I have videos for the ACS Minima which show group cleaning behind shower screen ua-cam.com/video/HAqb5dsA7_0/v-deo.html, it's exactly the same. Plus a Vesuvius cam change video which shows exactly the procedure for lubricating the cam after a chemical backflush. ua-cam.com/video/CajVhArzDNY/v-deo.html The procedures on the MaraX are no different and the chemical backflush should be done in the same way (timings) as Elizabeth, except when lowering the lever, do it slowly so the water comes out the vent tube slower than normal giving it extra time to work..
I have tried your hybrid method today but after the three initial cleaning flushes pressing the top and bottom buttons didn't start the automatic program. I have set the advanced settings to your recommended profile. Would this interfere with the auto flush program? Just done it again and it worked but I pressed 1 first then pressed 4 rather than pressing both at the same time. PS After this I was impressed at how well cleaned the shower screen and other parts at the bottom of the group were. I expected to need to clean these and brush over the seal but they were very clean so I don't think this was necessary. Cleaning the cleaner off the seal after brushing with it is a bit fiddly as well so it helps if this strep can be omitted.
I find that the cleaning powder doesn't mix well if you just leave it dry in the basket. I add a little boiling water and stir it first so it dissolves well before the first flush. When I just added the powder after a couple of initial flushes there was still powder in the bottom of the blind filter basket.
I sort of like the fact that it doesn't fully dissolve, means theres still some cleaning guts in subsequent backflushes... bit like a slow release sort of vibe.
Thanks for your complete review by far the best aut in the UA-cam.Have only one question did you change any baskets? Or showerhead? I know they come wirh some basket are they good enough? Guess i have to buy the naked basket.
I didn't bother, but then I do have other baskets and handles I use, a few IMS competition ones and VST etc..I will just work with whatever basket I have in the portafilter at the time.
@Dave Corbey 1) You mentioned you sterilize and clean the water tank regularly. How do you sterilize it? I find it hard to clean inside properly cos it's so narrow. 2) Water softener resin filter - Do we need to recharge it every 2 weeks? Like how 1st-Line recommended? www.1st-line.com/technical-support/general-maintenance/water-softener-recharge-reservoir/ And how often do we need to change a new one? Thanks!
I use a Hypochlorite spray, I make it in a generator using table salt and water....You can also dissolve a Milton tablet in water, make a strong solution, put it in a spray and spray the inside of the tank and the tubes....leave for 10 minutes or so, then rinse out. I don't know if it can be recharged, I think you need to replace it at 35 or 70 litres depending on it's size and adjusting down from that figure if your water calcium carbonate is greater than 100 (you need to account for magnesium carbonate as well). I don't use them, I use RO and add a bit of Sodium Bicarb (not baking powder) to bring the TDS up if necessary.
As often as you want to, it doesn't take very long. I would definitely do it once per week. It's like the cup you drink your coffee from, you would ideally like to wash that once per week. ;) I wash/sterilise my water tanks every 2 weeks as well, some people wait months before they wash them. With coffee cleanliness is a big thing that affects flavour. I hope you manage to get an Elizabeth, they should be in stock at retailers in a week or two....well worth the wait and I think you will love it.
Dave Corbey thank you for the reply! Yes looks to be a faulty quick procedure so will take your advice on at least once a week. What about descaling? If using one of the lelit resin filters will it still need descaling and if so how is this done? I’ve seen on the instruction manual that lelit advise to not put descaling products in the water tank?! (I will be using filtered water from an aqua optima which supposedly reduces lime scale although doesn’t specifically say it removed calcium and magnesium). Thanks again
Hi Dave I have been using your method for a few months and find it works very well with a small variation of rinsing out the blind cup before starting the automatic process to flush with clean water. However, I watched Lilet's video on cleaning yesterday and I note that they advise running the automatic process twice (second run with no powder) and then running it again with a coffee basket. Seems rather a lot of unnecessary flushing. Also I have looked at the shower screen and brass block a few times after Backflushing to see if it really needs editions cleaning but as it looked pretty good I haven't done anything extra to clean this apart from a hybrid clean once a week. Do you advise cleaning the shower screen and back lock and the portafilter in boiling water separately as Lilet advise? I used to do this with my old Ascaso Machines but since I bought the Elizabeth I don't as it doesn't seem necessary. I do wash the portafilter and basket each time I make coffee. Thanks for your very helpful series of videos about the Elizabeth. Happy NewYear Mike PS I do a short flush and clean the group head with a "ring brush" and wipe with a cloth after making the coffee and the cloth is quite clean after the wipe.
