Sage Barista Express BES870UK User manual

Registered in England & Wales No. 8223512. Due to continued product improvement, the products illustrated or
photographed in this document may vary slightly from the actual product.
Copyright BRG Appliances 2013.
BES870UK Issue - B13
Phone: [phone]
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Sage™by Heston Blumenthal‰
Customer Service Centre

BES870UK
the Barista Express™
Instruction Booklet

2
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CONTENTS
3We recommend safety first
9Getting to know your
new appliance
11 Operating your new appliance
19 Coffee making tips & preparation
23 Care & cleaning
29 Troubleshooting
34 Coffees to try

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WE RECOMMEND SAFETY FIRST
At Sage™by Heston Blumenthal‰we are very safety conscious.
We design and manufacture consumer products with the safety
of you, our valued customer, foremost in mind. In addition we
ask that you exercise a degree of care when using any electrical
appliance and adhere to the following precautions.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE USE AND SAVE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
• Before using for the first
time please ensure that
your electricity supply is the
same as shown on the rating
label on the underside of the
appliance. If you have any
concerns please contact your
local electricity company.
• Your Sage™by Heston
Blumenthal‰appliance
includes a BS 13 amp
moulded mains plug on the
supply cord.
• Should you need to change
this plug, please complete
the rewiring as follows
(after safe disposal of the
moulded plug).
• Please note that a cut off plug
inserted into a socket is a
serious danger risk.
• Wires are coloured as follows:
−Blue = Neutral
−Brown = Live
−Green & Yellow = Earth
• As the colours of the wire
may not correspond with the
coloured markings which
identify the terminals in
your plug, please refer to the
following:
−The Blue wire must be
connected to the terminal
which is marked ‘N’.
−The Brown wire must be
connected to the terminal
which is marked with the
letter ‘L’.
−The Green & Yellow wire
must be connected to the
terminal which is marked
with the letter E or the
earth symbol .
• Please note that if a 13 amp
plug is used, a 13 amp fuse
should be used.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

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WE RECOMMEND SAFETY FIRST
• Carefully read all instructions
before operating and save for
future reference.
• Remove safely discard any
packaging material and
promotional labels or stickers
before using the Barista
Express™ for the first time.
• To eliminate a choking
hazard for young children,
remove and safely discard the
protective cover fitted to the
power plug of this appliance.
• Do not place the Barista
Express™ near the edge
of a bench or table during
operation. Ensure the surface
is level, clean and free of
water and other substances.
• Do not use the Barista
Express™ on a sink
drain board.
• Do not place the Barista
Express™ on or near a hot gas
or electric burner, or where it
could touch a heated oven.
• Always ensure the Barista
Express™ is properly
assembled before connecting
to power outlet and operating.
Follow the instructions
provided in this book.
• The appliance is not intended
to be operated by means of
an external timer or separate
remote control system.
• Do not use attachments other
than those provided with the
Barista Express™.
• Do not attempt to operate
the Barista Express™ by any
method other than those
described in this book.
• Do not operate the grinder
without the hopper lid in
position. Keep fingers, hands,
hair, clothing and utensils
away from the hopper
during operation.
• Use only cold, tap water in
the water tank. Do no use any
other liquid.
• Never use the Barista
Express™ without water in the
water tank.
• Ensure the portafilter is firmly
inserted and secured into the
brewing head before using
the machine.
• Never remove the portafilter
during the brewing
operation as the machine
is under pressure.
• Do not move the Barista
Express™ whilst in operation.

