1. Place fresh coffee grounds into the portafilter basket until full or overflowing.
2. Knock the handle on the tamping mat once to settle the grounds.
3. Evenly distribute the grounds to a level flush with the rim of the filter basket. Release any excess grounds back into the doser hopper.
4. Compress the grounds with a tamper, pressing firmly, then twist the tamper to smooth the surface of the grounds. Tamp pressure should be around 30kg so the applied pressure should be very firm.
5. Rocket Espresso filter baskets have a reference line inside them, that the grounds, once tamped, should be level with.

• Insert the portafilter into the group head and activate the pump immediately by lifting the brew lever.
• Observe the flow.
• Liquid volume should be 50-60ml in 20-30 seconds (from the double handle or 25-30ml in 25-30 seconds if using the single basket. Stop the pump appropriately.
• Serve immediately or combine with milk to prepare an espresso based beverage.
• Remove portafilter and knock out spent coffee.
• Wipe filter basket clean and flush group head.
• Return portafilter to group head to keep portafilter heated

FLOW RATE & GRIND SETTING

Keeping your machine clean will prolong its life and produce much better espresso beverages.

STEAM NOZZLES

1. Clean the steam nozzle after every use by wiping with a damp cloth. Turn the steam wand on to release condensation and milk residue.

2. If the steam jets get blocked with dry milk use a paper clip to unclog them.

BACKFLUSHING

1. Remove the filter basket from the portafilter and fit the back flush cap.

2. While the brew water is flowing loosely insert the portafilter into the group head, rotating the portafilter back and forth. Keep emptying the blind basket of hot water and old grounds until the water runs clear.

3. You should backflush the group head every day.

GROUP BREW HEAD

1. After backflushing, add a small amount of espresso cleaning detergent to the blind basket. Dissolve the detergent in hot water and insert the portafilter into the group head. Use a solution readily available at your local store.

2. Turn the brew lever on and off again after about 10 seconds. Repeat this several times.

3. Empty the basket of the detergent and backflush using water only as above until the group is thoroughly cleansed of detergent residue.

Steam Wand Cleaning

As with brewing, technique is critical to frothing well. Frothing is very sensitive to technique, which has a steep learning curve. If the machine is producing steam then an adjustment to technique may need to be made. 

It is important not to overheat your milk. The milk will have the sweetest and most velvety texture between 140-150 F°. As you froth past this point the milk will lose its sweetness, the froth will take on a gummier texture, and eventually the milk will scald and begin to taste burnt. 

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. 

No Steam From Wand / No Hot Water From Hot Water Tap 

Check the brew function on the machine and see if water is able to flow through the machine for this function. 

If you are able to draw steam from the steam wand then the steam boiler must be pressurising and heating. If there's no steam from the steam wand, check the hot water function of the machine. If you are able to draw hot water then the steam boiler must be pressurising and heating, because hot water is expelled from the machine by steam pressure. 

Check the steam gauge of the machine. Does it show pressure?

Typical range for the steam gauge should be 1-1.2 Bar. If the gauge is within the 1-1.2 Bar range, then the steam wand is likely blocked. Remove the tip from the steam wand and test the flow. If flow is restored, then the tip needs to be cleaned and reattached. 

If the flow is still blocked, then there may be a blockage in the steam wand itself. Clean the wand by using a pipe brush that has synthetic or plastic bristles; metal bristles can damage the wand. Then soak the wand in a solution of hot water and backflushing powder for ten minutes. Test flow again. If there still isn't flow, then there may be a blockage farther back in the steam circuit. 

The machine may need to be professionally cleaned to remove the blockage. 

Poor Or No Flow From Grouphead

If the steam/hot water for the machine is working fine then there is likely something causing a blockage or pressure issue in the brew circuit. 

If a water softener is attached to the inlet line of the machine, it may be preventing water from flowing. Please remove the softener and see if the flow improves. 

The grouphead could be dirty and needs to be cleaned. Taking apart the grouphead for manual cleaning is the first step. If cleaning the grouphead restores flow to the grouphead, the machine should be immediately backflushed to prevent further flow issues.  

There might be a kinked, broken, or loose line somewhere in the machine. Remove the top of the machine and take a look inside to see if you see any obvious issues. There might be an issue with one of the internal valve assemblies, which may need to be cleaned or replaced.

No Flow At All

If the machine is set to the plumbed mode:

1. First try switching to the reservoir mode temporarily and see if it resolves the issue. If this resolves the flow issue, then the issue is specific to the inlet plumb line, and you should go to the next step. Otherwise keep the machine in reservoir mode and skip down to the next section which deals with testing the "No Flow" issue for the machine in reservoir mode.
2. Return the machine to plumb mode. The next thing to check is to see if we can isolate where the flow issue is occurring for the plumb line. Try putting the plumb line hosing into an external bucket or container filled with water and see if the machine will draw water from this source. If it can't, then there may be a blockage somewhere in the plumb line itself.
3. If you are able to draw water from the plumb line, then there may be an issue with the plumbing supplying this line.

