Routine Backflush - Universal

Routine Backflush - Universal



Backflush Procedure


Backflushing your SLAYER Espresso machine is imperative to routine brew group maintenance. Daily backflushing, + a quick scrub, cleans the group of residual coffee and coffee oil build up. Further reducing excessive wear on Preventative Maintenance components such as: group gaskets, dispersion screens and screws, and portafilter baskets.
Idea
Additionally, a clean group results in better tasting espresso!
The guide below demonstrates manually backflushing on a SLAYER Espresso V3 (The only way to do it on the V3!). SLAYER Steam Series and Single Group's feature automated cleaning cycles in the barista dashboard menu. However, understanding how, when, and why to manually backflush is a great way to proactively clean your SLAYER Espresso machine.



Parts:
  1. 46000-60010 - 125g SLAYER Cleaner
  2. 46000-60020 - 20oz SLAYER Cleaner
Tools:
  1. Blank Portafilter
  2. Stubby Flathead Screwdriver
  3. ~ 1/2 TSP (1.5g) SLAYER Cleaner
  4. Vessel
Manual Backflush:

Step 1:
  1. Remove dispersion screw and screen with a stubby screwdriver.

  1. Scrub group head with espresso scrubber brush.
    1. Additionally: wipe group with microfiber cloth.
Warning
Careful! Surfaces are hot!



Step 2:
  1. Scoop ~ 1/2TSP (1.5g) of espresso cleaner into blank portafilter.

  1. Using the hot water spout. Saturate the espresso cleaner to start the activation process.
  2. Allow espresso cleaner to effervesce. 


Step 3:
  1. Insert blank portafilter into brew group.
    1. Actuate to Full-Brew for 10 seconds.
    2. Return to OFF for 5 seconds
    3. Repeat 6 times.
  2. Total Time: ~90 seconds per group.


Step 4:
  1. Remove blank portafilter from brew group.
  2. Actuate to Full-Brew for 30 seconds.
  3. Rinse blank portafilter.
Alert
Critical step! Allowing water to flow freely from the group flushes residual espresso cleaner from the brew group circuit. Not thoroughly rinsing group or using too much espresso cleaner may cause the 3-Way Brew Solenoid to seize. 
Step 5:
Clear water backflush. 
  1. Insert portafilter into group head without espresso cleaner.
  2. Follow Step 3.
    1. 3 cycles instead of 6 is adequate.
  3. Make and discard an espresso if returning to service. 
AlertReinstall dispersion screen and screw either finger-tight or less than a quarter turn with a flat head screwdriver! This will ensure the convex shape of the SLAYER dispersion screen is not unintentionally flattened.

Automated Cleaning Cycle:
SLAYER Steam LP & EP and Espresso Single Group's feature automated cleaning cycles. Follow Steps 1 & 2 to prepare a blank portafilter with espresso cleaner before backflushing with the Full Clean (LP & EP) or Group Cleaning (SG) feature.
  1. Steam LP & EP:
    1. Quick Cleaning
      1. 10 second rinse cycle.
    2. Full Cleaning
      1. 90 seconds.
      2. Automates manual backflush procedure detailed in this guide.
  2. Espresso Single Group:
    1. Group Cleaning
      1. 90 seconds.
      2. Automates manual backflush procedure detailed in this guide.
Once an automated cleaning cycle has ended. A prompt on the display will indicate the group is ready to flush 30 seconds of clear water through the group.
  1. Remove blank portafilter before activating rinse cycle.
Alert
Always allow rinse cycle to complete!

Further Cleaning Procedures:
While backflushing, SLAYER recommends soaking dispersion screens, screws, and portafilter components (as well as steam tips) in a light espresso cleaner bath. Soaking parts which frequently contact coffee or other solubles limits excessive wear and tear. All while resulting in higher quality extractions and better tasting espresso!
Idea
SLAYER dispersion screens are nano coated and safe to clean with espresso cleaner!
Step 1:
  1. Place dispersion screen, screw,  portafilter basket, and spring clip into large steaming pitcher.


Step 2:
  1. Scoop ~1/2TSP (1.5g) of espresso cleaner into large steaming pitcher.
  2. Fill pitcher with hot water and allow to soak during routine backflush.


Step 3:
  1. Remove stubborn buildup with a light scrub and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
  2. Rinse with clear water before reinstalling. 
AlertReinstall dispersion screen and screw either finger-tight or less than a quarter turn with a flat head screwdriver! This will ensure the convex shape of the SLAYER dispersion screen is not unintentionally flattened.

Resources:
  1. Replacing Group Head Gasket
  2. Preventative Maintenance Schedules & Guides


Questions or concerns? Please contact support@slayerespresso.com

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