5
WE RECOMMEND SAFETY FIRST
• Do not leave the Barista
Express™ unattended
when in use.
• Do not touch hot surfaces.
Allow the Barista Express™ to
cool down before moving or
cleaning any parts.
• Do not place anything, other
than cups for warming, on top
of the Barista Express™.
• Always switch off the Barista
Express™ by pressing the
POWER button to ‘Off’,
switch off at the power outlet
and unplug if appliance is to
be left unattended, if not in
use, before cleaning, before
attempting to move the
appliance, disassembling,
assembling and when storing
the appliance.
• Keep the appliance and
accessories clean. Follow
the cleaning instructions
provided in this book.
The symbol shown
indicates that this
appliance should not be
disposed of in normal
household waste. It
should be taken to a
local authority waste
collection centre
designated for this
purpose or to a dealer
providing this service.
For more information,
please contact your local
council office.

6
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
FOR ALL ELECTRICAL
APPLIANCES
• Unwind the power cord fully
before use.
• Do not let the power cord
hang over the edge of a
bench or table, touch hot
surfaces, or become knotted.
• To protect against electric
shock do not immerse
power cord, power plug or
appliance in water or any
other substance.
• Children should be
supervised to ensure they do
not play with the appliance.
• Do not use the appliance if
power cord, power plug or
appliance becomes damaged
in any way. If damaged or
maintenance other than
cleaning is required, please
contact Sage™by Heston
Blumenthal‰ Customer
Service on 0844 334 5110 or
go to sageappliances.co.uk.
• Always disconnect the
appliance from the supply if it
is left unattended and before
assembling, disassembling
and cleaning.
• This appliance is for
household use only. Do
not use this appliance for
anything other than its
intended use. Do not use in
moving vehicles or boats. Do
not use outdoors.
• Misuse may cause injury.
• The installation of a residual
current device (safety switch)
is recommended to provide
additional safety protection
when using electrical
appliances. It is advisable that
a safety switch with a rated
residual operating current not
exceeding 30mA be installed
in the electrical circuit
supplying the appliance.
See your electrician for
professional advice.
WE RECOMMEND SAFETY FIRST

7
WE RECOMMEND SAFETY FIRST
• This appliance can be used
by children aged from 8 years
and above and persons with
reduced physical, sensory or
mental capabilities or lack of
experience and knowledge
if they have been given
supervision or instruction
concerning use of the
appliance in a safe way
and understand the hazards
involved. Children shall
not play with the appliance.
Cleaning and user
maintenance shall not
be made by children
without supervision.
• Children and user
maintenance shall not be
made by children unless they
are aged 8 years and above
and supervised. Keep the
appliance and its cord out of
the reach of children aged
less than 8.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
• Always disconnect the
appliance from the supply if it
is left unattended and before
assembling, disassembling
and cleaning.
• Regularly inspect the
supply cord, plug and actual
appliance for any damage.
If found damaged in any
way or maintenance other
than cleaning is required,
immediately cease use of the
appliance and contact Sage
Customer Service on 0844
334 5110.
WARNING
Fully unwind the cord
before use.

