Question 1

Is The Little Guy environmentally friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes!

The Little Guy believes in environmental sustainability and has been manufactured with the environment top of mind. Refer to our environmental statement.

The Little Guy is made with the highest quality materials to the highest international standards.

Each The Little Guy is hand polished and assembled in China prior to international delivery. In each of the processing and manufacturing stages, the strictest world standards have been applied to provide you with the highest quality product.

All the parts that come in contact with the coffee are stainless steel this includes the coffee jug, boiler, group head, group cup and basket. There are some smaller internal parts made from brass.

Question 2

How does the little guy work ?

Accepted Answer

Visit the how The Little Guy works page to see how The Little Guy works or download the instruction manual.

Question 3

Why does The Little Guy work on The Little Guy induction top but not on other standard induction tops?

Accepted Answer

Why does The Little Guy work on The Little Guy induction top but not on other standard induction tops?

The Little Guy is made from high quality 304 Grade Stainless Steel that does not register with all induction cooktops, so we developed the optimum heating solution, our own Induction Top, that works perfectly with The Little Guy.

Question 4

How long does it take to produce a cup of coffee from The Little Guy?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the heat source. As a guide, using the induction top the first few drops start at 8 minutes and it is finished in approx. 10 minutes.

Question 5

How much water does the water tank hold ?

Accepted Answer

The tank should be filled until the water is just level with the bottom of the opening. If overfilled that is not a problem, it will just spill out when the cap is put on so just a bit messy.

If it is underfilled then it will reduce the coffee extraction.

The extraction quantity is fixed by the water pick up point in the boiler. Once the water drops below the pick up (about 1/3rd of the capacity) then steam will come through instead of water (indicated by hissing from the head) and the heat should be removed.

Question 6

Can I change the length of the extraction ?

Accepted Answer

The extraction quantity is fixed by the water pick up point in the boiler. Once the water drops below the pick up (about 1/3rd of the capacity) then steam will come through instead of water (indicated by hissing from the head) and the heat should be removed.

Question 7

What if I want a full mug of coffee (I normally have a long black)?

Accepted Answer

The Little Guy is designed to produce two expresso shots, a total of 60mL, so to create a long black, add your coffee shot to a cup of boiling water. This is how a long black is generally made in a caf&eacute;.

Question 8

How to make multiple coffees - cooling the little guy between shots.

Accepted Answer

Ensure heat source is off and excess steam has been released. Wait until the little guy has cooled a little &ndash; for best results wait 20 minutes to restart. Repeat as per instructions on page 09 of the manual. Use oven mitts or a thick tea towel when handling the warm machine to refill with water in between multiple batches. NOTE: Use care handling the little guy when warm.

Question 9

Does The Little Guy get Hot?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are warnings throughout the instructional manual and 'HOT' is printed on The Little Guy neck, adjacent to the steam assembly. Do not touch the Little Guy when he is hot, except for the black handles. Do not move the Little Guy when any of the steel parts are hot. Do not place The Little Guy in a position where children can touch The Little Guy.

Question 10

How tight should I screw on the boiler cap ?

Accepted Answer

Make sure you always tighten the filler cap by hand (you will still need to use the group cup to take it off). If it is too tight to do that then rub some cooking oil into the seal so that it spins more easily.

Question 11

What coffee should I use with the Little Guy

Accepted Answer

The Little Guy recommends that you select a coffee bean to your own liking. Note that the extraction from The Little Guy is slightly milder than a conventional commercial espresso machine and, if used correctly, The Little Guy produces a smooth even flavor. You can change the overall ‘taste' of your coffee by adjusting your milk quantity.

We also recommend 36th Parallel Coffee Roasters. 36th Parallel Coffee

Question 12

What Grinder should I use with The Little Guy?