@@DaveCorbey Thanks Dave that was my conclusion as well. I did another of your clean water checks last week and both samples (HW tap and portafilter) were gin clear. Mike
I'm not sure, if it has the function, I can't see any reason why not. Even if it doesn't have the 2 button purge, you can still operate the group shot function and do it that way, then invoke the automatics.
That's a tricky one...the William has larger 64mm flat burrs and stepped adjustment, the Eureka Specialita has 55mm flat burrs and stepless adjustment. Access to the burr chamber on the William is non-trivial, access to the burr chamber on the Eureka is easy.
@@DaveCorbey I just afraid about programming and high level technology which it's new product at the market if I face any issues will be a big problem on uae , which its only one supplier bring it by pre order
@@mmortada1978 The technology is quite mature...I did ask them to make some software changes to make it better and it has proven to be a machine without many problems. I do understand if you feel uncomfortable not having full Retailer support in the UAE, although it's no more difficult to repair than any other machine. It's more an issue of parts availability and seeing if they are available.
The great thing about a solenoid group is you can backflush with cleaner as often as you like...there is nothing that need lubricating as it does not have all the mechanical valves of the E61
Lelit just posted a cleaning video - I commented saying that I didn't think the programming cleaning intervals were long enough and I also posted a link to your video on cleaning. Someone from Lelit replied.... ! ( Surely Mauro Epis can't think that this cleaning cycle actually works effectively ? ) ua-cam.com/video/Ml3dHfIDQTo/v-deo.html&feature=em-comments
My reviews are independent and I always give my own opinion as well based on decades of experience. This is why in my Video I use the Hybrid backflush method, as it cleans even more effectively, I also explain dropping the shower screen and dispersion disk periodically to clean it. I felt I had to show the method Lelit programmed into it and my own suggestion how that method could be adapted. My reviews don't look all shiny, glossy and produced because what limited resources I have are put into content, rather than trying to sell something. It's a very good machine though, a pleasure to use, makes a great shot and lots of functions not in other machines at that price point. In my review I do link to "LCC advanced settings" sway and a "maintenance tips" sway I produced for the machine...be sure to check those out.
thanks for that. i have my Elizabeth for almost a year with over 600 shots and the inside of the shower screen still looks brand new :)
Fantastic!
Thx, I did not know about lubricating the E61 groups. I agree that is a downside of E61
It's not hard but some people just don't want the hassle.
Love the way you explained this. This really helped me with my new Elizabeth. Great job!
Great video. Would love if you could do a group head cleaning run-thru of the MaraX including the use of Molykote 111
I have videos for the ACS Minima which show group cleaning behind shower screen ua-cam.com/video/HAqb5dsA7_0/v-deo.html, it's exactly the same. Plus a Vesuvius cam change video which shows exactly the procedure for lubricating the cam after a chemical backflush. ua-cam.com/video/CajVhArzDNY/v-deo.html
The procedures on the MaraX are no different and the chemical backflush should be done in the same way (timings) as Elizabeth, except when lowering the lever, do it slowly so the water comes out the vent tube slower than normal giving it extra time to work..
I have tried your hybrid method today but after the three initial cleaning flushes pressing the top and bottom buttons didn't start the automatic program. I have set the advanced settings to your recommended profile. Would this interfere with the auto flush program?
Just done it again and it worked but I pressed 1 first then pressed 4 rather than pressing both at the same time.
PS After this I was impressed at how well cleaned the shower screen and other parts at the bottom of the group were. I expected to need to clean these and brush over the seal but they were very clean so I don't think this was necessary. Cleaning the cleaner off the seal after brushing with it is a bit fiddly as well so it helps if this strep can be omitted.