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FEATURES OF YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
INTEGRATED CONICAL BURR
GRINDER
Stainless steel conical burrs maximise
ground coffee surface area for a full
espresso flavour.
ADJUSTABLE GRIND SIZE
18 grind settings (fine, 1–16, coarse)
from coarse to fine for optimal espresso
extraction.
AUTOMATIC DOSING
Dispenses the required amount of coffee for
a single or double cup dose.
GRIND AMOUNT DIAL
Adjusts dose to suit fineness or coarseness
of grind.
HANDS FREE DIRECT GRINDING
INTO PORTAFILTER
Auto stop for hands free grinding direct into
portafilter.
ELECTRONIC PID TEMPERATURE
CONTROL
For increased temperature stability.
AUTO PURGE
Automatically adjusts water temperature
after steam for optimal coffee extraction.
ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE
CONTROL
For optimum coffee flavour.
THERMOCOIL HEATING SYSTEM
Integrated stainless steel water coil
accurately controls water temperature.
LOW PRESSURE PRE-INFUSION
Gradually increases pressure at the start
for an even extraction.
ESPRESSO PRESSURE GAUGE
Measures the water pressure through
the ground coffee in the portafilter
during extraction.
DRY PUCK FEATURE
Removes excess water from the ground
coffee in the filter basket for easy disposal
of the coffee puck.
1700W HIGH POWER
For faster heat up and high pressure steam.
INSTANT HOT WATER
Dedicated hot water outlet for making
long blacks and pre-heating cups.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
A
B
E
C
D
F
G
H
J
K
M
L
I
N
A. Automatic Dosing
Select between single or double
filter basket.
B. Mechanical Clutch Protection
C. Grind Size Selector
18 grind settings from fine to coarse.
D. POWER Button
Surround illuminates when machine
is switched on.
E. Grind Amount Dial
Controls the amount of fresh ground
coffee dosed into the filter basket.
F. Integrated Removable Tamper
For consistent tamping control.
G. Grinding Cradle
For directly dosing into portafilter.
H. Cup Warming Tray
I. CLEAN ME Light
Indicates when a cleaning cycle is
required.
J. Steam Light /Hot Water
Illuminates to indicate that the steam or
hot water function is selected.
K. Group Head
L. Extra-Tall Cup Height For Coffee Mugs
M. Removable Wet And Dry Coffee
Separator Drip Tray
N. Drip Tray Full Indicator
O. 250g Bean Hopper Capacity
P. Integrated Conical Burr Grinder
Stainless steel conical burrs maximise
ground coffee surface area for full
espresso flavour.
Q. Pressure Gauge
Monitors espresso extraction pressure.
R. PROGRAMME Button
Personalise your espresso shot volumes
& also accesses Advanced Temperature
functions.
S. STEAM Dial /Hot Water Dial
Selector control for steam and hot water.
T. Programmable
1 CUP and 2 CUP button.

10
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
P
O
S
V
U
W
Q
R
T
U. Instant Hot Water
Dedicated hot water outlet for making
long blacks and pre-heating cups.
V. Stainless Steel Portafilter
With commercial style spouts.
W. 360°Swivel Action Steam Wand
Easily adjusts to perfect position for
texturing.
Custom designed accessories
1. Single wall filter baskets for freshly
ground coffee.
2. 480ml stainless steel jug
Cleaning accessories
Cleaning tool/brush
Cleaning tablets
Cleaning cycle disc
Allen key
NOT SHOWN
PID Temperature Control
For increased temperature stability.
Adjustable Temperature Control
For optimum coffee flavour.
Low Pressure Pre-infusion
Gradually increases pressure at the start for
an even extraction.
1700W High Power
For fast heat up and high pressure steam.
Water Filter
Located inside the water tank.
Removable 2 Litre Water Tank
Filled from the top with integrated water
filtration.
Storage Tray
Located behind the drip tray for storage
of accessories.
Cord Storage
Located under the water tank.

11
OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
BEFORE FIRST USE
Machine Preparation
Remove and discard all labeling and
packaging materials attached to your
espresso machine. Ensure you have removed
all parts and accessories before discarding
the packaging.
Clean parts and accessories (water tank,
portafilter, filter baskets and jug) using
warm water and a gentle dish washing liquid
and rinse well. Wipe the outer housing, bean
hopper and drip tray with a soft damp cloth
and dry thoroughly. Do not immerse the
outer housing, power cord or power plug in
water or any other liquid.
The water filter located inside the water tank
will need to be removed before washing the
water tank.
CONDITIONING THE WATER FILTER
• Remove filter from the plastic bag and
soak in a cup of water for 5 minutes.
• Rinse filter under cold running water.
• Wash the stainless steel mesh in
the plastic filter compartment with
cold water.
• Insert the filter into the filter holder.
• Set the dial date 2 months ahead.
• To install filter, push down to lock
into place.
• Slide the water tank into position and
lock into place.
NOTE
To purchase replacement water filters
please contact Sage™by Heston
Blumenthal‰Customer Service on
0844 334 5110.
FIRST USE
Initial Start Up
• Fill tank with water.
• Press POWER on.
• A pumping sound will be heard. The
machine will reach operating temperature
and go into STANDBY mode.
FLUSHING THE MACHINE
It is recommended to complete a water
flushing operation, without ground coffee, to
ensure the machine has been conditioned.
When the machine has reached STANDBY
mode, run the following 2 steps.
• Press the 2 CUP button to run hot water
through the group head for 30 seconds.
• Activate steam for 10 seconds.
• Repeat this cycle until the water tank
is empty.
NOTE
Do not clean any of the parts or
accessories in the dishwasher.