Accepted Answer

The Little Guy produces quality espresso from &lsquo;finely ground' coffee beans. As the grind recommended is slightly finer than your traditional espresso grind, we recommend that you ask your barista or coffee appliance retailer for a grinder that can grind coffee close to the consistency of a 'Commercial' grind.

Question 13

How do I froth Milk ?

Accepted Answer

Again, heat source combined with grind and dosing technique when loading your basket with coffee affects your crema. Refer to our Texturing milk video..

Question 14

The little Guy stovetop requirements (Gas, Electric and Ceramic)

Accepted Answer

The little guy is suitable for use on:

Ceramic stovetops
Electric stovetops
Gas stovetops

WARNING: choose a flame or hob smaller than the circumference of the little guy’s base to avoid burning the coffee and/or damaging the little guy.

NOT suitable for induction stovetops except the little guy induction top.
NOT suitable for campfires or open fires of any kind

Question 15

Steam Pressure 101

Accepted Answer

The coffee machine's pressure system has no moving parts. It is the backpressure of the coffee in the basket that causes the build-up of steam pressure which drives the water through the coffee and provides the steam for the milk. So issues with that backpressure are a common source of low steam pressure. The back pressure depends on the fineness of the grind, the heat source and the level of coffee in the basket. All three of these often need to be adjusted when you change the type of bean you are using or if the beans get old. If you are using the induction top then the beep at 8 minutes is about when your coffee should be extracting, plus or minus 20 seconds or so. If it is much earlier than this then the grind is too coarse or there isn't enough coffee. Much after and it shows the grind is too fine or there is too much coffee.

The starting point for a good grind is a normal espresso grind the same as a barista uses. Incidentally, if you are grinding the beans yourself you need a decent quality burr grinder (the Breville Smartgrinder is the cheapest we have come across) a blade grinder (like a spice grinder or blender) doesn't give you consistent grain size so you will get inconsistent results.

The coffee should always be double dosed. That is, you pile the basket high, tap to get rid of air and then level with the top of the basket using something flat like a knife blade. Then tamp the coffee with 1-2kg pressure (not too hard). Then fill, level and tamp a second time. At the end of the second dose the coffee should sit within about a millimetre or so of the top of the basket, just below the radius on the edge. With well-ground coffee you should be using the espresso basket, not the supermarket one (with fewer holes).

Another important thing is to not let the coffee run after it has passed its peak. A few minutes after the extraction starts you will hear a hissing sound from the head. This is an indication that the water has dropped below the pick up in the boiler and steam is coming through instead of water. At this point the steam pressure will start to drop quite quickly so you won’t have much left for the milk and if you let it run until it stops the last extraction is stale and sour and will actually spoil the good coffee that you have collected. So best to heat the milk 2 or 3 minutes into the extraction. Once you’ve done that, when you hear the hissing sound turn the heat off and release the remaining pressure from the wand into the air.

Question 16

What are the induction top ratings at the various settings ?

Accepted Answer

The ratings in the cooking setting are 100W / 350W / 600W / 900W / 1200W, and in coffee mode, the rating is 900W. 1200 W is the maximum rating.

Question 17

Dimensions and weight (size)

Accepted Answer

Typical. Actual measurements may vary slightly.

All measurements are for shipping cartons.

TLG Coffee Machine
Weight 7.9 kg and dimensions of the carton 38 x 27 x 33 cm

Induction Top
Weight 2.9 kg and dimensions of the carton 36.1 x 27.2 x 11.2 cm

Premium Tamper
Weight 0.56 and dimensions of the carton kg 9.2 x 13.5 x 6.2 cm

Naked Group Cup
Weight 0.48 kg and dimensions of the carton 10.4 x 22 x 4.7 cm

Question 18

Will a standard tamper fit the little guy ?

Accepted Answer

Short answer - NO.

The little guy tamper is specifically designed for the little guy, and other tampers will not fit.

Please note:
The Littel Guy Tamper has been specifically designed for the little guy and has a nominal diameter of 50.5 mm. Standard tampers are not suited for use with The Little Guy.

