ECEM3 - Coffee maker Estella Caffe - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Espresso Machine
Brand	Estella Caffe
Model	ECEM3
Number of Groups	3
Boiler Capacity	19 Qt (18 L)
Dimensions (W x D x H)	37" x 21" x 22.75" (94 x 53.3 x 57.8 cm)
Weight	179 lb (81.2 kg)
Voltage	220-240V AC, 1 Phase, 50/60Hz
Wattage	6500W
Recommended Circuit Amperage	50A (Separate NFB breaker required)
Water Supply	Cold water line connection (hardwired)
Water Pressure (min)	29-43 PSI (2-3 bar)
Water Quality Requirements	TDS 50-125 ppm, Hardness 3-5 gpg, pH 6.5-7.5, Free Chlorine ≤0.5 ppm, Total Chlorine ≤0.5 ppm
Brewing Control	4 programmable buttons + 1 continuous flow button per group
Automatic Reverse Flushing	Yes (daily recommended, 10 cycles default)
Steam Wand	Yes
Hot Water Wand	Yes
Pressure Gauges	Water pressure gauge and steam pressure gauge
Sight Glass	Yes (boiler water level)
Safety Features	Auto shutoff on low water, overheat protection, grounded power, independent breaker requirement
Maintenance Cleaning	Daily portafilter, steam wand, and tray cleaning; weekly backflushing with detergent
Descaling Frequency	Every 6 months (professional service recommended)
Filter Replacement	Every 53 gallons (3000-4000 cups) or as needed
Warranty	Refer to manufacturer; improper water quality may void warranty
Certification	Intertek (ETL) listed

Frequently Asked Questions - ECEM3 Estella Caffe

How do I set the output volume for each button?

Turn the output volume setup switch ON (Fig. 1). The LEDs will light with the 5th button flashing. Press the desired button (1-4) and hold until the desired output is reached (measuring fluid ounces or time). After setting, turn the setup switch OFF to return to normal mode.

How do I perform automatic reverse flushing?

Press the first and fifth buttons simultaneously to start. The machine will run 10 cleaning cycles automatically, flushing from right to left. To skip a group, press button 3. The system stops when finished.

What type of water should I use?

Use filtered and softened water. Unsoftened groundwater or tap water can cause limescale. Required parameters: TDS 50-125 ppm, hardness 3-5 gpg, pH 6.5-7.5, free and total chlorine ≤0.5 ppm. Failure to meet these may void warranty.

How do I clean the steam wand?

After each use, wipe with a slightly moistened soft cloth. Then open the steam valve briefly to purge any milk residue. If milk hardens, disassemble the tube and soak in hot water for 20 minutes, then reassemble and repeat.

What is the recommended circuit amperage for the ECEM3?

The ECEM3 requires a 50A dedicated circuit with a No Fuse Breaker (NFB) having a minimum contact spacing of 3 mm. Do not use a standard socket; the machine must be hardwired by a qualified electrician.

How often should I descale the machine?

Descaling should be performed every 6 months by a qualified service professional. Limescale buildup reduces thermal efficiency and machine lifespan. Using softened water helps minimize scaling.

The machine is not heating or the touch panel is flashing. What should I do?

This indicates the water failed to fill automatically. Turn the machine OFF for 2-3 seconds, then turn it back ON. If the issue persists, check water supply and pressure (29-43 PSI). Ensure the boiler has reached minimum water level before heating starts.

How do I start the machine for the first time?

Confirm water and electrical connections are correct. Turn the main power switch ON. The machine will automatically fill the boiler. Wait until the steam pressure gauge reaches approximately 1.2 bar (green zone). Then the machine is ready to brew.

Can I use a power strip or extension cord?

No. The machine must be connected to a dedicated and grounded circuit with an appropriate NFB breaker. Using a power strip or extension cord violates safety regulations and may cause electrical hazards.

How do I clean the portafilter and filter basket?

Rinse with hot water after each brew cycle. For deep cleaning, disassemble the portafilter (avoid plastic parts) and soak in a solution of 3 tsp detergent in 1 pint hot water for 24 hours. Rinse thoroughly and wipe with a soft cloth.

