A complete guide to cleaning your Profitec Go shower screen and gasket

Your Profitec Go is a fantastic machine capable of producing truly exceptional espresso. But to keep those shots tasting sweet and consistent, regular maintenance is key. One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, areas is the group head, specifically the shower screen and gasket. Old coffee oils and fine grounds build up here, turning rancid and negatively impacting the flavor of your coffee. A dirty screen can also cause channeling, leading to uneven and disappointing extractions. This guide will walk you through every step of how to properly clean and maintain your Profitec Go’s shower screen and group head gasket, ensuring your machine runs flawlessly and your espresso tastes its absolute best every single day.

Why regular cleaning is non-negotiable

Think of the group head as the final gateway for water on its journey to your coffee puck. If this area isn’t clean, you’re essentially brewing your fresh, high-quality coffee through a filter of old, stale grounds and rancid oils. This build-up directly impacts the taste of your espresso, introducing bitter and sour notes that have no place in your cup. Beyond flavor, a clogged shower screen prevents water from distributing evenly over the coffee bed. This forces water to find the path of least resistance, creating channels in the puck and resulting in a shot that is simultaneously under-extracted and over-extracted. This is a common cause of frustration for home baristas struggling with shot consistency. Furthermore, neglecting the gasket can cause it to become hard and brittle, leading to a poor seal with your portafilter and messy leaks during extraction. Regular cleaning not only guarantees better coffee but also extends the lifespan of these crucial components.

Gathering your tools and materials

Before you begin, it’s best to have everything you need laid out and ready. This makes the process quicker and smoother. You won’t need many specialized tools, and most are items you likely already have as part of your coffee setup. Here’s a simple checklist of what to gather:

• Flathead screwdriver: To remove the central screw holding the shower screen in place. A stubby one often works best for clearance.
• Espresso machine cleaner: A backflushing detergent like Cafiza or a similar product is essential for dissolving coffee oils.
• Group head brush: A brush with stiff bristles and an angled head is perfect for scrubbing the inside of the group head and the gasket channel.
• A small bowl or container: For soaking the shower screen and screw.
• Microfiber cloths: One for cleaning and one for drying.
• A small pick or awl (optional): This is extremely helpful for removing the old group head gasket without scratching the machine. A very small flathead screwdriver can also work in a pinch.
• A new 8.5mm group head gasket: If you are planning on replacing the old one, ensure you have the correct size for the Profitec Go.

Step-by-step cleaning process

With your tools ready, you can now begin the cleaning process. First and foremost, ensure your machine is turned off and has had at least 30-45 minutes to cool down completely. The group head gets extremely hot, and attempting this on a warm machine can result in serious burns.

Once the machine is cool, follow these steps:

1. Remove the screen: Use your flathead screwdriver to carefully unscrew the central screw holding the shower screen. The screen and dispersion block underneath may come down with it. Keep track of the screw so you don’t lose it.
2. Soak the components: Place the shower screen and the screw into your small bowl. Add about half a teaspoon of your espresso machine cleaner and fill the bowl with hot water from a kettle. Let them soak for about 20-30 minutes. You will see the water turn a murky brown as the coffee oils dissolve.
3. Scrub the group head: While the parts are soaking, take your group head brush and scrub the inside of the group head. Pay special attention to the brass ring and the area where the gasket sits. Use a damp cloth to wipe away all the dislodged coffee grounds.
4. Clean the soaked parts: After soaking, use your brush to scrub the shower screen and screw, ensuring all grime and coffee residue is gone. The screen should look shiny and new. Rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
5. Reassemble: Dry all the components with a clean cloth. Carefully place the shower screen back into the group head and secure it with the screw. Tighten it until it’s snug, but be careful not to overtighten.

This deep clean is different from daily backflushing and should be performed regularly to keep your machine in top shape. The frequency depends on your usage, but a good schedule is key.

Inspecting and replacing the group head gasket

The group head gasket creates the seal between your portafilter and the group head. Over time, the constant cycles of heating and cooling cause it to harden and lose its flexibility. A clear sign your gasket needs replacing is when you see water leaking from around the portafilter during an extraction, or if you have to tighten the portafilter far to the right to get a seal. While you have the shower screen removed for cleaning, it’s the perfect time to inspect it.

If the gasket feels hard, brittle, or looks cracked, it’s time for a replacement. To remove it, carefully use a small pick or awl to pry it out. Be gentle to avoid scratching the soft brass of the group head. Once removed, use your group head brush and a damp cloth to thoroughly clean the channel where the gasket sits. To install the new gasket, simply press it into place, ensuring the side with the angled or beveled edge is facing up into the machine. You can use your portafilter (without the basket) to help press it in evenly and ensure it’s fully seated.

By integrating these steps into a routine, you transition from reactive fixes to proactive care, which is the hallmark of a great home barista.

Conclusion: The reward for your efforts

Maintaining your Profitec Go’s shower screen and gasket isn’t a chore; it’s an essential part of the craft of making excellent espresso. By following the steps outlined above—from gathering the right tools to methodically removing, cleaning, and reinstalling the components—you take direct control over your coffee’s quality. This simple routine, performed every month or two, prevents the buildup of rancid oils and grounds that spoil the taste of your coffee and cause inconsistent shots. The reward is immense: cleaner, sweeter, and more complex espresso, a machine that performs reliably day after day, and the satisfaction of knowing you are getting the absolute best out of your investment. Make this process a regular part of your coffee ritual, and your taste buds will thank you for it.