with cold water. Cold water must be used because the brew unit has lubrication on it that will wash away with hot water. It is also important to use plain water, detergents and soaps should not be used. While the brew unit is removed the brew unit chamber should be wiped down with a moist cloth to remove excess grounds and coffee residues.

Your machine features a brew unit cleaning cycle. This should be done on a monthly basis; refer to your manual for instructions on how to run one.

A complete disassembly, cleaning, and lubrication of the brew unit should be done every 500 cups or every 6 months, whichever comes first. A food safe silicon based lubricant should be used, such as food grade Petrol-Gel.

Steam Wand Cleaning

Steam wands and nozzle attachments should be cleaned daily after the machine is finished being used for the day. Milk residues quickly build up on steam wands and frothing nozzles, so it is important to keep these clean to prevent blockages from forming.

Recommended Cleaning Products

The best descaling product for this machine is Durgol Swiss Espresso Descaler. The suggested tablets for running brew unit cleaning cycles are the Saeco Coffee Clean or Urnex Full Circle cleaning tablets.

Troubleshooting

No Crema or Bad Tasting Shots

Typically, issues with crema or the flavor of the shot do not indicate a malfunction of the machine. Instead, this indicates that an adjustment needs to be made in the brewing process or that different beans need to be used.

The type of bean that is being used is particularly important for super-automatic machines, because the built in burr grinders only accept certain types of beans. Another consideration is the roast of the bean, which greatly influences how much crema can be produced, as well as the flavor of the shot. Super-automatic machines are not compatible with oily, caramelized, or flavored beans. Properly stored and recently roasted beans are best. You can find more information on why bean selection and storage is important for super-automatic machines by watching the video below.

5 Things New Super Automatic Espresso Machine Owners Should Know

Appropriately adjusting the grinder is also important. Poor shots can also be the result of incorrect grind settings.

If the shot is too bitter:
1. The grind is set too fine. Try adjusting the grind to a coarser setting, typically indicated by a large dot symbol or higher number.
2. If applicable, the aroma setting is set too high. Lower the aroma setting so that less coffee is ground per shot.
3. The beans being used are over-roasted, and a lighter roast is needed.
If the shot is too sour or weak tasting:
1. The grind is set too coarse. Try adjusting the grind to a finer setting, indicated by a lower number. Whenever moving the grind to a finer setting it is important to make minor adjustments, and to only adjust the grinder while in operation.
If there is little crema:
1. The beans are probably stale and fresher beans need to be used.
2. The grind setting does not match the drink that is being made. Smaller drinks such as an espresso require finer grind size; larger drinks such as a longo require a coarser grind.
3. Oily or dark roasted beans are being used. These beans are not compatible with the unit, and are not suitable for espresso brewing. The oils and chemicals that are needed to produce a rich crema have been roasted out of the bean. Switch to a drier/lighter roast.
Keep the machine properly cleaned and maintained for good tasting shots. Your grinder may need to be cleaned or calibrated, or you may need to descale your machine to remove any unwanted residues or flavors.

Difficulty Frothing

As with brewing, frothing is highly dependent on technique. If the machine is producing steam then an adjustment to technique may need to be made. Frothing is very sensitive to technique, so there is a steep learning curve. The video below shows proper frothing technique for pannarello style wands:

How to Froth Milk with a Pannarello Wand

There are also common frothing mistakes which are made that will result in poor or no froth. The video below identifies these mistakes and shows how to correct them:

Quick Tip: Six Common Milk Frothing Mistakes

This machine also utilizes a special nozzle attachment called a pannarello. The pannarello nozzle needs to be regularly cleaned and properly attached to the machine in order to function. This machine uses a 3-piece style of pannarello instead of the normal 6-piece style. The video below describes how to properly clean and maintain this three piece style of wand:

Alternatively you can try frothing on the machine without the pannarello attachment. The naked wand can also produce a tight microfoam, and is preferred by some users. The major disadvantage of frothing with the naked wand is that it reduces the length of the steam wand by several inches.