12
OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
FILLING THE WATER TANK
• Ensure the water filter is securely fitted
inside the tank.
• Fill the water tank with cold tap water
to the maximum mark on the side of the
tank and slide the water tank back into
position at the back of the machine.
• Plug the power cord into power outlet
and switch On at power point.
• Press the POWER button to On. The
POWER button surround will flash while
the machine is heating. When the correct
temperature has been reached, all the
button surrounds on the control panel
will illuminate.
NOTE
Check the water level before use and
replace the water daily. The water
tank should be filled with fresh, cold
tap water before each use.
Do not use de-mineralised or distilled
water or any other liquid.
SETTING THE GRIND SIZE
The grind size will affect the rate of water
flow through the coffee in the filter basket
and the flavour of the espresso. When
setting the grind size, it should be fine but
not too fine and powdery.
There are 18 settings on the GRIND SIZE
select dial - The smaller the number, the
finer the grind size. The larger the number,
the coarser the grind size. We recommend
you start at the No. 5 setting and adjust
as required.
GRINDING THE COFFEE
• Fill the hopper with fresh coffee beans.
• Place the portafilter into the
grinding cradle.
• Insert filter basket required into the
porta-filter.
Press the FILTER SIZE button to select
your filter size (single or double).
SINGLE
FILTER SIZE
DOUBLE
AUTOMATIC DOSING
• Push and release the portafilter to
activate the grinding switch, then allow
the portafilter to be dosed with fresh
ground coffee.
• To stop the grinding function during
single or double dose, simply press the
filter size button.

13
OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
ADJUSTING THE GRIND AMOUNT
Set the GRIND AMOUNT dial to the
3 o’clock position as a starting point for dose
amount. Adjust towards LESS or MORE as
required to adjust the dose amount so the cap
on the supplied tamper is level with the top
edge of the filter basket rim, AFTER tamping.
NOTE
You may need to adjust the GRIND
AMOUNT dial a few times to achieve
the correct grind amount.
MANUAL DOSING
• With the portafilter inserted, push and
hold the micro switch down until the
desired amount of ground coffee has
been dosed.
• To stop the function during a manual
grind function, simply release the
portafilter. This will release the activation
switch to stop the grind function.
TAMPING THE GROUND COFFEE
• Once the grind function has been
completed, carefully withdraw the
portafilter from the grinding cradle,
being careful not to spill any ground
coffee, tap down to collapse and using
the integrated tamper, tamp down firmly
(approx. 15–20 kg of pressure).
PRE-PROGRAMMED
SHOT VOLUME – 1 CUP
Press the 1 CUP once. A preset single
espresso volume of approximately 30ml
will be extracted. The machine will
automatically stop once the preset
volume has been extracted.
PROGRAMME
NOTE
The amount of espresso extracted in
the cup will vary depending on your
grind size and grind amount.

