BarVista 111 - Coffee machine Solis - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Espresso coffee machine
Brand	Solis
Model	BarVista 111
Pressure	15 bars (pump)
Heating system	Thermoblock
Main functions	Espresso, cappuccino, latte, milk frother, steam function, pre-infusion, automatic flush
Portafilter material	Stainless steel
Included filters	1 cup and 2 cups
Included accessories	Portafilter, filters (1 and 2 cups), measuring spoon, cleaning tool, cappuccino accessory
Recommended grind type	Fine espresso grind
Cup warming	Cup warming tray on top
Steam wand	Swivel, with removable cappuccino accessory
Espresso cup capacity	Approximately 30 ml (single), 60 ml (double)
Power supply	230 V, 50 Hz
Routine cleaning	Rinse filters, portafilter, steam wand after each use; empty drip tray regularly
Descaling	Recommended every 2 to 3 months with a descaling product (Solipol)
Safety	Manual shut-off via on/off button; do not use without water
Use	Household use only

Frequently Asked Questions - BarVista 111 Solis

How to prepare a perfect espresso with the Solis BarVista 111?

Use a fine espresso grind, tamp the coffee with the measuring spoon and use the appropriate filter (1 cup for a single espresso). Make sure the machine is preheated and the cups are warm. Set the selector to 'Espresso' and stop the flow when the desired amount is obtained.

Why is the coffee not flowing?

Several possible causes: the machine is not plugged in or turned on, the water tank is empty, the selector is not in 'Espresso' position, the grind is too fine, there is too much coffee in the filter, or the coffee is too tamped. Check each point.

Why is the coffee flowing too fast?

A grind that is too coarse or an insufficient amount of coffee in the filter can accelerate the flow. Adjust the grind and tamp the coffee more firmly.

How to froth milk for a cappuccino?

Fill a cappuccino pitcher halfway with fresh cold milk. Place the cappuccino accessory or steam wand into the milk, activate the steam function and immerse the accessory gradually. When the milk is hot and frothy, return the selector to 'Stand-by' position.

Why is there no steam?

Check that the machine is turned on, the water tank is full, and the control selector is in 'Steam' position. If the steam wand is clogged, clean it with the cleaning tool.

How to clean the steam wand after use?

Remove the cappuccino accessory and rinse it with hot water. Wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth, then briefly activate the steam to remove milk residues. Use the cleaning tool to clear the holes if necessary.

How often to descale the machine?

It is recommended to descale the machine every 2 to 3 months, using a descaling product like Solipol. Follow the manual instructions for the process.

What to do if the milk does not froth?

Make sure the milk is fresh and cold (preferably whole milk). Check that steam production is sufficient and that the cappuccino accessory is properly immersed. If foam is insufficient, clean the steam wand.

How to preheat cups?

Place the cups on the cup warming tray located on top of the machine while it heats up. This helps keep the coffee at a good temperature during extraction.

What to do if the machine makes an abnormal pump noise?

A pump noise is normal during operation, but if it is excessive, check that the water tank is filled and properly placed. If the problem persists, contact Solis customer service.

USER MANUAL BarVista 111 Solis

PROBLEM CAUSES POSSIBLES

Contents 32 Congratulations

33 Solis recommends safety first
34 Know your

SOLIS Espresso Machine BarVista
35 How to use your
SOLIS Espresso Machine BarVista
36 How to froth milk for
a cappuccino or Latte
38 Coffee making tips
40 Care and cleaning
43 Trouble shooting guide

SOLIS Congratulations

on the purchase of your new SOLIS Espresso Maschine BarVista

In developing this booklet, our goal was to provide you with the fundamental point from which you can start to discover your SOLIS Espresso Machine BarVista; the Espresso Machine that delivers simply superior coffee. Our hope is that with each page, you gain increasing pleasure from your SOLIS Espresso Machine BarVista and its ability to help you create a wonderfully broad range of flavour-rich coffees.

We would just like to say thank you and...

enjoy.