Wiki-YT-HowtoCorrectFrothingProblemsSteamTestGaggiaBrera.jpg

How to Correct Frothing Problems and Steam Test a Gaggia Brera Espresso Machine

Flow Issues

The first place to start with any flow issue is cleaning the machine. Before going through these steps please make sure the machine is cleaned according to the Cleaning & Maintenance section of this article.

Poor Or No Flow Or E05 Error

If you are not able to get water to flow through the machine at all, or if the machine displays an E05 code, then something is blocking water flow through the machine. This issue typically indicates the machine is not being cleaned on a regular basis. Review the cleaning & maintenance schedule for this machine, and make sure the cleanings are being done at the suggested interval with the recommended product. Once flow is restored, even if it is minimal flow, a descaling should be done immediately.

The water tank is not seating properly. Please remove the tank and reinsert it firmly. Make sure there are no beans or debris beneath the water tank preventing it from seating flush with the machine.
If you are using an Intenza water filter in the machine then it might be blocking the flow of water. Try removing the water filter and using the machine without it. If the machine works without the water filter, then the filter was blocking the flow of water. Keep the filter out of the machine for the remaining steps.
A foreign body, such as coffee grounds, has gotten drawn into the system from the water tank. This kind of debris can get lodged in valves/water circuits and cause flow issues. Try cleaning the brew unit check valve using the instructions here:

Check Valve Cleaning Instructions
If you have been able to restore some flow to the brew circuit a brew unit cleaning cycle should be completed.
The machine may require a manual prime.

No Flow From Steam Wand

Once the flow issue has been resolved the machine should be immediately descaled with the recommended product. Flow issues and blockages are typically due to lack of maintenance or excessive scale buildup.

First set the machine to hot water mode. If the machine has a pannarello or turbo-frothing attachment on the wand remove it for the remaining steps.
If the machine displays an E15 error code, or the machine gets stuck on the heating up screen, then there is a thermostat issue and the machine will need to be repaired.
You should hear the pump start to vibrate. Once the pump is activated hot water should begin to flow through the wand.
1. If hot water does flow through the wand stop the machine from dispensing hot water and switch to steam mode. There may have been a piece of debris in the steam wand blocking the flow.
2. If water does not flow through the wand then there may be a more severe blockage.
Soak the wand in a mixture of descaler and hot water. Test flow using the hot water function again.
Use a pipe cleaner to manually clean the inside of the wand. Only use a pipe cleaner with synthetic or plastic bristles; do not use one with metal bristles as it can damage the wand. Test the flow again.

Reduced Or No Flow During Brewing

If there is no flow while brewing specifically, then something is blocked along the brew circuit. Begin by running a descale of the machine using the recommended product. Scale buildup is the most common cause of flow issues. Descaling will most likely resolve the issue.
If the machine is set to a really fine grind, the grinds can block the flow. Set the grind to a coarser setting and see if flow is restored. Leave the grind on the coarse setting for the remainder of flow testing.
There may be an issue with the brew unit.
1. First remove the unit and rinse it off with cold water. Do not use any sort of detergent or soap to rinse it off or necessary lubricant will be removed.
2. Wipe down the brew unit chamber with a damp cloth to remove any leftover grounds. A microfiber cloth is best, to prevent any cloth fibers from remaining behind.
3. Clean the check-valve. Here are the instructions to follow.
4. Reinsert the brew unit and test for flow.
This machine allows beverage length to be reprogrammed. Make sure it isn't set to the minimum brew length. If the machine is programmed to the minimum beverage length the machine may not dispense any coffee, or it may only dispense a few drops. Try reprogramming the machine to a longer length drink to see if it resolves the no flow issue.
Check the brew unit to make sure it is lining up with the spout assembly and connecting with the spout assembly properly.
If you are noticing a lot of brewed coffee or coffee sprayed inside the brew unit chamber then the brew unit o-ring may be damaged or out of place.
1. Remove the brew unit and inspect the large red o-ring attached to the tamping assembly. Make sure it is clean, properly positioned, and not damaged.
2. If the o-ring is broken or damaged it should be replaced. A brew unit o-ring can be purchased here.
Your machine features an e-plus dial which may be blocked. Try brewing a shot and while the pump is activated turn the e-plus dial back and forth. This may clear up the blockage and restore flow.
The dispensing spout may be blocked. Try very gently cleaning the dispensing spout holes with a toothpick to remove any blockages.