14
OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
PRE-PROGRAMMED
SHOT VOLUME – 2 CUP
Press the 2 CUP button once. A preset
double espresso volume of approx. 60ml
will be extracted. The machine will
automatically stop once the preset
volume has been extracted.
PROGRAMME
NOTE
Pressing the 1 CUP or 2 CUP buttons
during a programmed espresso will
immediately stop the extraction.
PROGRAMMING SINGLE ESPRESSO
1. To begin programming, press the
PROGRAMME button once. The
machine will beep once and the
program button will begin to flash.
This indicates the machine is in
programming mode.
2. Press 1 CUP button to start espresso
extraction. Press 1 CUP again once
desired volume of espresso has been
extracted. The machine will beep
twice to indicate the new 1 CUP
volume has been set.
PROGRAMMING DOUBLE ESPRESSO
1. To begin programming, press the
PROGRAMME button once. The
machine will beep once and the
program button will begin to flash.
This indicates the machine is in
programming mode.
2. Press 2 CUP button to start espresso
extraction. Press 2 CUP again once
desired volume of espresso has been
extracted. The machine will beep
twice to indicate the new 2 CUP
volume has been set.
RESETTING DEFAULT VOLUMES
To reset the machine to the default
1 CUP and 2 CUP shot volumes and
espresso water temperature press and
hold the PROGRAMME button until the
machine beeps three times. Release the
PROGRAMME button. The machine will
return to its original default setting.
NOTE
Default settings: 1 CUP shot volume is
approx. 30ml. 2 CUP is approx. 60ml.
MANUAL ESPRESSO VOLUME
PROGRAMME
PRESS & HOLD
Press and hold the 1 CUP or 2 CUP button.
Release the button once sufficient espresso
has been extracted into the cup.
NOTE
For optimal flavour when using a
1 CUP filter basket, you should
extract approx. 30ml. When using a
2 cup filter basket, you should extract
approx. 60ml.

15
OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
WARNING
The metal parts of the portafilter will
be very hot.
ESPRESSO PRESSURE GAUGE
IDEAL ESPRESSO ZONE
The gauge needle, when positioned in
the middle zone during extraction,
indicates the espresso will be extracted at
the ideal pressure.
UNDER EXTRACTED ZONE
The gauge needle, when positioned in the
lower zone during extraction, indicates
the espresso has been extracted with
insufficient pressure. This occurs when
the water flow through the ground coffee is
too fast and results in an under extracted
espresso that is watery and lacks crema
and flavour.
Causes for under extraction include the grind
being too coarse and/or insufficient coffee in
filter basket and/or under tamping.
OVER EXTRACTED ZONE
The gauge needle, when positioned in the
upper zone during extraction, indicates the
espresso has been extracted with too much
pressure. This occurs when the water flow
through the ground coffee is too slow and
results in an over extracted espresso that
is very dark and bitter with a mottled and
uneven crema.
Causes for over extraction include the
grind being too fine and/or too much
ground coffee in filter basket.
TEXTURING MILK
The Sage™ by Heston Blumenthal‰ Barista
Express™ comes complete with a commercial
style 360˚stainless steel steam wand.
WARNING
Ensure the STEAM DIAL is in the
STANDBY position before removing
the steam wand from the frothing jug.

16
OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
USING THE STEAM DIAL
• Position the steam tip over the drip tray.
Turn the STEAM selector dial to the
steam position. The red steam light will
flash to indicate the machine is heating
to create steam.
• When the steam light stops flashing the
steam wand is ready for use.
• Before inserting the wand into the milk,
pause the steam by returning the dial
back to the STANDBY position. This will
avoid the milk splashing out of the jug
(this pause function lasts for approx
8 seconds before exiting steam mode).
• Insert the wand into the milk and turn
the steam dial from Standby to the
Steam position to begin texturing.
• To stop, return the STEAM dial to the
STANDBY position and remove the jug.
NOTE
When the espresso machine creates
steam, a pumping noise can be heard.
This is the normal operation of the
15 bar Italian pump.
NOTE
After 5 minutes of continuous
steaming, the machine will
automatically disable the steam
function. The steam light will flash.
When this occurs return the steam
dial to the STANDBY position.
USING HOT WATER OUTLET
Turn the STEAM/HOT WATER selector
dial to the hot water position. The red steam
light will flash to indicate the machine is
heating the create hot water.
When the steam light stops flashing, the hot
water is ready for use.
To stop the flow of hot water, return the
steam dial back to the STANDBY position.
AUTO PURGE
For extracting espresso immediately after
using the steam function, this machine
features an auto-purge function.
The auto purge function ensures the
ground coffee will not be burnt by the
initial water flow from the thermocoil being
too hot. The water is automatically released
internally into the drip tray ensuring that
the thermocoil is at optimal temperature
for extracting coffee.
Your coffee will always be extracted at the
optimal temperature ensuring only the best
flavoured espresso is extracted.