SOLIS RECOMMENDS SAFETY FIRST

We at Solis 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:

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS FOR YOUR SOLIS Espresso Machine BarVista AND FOR ALL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

• Carefully read all instructions before operating and save for future reference.
• Do not place the SOLIS Espresso Machine BarVista near the edge of a bench or table during operation. Ensure the surface is level, clean and free of water.
• Remove any promotional stickers before using the SOLIS Espresso Machine BarVista for the first time.
• Do not place the SOLIS Espresso Machine BarVista on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or where it could touch a heated oven.
  Always make sure the SOLIS Espresso Machine BarVista is properly assembled before connecting to power outlet and operating.
• Use only cold water in the water tank. Do not use any other liquid.
• Never use the SOLIS Espresso Machine BarVista without water in the water tank.
• Ensure the filter holder is firmly inserted and secured into the brewing head before using the machine.
• Never remove the filter holder during the brewing operation as the machine is under pressure.

• Do not leave the SOLIS Espresso Machine BarVista unattended when in use.

• Do not touch hot surfaces. Allow the SOLIS Espresso Machine BarVista to cool down before moving or cleaning any parts.

• Do not place anything, other than cups for warming, on top of the SOLIS Espresso Machine BarVista.
  Always switch the SOLIS Espresso Machine BarVista off, 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.
• Unwind the cord before use.
• To protect against electric shock, do not immerse cord, plug or appliance in water or any other liquid.
• Do not let the cord hang over the edge of a table or counter, touch hot surfaces, or become knotted.
• This appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.
• Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
• It is recommended to inspect the appliance regularly. Do not use the appliance if power supply cord, plug or appliance becomes damaged in anyway. Return the entire appliance to the nearest authorised SOLIS Service Centre for examination and/or repair.

Any maintenance other than cleaning should be performed at an authorised SOLIS Service Centre.
- 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.
- The installation of a residual current device (safety switch) is recommended to provide additional safety protection when using electrical appliances, (available from most leading supermarkets, department stores and hardware stores or Solismail, www.solis-mail.ch).

Disposal: In conformity with Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), at the end of its life the unit should be taken to an electrical appliance collection point for its environmentally friendly disposal.

KNOW YOUR SOLIS ESPRESSO MACHINE BARVISTA

HOW TO USE YOUR ESPRESSO MACHINE

Wash the filter holder and the stainless filters in mild detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly. It is recommended to complete a brewing operation with cold water but without ground coffee before making your first coffee to ensure that all internal piping has been preheated (see 'Brewing Coffee' page 36).

Filling the water tank

• Ensure the Power 'ON/OFF' switch is set to the 'OFF' position and Selector Control is in the 'STAND BY' position.
• Lift up the water tank lid and remove the water tank. Fill with cold water to the maximum mark and replace back into position in the machine, pressing down firmly so that the water valve opens. Close the water tank lid.

The water tank should be filled with fresh cold water before use.

Check water level before use and replace the water daily.

Do not use mineral or distilled water.

Preparing the Coffee

• Place the 1 or 2 cup filter into the filter holder and fill with ground espresso coffee (use the smaller filter for 1 cup and the larger filter for 2 cups).
• Use the measuring/tamping spoon provided to measure 1 level measure of espresso coffee for the 1 cup filter and 2 level measures for the 2 cup filter. It is important to use the correct amount of ground coffee for each filter as the filter perforations have been constructed to utilise the pressure build up in the machine to extract optimal flavour with each brewing.

• Distribute the coffee evenly and press down lightly with the tamping end of the measuring spoon (if there is too much coffee, the flow of water can become blocked).

• Clean any excess coffee from the rim of the filter holder to ensure a proper fit under the brew head.
• Place the filter holder underneath the brew head so that the handle is positioned to the left of centre. Lift the filter holder until it contacts the brew head and rotate to the right, as per graphics on the filter holder outlet.

Pre-warming cups

For optimal coffee temperature, pre-warm the espresso cups by placing them on the cup warming plate.

