Brew pressure

Read the gauge, and who sets the valve

While a shot runs, the gauge shows the brewing pressure. The manual says the right pressure depends on the coffee and the grind, and that 9 to 12 bar is right in all cases.

The highest pressure is set by the over-pressure valve (OPV), item 10, next to the group. The manual contradicts itself on who should set it:

• Page 30 tells the owner how: blind filter in, coffee switch on, turn the OPV with a flat-head screwdriver.
• Page 38, in the troubleshooting table, says pressure adjustment "should be carried out by a qualified technician".

Both are Ascaso's words. The next screen gives the page 30 method. Ascaso does not publish the factory setting.

Set it with the blind filter

The manual's method from page 30. Page 38 says a qualified technician should do it.

1. Put the blind filter in the portafilter.
2. Lock the portafilter into the group.
3. Turn on the coffee switch.
4. Read the gauge.
5. Turn the OPV with a flat-head screwdriver: the manual says turning it to the right raises the highest pressure and to the left lowers it.
6. Switch off, then pull a normal shot and check it reads 9 to 12 bar.

Ascaso Dream PID: every job