If the machine is set to use the reservoir:

1. If the pump does not sound like it is activating:
   • Check to make sure the water tank is filled, and the machine isn't indicating that the water tank is empty.
   • If the tank is empty, refill it.
   • If the tank is full, but the machine thinks the water tank is empty then the tank may not be seated correctly. Make sure there isn't anything blocking the tank from sitting flush inside the machine.
   1. Remove the cover of the machine and check for any loose or disconnected wires.
   2. Make sure there aren't any kinked or pinched hoses.
   3. There may be an issue with the water tank sensor. The tank's level sensor is not compatible with reverse osmosis or zero waters because of their lack of mineral content. The sensor depends on minerals being in the water to pass an electrical signal which tells the machine that water is present in the tank. Waters that don't have enough mineral content will not be able to pass this electrical signal, so the machine will not think water is present.
   4. There may be an issue with the pump powering on.
2. If the pump does sound like it is activating:
   • Check the water tank to make sure it is filled and that both the inlet line and the return lines are inserted into the tank. Make sure the inlet line in particular is below the surface of the water.
   • If you are using the water softener on the inlet line, try removing it and see if water can flow through the machine.
   • Open up the machine. Make sure there aren't any kinked or pinched hoses anywhere.
   • There may be a stuck valve inside the machine.

Machine Is Leaking

Between Portafilter & Grouphead 

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 in approximately 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. It is important to distinguish where the leaking is occurring.

From Bottom Of Machine

1. Check the water tank and drip tray to make sure there are no cracks or breaks where water can escape. Make sure they are properly positioned on the machine.
2. Open the machine and check all of the connectionsto make sure they are securely attached.
   • Examine the pump and boiler assemblies to see if there are any cracks in them. If the machine was exposed to subfreezing conditions without being properly drained it can cause these components to crack. These parts will need to be replaced if they are cracked.
   • Make sure both the inlet line and the outlet line on the pump are securely connected.
   • Check the various valves located on top of the boiler assembly.
   • If water is leaking from the relief valves, then the boiler may be overfilling. Distilled, reverse osmosis, and zero water are not compatible with this style of machine as the water level probe depends on minerals in the water to detect its presence. These water types do not contain minerals, and so the machine will continuously fill until it overflows, usually resulting in water leaking from the relief valves.
   • If water is leaking from the relief valves even though you are using a water that contains minerals, then you may need to clean the water level probe.

1. If the machine is connected to a water line, then there may be too much pressure at the inlet line. The pressure restrictor may need to be adjusted, or if you do not have a pressure restrictor installed you may need to install one.
2. If the valves are leaking directly from where they screw into the boiler, then they may have a broken seal. Try resealing the valves by using white teflon plumbers tape or food safe permabond and screwing them back into the boiler.
3. If there are any broken or cracked hoses, or hoses with pinhole leaks, they will need to be replaced.

1. If your machine features drain plumbing, make sure the drain line is securely attached and that water is being correctly directed into the drain cup.
2. If you cannot find the source of the leak, it's possible the water you are seeing is from water spilled when refilling the machine, or from the drip tray being out of position. It is also possible to run the unit with the casing off to help identify the source of the leak; precautions should be taken to protect yourself from any exposed wiring or hot water or steam that comes from the machine if you attempt this.

Steam From Top Of Machine

If there is steam coming from the top of the machine then one of the relief valves is venting steam.

1. If the steam is leaking from the machine while it is heating up,with more and more steam coming from the top as the machine heats more, then the steam is coming from the vacuum relief valve.
   • The vacuum relief valve is meant to vent steam until a certain amount of pressure has built up in the boiler. It is normal for this valve to vent steam as the machine is heating. Once enough steam pressure is built up in the boiler the valve will pop closed.
   • If the machine is fully heated and the vacuum relief valve is still not closing then it may need to be cleaned.
   • If cleaning the vacuum relief valve has not resolved the issue, then the vacuum relief valve may be broken and will need to be replaced.
2. If the steam is leaking from the machine after it is fully heated,then the pressure relief valve may be relieving excess steam pressure.
   • The pressurestat may need to be lowered. If the pressure is set too high the relief valve may open.
   • The pressure relief may be stuck open.
   • If the relief valve is still opening, then either the pressurestat or the relief valve may be broken and will need to be replaced.