Brewing coffee

• Ensure the selector control is in the 'STAND BY' position.
• Plug the power cord into a 230V electrical outlet.
• Press the power ON/OFF' button to the ON' position.
• The orange heating light turns off when the machine has reached the correct temperature.
• Ensure the drip tray is in place.
• Place one or two pre-heated cups beneath the filter holder outlet.
• Turn the selector control to the 'Espresso'/cup position.
  After a few seconds*, aromatic coffee will begin to brew into the cups. A pumping noise will be heard in this operation.

Pre-brew function

When the Selector Control is set to the 'Espresso'/cup position, the 15 bar pump pumps water momentarily, followed by a pause, then continues to pump the water through to the ground coffee in the Filter Holder. This pre-brew function is an advanced feature of the BarVista Espresso/Cappuccino Machine. The ground coffee is moistened by a small amount of water before full

extraction. The ground coffee expands and when greater pressure is built up, the brewed coffee is extracted with its full flavour.

• When sufficient coffee has flowed into the cups, turn the selector control to the 'STAND BY' position. This will stop the flow of coffee.
• If the steam function is not required, press the power 'ON/OFF' button to the 'OFF' position, unplug the power cord and allow the machine to cool.
• Remove the filter holder from the brew head, turn the filter holder upside down to empty the used coffee (used coffee grounds should be thrown away with domestic waste and not down the sink which may block drains). Remove the filter and rinse the filter and filter holder with water and allow to dry.

The machine remains ready for brewing and maintains a constant heating temperature whilst the Power ON/OFF' button remains in the ON' position. If the temperature lowers, the orange heating light will illuminate and the coffee machine will automatically reheat to the correct brewing temperature.

How to froth milk for a cappuccino or latte

The SOLIS Espresso Machine BarVista comes complete with a Froth Enhancer for easier frothing of milk. When less froth is required, remove the Froth Enhancer and steam the milk using the Steam Wand. To remove the Froth Enhancer, ensure it is cool then simply pull down and remove.

The first step in making a cappuccino/latte is to make a short espresso (Follow steps on 'Brewing Coffee'). Then:

• Fill the stainless steel frothing jug 13 full with cold milk.

• Turn the Selector Control to the 'Steam' position. The orange heating light will start to flash indicating that the Thermoblock Heating System is heating and preparing to create steam.
  When the BarVista Espresso/Cappuccino Machine is creating steam a pulsing noise can be heard. This is the normal operation of the 15 bar pump.

• As soon as the orange heating light has switched off, quickly insert the steam wand into jug the of milk so that the froth enhancer is immersed 10mm into the milk.

If steam starts coming from the Steam Wand before it is immersed in the milk, pause the steam by turning the Selector Control back to the 'STAND BY' position. This will avoid the steam pressure blowing milk out of the jug. A pumping noise will sound for a short time.

Gently move the frothing jug in a circular motion around the froth enhancer.
- When the milk has begun to increase in volume, immerse the froth enhancer deeper into the milk to further heat the milk.
- Place your hand on the bottom of the stainless frothing jug.
- When the jug becomes too hot to touch, turn the selector control to the 'STAND BY' position to stop the steaming function before removing the jug.
- Pour the steamed milk to each cup of freshly brewed espresso coffee and spoon on the frothed milk in the following ratio's:

Cappuccino - ½ teaspoon, ¼ steamed milk, ¼ frothed milk.

Latte - 1/3 espresso topped with steamed milk and about 3 - 4cm of frothed milk, (traditionally served in a glass).

Always ensure that the Froth Enhancer has been firmly pushed onto the steam wand. For best results use fresh cold milk (lite milk will froth easier).

Always clean the steam wand and froth enhancer after every use (refer to care and cleaning).

Liquid should not be allowed to run over the top of the froth enhancer, otherwise it will not function.

To avoid splattering hot milk, do not lift the steam nozzle above the surface of the milk while frothing.

Ensure the selector control is in the 'STAND BY' position before removing the frothing jug.

