How do you descale the Sage Espresso machine?

This blog post is entirely dedicated to maintaining your manual espresso machine! If you're a true coffee lover, chances are you know the value of a great cup of homemade espresso. A manual espresso machine, like the one from Sage , gives you the opportunity to brew the perfect cup of coffee at home and fully enjoy the aromatic flavors.

However, to ensure that your espresso machine always remains in top condition and that you can enjoy that tasty coffee time after time, it is essential to carry out regular maintenance . One of the most important maintenance tasks is descaling your machine. Limescale can reduce the performance of your espresso machine and even lead to blockages or other malfunctions.

In this article we focus specifically on descaling manual espresso machines, with a focus on the popular Sage espresso machines. We'll walk you through the descaling process step by step, so you know exactly what to do to keep your espresso machine in top shape. Moreover, we will give you useful tips and recommendations, based on the expertise of coffee connoisseurs.

So, if you're wondering how to properly descale your manual espresso machine, you've come to the right place. Let's get started right away and make sure your espresso machine is always ready to brew the perfect cup of coffee!

Does your espresso machine need to be descaled?

It is a frequently asked question among owners of manual espresso machines: Do you really need to descale your machine? The answer is a convincing yes. Descaling is an essential part of your espresso machine maintenance process and can significantly improve the life and performance of your machine.

Manual espresso machines work by running water through a boiler, which makes the coffee. However, limescale can form during this process. Limescale is created by the minerals in the water and can build up in the internal parts of your machine, such as the boiler, the pipes and the spray head. Over time, this limescale can restrict the flow of water and interfere with temperature control, resulting in a lower quality coffee and possibly even damage to your machine.

How often you need to descale your manual espresso machine depends on several factors, such as the water hardness in your region and how often you use the machine. In general, it is recommended to descale your espresso machine every 1-3 months. Some machines even have a built-in descaling indicator that indicates when it's time for descaling.

It is important to emphasize that descaling your manual espresso machine not only improves its performance, but also benefits the taste of your coffee. Limescale can affect the taste and result in a bitter aftertaste. By descaling regularly, you maintain the optimal taste of your coffee and you can continue to enjoy the delicious flavors that a manual espresso machine offers.

Prepare the descaling solution

As the proud owner of a manual Sage espresso machine, it is essential to use the right descaling solution to optimally clean your machine. Sage has developed a special descaler called " Sage The Descaler " designed specifically for their espresso machines. Here are the steps for preparing your descaling solution with Sage The Descaler:

Step 1: Gather the supplies

To prepare your descaling solution you will need: Sage The Descaler, fresh water and a bowl or container to mix the solution in.

Step 2: Refer to the instructions

Carefully read the instructions on the packaging of Sage The Descaler. Here you will find specific guidelines per type of machine (an espresso machine or a coffee brewer). In this case we focus on the manual espresso machine so I share that instruction in this blog.

Step 3: Mix the descaling solution

Mix 1 sachet of Sage The Descaler solution in 1 liter of warm water. Let this fix.

Step 4: Stir the solution well

Make sure that the descaling solution is thoroughly mixed so that the active ingredients are evenly distributed. Now pour this into the water tank of your manual espresso machine.

Now that you have prepared your descaling solution, you are ready to move on to the actual descaling process of your manual Sage espresso machine. In the next chapter we will guide you step by step on how to descale your machine, so that you can be sure you do it correctly and maintain the lifespan and performance of your machine.

Run the descaling cycle

Now that you have prepared your descaling solution, it's time to perform the actual descaling cycle of your manual Sage espresso machine. The good news is that Sage espresso machines are often equipped with a programmed descaling cycle, making the process relatively easy. Here are the general steps to follow:

Step 1: Consult the user manual

Sage espresso machines come in different models and different machine models have different ways to start the descaling cycle. That is why it is important to consult the accompanying instructions for use the first time. Here you will find detailed instructions on how to start the descaling cycle for your specific model.

Step 2: Preparation

Make sure your espresso machine is turned off and the portafilter is removed. If necessary, place an empty container or bowl under the spout of your machine to collect the waste water.

Step 3: Start the descaling cycle

Depending on the model of your Sage espresso machine, the start of the descaling cycle may vary.

Step 4: Follow the instructions on the display if available

The models with touch screen guide you step by step through the process. Follow the instructions carefully, such as rinsing the pipes, filling the water tank with the descaling solution and letting the solution run through the machine.

It is important to note that the specific steps and functions of the descaling cycle may vary depending on the model of your Sage espresso machine. It is therefore advisable to always consult the accompanying user manual for detailed instructions.

By regularly running the descaling cycle according to Sage's recommendations, you will keep your manual espresso machine working at its best and continue to enjoy the delicious coffee it produces.

Rinse with clean water

After the descaling solution has run through your Sage espresso machine, it's time to thoroughly rinse the pipes. This is an important step to ensure that no traces of the descaling solution remain and to get your machine ready to brew great tasting coffee. Here are the steps for rinsing with clean water.

To do this, follow the steps in the manual or carry out the steps on the display of your Sage espresso machine.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have all the necessary knowledge to properly descale your manual Sage espresso machine. By performing regular maintenance and including descaling your machine in your routine, you ensure that you can always enjoy delicious coffee with full flavor and aromas.

We've learned that descaling your manual espresso machine is essential to remove limescale and maintain your machine's performance. With the right descaling solution, such as Sage The Descaler, and following the specific instructions for your Sage espresso machine, you can easily start the descaling cycle and thoroughly rinse the pipes.

Rinsing with clean water after the descaling cycle is a crucial step to ensure that no traces of the descaling solution remain. By running clean water through your machine several times and making sure that the water is clear and free of descaling residues, you prepare your machine to make the perfect cup of coffee.

Please note that each model of Sage espresso machine may have variations in the specific steps and features of the descaling process. It is always advisable to refer to the accompanying instructions for use for detailed instructions.