CraftBrew™
Espresso
Machine
RJ54-SS-15-D
STEP 3
2
Get to Know Your
Espresso Machine
1. Water tank lid
2. Removable water tank
3. Portafilter
4. Portafilter basket retention clip
5. Double-shot portafilter basket
6. Single-shot portafilter basket
7. Coffee scoop/tamper
8. Steam knob
9. Swiveling steam wand
10. Removable drip plate
11. Brew head
12. Control panel
4
10
8
9
3
12
11
5
2
1
6
7
3
STEP 5
Control Panel
1. OVERHEAT Light
2. Digital display
3. PREHEAT Light
4. PROGRAM button
5. DOUBLE shot button
6. FROTH button
7. SINGLE shot button
8. POWER Button
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE
For your safety and continued enjoyment of this product,
always read the instruction manual before using.
1 2 3
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44
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS &
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always
be followed, including:
1. Read all instructions.
2. Do NOT touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
3. To protect against fire, electric shock and injuries to persons, do not
immerse cord, plug charging base, or unit in water or other liquid.
4. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or
near children.
5. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool
before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning the appliance.
6. Do NOT operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the
appliance malfunctions, or has been damaged in any manner. If this
should occur, contact Chefman Customer Support.
7. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by Chefman may
result in fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
8. Do NOT use outdoors.
9. Do NOT let cord hang over edge of table or counter or touch hot surfaces.
10. Do NOT place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
11. To disconnect, turn any control to off, then remove plug from wall outlet.
12. Do NOT use appliance for other than intended use.
13. Scalding may occur if the brew chamber is opened during heating cycle.
14. Avoid contact with moving parts.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY
55
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS &
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
WARNING: This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the
other). This plug is intended to fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If the
plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to modify the plug in any
way or force it into the outlet. This could result in injury or electric shock.
Short Cord Instructions
A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce the hazards of entanglement
or tripping over a longer cord. Longer detachable power-supply cords or
extension cords are available and may be used if care is exercised in
their use. If a longer detachable power-supply extension cord is used:
1. The marked electrical rating of the extension cord should be at least
as great as the electrical rating of the appliance;
2. The longer cord should be arranged so that it will not drape over
the countertop or tabletop where it can be pulled on by children or
tripped over.
66
California Proposition 65:
(Applicable for California Residents only)
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Do not place the appliance on a
stovetop or any other heatable surface,
even if stovetop is not on.
Doing so is a fire hazard.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS &
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
Power Cord Safety Tips
1. Never pull or yank on the cord or the appliance.
2. To insert the plug, grasp it firmly and guide it into the outlet.
3. To disconnect the appliance, grasp the plug and remove it from the outlet.
4. Never use the product if the power cord shows signs of abrasion or
excessive wear. Contact Chefman® Customer Support for additional
guidance and support.
5. Never wrap the cord tightly around the appliance, as this could place
undue stress on the cord where it enters the appliance and cause it to fray
and break.
DO NOT OPERATE THE APPLIANCE IF THE POWER CORD SHOWS ANY DAMAGE
OR IF THE APPLIANCE WORKS INTERMITTENTLY OR STOPS WORKING ENTIRELY.
77
How to Use the
Espresso Machine
Before First Use
1. Remove all packaging materials and check to ensure that all parts and
accessories are accounted for. Read and remove all stickers, except for
the rating label, which should remain on the unit.
2. Remove and hand wash the water tank, portafilter, portafilter baskets,
coffee scoop/tamper, and drip tray with a mild detergent and water. Rinse
and dry well. Do not use abrasive cleansers or pads, which can damage
the surface of the parts. Do not immerse the unit housing, power cord, or
plug in water or any other liquid.
Fill & Install the Water Tank
1. Fill the tank with cool water.
2. Place the tank on the back of the unit, ensuring it’s securely in place.
Prime & Flush the Espresso Maker
1. Fill the water tank with water, between the MIN and MAX line. Place the
tank back on the unit. Plug in the unit and press the POWER button to turn
it on.