I find that the cleaning powder doesn't mix well if you just leave it dry in the basket. I add a little boiling water and stir it first so it dissolves well before the first flush. When I just added the powder after a couple of initial flushes there was still powder in the bottom of the blind filter basket.
I sort of like the fact that it doesn't fully dissolve, means theres still some cleaning guts in subsequent backflushes... bit like a slow release sort of vibe.
Thanks for your complete review by far the best aut in the UA-cam.Have only one question did you change any baskets? Or showerhead? I know they come wirh some basket are they good enough? Guess i have to buy the naked basket.
I didn't bother, but then I do have other baskets and handles I use, a few IMS competition ones and VST etc..I will just work with whatever basket I have in the portafilter at the time.
@Dave Corbey
1) You mentioned you sterilize and clean the water tank regularly. How do you sterilize it? I find it hard to clean inside properly cos it's so narrow.
2) Water softener resin filter - Do we need to recharge it every 2 weeks?
Like how 1st-Line recommended? www.1st-line.com/technical-support/general-maintenance/water-softener-recharge-reservoir/
And how often do we need to change a new one? Thanks!
I use a Hypochlorite spray, I make it in a generator using table salt and water....You can also dissolve a Milton tablet in water, make a strong solution, put it in a spray and spray the inside of the tank and the tubes....leave for 10 minutes or so, then rinse out. I don't know if it can be recharged, I think you need to replace it at 35 or 70 litres depending on it's size and adjusting down from that figure if your water calcium carbonate is greater than 100 (you need to account for magnesium carbonate as well). I don't use them, I use RO and add a bit of Sodium Bicarb (not baking powder) to bring the TDS up if necessary.
@@DaveCorbey Thanks do you think i can use 80% Ethanol to run water through the tubes and tank? Will it be too strong to disinfect?
Thank you for this video. I am strongly considering the Elizabeth once I can find it in stock. How often does this procedure need doing? Many thanks
As often as you want to, it doesn't take very long. I would definitely do it once per week. It's like the cup you drink your coffee from, you would ideally like to wash that once per week. ;) I wash/sterilise my water tanks every 2 weeks as well, some people wait months before they wash them. With coffee cleanliness is a big thing that affects flavour.
I hope you manage to get an Elizabeth, they should be in stock at retailers in a week or two....well worth the wait and I think you will love it.
Dave Corbey thank you for the reply! Yes looks to be a faulty quick procedure so will take your advice on at least once a week.
What about descaling? If using one of the lelit resin filters will it still need descaling and if so how is this done? I’ve seen on the instruction manual that lelit advise to not put descaling products in the water tank?! (I will be using filtered water from an aqua optima which supposedly reduces lime scale although doesn’t specifically say it removed calcium and magnesium).
Thanks again
I've just bought this and it's great. Dave's done some fab videos on it.
www.bellabarista.co.uk/lelit-marax-espresso-machine.html
Hi Dave
I have been using your method for a few months and find it works very well with a small variation of rinsing out the blind cup before starting the automatic process to flush with clean water.
However, I watched Lilet's video on cleaning yesterday and I note that they advise running the automatic process twice (second run with no powder) and then running it again with a coffee basket. Seems rather a lot of unnecessary flushing.
Also I have looked at the shower screen and brass block a few times after Backflushing to see if it really needs editions cleaning but as it looked pretty good I haven't done anything extra to clean this apart from a hybrid clean once a week.
Do you advise cleaning the shower screen and back lock and the portafilter in boiling water separately as Lilet advise? I used to do this with my old Ascaso Machines but since I bought the Elizabeth I don't as it doesn't seem necessary. I do wash the portafilter and basket each time I make coffee.
Thanks for your very helpful series of videos about the Elizabeth.
Happy NewYear
Mike
PS I do a short flush and clean the group head with a "ring brush" and wipe with a cloth after making the coffee and the cloth is quite clean after the wipe.
I think if you stay on top of the backflushing, cleaning deeper will only be necessary every month or 2.
@@DaveCorbey Thanks Dave that was my conclusion as well. I did another of your clean water checks last week and both samples (HW tap and portafilter) were gin clear. Mike
So good this video! I Use the elizabeth for 2 coffe and 2 cappuccino a day. How many times do you think I have to clean using this tutorial?
backflush once per week, twice if you want.