From Steam Wand Or Hot Water Tap

1. If either wand is leaking from the end of the wand,it means the steam/hot water valve is not fully closed.
   • Make sure the knob is securely in the closed position.
   • If the knob feels loose, or doesn't appear to be properly engaging, then there may be a loose or broken part in the knob assembly.
   • If the leaking persists, then the corresponding valve may need to be replaced.
2. If the wand is leaking between the tip and the arm of the wand during use, there is an o-ring that is broken, missing, or out of position. Unscrew the tip that is leaking and check the o-ring that seals the tip to the wand. Make sure all of the parts are clean and that the o-ring isn't damaged or broken. The metal steam or hot water tips can be soaked in a solution of hot water and backflushing powder for more effective cleaning.
3. If the wand is leaking from the ball joint,then there may an o-ring that is worn out or out of position.
   1. These instructions apply to both the steam and hot water wands. First remove the wand arm. This can be done by unscrewing the hex shaped nut at the top of the arm using an adjustable or open-ended wrench.
   2. Once the wand is removed you may have parts stick to the valve assembly. Do not lose these parts. A blowout of both wand assemblies can seen on p.10 of the parts diagram.
   3. There are a few different o-rings in this assembly. Make sure everything is clean and that the o-ring aren't damaged or broken.
   4. Inspect the tension spring, listed as part 10 on p.10, to make sure it is in good condition. The spring should be really firm. If it is easily compressed then it may need to be replaced. The bottom of the spring will have a metal gasket, which helps the wand pivot on the spring Make sure these parts are clean and reinstall them.

Machine Not Heating Or Powering On

No Power

1. Make sure the machine is plugged into an appropriate power source.
   • 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.
   • Try using the machine on a different outlet, and make sure the machine is the only appliance plugged into that outlet.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Brew Not Heating

1. Give the machine sufficient time to heat up. A heating time of 20-30 minutes is recommended for prosumer style machines for it to be sufficiently heated for brewing. Make sure the portafilter is attached during heating.
2. Make sure the heating indicator is on. If the heating indicator is not on, then the machine will not heat. Typically this light will be off if the machine is out of water or not able to fill the boiler.
3. The pressurestat may be set too low resulting in a lower temperature. Be cautious when adjusting the pressurestat. Setting it too high can cause the machine to overheat, resulting in the pressure relief valve blowing off excess steam.
4. The high limit switch may be tripped and needs to be reset. Instructions for resetting the high limit switches can be found below after the cover is removed. Make sure the machine is turned off and unplugged.
5. The heating element may be broken and may require replacement.

Steam Not Heating

• If the machine is producing steam, but you think it's not producing enough steam, make sure that you are purging the line before frothing. To purge the line simply open the steam knob and let steam come through until it changes from mostly water to mostly steam. When steam leaves the boiler and hits the cold wand it is going to condense back into water. If you do not purge the line it will affect the way the steam wand froths.
• Make sure the steam boiler is turned on for the machine. Most prosumer units feature a switch, button, or PID menu option to turn the steam boiler off.
• Give the machine sufficient time to heat up. A heating time of 20-30 minutes is recommended for prosumer style machines for it to be sufficiently heated for brewing. Make sure the portafilter is attached during heating.
• Make sure the heating indicator is on. If the heating indicator is not on, then the machine will not heat. Typically this light will be off if the machine is out of water or not able to fill the boiler.
• The pressurestat may be set too low resulting in a lower brew temperature. Be cautious when adjusting the pressurestat. Setting it too high can cause the machine to overheat, resulting in the pressure relief valve blowing off excess steam.
• The high limit switch may be tripped and needs to be reset. Instructions for resetting the high limit switches can be found below after the cover is removed. Make sure the machine is turned off and unplugged.
• The heating element may be broken and may require replacement.

On But Not Heating

The tank's level sensor is not compatible with reverse osmosis or zero waters because of their lack of mineral content. The sensor depends on minerals being in the water to pass an electrical signal which tells the machine that water is present in the tank. Waters that don't have enough mineral content will not be able to pass this electrical signal, so the machine will not think water is present, and will not heat as a result.

1. There is a loose, disconnected, or broken wire inside the machine. Remove the top of the machine and inspect the wiring.
2. The high limit switch of the machine may have tripped. Instructions for resetting the high limit switches can be found below after the cover is removed. Make sure the machine is turned off and unplugged.
3. The outlet the machine is plugged into is not rated to handle the power draw of the machine.

Portafilter Handle Not Fitting On Machine

We hand deliver for FREE with our two man delivery team, to ensure safe delivery and handover of your Rocket. This takes 2 to 4 working days from order for in stock items. 

This is a white glove delivery, where a two man team carry the machine for you, unpack the machine, and position it where you want, and can take the packaging away. Whilst they are not able to stay and show you how to make coffee we offer a free zoom call bookable via our live chat to help you 'dial in' your machine and grinder. In our experience we feel this is the best combination of a safe two man white glove delivery, and setup and training help is provided by phone or zoom.

We can't give a delivery window on this sort of delivery as it is a specialist hand delivery team who do a route they plan on the morning of delivery. But the delivery team will call you on their way so you know in advance when to expect them. 

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