USER MANUAL ECEM3 Estella Caffe

Exterior view of a modern Estella coffee machine with dual levers and control panel (no visible text or symbols on main body)

ESPRESSO MACHINES

236ECEM1 · 1 Group

236ECEM2 · 2 Group

236ECEM3 · 3 Group

12/2022

Estella CAFFE

INDEX

General 2-3

Specifications 3

Installation....4

Setup 4-5

Operation 5

Cleaning & Maintenance 6-7

Parts Diagram....8

Wiring Diagram (236ECEM1)....9

Wiring Diagram (236ECEM2)....10

Wiring Diagram (236ECEM3)....11

Note: Save these instructions for future reference.

GENERAL

1. This manual specifies important operation, maintenance, and safety information. Please read carefully.
2. After unpacking, please check to ensure your machine has not been damaged during shipping. Please notify a qualified technician regarding all questions or concerns before installing. Please note that the machine's packaging material, including plastic bag and Styrofoam, can be dangerous and should be kept out of reach of children.
3. There is an identification label on the unit. Before operating, please check to ensure the power source corresponds to the rating shown on the identification label. The manufacturer is not responsible for issues resulting from improper installation and usage.
4. Make sure to use a power source that corresponds with the unit's power rating.
5. Please use No Fuse Breaker (NFB) that conforms to the safety regulation separately. Do NOT use a socket. The NFB should have a minimum contact space of 3 mm and provide electrical spike and drain protection. The ampere must be sufficient for providing the required electric current to this machine.
6. Be sure to use a grounded power source to prevent electric shock and ensure the safety of this machine and its operators.
7. The machine must be used in accordance with its original design. Additional use is inappropriate and dangerous.
8. The steam wand, hot water wand, and brewing group can reach very hot temperatures. Use caution while operating.
9. Please follow all cleaning and maintenance instructions specified in this manual in order to ensure peak operating efficiency.

Intertek

3058215

Estella CAFFE

1. If the machine breaks down or functions abnormally, please turn off machine, disconnect the power source, and notify a qualified service technician to fix.
2. Please use filtered and softened water. If using groundwater or tap water for brewing coffee, please soften it first. Unsoftened water will decompose dissolvable minerals and turn to limescale after boiling. The limescale will reduce the machine's thermal efficiency and machine's lifetime.
3. This machine fills water automatically. If the water fails to fill (see troubleshooting section), the light touch panel will flash and power will be cut off automatically in order to protect the system. To resume normal functions, turn off the machine for 2-3 seconds and turn on the machine again.
4. The heating element on this machine will not operate unless the water in the unit is at the minimum required level. When starting the machine without any water in the tank, heating will be delayed for about 60 seconds.
5. Before operating the machine, please confirm that there is no water inside of the boiler. Temperature of water must be kept above freezing point. The damage caused by frozen water inside the tube or boiler won't be covered by the manufacturer.
6. This unit is shipped from the factory with all water drained from the boiler. If you are to put the machine away for storage, please ensure that all water is drained. If water were to freeze inside the unit, it could cause damage.

SPECIFICATIONS

Every machine has an identification label placed on the front of the machine. The label includes information of model number, voltage, serial number, wattage, and its certificate. Please do not remove this label in order for technician to check electrical information in the future.

	236ECEM1 236ECEM2 236ECEM3
Groups	1 2 3
Boiler Capacity	6 Qt. 13 Qt. 19 Qt.
Voltage	110-120V 220-240V	220-240V
Wattage	2000W	4700W	6500W
Weight	97 lb.	141 lb.	179 lb.
Recommended Circuit Amperage	20A	30A	50A
Dimensions (in) WxDxH	1912" × 21" × 2234"	2712" × 21" × 2234"	37" × 21" × 2234"

Estella CAFFE

INSTALLATION

• A cold water connection is required for this unit to function properly.
• Contact a qualified technician to ensure that your electrical and water setup are correct to the specifications of the machine.
• This machine comes hardwired (no plug) and a qualified electrician is required for installation.
• A technician is also required to connect the existing waterline and check the filtration system before starting. Operating with poor water conditions can void the warranty.
• Use an independent breaker for this machine which conforms to safety regulations.
  • Total Dissolved Solids: Minimum 50 PPM, Maximum 125 PPM
  • Total Hardness: Minimum 3 GPG, Maximum 5 GPG
• pH: 6.5\~7.5
  • Free Chlorine: Maximum 0.5 PPM
  • Total Chlorine: Maximum 0.5 PPM
  • Minimum amount of water pressure: 29-43 PSI

SETUP

Starting the Automatic Machine

1. Check and confirm that water source is in normal working order.
2. Turn the power switch to On to initiate automatic system check. If boiler water level is not in the green zone, wait until the automatic water replenishment process is complete before proceeding to the next step.
3. Heating will stop when boiler pressure reaches approximately 1.2 bars (factory default setting). Do not operate machine until steam pressure gauge reading is in the green zone.

