Installing an Espresso Machine Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide by Genius Coffee Equipment

Commercial and Residential Espresso Machine Installation Done Right

Bringing a Coffee Bar to Life

Imagine this: your café is almost ready to open. You’ve picked out the sleekest Sanremo Café Racer, a stunning centrepiece for your counter. Perhaps a timeless La Marzocco or a cutting-edge Barista Attitude Tempesta awaits. The anticipation is brewing—literally. But before you pull that first perfect shot, there’s one crucial task: installation.

At Genius Coffee Equipment, we’ve mastered the art of espresso machine installations. Whether you’re designing a commercial café or elevating your home coffee game. Here’s how we make it seamless, professional, and built to last.

Designing the Perfect Bar Setup

A well-thought-out design is the first step to ensure your machine shines. Here are a few pro tips:

1. Machine Positioning:

   • Place machines like the Sanremo Opera 🔗 or Tempesta 🔗 at the center of the counter. The back of the machine faces the customer. These machines are more than functional—they’re marketing tools.

   • Ensure the machine back is accessible for service or maintenance.

2. Under-Counter Considerations:

   • Leave ample space for water lines, a filtration system like a BWT Filtration System 🔗, and electrical

     

     access.

   • Avoid placing a fridge directly under the machine. The tight spaces can obstruct necessary connections like drain hoses and power cords

1. Receptacle Ready:

   • Always have a dedicated wall receptacle. Never hardwire the machine. This setup ensures easy unplugging in case of emergencies.

Tools of the Trade

You’ll need a few essentials to get started:

• Adjustable wrench or open wrench set

• Teflon tape

• Flat and Phillips screwdrivers

• A 5-gallon (20-litre) bucket

• Power meter

Pre-Installation Checklist

Before unboxing your machine, ensure these steps are covered and send photos to Genius sales team to dispatch a tech for installation:

• Counter Hole: A 2 to 3-inch (60 to 75mm) diameter hole. Offset 2 or 3 inches (50 to 75mm) towards the machine’s back for water, power, and drain lines.

• Water Connection: Install a water filter system under the counter. If using Reverse Osmosis (RO), place it further back to save space. Avoid connecting an RO system to an ice machine.  The Water For Coffee System 🔗 is the one we suggest at Genius Coffee Equipment.

• Electrical Setup: Verify a dedicated line with a voltage between 208V and 240V. Use a suitable NEMA plug (e.g., NEMA L6-20 or L6-30 or other machines use NEMA plug 6-20, 6-30, or 6-50 for commercial machines). For home setup, avoid GFI outlets unless necessary.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Setting the Machine on the Counter

• Start by passing the power plug, water line, and drain hose through the counter hole.

1. Testing the Power

• Use a power meter to ensure the voltage meets the machine’s requirements. For home machines, a NEMA 5-20 receptacle suffices; for commercial ones, check your NEMA code.

1. Connecting the Drain and Water Lines

• Attach the drain hose to the designated outlet and secure it with a metal strap.

• Connect the water filter to the shutoff valve. Purge at least 4 gallons (16 litres) of water before attaching the machine.

1. Turning the Machine On

• For traditional machines, switch to position 1 to fill the boiler. Modern machines like the Sanremo Café Racer 🔗 or Opera 🔗 only have an on/off button.

• 
• Watch the water pressure gauge. For the best performance, ensure it starts between 2.5 and 3.5 bar, and when the pump activates, it should run at 9 bar. If the pressure is below 2.5 bar or higher than 3.5 bar, call Genius Coffee for assistance.

1. Heating Up

• Switch the machine to full power and let it heat for 30–45 minutes. Models like the Sanremo Cafe Racer 🔗 can heat up in 10–12 minutes.

1. Final Calibration

• Test flow rates using a pressure gauge portafilter: aim for 60ml of water at 9 bar in 25 seconds.

• Test the steam and hot water taps for proper function.

Pro Tips for Longevity

1. Filtration is Key: Always use a water filtration system or RO to achieve optimal coffee flavour and protect your machine from mineral buildup.

2. Service Accessibility: Avoid tight spaces that make maintenance costly or time-consuming. Placing the machine on a U-shaped counter at the short counter or with one side against the wall makes it difficult to service.

3. Emergency Readiness: Ensure the power cord is easily unplugged in case of issues.

Genius Coffee Equipment: Your Partner in Success

Whether installing a Victoria Arduino Eagle One or a Nuova Simonelli Prontobar, the Genius team ensures your setup is flawless. Our experts are just a call away to guide you through the process or handle the installation. Quick advice is free, but full consultation will be charged. If the question is what plug I need then there is no charge. If the question is How can I install my machine? There will be a charge.

We’ve helped countless businesses design dream cafés, from stylish pop-ups to bustling coffee bars. Let your espresso machine serve coffee and showcase your brand’s sophistication.

Ready to elevate your coffee setup? Contact Genius Coffee Equipment today! 🔗

With Genius, every machine installation combines precision, expertise, and passion. Because great coffee starts with a perfect setup at the start!