COFFEE MAKING TIPPS

Auto Purge System

For brewing more coffee immediately after using the steam function, the BarVista Espresso/Cappuccino Machine features an auto-purge system. This ensures that the ground coffee will not be burnt by the initial water flow from the Thermoblock that could be too hot. Instead this water is automatically released internally into the Drip Tray ensuring that the internal thermostat is at optimal temperature for extracting coffee. Your coffee will always be extracted at this optimal temperature ensuring only the best flavoured coffee is achieved.

Making a good cup of coffee is an art that is simple to achieve. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect coffee.

To enjoy an optimum flavoured espresso coffee, do not extract more than approximately 30ml (using the 1 cup filter holder) or for a double espresso do not extract more than 60ml (using a 2 cup filter holder).

Water flow

When brewing coffee, make sure the water flows through the Coffee Filter at the correct rate. If the water flow is too slow the coffee will be over extracted and will be very dark and bitter, with a mottled and uneven crema on top. If the water flow is too fast, the coffee will be under extracted - the optimal flavour will not develop, the coffee will be watery and lack the thick crema on the top.

The water flow can be adjusted by varying the pressure that the coffee is tamped (pressed down) in the Filter or by changing the grind of the coffee.

The coffee

Pre-ground coffee can be used and should be stored in an air-tight container, in a cool, dry area. Pre-ground coffee should not be kept for longer than 1 week as flavour will diminish. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Whole coffee beans, freshly ground just before use, are recommended. Coffee beans should be stored in an air-tight container, in a cool, dry area but should not be kept for longer than 1 month as flavour will diminish. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

The grind

If using a pre-ground coffee, ensure an espresso grind suitable for espresso/cappuccino machines is purchased.

If grinding coffee beans, the grind should be fine but not too fine or powdery. The grind will affect the rate at which the water flows through the coffee in the Filter and therefore the taste of the coffee.

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 even when under pressure. The resulting coffee will be over extracted, too dark and bitter, with a mottled and uneven crema on top.

If the grind is too coarse the water will flow through the coffee too quickly. This will result in an under-extracted coffee lacking in flavour and without the thick crema on the top layer of coffee.

Tamping the coffee

After measuring the ground coffee into the Filter it must be tamped (pressed down) using the flat end of the measuring spoon. The ground coffee should be tamped quite firmly.

If the coffee is not tamped firmly enough, the water will flow through the water too quickly and the coffee will be under extracted. If the coffee is tamped too firmly, however, the water will flow through the coffee too slowly and the coffee will be over extracted.

The taste of your coffee will, of course, depend on personal preference and on many other factors such as the type of coffee bean used, the coarseness or fineness of the grind and the tamping pressure (pressed down). We recommend experimenting by varying these factors to achieve the coffee taste of your preference.

CARE AND CLEANING

Cleaning the steam wand and frothing attachment

The Steam Wand and Frothing Attachment should always be cleaned after frothing milk.
- Remove the Frothing Attachment and rinse in warm tap water. Ensure the two fine steam holes on either end of the Frothing Attachment are clear. Use the pin on the Cleaning Tool to unblock these holes.
- Wipe the Steam Wand with a damp cloth, then with the Steam Wand directed back into the drip tray, briefly set the Selector Control to the 'Steam' position and press the Hot Water button. This will clear any remaining milk from inside the Steam Wand.
- Ensure the Selector Control is in the 'Standby' position. Press the 'ON/OFF' button to OFF, unplug the power cord and allow the machine to cool.
- If the Steam Wand remains blocked, use the pin on the Cleaning Tool to clear the opening.
- If the Steam Wand continues to be blocked, the tip of the Steam Wand can be removed by using the spanner in the middle of the Cleaning Tool.

• Soak the tip in hot water before using the pin on the Cleaning Tool to unblock. Replace the tip back onto the Steam Wand and secure with the Cleaning Tool.

Cleaning the filters, filter holder and brewing head

• The stainless steel Filters and Filter Holder should be rinsed under water directly after use to remove all coffee particles. Should the fine holes in the filters become blocked, the fine pin on the Cleaning Tool can be used to clear the holes.