2. Place a large heatproof cup on the drip tray below the brew head.
3. Insert and lock the empty portafilter in place (see drawings on p. 9).
4. When the PREHEAT light turns off, press the DOUBLE shot button.
5. When the unit finishes brewing the shot of plain water, discard the water.
6. The unit is now ready to use. We also recommend performing this priming
procedure anytime the unit has been unused for a week or more.
8
Quick Start
How to Make Espresso
1. Fill the water tank with water, between the MIN and MAX line. Place the
tank back on the unit. Plug in the unit and press the POWER button to
turn it on.
STEP 6
2. Choose a portafilter basket (single- or double-shot) and drop it into
the portafilter, aligning the notch on the basket with the notch in the
portafilter near the handle. Use the coffee scoop to fill the basket with
ground coffee, about 8 g for a single shot, 14 g for a double shot.
9
Quick Start
4. With the handle pointing
at an angle to the left, insert
the portafilter up into the
brew head.
5. Turn the handle to the
right to lock it into place.
When the portafilter is fully
locked, the handle will point
straight forward.
3. Holding the handle with one hand, use the other hand to firmly tamp the
coffee with the tamper. Wipe any excess coffee grounds from the rim of
the portafilter basket.
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
10
Quick Start
6. Place a cup below the brew head and press the SINGLE or DOUBLE shot
button, corresponding to the basket size used. NOTE: If the unit is not
sufficiently preheated, the PREHEAT light will illuminate.
7. After a few seconds (or once the unit is fully preheated), espresso will
begin flowing from the brew head. The unit will stop after the preset shot
volume has been brewed. Brew time is approximately 15 seconds for a
single shot and 25 seconds for a double shot.
8. When finished brewing, remove the portafilter and immediately discard
the spent grounds. Flip the retention clip over to keep the basket in place,
then turn the portafilter upside down over a waste container and give it a
good tap to knock out the grounds. Remove the basket from the portafilter
and immediately rinse both with hot water.
9. After brewing, the unit will return to standby mode with all buttons
illuminated. After 10 minutes in standby mode, the unit will enter sleep
mode (only the POWER button illuminated).
How to Customize Brew Times
The espresso machine allows you to program the single and double shot
presets to brew exactly the coffee size you desire.
STEP 6
11
Quick Start
1. Follow steps 1-5 of How to Make Espresso to set up the unit for brewing.
Place a cup under the brew head.
2. Press and hold the PROGRAM button for 3 seconds.
3. Press the SINGLE or DOUBLE preset button. The unit will begin brewing
and will display a count-up timer. Once the shot reaches your desired
brew volume or time, press the same preset button to stop brewing. The
minimum brew time is 10 seconds and the maximum is 90 seconds.
4. The unit will display SET for a few seconds, then return to standby mode.
Now your settings are saved.
How to Steam & Froth Milk
The steam wand allows you to heat and froth milk for cappuccinos, lattes,
and other drinks. To maintain high quality and temperature standards, the
unit only allows one function at a time—brewing or steaming. IMPORTANT:
We recommend brewing espresso before frothing milk. If you froth your milk
before brewing your espresso, the OVERHEAT light will blink until the unit cools
down. You can speed this cooling along by pressing the SINGLE button to
purge some of the hot water in the boiler.
1. Fill a heatproof, handled pitcher no more than 1/2 full with cold milk. You
can use any type of dairy or non-dairy milk, although milk with some fat
content produces the best froth. For the best results with plant-based
milks, look for those specifically designed for coffee drinks.
2. Press the FROTH button. The PREHEAT light will blink as the unit preheats.
3. When the PREHEAT light turns off, raise the milk jug under it until the tip
of the wand is just submerged beneath the surface of the milk. Turn the
steam knob to either the half-steam or full-steam icon.
4. As the unit steams, slowly rotate and move the jug up and down for an
even froth, always keeping the nozzle at or just below the milk’s surface.
5. When the milk reaches 140°F–150°F (the jug will be hot to the touch)
and the desired volume of froth, press FROTH and then remove the
wand from the milk.
