The modern rhythm of life dictates its rules, and the morning ritual of making coffee should not take much time, but should be happy with the result. Capsule devices from the Chinese giant, combined in the Mijia ecosystem, have become a real hit for those who appreciate minimalism and functionality. Unlike bulky carob machines, these compact gadgets require minimal user intervention, providing stable pressure and brewing temperature.
Many owners, buying the equipment of the Xiaomi brand, are faced with the need for an initial setup, which can seem confusing due to the language barrier of the interface or the features of the connection to Wi-Fi. However, after understanding the basic principles of the capsule system, you will get the perfect espresso or Lungo at the touch of a button.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at all stages of operation, from unpacking to the complex adjustment of the parameters of the strait through the application. You will learn how to select the right supplies to avoid damaging the puncture mechanism, and what actions are required to extend the life of the heating element. A key feature of Xiaomi capsule models is compatibility with the Nespresso standard, which greatly expands the choice of available flavors. Ready to turn your kitchen into a professional coffee shop?
Initial preparation and unpacking of the device
Once the device is removed from the box, take your time to turn it on the network immediately. Inside the shipping container, removable elements such as a droplet collection pallet and a water tank that have been fixed for safety during transportation. Carefully inspect the case for chips or cracks, since plastic in budget models can be sensitive to mechanical stresses when delivered. Make sure that the package contains instructions, although most often it is in Chinese or English.
The next critical step is to flush the hydraulic system. Factory lubrication and dust that has settled inside the tubes should not get into your cup.Pour clean drinking water into the tank to the MAX mark, set it in place, but do not insert the capsule for now.Put the device into the network and press the water supply button (if there is a separate one) or run a cycle without a capsule so that water passes through the system and fills the internal highways.Repeat this procedure 2-3 times.
Pay attention to the quality of the water you use. Hard water causes the heat unit to scale quickly, which reduces the efficiency of heating and can cause breakage. If the water is hard in your area, it is recommended to use filtered or bottled water. This simple action will significantly extend the life of your device and keep the taste of coffee unchanged for a long time.
☑️ Initial start of the coffee machine
Remember, before you use the capsule for the first time, you need to remove the protective film from the puncture needle, if any. Some models come with a test capsule that helps check the tightness of the system and the correctness of the press mechanism. After all the washing procedures, the device is ready for normal operation and installation of software.
Connect to the Mi Home app and setup
The smart features of Xiaomi coffee machines are only fully revealed when connected to a smartphone. To manage, you use the universal Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home), which allows you not only to start the preparation of the drink remotely, but also to adjust the portion size, temperature and even receive notifications about the need for maintenance. To get started, make sure that your phone is connected to a 2.4 Hz Wi-Fi network, since most smart home devices do not support the 5 Hz standard.
The pairing process usually goes like this: open the app, click the device add button and select your model from the list or scan. QR-If the device is not automatically located, try resetting the Wi-Fi settings by holding the button combination on the case (usually long-term retention of the on button or special reset button). In some cases, you may need to change the region in the app settings to China, as many Scishare and Deerma models are originally designed for the domestic market of China.
⚠️ Note: If you change region in the Mi Home app, your list of devices may be cleared and you will have to add them again, and it is recommended to create a separate account for Chinese devices or be ready to re-configure the entire ecosystem.
Once successfully connected, you will have a control panel with several useful features, which will allow you to set the exact amount of water for each button (for example, one for espresso 40 ml, another for lungo 120 ml), which will eliminate the need to control the process visually.
An important aspect is to update the firmware of the device: from time to time, the manufacturer releases updates that improve connection stability and heating algorithms, monitor notifications in the application and install new versions of the software in a timely manner. This is especially important if you notice that the coffee machine has started to work slower or has stopped responding correctly to commands from your smartphone.
Instructions: How to make the perfect coffee
The process of making the drink in the capsule machine is as automated as possible, but knowing the nuances will help you get the best result. First, raise the lever of opening the capsule compartment to the end. Insert the capsule into the groove intended for it. Note that the capsule does not need to be pushed by force; it should lie freely in the socket. If you use reusable capsules, make sure that they are tightly closed and have no deformations.
Lower the lever back to the characteristic click. This sound means that the mechanism has locked the capsule and sealed the working chamber. Now select the desired volume of the drink by pressing the appropriate button on the case or in the application. The machine will start heating the water, which usually takes 15 to 25 seconds, after which the pressurized coffee will begin to be served. The extraction process takes about 30-40 seconds depending on the volume selected.