Question 19

How much coffee and how should I grind ?

Accepted Answer

If you are using your own ground coffee - Use the normal basket (not the Supermarket Basket) we recommend between 22 and 24 grams of coffee; it will depend on the roast profile you use and how you grind your coffee. Double tamping is the best way to get consistent double shots.

Measure your coffee out, fill the basket and tamp. Then top up the basket with the remaining coffee and tamp again. The pressure for tamping should be quite forceful.

As with professional coffee machines, there is a little bit of experimentation to get what each individual likes as the perfect shot.

Note: If the coffee is a little older, then slightly more coffee is needed.

Also, grind size affects extraction and, therefore, the overall flavour and quality of each cup of coffee. When experimenting with grind size, make sure you only make very small changes to the grinder adjustments.

Light roasts are less porous than darker ones, so their compounds extract more slowly. So you will need to adjust the grind level.

When coffee is ground finer, it has more surface exposure. This means that extraction will happen more quickly. Remember very small changes until you get it perfect.

So if you are using light roast, grind it a little finer. If you using darker beans, use a coarser grind size.

That is precisely how professional baristas do it in a cafe.

Question 20

Seals and general maintenance

Accepted Answer

The great news is that you can replace all the external seals and parts easily at home. There are 5 external seals on on TLG that you can change at home.

The little guy - Group Head Seal
The little guy - Boiler cap O-ring
The little guy - Steam Pin O-Ring
The little guy - Steam Tip O-ring
The little guy - Steam seat O-ring

How often should I replace the seals?

Depends on how often you use TLG and how careful you are. On average, we would expect the following:

Boiler Cap seal and the Group Head Seal are the two major seals in the machine. They make sure that the machine creates correct pressure. they need to be reguraly cleaned in the case of the Boiler Cap seal lubricated.

The Group Head seal should be replaced every 12 months to 24 months.
The Boiler Cap seal should last 6 to 12 months and should be replaced regularly. Some customers have managed to keep the same boiler cap seal for between 2 to 5 years by being careful and not over-tighten when filling with water. Also, adding a little cooking oil to moisten it now and again will help. Hand tightening rather than using the group handle also helps. Caution, if the boiler ring is too hard it may not seal correctly.
All other external seals should last 3 to 5 years.

If you leave the machine on heat and it dry's out and damages all the internals, this is a major problem, and the machine will need to be fully rebuilt.

How do I clean TLG?

Refer to our FAQs

What happens if I leave the machine on the stove?

Unfortunately, this is not covered under warranty. We get very few machines back like this, so it is good to know that people take care of their machines and don't do this. The cost of a full rebuild is high - so try not to forget your machine on the stove :).

Please note: A full rebuild requires Internal repairs and should only be attempted by qualified technicians. TLG requires special tools to open and service. After servicing, special equipment is required to pressure test the unit to make sure it is operating correctly.

If In doubt, please contact us.

Question 21

How big a pan can I put in the Induction Top for cooking?

Accepted Answer

Induction works with magnetism generated by a coil under the glass plate.  The only part of the pan that is heated is the part that sits in the magnetic field, so a pan much larger than the coil will not heat well.     As our induction top was designed specifically to match the coffee machine, we haven't run cooking tests, but we would not recommend using a pan that is larger than the circle on the induction glass, which is 15cm.

Question 22

Travel case

Accepted Answer

We use this one. If you look around, you can find a cheaper one of the same size. https://www.pelicanstore.com.au/1300-protector-cases   The tips and tricks video shows you how to pack. https://youtu.be/17hhFQSKBSU?t=375

Question 23

How many bars of pressure does the little guy generate ?

Accepted Answer

Approx. 6 bars continuous during extraction.

