1st-line's Espresso Blog
How To: Repackaging Your Elektra Semi-Automatica
If you have to ship your Elektra Semi-Automatica, it must be very securely packed to prevent shipping damage. We highly recommend saving ALL the packaging after you have set up your machine. If you can’t keep the packaging for whatever reason, please read the steps below to see if you can replicate the packaging at the very least.
Note:
- When returning a machine for a refund, ALL the machine components must be returned. All of the following instructions must be done to prevent damage/partial refund.
- When sending a machine for repair, we usually need JUST the machine and NONE of the loose components (unless their is a specific issue with one of the components). Some of the following instructions involving the loose components can be skipped.
First, unplug the machine and let it cool. Empty the water out of the top basin. The easiest way to empty the water from the boiler is from the steam valve. Unscrew the wand, open the valve, and tilt the machine into your sink. Then close the valve.
Keep the wand separate for now.
To protect from scratching, place the machine into a plastic cover.
The electrical cord can be wrapped around the grouphead. To prevent the plug from scratching, wrap it with a plastic covering and tape it to the cord.
Unscrew the top eagle. Place the lid in a separate cover and place it on the machine upside down. Put some cushioning between the two and then tape over the lid to secure it to the machine.
Lay the 2 styrofoam halves down. The one with the large opening on the top (left in the picture) is where you lay the machine in on its back.
Under the tape of the left half is where you put the eagle. Under the tape of the right half is where you put the portafilter. Both should be put in a bag before placing inside.
After placing the machine in, the steam wand can be placed near the upper right of the box. The wand should also be put in a bag.
The drip tray & grate and the extra accessories & parts should be wrapped in bags and placed on either side of the machine.
To prevent the machine from shifting while in transit, fill both sides of the machine with packaging material. Instapak is the ideal solution as it will fill all the open space. Place on both sides of the machine and separate from the loose components.
Seal the 2 styrofoam halves together and carefully place it into the main box. As you will see the top basin is sticking out from the top of the styrofoam. To keep it from shifting in transit, place packaging material around the basin. Again, Instapak is the ideal solution. Make sure to fill small space around the back of the basin.
Also, don’t forget the instruction manual.