Hi Dave! This Backflushing Hybrid method can be used in the Lelit Victoria?
I'm not sure, if it has the function, I can't see any reason why not. Even if it doesn't have the 2 button purge, you can still operate the group shot function and do it that way, then invoke the automatics.
I wonder how do you clean the tank with its small hole?
I use Milton in a spray bottle....and spray it around inside, leave it for 30m then rinse.
How much cleaner are you putting into the portafilter?
Couple of scoops from the back of my pallo coffee tool, so probably 1/2 to 3/4 of a teaspoon. If I was backflushing weekly, 1/2 a teaspoon would do.
I follow this hybrid backfushing, but even though I use about 1tspn of cleaner, I still have some cleaner left in the basket. Normal? Thanks
Yes. 3-way valve is to release pressure over the basket and it doesn't suck anything from the basket, only incoming new water mixes it a little bit.
Thank you👍!
You are welcome!
Do you descale your Lelit Elizabeth?
Never, I have softened waster that then passes through an RO unit for drinking and coffee.
Do you have to do 7 flushes? I think (yikes) before listening to this again, only did 4.
Hi. Which is a better grinder in your opinion? Lelit William PL72 or Eureka Specilista?
That's a tricky one...the William has larger 64mm flat burrs and stepped adjustment, the Eureka Specialita has 55mm flat burrs and stepless adjustment. Access to the burr chamber on the William is non-trivial, access to the burr chamber on the Eureka is easy.
@@DaveCorbey thanks Dave. I decided on the long run scenario trying variety of different roast beans and went with Eureka Atom 75 instead!
@@TheSpyNZ it's a great grinder, I did a mini review on one. coffeeequipmentreviews.wordpress.com/2019/11/13/eureka-speciality-atom-75e-grinder/
It's comes with blind basket ?
Yes
Also did you advise to purchase it ?
It's a great machine, very clever programming and produces good coffee.
@@DaveCorbey I just afraid about programming and high level technology which it's new product at the market if I face any issues will be a big problem on uae , which its only one supplier bring it by pre order
@@mmortada1978 The technology is quite mature...I did ask them to make some software changes to make it better and it has proven to be a machine without many problems. I do understand if you feel uncomfortable not having full Retailer support in the UAE, although it's no more difficult to repair than any other machine. It's more an issue of parts availability and seeing if they are available.
Do you have to use a special soap for backflushing, what if you used dishwashing liquid?
The great thing about a solenoid group is you can backflush with cleaner as often as you like...there is nothing that need lubricating as it does not have all the mechanical valves of the E61
I once tried dishwasher liquid.....no, don't. use Pulycaf
@@DaveCorbey I have a very old Cafiza detergent (people say it will last....forever). Can I use the Cafiza instead of the Pulycaf?
@@lindajardee I've never used Cafiza, but my big container of Puly cafe is 15 years old. So I would imagine Cafiza will last just as long.
@@DaveCorbey Thanks Dave.
Lelit just posted a cleaning video - I commented saying that I didn't think the programming cleaning intervals were long enough and I also posted a link to your video on cleaning.
Someone from Lelit replied.... !
( Surely Mauro Epis can't think that this cleaning cycle actually works effectively ? )
ua-cam.com/video/Ml3dHfIDQTo/v-deo.html&feature=em-comments
My reviews are independent and I always give my own opinion as well based on decades of experience. This is why in my Video I use the Hybrid backflush method, as it cleans even more effectively, I also explain dropping the shower screen and dispersion disk periodically to clean it. I felt I had to show the method Lelit programmed into it and my own suggestion how that method could be adapted. My reviews don't look all shiny, glossy and produced because what limited resources I have are put into content, rather than trying to sell something. It's a very good machine though, a pleasure to use, makes a great shot and lots of functions not in other machines at that price point. In my review I do link to "LCC advanced settings" sway and a "maintenance tips" sway I produced for the machine...be sure to check those out.
what did Lelit answer to your comment???
If you make 1-2 espresso’s a day, how often should you backflush on the Lelit Elizsbeth?
weekly or even 2 weekly will be fine.