6. Immediately wipe down the steam wand with a damp cloth.
7. Position the tip over the drip tray and press FROTH again. Let the
wand steam for a few seconds to clean out the inside of the wand.
8. To exit out of FROTH mode, press FROTH again.
1212
Keep It Clean
How to Clean After Each Use
Perform a few simple steps each time you use the espresso machine to keep it
in top condition:
1. Rinse the portafilter and baskets in hot water immediately after use.
2. Wipe the underside of the brew head with a damp cloth or paper towel to
remove any stray coffee grounds. Place a large heatproof cup under the
brew head and run a double-shot cycle with water only (no portafilter in
place) to purge any grounds stuck in the brew head.
3. If the steam wand is used to steam milk, wipe it down immediately with
a soft, damp cloth. Then position the tip over the drip tray and briefly
turn on the steam knob to clean the inside of the wand.
4. Remove the drip plate from the drip tray. Wash the drip plate in hot,
soapy water and wipe the drip tray and the storage tray clean with a soft,
damp cloth.
5. Wipe down the outer housing with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive
cleansers, pads or cloths which can scratch the surface.
6. If storing the machine long term, be sure that the steam knob is in the
OFF position.
13
Keep It Clean
Descaling the Espresso Maker
Over time, deposits from dissolved calcium and other minerals will build up
in the unit and affect the operation. Descaling removes these deposits to
return it to peak function. When it is time to descale (after 500 uses), “dSC”
will display on the unit. NOTE: When this descale alert comes on, you can still
operate the unit, but the alert will still come on every time the unit is powered
up. Bypassing the descaling process a few times won’t impact the unit;
however, doing it long term can shorten the life of the unit.
To descale the unit:
1. Prepare a commercial descaling solution according to package
directions.
2. Add the solution to the water tank.
3. Put the portafilter in place. Place two large cups under the brew head and
steam wand.
4. Press and hold the DOUBLE and FROTH buttons for 3 seconds. The POWER,
DOUBLE, and FROTH buttons will illuminate.
5. Press the DOUBLE button. The unit will “brew” descaling solution into the
cup (it will be about 5 times the amount of a double shot). Next press
FROTH. The unit will force descaling solution through the steam wand
into the other cup. These two actions will empty the entire tank of
descaling solution.
6. Discard the descaling solution and place the cups back under the brew
head and steam wand. Rinse the water tank and refill with fresh water.
7. Repeat steps 4–6 twice to flush all of the descaling solution from the unit.
8. To exit Descale mode, press the POWER button. The unit will go into
sleep mode.
1414
Having Trouble?
Problem Likely Cause Solution
Water doesn’t flow from the
brew head OR unit doesn’t
produce steam.
Unit hasn’t fully preheated. Allow unit to fully preheat.
The unit is preheated when
the PREHEAT light turns off.
Water tank is empty. Fill water tank.
Water tank is not properly
installed.
Ensure tank is properly
seated on the unit and
locked into place.
Unit needs descaling. Follow descaling procedure
on p. 13.
If water flows but unit doesn’t
produce steam, the steam
wand may be blocked.
Clean the steam wand,
following instructions on p. 12.
Espresso runs out around the
sides of the portafilter.
Portafilter is not inserted
correctly or fully locked on
the unit.
Make sure the portafilter
is correctly inserted and
rotated until you feel
resistance and the handle
points straight forward.
There are coffee grounds
on the rim of the
portafilter basket.
After tamping, wipe away any
excess grounds from the rim.
There’s too much coffee in
the basket.
Adjust dose size and/or make
sure you’re using the proper
size basket.
Water leaks from the bottom
of the unit.
There is too much water in the
drip tray.
Empty the drip tray.
Coffee drinks are not
hot enough.
Cups are cold. Rinse cups with hot water
before brewing.
Milk wasn’t steamed for
long enough (for a
cappuccino or latte).
Steam the milk longer. If using
a metal milk jug, it should be
hot to the touch.
Unit needs descaling. Follow descaling procedure
on p. 13.
Coffee has an acidic or
vinegar taste.
Unit was not properly rinsed
after descaling.