Output Volume and Frequency Setup

• There are two identical button suites on 2 group models and three identical button suites on 3 group models.
• No default coffee output setting is provided. Settings must be made manually during setup.

• If you are using a multi-cup machine, settings made on the farthest right hand side button suite will serve as default for the others. So, start from the right hand side and work your way to the left.

• To program your machine, turn the output volume setup switch ON (Fig. 1).

• The output LEDs (Fig. 2) should be lit with the 5th button flashing, indicating the machine is in setup mode.

Estella CAFFE

1. To configure output button 1, press output button 1, which should light LED 1 and switch off all other LEDs. Press and hold the button until the desired output is reached. Users can measure fluid ounces or time dispensed for their settings.
2. At this point, LED 1 should be off and LED's 2, 3 and 4 should be lit.
3. Repeat steps 2 through 4 to set up output buttons 2, 3 and 4, respectively.
4. The left set(s) of output buttons will mirror the value settings in the set of output buttons to its immediate right. Repeat steps 2 through 5 if different output volumes are desired for different groups.
5. The fifth button of each group head will remain continuous flow. This means once you press this button, it will not turn off until pressed again.
6. After completing setup, turn the output volume setup switch OFF to return the machine to normal operational mode.

OPERATION

Brewing

1. Grind Coffee beans to a fine consistency.
2. Fill the portafilter with coffee grounds and tamp.
3. Secure the portafilter to the espresso machine with a quarter turn.
4. Use any of the presets to brew or use the continuous flow button.
5. If using continuous flow, the brewing will continue until it is pressed again, stopping the brewing process.

Automatic Reverse Flushing

- Reverse Flushing is recommended daily.

1. Press the first and fifth buttons simultaneously to start automatic reverse flushing. Output buttons 2-4 in the control panel will light and start automatic reverse flushing from the right output system to the left.
2. The default is 10 cleaning cycles.
3. If you want to stop before the completion of all 10 cleaning cycles, press button 3.
4. Flush one group after the other. You can press the third output button to skip the next output system. The system will stop automatically after all reverse flushing is finished.

Stopping the Machine

1. After cleaning the machine, remove all liquids and solid matter from the water tray.
2. Turn off the power.
3. Open steam knob to release steam flow. Do not place any liquid under the steam tube during this process in to avoid system contamination.

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

Machine Body

1. Wipe machine exterior with soft, slightly dampened cloth daily before starting operations.
2. If necessary, a mild, non-corrosive cleaning agent may be applied to the cloth. DO NOT spray cleaning agents directly on the machine body to avoid corrosion and possible damage to circuits.

Brewing System

1. After each brewing cycle, remove the portafilter and press the manual water output button to remove all residual coffee grounds from the filter element.
2. Then attach the portafilter to the machine again. CAUTION: DO NOT force the portafilter into the seat too tightly.
3. Press the manual water output button, shake the portafilter, and remove residual coffee grounds from the inside.
4. Place a reverse flushing silica plate in the portafilter, and apply about 2-3 grams of detergent. Attach the portafilter onto the machine and check for tightness.
5. Next, start the auto backwashing process described in the operation section of this manual.
6. After the backwashing is complete, remove the portafilter and silica plate. Press the manual water output button to allow residual cleaning solution in the brewing system to flow out. Turn water off after flushing for about one minute or until the water is clear and clean.

a. During reverse flushing, remove and wash the copper plate and filter element with clean tap water. Wipe with soft cloth.

b. If process is unable to sufficiently clean the plate and filter element, immerse the components overnight in a mild cleaning solution of 3 tsp detergent in 1 pint hot water.

