Cafetto EVO Organic Espresso Machine Cleaner

Cafetto EVO is the world's first espresso machine cleaner to be certified by an organic certification body. Developed specifically for semi-automatic espresso machines using organic coffee, it delivers high-performance backflush cleaning while meeting the strictest organic and food-safety standards in the industry — OMRI listed for the USDA National Organic Program, NSF certified, and registered by the Biological Farmers of Australia.

The result is a cleaner that removes stubborn coffee oils, grounds, and staining from group heads, valves, and filters as effectively as conventional cleaning powders, without leaving any residue, odour, or corrosive chemistry inside the machine. It is completely and rapidly soluble, free-rinsing, phosphate-free, non-GMO, and rapidly biodegradable.

Available in 500g and 1kg sizes, both supplied with a measuring scoop for accurate dosing.

Why Regular Backflushing Matters

Coffee oils and grounds accumulate in the group head, basket, and internal valves of an espresso machine with every shot pulled. Over time, these deposits turn rancid and begin to contaminate the flavour of every espresso that passes through them — producing bitterness, off-notes, and a general flatness that no amount of dialling in the grind will fix. Regular backflushing with a dedicated cleaner dissolves these oils at source, restores the machine to a clean baseline, and directly improves the taste and aroma of the espresso it produces.

Compatible Machines

Cafetto EVO is designed for semi-automatic espresso machines with a 3-way solenoid valve — the type that allows backflushing. This includes machines from Gaggia, Rancilio, Rocket, ECM, Profitec, Lelit, La Marzocco, and most other commercial and prosumer espresso machines. It is not suitable for fully automatic or bean-to-cup machines that do not have a 3-way valve.

How to Use Cafetto EVO

Daily backflush procedure (per group): Remove the coffee basket from the portafilter and replace with a blind filter. Add 1 level scoop of EVO (approximately 5g) into the group handle. If cleaning less frequently, use 2 scoops. Insert the portafilter as if brewing. Start the cycle and run for 10 seconds, then stop for 10 seconds. Repeat this start-stop cycle 4 more times. Remove the portafilter and rinse well under the group head water flow. Re-insert with the blind filter and run the start-stop cycle 10 more times (5 seconds on, 5 seconds off) to rinse thoroughly. Remove the blind filter, insert the regular filter, and brew and discard one espresso to re-season the machine before service.

To clean filters and group handles: Soak group handles and filters in 500ml of hot water with 2 level scoops of EVO for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly under running hot water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cafetto EVO and why is it different from other espresso machine cleaners?

Cafetto EVO was the first espresso machine cleaner in the world to receive certification from an organic certification body. It meets the requirements of the USDA National Organic Program (OMRI listed), is registered by the Biological Farmers of Australia, and is NSF certified — meaning it has been tested and confirmed to leave no harmful residues, cause no corrosion, and meet stringent food-safety toxicology standards. Most conventional espresso cleaners use phosphate-based chemistry; EVO achieves the same or better cleaning performance without phosphates, GMOs, or any ingredients that leave a trace in the machine after rinsing.

Is it safe to use with organic coffee?

Yes — this is specifically what EVO was designed for. Because it is OMRI listed and certified for use in organic production systems, it can be used to clean machines that prepare organic coffee without breaking organic certification requirements. The formula is free from phosphates, GMOs, and any synthetic inputs that would conflict with organic standards.

Which machines is it compatible with?

Cafetto EVO is designed for semi-automatic espresso machines with a 3-way solenoid valve — the mechanism that allows backflushing. Compatible machines include those from Gaggia, Rancilio, Rocket, ECM, Profitec, Lelit, and most commercial and prosumer espresso machines. It is not suitable for fully automatic or bean-to-cup machines without a 3-way valve.

Does it leave any residue or odour in the machine?

No. The completely and rapidly soluble formula rinses fully clean from the machine during the backflush rinse cycles, leaving no residue, taste, or odour behind. After completing the rinse procedure and pulling one discard shot to re-season the machine, it is ready for normal service.

How much do I use per clean?

For daily cleaning, use 1 level scoop (approximately 5g) per group. If the machine is cleaned less frequently, use 2 scoops. A measuring scoop is included with both the 500g and 1kg jars for accurate dosing. At 5g per clean, a 500g jar provides approximately 100 backflush cycles — enough for many months of regular home use.

What sizes are available?

Cafetto EVO is available in 500g and 1kg. The 500g is well suited to home espresso setups; the 1kg is the more economical choice for cafés or heavy home users who backflush daily.