Question 24

Steam pressure 101

Accepted Answer

The coffee machine's pressure system has no moving parts. It is the backpressure of the coffee in the basket that causes the build-up of steam pressure which drives the water through the coffee and provides the steam for the milk. So issues with that backpressure are a common source of low steam pressure. The back pressure depends on the fineness of the grind, the heat source and the level of coffee in the basket. All three of these often need to be adjusted when you change the type of bean you are using or if the beans get old. If you are using the induction top then the beep at 8 minutes is about when your coffee should be extracting, plus or minus 20 seconds or so. If it is much earlier than this then the grind is too coarse or there isn't enough coffee. Much after and it shows the grind is too fine or there is too much coffee.

The starting point for a good grind is a normal espresso grind the same as a barista uses. Incidentally, if you are grinding the beans yourself you need a decent quality burr grinder (the Breville Smartgrinder is the cheapest we have come across) a blade grinder (like a spice grinder or blender) doesn't give you consistent grain size so you will get inconsistent results.

The coffee should always be double dosed. That is, you pile the basket high, tap to get rid of air and then level with the top of the basket using something flat like a knife blade. Then tamp the coffee with 1-2kg pressure (not too hard). Then fill, level and tamp a second time. At the end of the second dose the coffee should sit within about a millimetre or so of the top of the basket, just below the radius on the edge. With well-ground coffee you should be using the espresso basket, not the supermarket one (with fewer holes).

Another important thing is to not let the coffee run after it has passed its peak. A few minutes after the extraction starts you will hear a hissing sound from the head. This is an indication that the water has dropped below the pick up in the boiler and steam is coming through instead of water. At this point the steam pressure will start to drop quite quickly so you won’t have much left for the milk and if you let it run until it stops the last extraction is stale and sour and will actually spoil the good coffee that you have collected. So best to heat the milk 2 or 3 minutes into the extraction. Once you’ve done that, when you hear the hissing sound turn the heat off and release the remaining pressure from the wand into the air.

Question 25

Why don't I have any steam pressure for milk?

Accepted Answer

Things to check:  What is your heat source? The Little Guy requires an even temperature to create heat over the entire base, which is vital to producing good backpressure for your steaming your milk. If you are using a gas stovetop as your heat source, please refer to our Hints & Tips video. Is your grind too course? If your extraction is running too quickly this indicates that there is not enough resistance in the basket, which is the result of a too coarse grind. A 'Commercial' grind works best with The Little Guy. A squealing noise is a great indicator that there is not enough pressure for steam, so review your heat source and your grind and watch our Hints & Tips video. Refer to our Hints & Tips video. that demonstrates how to create the right steam pressure for your milk.

Question 26

Steam pressure issues - basic things to try

Accepted Answer

Check the steam pin (which controls the flow) if it is not seating properly you may be losing steam pressure.   Sometimes it is worn and needs replacing but usually, it is a build-up of calcification on the seat.   So the first thing to try is tightening as hard as you can (by hand) two or three times. This will break up the mineral deposits and it will seat properly again. Don't tighten extra hard unless you see the leak because it can damage the pin.   This needs to be done about once every six months or so.

Question 27

Steam pressure issues - Advanced - Cannot get pressure from the wand but coffee extraction is okay

Accepted Answer

The source of pressure for the steam is the same as the source of pressure for the coffee so if your extraction is off then the milk steam pressure will be low as well.     If your coffee extraction is good then most likely there is a blockage in the steam arm or tip. If there is a build-up of calcification on the steam pin then it will leak, the symptom is a small spitting of water or steam from the wand during the whole extraction.  Tightening it more than normal two or three times (by hand) should be enough to clean that off and it will seal again. Two or three drops at the beginning of the extraction is normal, it is the condensed steam from the last time it was used that sits in the wand. There are a couple of seals one on the steam pin and one on the steam tip that can fail. You would see leakage of steam either near the knob or at the back of the tip if either of those are faulty. The final cause is a blockage in the steam tip. The most likely cause of this is a build-up of milk in the hole.  This won't cause a complete blockage but will reduce the flow significantly.  Keep the hole in the steam tip clear by poking a small paper clip in from time to time (this works a lot better than a pin which can squash the milk rather than scrape it off) - the hole is very small and even a small skin of milk (it gets sucked in when the air inside the arm cools) can reduce the size significantly. If the steam pressure is intermittently poor it can be caused by coffee grounds that have worked their way into the tip so take it off, tap it upside down and rinse with water.

