PRIMUS FAQs
Performance and Technical
1. How long does it take for the machine to warm up? The PRIMUS is ready to brew in approximately 3–5 minutes thanks to our high-efficiency hybrid heating system. However, for the best thermal stability, we recommend waiting 10 minutes to allow the portafilter to reach the optimal temperature.
2. What heating system does the PRIMUS use? The PRIMUS features a sophisticated Hybrid System: a 0.8L boiler for brewing, a dedicated PID-controlled thermoblock for group head stability, and a SuperSteam thermoblock for powerful, continuous steam.
3. Can I steam milk and brew espresso at the same time? Yes. Because of our dedicated dual-path heating system, there is no pressure drop or temperature fluctuation when steaming and brewing simultaneously.
Water and Plumbing
4. Can the machine be plumbed in, or is it tank-only? The PRIMUS supports both. It comes with a 1.8L water tank and extended water tube for external water tank but can also be plumbed directly into your water line. Note: For direct plumbing, a Pressure Reducer Kit is required to ensure consistent pressure and protect the internal components.
5. What kind of water filtration should I use? To ensure the longevity of your machine and the best coffee flavour, we strongly recommend using filtered water. The PRIMUS is compatible with Brita Aqua Aroma filters, which fit directly into the tank to reduce limescale buildup.
Programming & Modes
6. How many pressure profiles can I save? You can save up to 30 custom profiles, allowing for extensive experimentation with different beans and roast levels.
7. Why can’t I edit my saved profiles? The "Edit" function is available only for profiles created and saved within Auto and Semi-Auto modes. Profiles recorded during a fully Manual session are "read-only" to preserve the exact performance of that specific shot.
8. Can I export or share my saved pressure profiles? At this time, custom profiles are saved directly to the machine's internal memory and cannot be exported to external devices (such as USB or cloud storage). We know our community loves to share "recipes," and we are exploring ways to make profile sharing possible in future software updates.
Accessories & Hardware
9. Is the 58mm group head standard? The group head uses a proprietary three-ear locking design to ensure a perfect high-pressure seal during extraction. While the portafilter body is specific to WPM, the internal baskets are standard 58mm, meaning you can still use your favourite VST or IMS baskets and 58mm tampers/distributors.
10. What portafilters are compatible with the PRIMUS? Due to our unique group head design for pressure profiling, the PRIMUS is only compatible with WPM-specific portafilters.
11. Is there a bottomless portafilter available? Yes! While a spouted portafilter is included with the machine, a WPM 2-in-1 Bottomless Portafilter can be purchased separately for those who wish to monitor their extraction flow.
12. What materials are used for the internal water lines? All tubes in contact with hot water are made of high-quality, food-grade Teflon (PTFE) for maximum heat resistance and safety.
Software & Smart Features
13. Does the PRIMUS have an App or Bluetooth scale integration? The PRIMUS is designed to be a standalone powerhouse. All profiling, saving, and editing are done directly via the built-in LED touchscreen. It does not require an external tablet or app to function.
14. How do I update the software on my PRIMUS? The PRIMUS is designed to evolve with new features and system optimisations. You can update the firmware by downloading the latest version to your smartphone and transferring it directly to the machine via a Wi-Fi connection. Note: For owners of the PRIMUS, a comprehensive, step-by-step PDF guide is available to walk you through the connection and transfer process. Please contact your local distributor to download it.
Maintenance & Cleaning
15. How and when should I descale the machine? The frequency of descaling depends on your local water hardness. The PRIMUS features a built-in cleaning reminder that will notify you after a specific volume of water has been consumed. You can customise this threshold in the Machine Settings based on your water quality. To protect both the machine and your health, the PRIMUS requires two different maintenance procedures:
a. Coffee Boiler (Cleaning): This circuit must be cleaned with fresh water only. Never use descaling chemicals in the coffee boiler, as the reservoir design can trap chemical residues that are unsafe for consumption and may damage internal components.
b. Steam Thermoblock (Descaling): This circuit is a flow-through system and can be descaled using a standard espresso machine descaling powder followed by a thorough fresh-water rinse.
c. Professional Service: If the coffee boiler requires heavy descaling due to significant mineral buildup, this must be performed strictly by an authorised technician to ensure the system is safely and completely flushed.
Note: Please refer to your Owner’s Instruction Manual for the detailed, step-by-step cleaning sequence.
16. How do I clean the Coffee Boiler? The coffee boiler requires a "Water Only" cleaning process to ensure no chemical residues affect your coffee flavour. Fill the water tank with fresh water and activate the cleaning cycle for the coffee boiler. Allow water to flow through the boiler for approximately 5 minutes before stopping the program.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: True descaling of the coffee boiler (removal of heavy mineral buildup) must only be performed by an authorised technician. Do not attempt to run descaling chemicals through the coffee boiler yourself, as this may damage the internal components.
17. How do I descale the Steam Thermoblock? The steam thermoblock can be descaled by following the below steps:
a. Dissolve descaling powder (designed for espresso machines) with fresh water, following the ratio recommended on the packaging.
b. Fill the water tank with the descaling solution; if a water filter is used, this must be removed first.
c. Activate the steam cleaning function and allow the descaling solution to flow through the steam thermoblock for approximately 5 minutes, then let it rest for a few minutes.
d. Empty the tank, refill with fresh water, and repeat the steam cleaning process to flush out any remaining solution.
18. What happens if the machine “air-locks”? If the pump runs without water, an air-lock can occur. To resolve this, ensure the tank is full and use the "Hot Water" function for 10 seconds to prime the system. (Pro-tip: Never let the tank run completely dry to avoid having to re-prime the pump).
Troubleshooting
19. What should I do if the screen says "Move Paddle Back to Original Position"? If this message persists after moving the paddle, the machine likely needs a sensor re-sync. You can fix this by running the Paddle Calibration utility in the settings menu. Note: To ensure accuracy, please follow our Separate Guide on Paddle Calibration, which provides detailed instructions on setting the minimum and maximum points.