ROK Espresso Maker/troubleshooting
From Whole Latte Love Support Library
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 following articles review the different variables and offer solutions:
- Tamping The Correct Way and The Effects Of Tamping Pressure
- Grinding Coffee For Espresso
- It is important to use fresh beans, typically beans roasted within the past two weeks are best. Light and medium roasts are best for espresso brewing and richer crema. Storing beans properly is also important, more information can be found here.
If the behavior persists after reviewing these factors then the machine may need to be cleaned. Lack of cleaning can cause burned or bitter flavors, or create flow issues which can result in a weak shot. Navigate to the Cleaning & Maintenance icon above for more information.
Portafilter Issues
Leaking
If the machine is leaking from between the grouphead and the portafilter then the grouphead gasket is either pushed out of place and needs to be reinserted properly, or the gasket is worn out. Typically grouphead gaskets will wear out from 6 months to a year depending on how heavily the machine is used. Premature wear to this gasket can be caused by using excessive force when attaching the portafilter. Refer to the grouphead cleaning instructions portion of this article for information on how to access this gasket. The gasket may be able to be used for a longer time by simply flipping it over, otherwise if the leaking continues, it will need to be replaced.
Not Fitting
- On new machines, or machines where the group gasket has been recently replaced, the portafilter will not fit perpendicular to the machine. This is because the grouphead gasket requires time to wear in before this can happen. As long as you can get the portafilter hand tight onto the machine and brew without leaking then the machine is operating properly. Do not use excessive force when attaching the portafilter or it can damage or break the grouphead gasket.
- Check the filter basket for dings, dents, or any sort of warping. A filter basket that is malformed can prevent the portafilter from attaching. Try attaching the portafilter with the basket removed, or with a different basket to see if it fits on correctly.
- The group gasket has slipped out of place or needs replacing. Instructions for accessing the gasket can be found in the grouphead cleaning portion of this article.
No Pressure/Water Spraying From Cup
If the ROK Espresso Maker is not pressurizing when the handles are pressed down, or if there is water spraying from between the plunger and the cup, then the o-ring on the plunger assembly may be twisted out of place or is worn out.
- To remove the plunger the screws at the top of the arms will need to be removed. Take two flathead screwdrivers. Use one to hold one screw in place and another screwdriver to turn the other screw.
- Once the screws are removed the arms of the machine will fold back, so that the plunger mechanism can be lifted out. There will be an o-ring on the plunger, which can be slipped off. Inspect this o-ring for damage; replace if needed.
- Reinstall the o-ring onto the plunger. It is important that the o-ring is not twisted, otherwise it may not seal properly. We suggest placing the o-ring towards the bottom of the plunger, like shown in the picture below.
- Reassemble the machine. The plunger mechanism will need to be partially inserted, about a half an inch, in order for the arms of the machine to match up with it. Once these components are lined up the screws can be inserted and tightened down.