• The Brew Head interior should be wiped with a damp cloth to remove any ground coffee particles.
  Periodically run water through the machine with the Filter Holder in place, but without any ground coffee, to rinse out any residual coffee particles.

• Remove the Drip Tray Full Indicator and Grid from the Drip Tray, wash with warm soapy water, using a non-abrasive washing liquid, rinse and dry thoroughly.

• If further cleaning is required the full indicator can be removed from the drip tray by releasing the side snaps.

Cleaning the outer housing/cup warming plate

• The outer housing and cup warming plate can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth (do not use abrasive cleansers, pads or cloths which can scratch the surface).

Cleaning the drip tray

• The Drip Tray should be removed, emptied and cleaned at regular intervals, particularly when the Drip Tray Full Indicator is showing full.

NOTE: Do not clean any of the parts or accessories in the dishwasher.

Decalcifying

• After regular use, hard water can cause mineral build up in and on many of the inner functioning components, reducing the brewing flow, power of the machine, and affecting the quality of coffee.
• We advise decalcifying the machine on a regular basis (every 2–3 months) using a proprietary descaler (Solipol) which is available from most leading supermarkets, department stores and hardware stores or Solismail (www.solis-mail.ch). Follow the instructions provided.

Decalcifying the machine

• Ensure the Selector Control is in the 'Stand by' position, the Power ON/OFF button is set to the 'OFF' position and the machine is unplugged.
• Remove the Filter Holder and Frothing Attachment. Pour the mixture of descaler and water into the water tank. (0.5 litres Solipol and 0.75 litres of water)
• Plug the machine into the power outlet.
• Set Power ON/OFF button to the 'ON' position and the Selector Control to the 'Stand by' position
• Place a large container under both the Brew Head and the Steam Wand.

• When the brewing temperature is reached the 'Heating' light will switch off.

• Turn the selector control to the 'Espresso' position and allow half the decalcifying solution run through the brew head. Turn the selector control back to the position 'Stand by'.

• Turn the selector control to the 'Steam' position and allow run the decalcifying solution for approx. 5 minutes through the Steam Wand.
• Turn the selector control back to the 'Espresso' position and allow run the rest of the decalcifying solution through the brew head.
• When the decalcifying solution stop flowing (Water Tank empty), turn the selector control back to the 'Stand by' position.
• After decalcifying, remove the Water Tank and rinse thoroughly then re-fill with fresh cold water.
• To rinse the machine, run half the water through the brew head, then turn the selector control to the 'Steam' position and allow run the water for approx. 5 minutes through the Steam Wand. Then turn again the selector control to the 'Espresso' position and allow run the rest water through the brew head.
  The machine is ready for use.

WARNING: Do not immerse cord, plug or appliance in water or any other liquid. The Water Tank should never be removed or completely emptied during decalcifying.

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES

Coffee does not run through • Machine is not turned on or plugged in • Water tank is empty • Selector Control not in 'Espresso' position • Coffee grind is too fine • Too much coffee in the filter • Coffee tamped too firmly
Coffee runs out too quickly • The coffee grind is too coarse	• Not enough coffee in the filter
Coffee runs out around the edge of the filter holder	• Filter holder is not inserted in the brew head brew head properly • There are coffee grounds around the filter rim • Too much coffee in the filter • Coffee has been tamped too firmly
Machine is making pumping nois • Water tank is empty	• Water tank is not securely in place
Coffee is too weak or watery • Coffee grind is not fine enough
Coffee is too cold • Machine not preheated	• Cups not preheated • Milk not heated enough (if making a cappuccino or latté)

No crema - Coffee is not tamped firmly enough

• Coffee grind is too coarse
  Ground Coffee is not fresh

No steam is generated - Machine is not turned on

Water tank is empty
- Selector Control not in 'Steam' position
- Steam Wand is blocked

Milk is not foamy after frothing - Not enough steam

• Milk is not fresh and cold

NOTIZEN/NOTES/NOTES

NOTIZEN/NOTES/NOTES