Follow step 7 under Descaling
instructions on p. 13.
15
Notes
16
Terms & Conditions
Limited Warranty
RJ Brands, LLC d/b/a Chefman® offers a limited 1-year Warranty (the “Warranty”)
available on sales through authorized distributors and retailers only. Please
note that this Warranty becomes valid from the date of initial retail purchase
and that the Warranty is nontransferable and applies only to the
original purchaser.
This Warranty is void without proof of purchase within the United States and
Canada. Please be aware that this Warranty supersedes all other warranties
and constitutes the entire agreement between the consumer and Chefman®.
Any changes to the Terms and Conditions of this Warranty must be in writing,
signed by a representative of Chefman®. No other party has the right or ability
to alter or change the Terms and Conditions of this Warranty.
We may ask you to please submit, via email, photos and/or video of the issue
you are experiencing. This is to help us better assess the matter and possibly
offer a quick fix. Photos and/or video may also be required to determine
Warranty eligibility.
We encourage you to register your product. Registering can make the Warranty
process easier and can keep you informed of any updates or recalls on
your product. To register, follow the directions on the Chefman® Warranty
Registration page in the Chefman® User Guide. Please retain your proof of
purchase even after registering. In the event that you do not have proof of
your purchase date, we may declare your Warranty void or we may, at our sole
discretion, apply the date of manufacture as the purchase date for purposes of
this Warranty.
17
Terms & Conditions
What the Warranty Covers
• Manufacturer Defects - Chefman® products are warranted against defects
in material and workmanship, under normal household use, for a period of
1 year from the date of purchase when used in accordance with the
directions listed in the Chefman® User Guide. If your product does not work
as it should, please contact Customer Support at support@chefman.com so
that we may assist you.
This Warranty Does Not Cover
• Misuse
Damage that occurs from neglectful or improper use of products, including,
but not limited to, damage that occurs as a result of usage with incompatible
voltage, regardless of whether the product was used with a converter or
adapter. See Safety Instructions in the Chefman® User Guide for information
on proper use of product;
• Poor Maintenance
General lack of proper care. We encourage you to take care of your
Chefman® products so that you may continue to enjoy them. Please see
Keep It Clean directions in this Chefman® User Guide for information on
proper maintenance;
• Commercial Use
Damage that occurs from commercial use;
• Normal Wear and Tear
Damage or degradation expected to occur due to normal use over time;
• Altered Products
Damage that occurs from alterations or modifications by any entity
other than Chefman® such as the removal of the rating label affixed to
the product;
• Catastrophic Events
Damage that occurs from fire, floods, or natural disasters; or
• Loss of Interest
Claims of loss of interest or enjoyment.
18
Terms & Conditions
For product information, please visit us at Chefman.com.
EXCEPT WHERE SUCH LIABILITY IS REQUIRED BY LAW, THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT
COVER, AND CHEFMAN® SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGE TO, OR
LOSS OF USE OF THE PRODUCT, OR LOST SALES OR PROFITS OR DELAY OR FAILURE TO
PERFORM THIS WARRANTY OBLIGATION. THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE THE
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES UNDER THIS WARRANTY, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT,
TORT OR OTHERWISE.
19
How do I register my product?
All you need to do is fill out a simple Chefman® registration form.
You can easily access the form in one of the two ways listed below:
• Visit Chefman.com/register.
• Scan the QR code to the right to access site.
NOTE: Label depicted here is an example.
Please see label on your product for actual model/date code/access code.
Warranty Registration
What do I need to register my product?
• Contact Information
• Model Number (see example below)
• Proof of Purchase (online confirmation, receipt, gift receipt)
• Date Code (see example below)
• Access Code (see example below)
Date Code:
0000
Access Code:
Xxxxxxxx
Made in China/Fabrique en Chine
AC Only/ AC Seulement
XXXXX
RJ54SS15DUG062024
CraftBrew™
Espresso Machine
Chefman® is a registered trademark of RJ Brands, LLC.
CraftBrew™is a trademark of RJ Brands, LLC.