1. Rinse and reassemble components before restarting the espresso machine.

Portafilter and Filter Basket

1. Rinse the portafilter with hot water after each brewing cycle to dissolve residual oils in the filter basket and outlet nozzle and prevent oils from affecting the quality of coffee.
2. Disassemble the portafilter and place all parts in cleaning solution (3tsp of detergent in 1 pint hot water) for 24 hours to dissolve residual coffee oils. DO NOT immerse plastic portion in cleaning solution to avoid deterioration.
3. Rinse all components with clean water. Wipe with a soft, clean cloth only.

Steam Tube

1. After making steamed milk, use a slightly moistened soft cloth to wipe steam tube.
2. After wiping, release a steam burst through the tube to remove any residual milk remaining in the nozzle.
3. If hardened milk residuals remain in the steam tube, disassemble and immerse tube in hot water for about 20 minutes to soften. Reassemble and repeat step (1).

Estella CAFFE

Water Tray and Discharge Trough

1. Turn off the machine and remove the water tray. Wash thoroughly with cleaning solution and rinse with water.
2. After removing the water tray, wipe and remove sediments in the discharge trough with a wet cloth or napkin and wash with hot water to clear the discharge tube.
3. If water does not discharge properly, place a teaspoon of detergent into the discharge trough and flush with hot water to dissolve residual oils in the tube.
4. After the discharge trough is cleaned and the tray is dry, reassemble the water tray.

Boiler

To extend the serviceable life of your unit's boiler, or when you expect the machine to sit idle for a long period of time:

1. Turn power to the machine OFF.
2. Open the steam output to discharge pressure in the boiler. Continue until the pressure gauge reading falls to zero and steam discharge ends.
3. Once complete, empty and clean the water tray and discharge trough.

Leave the steam output setting open following steam discharge. Steam output should remain open until after the machine is turned back on and hot water begins dripping from the steam tube.

Contact a service professional to delime the unit every 6 months.

Filter

The manufacturer recommends replacing the filter element on the resin exchange filter after processing 53 gallons of water (about 3,000 – 4,000 cups of coffee). This schedule can be expected to vary based on the quality of water used in your machine.

Estella CAFFE

PARTS DIAGRAM

	Description
1	Hot Water Knob
2	Espresso Brewing Unit Control Panel
3	Steam Knob
4	Brewing Group
5	Steam Tube
6	Main Power Switch
7	Drain Tray

	Description
8	Foot
9	Sight Glass (Boiler Water Level Check Window)
10	Espresso Filter Holder
11	Cup Rack
12	Water Pressure Gauge
13	Steam Pressure Gauge
14	Hot Water Wand

WIRING DIAGRAM

236ECEM1

graph TD
    A["110±10% VAC 1Φ 50/60Hz"] --> B["power switch"]
    B --> C["fan"]
    C --> D["SSR"]
    D --> E["P"]
    E --> F["heat element"]
    G["connector"] --> H["Motor & pump"]
    H --> I["operation panel"]
    I --> J["group1"]
    J --> K["Water level probe"]
    J --> L["Flowmeter(group1)"]
    J --> M["Dosing setting"]
    N["connector"] --> O["Water inflow solenoid valve"]
    O --> P["To SSR Terminal 3"]
    O --> Q["To SSR Terminal 4"]
    P --> R["Temperature Protector"]
    Q --> R
    R --> S["Group1 solenoid valve"]
    S --> T["Ground"]

WIRING DIAGRAM

236ECEM2

graph TD
    subgraph Power Source
        L1["220±10% VAC 1Φ 50/60Hz"]
        L2["Ground"]
        G["Power Supply"]
        L1 -->|N| G
        L2 -->|N| G
        G -->|1| PowerSwitch["power switch"]
        G -->|3| PowerSwitch
        PowerSwitch -->|2| Motor["Motor & pump"]
        PowerSwitch -->|4| Motor
        Motor -->|3| Motor
        Motor -->|4| Motor
    end

    subgraph Control Circuit
        PowerSwitch -->|1| Group1["solenoid valve"]
        PowerSwitch -->|2| Group2["solenoid valve"]
        PowerSwitch -->|3| Group1
        PowerSwitch -->|4| Group2
        PowerSwitch -->|5| Group1
        PowerSwitch -->|6| Group2
    end