Have Flow But Getting No Flow Error

In some situations you will be able to get flow through the machine for all of the functions, but the machine thinks there is no water flowing through. There is a device in the machine called a flow meter, and it tells the machine when water is flowing through or not. The device operates by having small fan-like blades spin when water passes through it. If those blades get stuck from excessive scale buildup or a foreign body getting lodged into them then they will not spin. As a result, even though water is flowing through the machine, you will get a flow error.

If your machine uses a water filter temporarily remove it from the water tank and add the recommended descaling product to the water tank. The descaler needs to work its way into the system to start dissolving the scale buildup in the flow meter. You may have to keep restarting the machine so that it can keep attempting to prime, which will draw the descaler/water solution into the system. If at any point you are able to clear the flow message then you will want to do an immediate descale of the machine. After you have descaled run 4-5 tanks of plain water through the hot water function for the wand in order to ensure the system is completely free of debris.

Machine Is Leaking

From The Bottom

Check the internal drip tray and make sure it is not overfilling. If the drip tray full indicator came on, and the trip tray was removed and reinserted but never emptied, it will reset the machine sensor and possibly result in the tray overflowing.
The leaking is coming from the water tank chamber.
1. If the water tank is not positioned properly it can cause water to continuously drain from the tank, even while the machine is turned off. This happens when the water tank is inserted far enough to open the release valve, but not far enough to seal with the intake line. This water can leak out from the water tank and end up on the bottom of the machine. This particular issue is usually indicated by lots of clear water leaking onto the counter or into the internal drip tray, even though the machine is powered off. Remove the water tank and make sure there isn't anything, such as coffee beans, which could be blocking the tank from seating properly and then firmly reinsert the tank into the machine and press firmly on it to make sure it creates a good seal with the intake line.
2. If the machine only leaks while the water tank is attached, but is properly inserted, then the intake line may be broken or disconnected. This will require a repair.
If leaking only occurs while the machine is brewing then the drain area of the machine may be blocked. The drain area relieves excess water from the brewing process and should be cleaned regularly. Use these instructions to clean the drain area:

Drain Area Cleaning Instructions

If this does not resolve the leaking, then the leaking may be coming from an internal component and the machine should be repaired.

From The Wand

If the steam wand is leaking while the machine is on and/or brewing, the steam valve is open inside the machine. It is likely that scale has built up inside the valve, and the buildup is holding the valve open. Try the following to resolve the leak:

First begin by descaling the machine using the recommended descaling product.
After descaling flush 4-5 tanks of plain water through the system using the hot water function for the steam wand. This will ensure any debris or scale buildup the descaling loosened is fully removed.
If this does not work then the machine should be sent in for repair since the steam valve may need to be replaced.

Machine Not Heating Or Powering On

No Power

Make sure the machine is plugged into an appropriate power source.
1. Do not use the machine on a surge protector. This machine has a high power draw, more than a typical kitchen appliance such as a refrigerator or a microwave. Surge protectors are typically not rated to handle the amperage this machine requires.
2. Make sure the power cord is firmly inserted into the power socket on the machine.

The power cord of the machine can be removed from the back of the machine as well as from the outlet. Check to make sure the cord is firmly secured in its corresponding socket on the machine. Check the cord for any damage. If the cord is secure and the machine is still not powering on then it may be the cord itself causing the issue. The cord is a standard computer power cord. Swap the cord out with another 3-prong computer power cord and see if the machine powers on. If it does then the machine needs a new power cord.