Question 28

Cannot get pressure from the wand but coffee extraction AND my espresso shots run short.

Accepted Answer

It sounds very much like there is an internal leak somewhere. The body of the machine is hollow so a steam leak at the base can actually cause steam to come out between the head and the body (it can also happen if you accidentally splash water inside when filling it). Two quick things you can check yourself:

The Boiler Filler Cap Seal - this should be round and smooth without any nicks or cracks. If this is leaking the steam will come out into the body.
The Steam Pin - if this isn't seating properly then steam will be lost out of the steam arm during the extraction. The symptom will be drops of water or puffs of steam while the coffee is extracting. It is normal to see a drop or two at the beginning of the extraction (it is the leftover steam from when you last used it) but it should stop pretty quickly. You can also see if there is steam coming out by putting the end of the steam arm into a glass of water while you brew coffee. As the air inside heats up you will get a few bubbles but a continuous stream means it is leaking.

If it isn't one of those two then, unfortunately, it will need to come back here for service. It will need pressure testing and if it is a leaking tube then it needs special tools to disassemble the steam assembly. Without the tools it is easy to break the internal valve.

Question 29

Why don't I have crema like in the online videos?

Accepted Answer

Again, heat source combined with grind and dosing technique when loading your basket with coffee affects your crema. Refer to our extraction video.

Question 30

How do I get the head seal out ?

Accepted Answer

Refer to the head seal video.

If you are having some difficulties removing the head seal.

Try a bit of WD40 and then heating the screw up with a hairdryer. It could be that the oil from the coffee has hardened. The issue is that once the Allen Key slips then it can damage the head of the screw and it will just spin as the grip has gone, so take it slowly, don't be too aggressive. If that happens it is usually recoverable but it would need to come back to the service center for repair.

This screw is not part of the seal, it is the group cup squeezing against the head that makes the seal, so the screw doesn't need to be more than finger tight, it is really there just to stop the dispersion plate from falling out.

Question 31

How often should I clean my The Little Guy?

Accepted Answer

Every few months clean The Little Guy according to our Hints & Tips video.

Question 32

How should I clean my The Little Guy?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning The Little Guy's body &mdash; lock the group handle and boiler lid into place. Use a soft wet soapy cloth to wipe the Little Guy clean. Rinse under warm water and dry with a tea towel. Using a microfibre cloth also works well. Cleaning the group handle &mdash; pull the basket from the handle and wash both separately in warm soapy water. Rinse, then dry with a tea towel or microfibre cloth. Maintenance of the boiler &mdash; the boiler is solid stainless steel and has an electropolished surface. There is no need to empty the boiler when The Little Guy's in regular use. If you're storing The Little Guy for any longer than a week we do recommend using a clean absorbent cloth or towel to soak residual water from the boiler and dry the inside surface. Removing the shower screen (refer to our Hints & Tips video for removal) &mdash; fold a tea towel into a soft pad, take The Little Guy and turn upside down, resting the top of the head on the tea towel. Using the allen key from The Little Guy Kit, remove the screw in the shower screen in The Little Guy's head. Gently leave the black head-seal from the inside of the head and remove the seal and shower screen together. Wash the screen in warm soapy water, rinse, then dry with a tea towel. Replace the screen and seal back into the head and secure the screw, using the allen key to tighten. Clearing the steam wand nozzle &mdash; the nozzle at the end of the steam wand will be finger/hand tightened. Simply unscrew the nozzle, wash in warm soapy water and use a small paperclip, with blunt end, to clear the hole (avoid using a pin or anything with a sharp end). Rinse the nozzle with clean water and refit to the steam wand using your fingers to tighten. This is all the maintenance required at home. Any work required beyond these simple steps will need to be carried out by a Little Guy authorized service centre. Refer to our Hints & Tips video. for cleaning instructions. Or access the instruction manual for The Little Guy cleaning tips.