    subgraph Output
        Motor["Motor & pump"] --> OperationPanel["Operation panel"]
        OperationPanel --> Ground["Ground"]
        OperationPanel --> Group1["Group1"]
        OperationPanel --> Group2["Group2"]
        Group1 --> WaterLevelProbe["Water level probe"]
        Group2 --> FlowmeterGroup2["Flowmeter(group2)"]
        Group1 --> FlowmeterGroup1["Flowmeter(group1)"]
        Group2 --> DosingSetting["Dosing setting"]
    end

    subgraph Control Panel
        PowerSwitch --> TemperatureProtector["Temperature Protector"]
        TemperatureProtector --> ToSSRTermal3["To SSR Terminal 3"]
        TemperatureProtector --> ToSSRTermal4["To SSR Terminal 4"]
    end

    subgraph Output
        PowerSwitch --> WaterInflowSolenoidValve["Water inflow solenoid valve"]
        PowerSwitch --> ToSSRTermal3
        PowerSwitch --> ToSSRTermal4["To SSR Terminal 4"]
    end

    subgraph Control Panel
        PowerSwitch --> PressureSwitch["Pressure switch"]
        PressureSwitch --> P["P"]
        PressureSwitch --> HeatElement["heat element"]
    end

    subgraph Output
        PowerSwitch --> Ground
    end

WIRING DIAGRAM

236ECEM3

graph TD
    subgraph Power Source
        L1["220±10% VAC 1Φ 50/60Hz"]
        L2["IN"]
        G["G"]
    end

    subgraph Power Supply
        PowerSwitch["power switch"] -->|1 3| Fan["Fan"]
        PowerSwitch -->|2 4| SSR["SSR"]
        SSR -->|3 4| PressureSwitch["P"]
        PressureSwitch --> P["P"]
        P --> heatElement["heat element"]
        HeatElement --> Motor["Motor & pump"]
    end

    subgraph Control Panel
        Motor --> Group3["group3"]
        Motor --> Group2["group2"]
        Motor --> Group1["group1"]
        Group3 --> WaterInflow["Solenoid valve"]
        Group2 --> WaterInflow["Solenoid valve"]
        Group1 --> WaterInflow["Solenoid valve"]
        WaterInflow --> ToSR["Terminal 3"]
        WaterInflow --> ToSR["Terminal 4"]
        ToSR --> TemperatureProtector["Temperature Protector"]
    end

    subgraph Control Panel
        TemperatureProtector --> Group3["Solenoid valve"]
        TemperatureProtector --> Group2["Solenoid valve"]
        TemperatureProtector --> Group1["Solenoid valve"]
        TemperatureProtector --> Ground["Ground"]

    end

    L1 --> PowerSwitch
    L2 --> PowerSwitch
    G --> PowerSwitch
    PowerSwitch -->|1 3| SSR
    SSR -->|2 4| PressureSwitch
    PressureSwitch --> P
    P --> heatElement
    heatElement --> Motor
    Motor --> OperationPanel["Operation panel"]
    OperationPanel --> Ground
    Group3 --> WaterInflow["Solenoid valve"]
    Group2 --> WaterInflow["Solenoid valve"]
    Group1 --> WaterInflow["Solenoid valve"]
    WaterInflow --> ToSR
    ToSR --> TemperatureProtector
    TemperatureProtector --> Group3["Solenoid valve"]
    TemperatureProtector --> Group2["Solenoid valve"]
    TemperatureProtector --> Group1["Solenoid valve"]
    Group3 --> WaterInflow["Solenoid valve"]
    Group2 --> WaterInflow["Solenoid valve"]
    Group1 --> WaterInflow["Solenoid valve"]
    WaterInflow --> ToSR
    WaterInflow --> ToSR
    WaterInflow --> Group3["Solenoid valve"]
    WaterInflow --> Group2["Solenoid valve"]
    WaterInflow --> Group1["Solenoid valve"]
    TemperatureProtector --> Group3["Solenoid valve"]
    TemperatureProtector --> Group2["Solenoid valve"]
    TemperatureProtector --> Group1["Solenoid valve"]
    Group3 --> WaterInflow["Solenoid valve"]
    Group2 --> WaterInflow["Solenoid valve"]
    Group1 --> WaterInflow["Solenoid valve"]
    WaterInflow --> ToSR
    WaterInflow --> ToSR
    WaterInflow --> Group3["Solenoid valve"]