Secrets of crema (foams)
After the cycle is over, take your time to open the lever. Let the remaining water drain into the capsule and cup for 5-10 seconds. Then raise the lever, the used capsule will automatically fall into the waste container. If the capsule is left inside, carefully remove it with your fingers, trying not to touch the hot metal part. Regularly empty the capsule container to avoid mold and unpleasant smell.
| Type of drink | Volume of water (ml) | Recommended capsule | Time to prepare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ristretto | 25ml | Intensive roasting | 20 seconds |
| espresso | 40ml | Classical mix | 30 seconds. |
| Lungo | 110 ml | Special for the Lungo | 50 seconds. |
| Americano. | 150+ml | Any + hot water | 60+ seconds |
Experiment with water volume for different types of capsules. Some coffees open better with less strait volume, keeping saturation, while others require more water to manifest fruit or floral notes. Remember your preferences and adjust the buttons in the Mi Home app accordingly for maximum comfort.
Working with reusable capsules
One of the popular options for Xiaomi owners is the use of reusable capsules, which is environmentally friendly and cost-effective, as it allows you to brew any ground coffee, not just branded options. However, using such capsules requires certain rules to be followed, so as not to damage the needle and pump of the device.
When filling a reusable capsule, it's important not to tamp the coffee too hard. Unlike carob coffee machines, the pressure is different here, and an overly dense pill can cause water to not pass through the coffee or the capsule to break through the pressure. Use medium-molded coffee close to espresso, but not "dust." Fill the capsule to a level just below the edge so that the lid can close tightly without hitting the coffee particles on the sealing ring.
⚠️ Warning: Always check the cleanness of the sealing ring on a reusable capsule before installing it. The coffee that gets there will break the tightness, and the drink will flow past the cup, and the pressure in the system will drop.
Once used, the reusable capsule must be thoroughly washed with warm water and dried. Residues of coffee oils tend to oxidize and runcid, which will spoil the taste of the next serving of coffee. Some users recommend periodically soaking such capsules in a solution of detergent for deep cleaning coffee machines.
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Use paper-based filters for reusable capsules, which will make cleaning easier, prevent fine coffee dust from entering the drink, and improve extraction by making the taste cleaner and devoid of precipitation.
Maintenance and decalcination of the system
Regular maintenance is the key to a long life of your coffee machine. The main enemy of heating elements is scale. Even if you use filtered water, mineral salts accumulate inside the system over time. Modern Xiaomi models are equipped with a decalcination indicator that lights up after a certain number of brewing cycles (usually 300-500 cups).
The process of decalcification should be carried out strictly according to the instructions. You will need a special liquid to remove scale or citric acid (although manufacturers recommend special products), the solution is poured into the tank instead of water, then starts the decalcination mode through the application or a combination of buttons. The machine will periodically pass the solution through the system with pauses, so that the acid has time to dissolve the deposits.
After you've gone through the entire solution, you need to thoroughly wash the system with clean water, fill the tank with clean water 2-3 times and drive it through the capsuleless machine, and it's critical that the acid residues don't get into your coffee, and ignoring this step can lead not only to poor taste, but also to damage to the internal rubber seals.
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Timely decalcination prevents nozzles from clogging and overheating of the heater. Neglecting this step is the most common reason for the failure of coffee machines after 1-2 years of operation.
Also, remember to wash the removable parts regularly: a drip tray, a water tank and a capsule container. Wash them with warm water with a soft detergent. Wash the body with a damp cloth, avoiding water entering the vents. The cleanliness of the external elements is not only aesthetic, but also prevents bacteria from multiplying in places of contact with water and coffee.
Decision and typical errors
During operation, users may encounter a number of standard situations that are not a breakdown, such as when the indicator flashes red, it may mean low water levels in the tank or no capsule in the compartment, check if the tank is properly installed and the lever of the pressing mechanism is lowered to the full. Sometimes the problem is solved by simply reconnecting the device to the network.
If the coffee flows too fast and has no foam, it is possible that the capsule is broken improperly or too large a grind is used (in the case of reusable capsules). If the water drips very slowly or does not flow at all, check whether the puncture needle has clogged.
What to do if the Wi-Fi connection is lost?
Why doesn't the capsule fall into the container?
Can I use hot water for tea?
If none of the tips worked, and the device makes strange noises, does not turn on or water from the case flows, stop operation. Attempting to repair complex electronics yourself can lead to final failure.