Make sure the power switches are functioning properly and not broken. If the machine isn't powering on try pressing and holding the power button in the on position to see if the machine turns on. If you are able to power the machine on this way then the power switch needs to be replaced.

If the machine recently had a leak, had water spilled on it, or any other exposure to moisture then the machine may be shorting out. Try letting the machine sit unplugged for 48 hours to make sure there isn't a short caused by moisture.

No Steam Or E15 Error

If you are getting no or little steam then there may just be a blockage in the steam circuit. Do the cleanings suggested in the section of this article which discusses steam wand blockages.

Make sure to give the machine sufficient time to heat up. Even a machine that uses a rapid steam boiler will still take thirty seconds to a minute to be fully heated.

Make sure that you are purging the steam line before frothing. Purging is an important process for any machine that has a steam wand. Since the steam leaving the boiler hits the cold room temperature wand it is going to condense back into water. Wait until there is mostly steam coming out of the wand and then stop the steam function. Now that the line has been purged you are ready to steam. Reactivate the steam function and begin frothing.

If the machine gives an E15 error or is stuck on the heating up screen, then the machine has a broken thermostat and will require repair.

Cold Shots Or E14 Error

If the machine is producing shots that are hot, but you would like them to be hotter, check the beverage programming menu. Make sure all of the drinks are set to brew at the highest temperature.
Make sure you are using a preheated cup. Ceramic cups will sap a lot of heat from the shot resulting in a colder shot. Preheating the cups using the machine's hot water function is suggested, or you can brew into a paper, styrofoam, or other well insulated cup. This video explains the importance of a pre-heated cup during espresso brewing:
If the shots are completely cold, or the machine is displaying an E14 error code then there is a thermostat issue. Try restarting the machine to resolve the issue. If error code continues to appear then the thermostat is broken and the machine will need to be repaired.

No Beans, Grinder Blocked, Or E01

All three of these issues share the same root cause. The grinder has become jammed with grounds or coffee residues. These issues are typically a result of incorrect beans being used in the machine. This machine is not compatible with oily, dark roasted, caramelized, or flavored beans. Use of these beans can cause permanent damage to the machine that is not covered under warranty. These beans can be identified easily. They will be shiny and feel slippery or sticky. Dry beans that are appropriate for the machine will look dull and feel rough. This machine does not have a user serviceable grinder so it is very important that the correct beans are used. Follow these steps to fix the behavior:

Remove all of the beans and set them aside.

Move the grinder adjustment knob all the way to the coarsest setting.

Use a vacuum to thoroughly clean out the grinder. In particular vacuum down in the chute where the beans feed into the inside of the machine.

Clean out the dosing chute using the following instructions:

Dosing Chute Cleaning Instructions

Add beans back into the machine. The beans must be dry beans, do not add incompatible beans back into the unit. Make sure the grinder is still set to the coarsest setting.

Test the machine to see if it can successfully brew a shot. If it successfully brews run 2-3 more shots on this grind setting so that we can be sure the system is free of the old coffee grounds.

Once the machine is functional on this setting you can begin moving the grind to the normally used setting. Make small 1 tick adjustments, making sure to brew shots in between. This will prevent the machine from jamming again.

Brew Unit Max Pressure, Stuck, or E03 or E04 Error Codes

The machine is sensing that the brew unit motor is working too hard to engage the brew unit. There is a fail-safe built into the machine to prevent itself from damaging the brew unit; instead it will stop and give display an error. This issue is typically resolved through normal maintenance.

First restart the machine to clear the error message and reset the brew unit back to the home position so that it can be removed. If the machine is in an active rinse cycle do not try to remove the brew unit. The rinse cycle must be completed before the brew unit can be removed.