17
OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
ADVANCED MODE
Adjusting Water Temperature
Different beans require a different water
temperature to extract their optimum flavour.
The Barista Express™allows you to adjust
water temperature ±2°C in 1°C increments
from the default temperature.
To enter Advanced Temperature setting
mode:
1. Turn the machine OFF.
2. Press & hold the PROGRAMME
button, then press the POWER
button. The machine will beep once.
The illuminated button will indicate
current temperature selected. If no
buttons are pressed within 5 seconds
after entering Advanced Mode,
no change will be made & machine
will return to heat-up/stand-by
operation.
PROGRAMMEPOWER
PRESS & HOLD
3. To
select a temperature change, within
5 seconds of entering Advanced
Mode, press the button to select
desired temperature. You will hear
2 beeps to confirm the change. If no
buttons are pressed the temperature
will remain unchanged & machine
will revert to STANDBY.
4. Default Temperature setting:
In Advanced Mode, press the
PROGRAMME button.
PROGRAMME
5. Increase Water Temperature +1˚C:
In Advanced Mode, press the
1 CUP button.
PROGRAMME
6. Increase Water Temperature +2˚C:
In Advanced Mode, press the
2 CUP button.
PROGRAMME

18
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OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
7. Decrease Water Temperature -1˚C:
In Advanced Mode, press the
FILTER button.
SINGLE
FILTER SIZE
DOUBLE
PROGRAMMEPOWER
8. Decrease Water Temperature -2˚C:
In Advanced Mode, press the
POWER button.
SINGLE
FILTER SIZE
DOUBLE
PROGRAMMEPOWER

19
COFFEE MAKING TIPS & PREPARATION
PRE-HEATING
Heating your cup or glass
A warm cup will help maintain the coffee’s
optimal temperature. Pre-heat your cup by
rinsing with hot water and place on the cup
warming tray.
Using the hot water outlet
Turn the Steam/Hot Water dial to the Hot
Water position. The Steam/Hot Water
LED on the front panel will begin to flash
indicating the Hot Water function has been
selected & the Thermo-coil is increasing in
temperature. Hot Water will be dispensed
from the Hot Water spout. Turn the dial
back to STANDBY to stop the flow of
hot water.
Heating the portafilter and filter basket
A cold portafilter and filter basket can
reduce the extraction temperature enough
to significantly affect the quality of your
espresso. Ensure the portafilter and filter
basket are preheated with hot water before
initial use.
NOTE
Wipe the filter and filter holder dry
before dosing with ground coffee as
moisture can encourage ‘channeling’
where water by-passes the ground
coffee during extraction.
SINGLE WALL FILTERS
Single wall filters (1 & 2 CUP) are designed to
be used with freshly ground coffee and allow
you to experiment with grind and dose, to
create a more balanced espresso.
2 Cup1 Cup
THE GRIND
When grinding coffee beans, the grind size
should be fine but not too fine. The grind
size will affect the rate at which the water
flows through the ground coffee in the filter
basket and the taste of the espresso.
If the grind is too fine (looks like powder
and feels like flour when rubbed between
fingers), the water will not flow through the
coffee when under pressure. The resulting
espresso will be OVER EXTRACTED, dark
in colour and bitter in flavour.
If the grind is too coarse the water will
flow through the ground coffee in the filter
basket too quickly. The resulting espresso
will be UNDER EXTRACTED lacking in
colour and flavour.