Ask the Experts
Q. I have a Saeco Aroma, do I need to backflush? Why or why not?
A. Backflushing specifically addresses the cleaning of the valve system commonly referred to as 'solenoid,' 'brew pressure release,' 'three-way release' or any combination of those terms. This valve system releases the post-brew pressure in the group head, sucking water (and a little bit of coffee) out of the portafilter after you brew. This results in a drier coffee puck and also means you won't be at risk of removing the contents under pressure.
Lots of machines have this technology, and backflushing cleanses the valve system as well as cleans up above the brew head screen. The Saeco Aroma, however, does not have this valve system and, therefore, doesn't need to be backflushed. In fact, backflushing these machines will break them, so don't do it,
period.
Other machines that don't require backflushing are the Via Venezia, Sirena and those made by Breville.
You can clean behind the brew head by removing the screen and soaking it in detergent on a regular basis. If you're not sure if your machine should be backflushed, check your user manual or give us a call and we can let you know whether or not your machine has the valve system that this maintenance addresses.
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