If this happened when you were using the bypass function specifically then you may have added too much preground coffee.
Try running a blank bypass shot. To do this just run a normal bypass shot but do not add any coffee. You should just have plain water come out of the spouts. If the machine successfully completes this cycle then too much coffee was added to the bypass doser previously. The machine only accepts about a maximum of 8-9 grams per shot. The scoop that comes with the machine doses more than this. To make sure you are adding the appropriate amount take one level scoop of preground coffee and remove a large pinch from it. This should about about 8 grams of coffee and should work in the machine.

If the blank bypass shot also throws an error code restart the machine again and proceed to the next step.

When the machine indicates that it is ready for use open the door to the brew unit chamber.
Try removing the brew unit. If the brew unit does not readily come out do not force it out. The brew unit is stuck in an engaged position and will need to be properly reset. Forcing it out of the machine can break the brew unit and possibly cause damage other parts. Do the instructions in the following video to get the brew unit properly reset before moving on to the next step. If the brew unit won't reset to the home position the machine may require a repair.

If the brew unit is easily removed then rinse it off with cold water and let it dry.

The brew unit will need to be cleaned and lubricated.

Reinsert the brew unit into the machine and try brewing a shot.

Too Much Steam/Milk Boiling

If you think your wand is producing too much steam, or your milk looks like it is boiling, then you may need to make an adjustment to your frothing technique. Boiling milk, or milk that is getting to hot before frothing is completed is an indication that incorrect frothing technique is being used. Review the section of this article that addresses frothing difficulties for more information.
If you have tried adjusting your technique and the wand still appears to be producing too much steam, then a steam test should be completed.

Steam Test Instructions

If the machine is within the specified steam test range, then the machine is producing the correct amount of steam and an adjustment to frothing technique is necessary. Using a carafe that is chilled in a freezer before frothing is helpful for keeping the milk cooler for longer, allowing for more time to froth before the milk begins to scald.

Diagrams & Manuals

Saeco Minuto Focus

Electrical Diagram: Not Available

Hydraulic Diagram:

Machine Manual:

Parts Diagram:

Service Manual

Startup Guide: Not Available

Specifications

Basic Specs

Width: 8.4 in.

Height: 13 in.

Depth: 16.9 in.

Weight: 16 lbs

Wattage: 1850

Voltage: 120

Housing

Housing Materials: Plastic

Bean Hopper Materials: Plastic

Drip Tray Materials: Plastic

Drip Tray Cover Materials: Stainless Steel

Removable Hopper: No

Dregs Drawer Material: Plastic

Dregs Drawer Capacity: 15

Drain Line Adaptable: No

Easy To Rotate: No

Tall Legs: No

Cup Height

Adjustable Height: Yes

One Touch Cappuccino

One Touch Cappuccino: No

Frothing Wand

Material: Plastic

Steam Wand Style: Pannarello

Wand Movement: Rotating

Water Source

Source Type: Reservoir

Water Filter Type: Mavea

Reservoir Capacity: 61 oz.

Reservoir_Material: Plastic

Reservoir Access: Top

Reservoir Removable: Yes

Controls

Type Of Controls: Push Button

Display Type: LED

Cup Volume Control: Yes

Programmable Power On: No

Auto Shut Off: Yes

Bypass Doser: Yes

Pre-Infusion: Yes

Pressure Gauges: No

Brew Group

Material: Plastic

Type: Automatic

Preheat: No

Removable: Yes

Self-Cleaning: Yes

Boiler Data

Number Of Boilers: 1

Brew And Steam Simultaneously: No

Rapid Steam: Yes

Brew Boiler Data

Type: Thermoblock

Volume: Low

Materials: Stainless Steel

Boiler Element Location: External

Pump Data

Type: Vibration

Maximum Pressure: 15 Bar

Self-Priming: Yes

Grinder Data

Number Of Grind Settings: 5

Hopper Capacity: 9 oz.

Burr Tpe: Flat

Burr Material: Ceramic

Freshness Lid: Yes

Details

Country Of Manufacture: Italy

NSF Certified: No

Recommended Applications: Home Use