Question 33

Do I use a descaler ?

Accepted Answer

The best way to clean the boiler is to empty the water (shake it out and use a cloth to soak up the balance) then fill with vinegar and let it stand overnight.

The next morning use a scouring pad (being careful not to scratch the body) to scrub and then rinse out the residue and vinegar.

The good thing about using vinegar is that it is entirely food safe so there is no concern about chemicals left behind. If you fill the boiler with water and then put it on the heat (without coffee) to boil through it will flush out the vinegar smell.

Use a 50-50 mixture of white distilled vinegar and water. You can increase the ratio of vinegar to water if your coffee maker has a particularly nasty case of buildup. The vinegar not only sanitizes the coffee maker, but it also dissolves any accrued mineral deposits.

Question 34

What do I do if my The Little Guy needs a service?

Accepted Answer

Contact us using the service form and a member of our technical service team will contact you shortly to identify any issues with The Little Guy.

After speaking to the service team, if The Little Guy still needs repair within the warranty period, we will be happy to repair under warranty.

WARNING: Repairs should only be attempted by qualified technicians.

Question 35

Where can I buy parts and accessories?

Accepted Answer

Some basic consumer replaceable parts are available online.

For all other inquiries please contact us using the service form and a member of our technical service team will contact you shortly to identify any issues with The Little Guy.

WARNING: Repairs should only be attempted by qualified technicians.

Question 36

How often does The Little Guy require servicing?

Accepted Answer

Due to the unique design, with your regular care and maintenance, The Little Guy does not require servicing by an authorized service center. You can service The Little Guy yourself every few months by taking the head seal out when completing a general clean - see the 'Using the Little Guy' section on this page. WARNING: Repairs should only be attempted by qualified technicians.

Question 37

Removing the dispersion plate for cleaning. Removed the Allen screw but the plate is stuck tight.

Accepted Answer

Try a bit of WD40 and then heating the screw up with a hairdryer.  It could be that the oil from the coffee has hardened.  The issue is that once the Allen Key slips then it can damage the head of the screw and it will just spin as the grip has gone, so take it slowly, don't be too aggressive.  If that happens it is usually recoverable but it would need to come back to the service center for repair.   This screw is not part of the seal, it is the group cup squeezing against the head that makes the seal, so the screw doesn't need to be more than finger tight, it is really there just to stop the dispersion plate from falling out.

Question 38

International warranty

Accepted Answer

We provide a 12-month international warranty. Be aware that you will have to pay for the goods to be returned to Australia so that we can repair the items under warranty.

You will also be charged for return freight.

Question 39

Australian Warranty

Accepted Answer

Refer https://lovethelittleguy.com/pages/warranty

Question 40

I've read the FAQs but I still have a question about The Little Guy, who can I contact?

Accepted Answer

If you have any further questions, we'll be happy to answer them for you, please use the contact form to get in touch.

Contact us using the service form and a member of our technical service team will contact you shortly to identify any issues with The Little Guy.

After speaking to the service team, if The Little Guy still needs repair within the warranty period, we will be happy to repair under warranty.

WARNING: Repairs should only be attempted by qualified technicians.

Question 41

Steam tip

Accepted Answer

The first thing to do is to use a small paperclip to clean the hole in the end (a paperclip is much better than a pin because the blunt end tends to scrape things clean).    There is often a build-up of milk in there that will slow things down.  If that doesn't improve things dramatically then there is likely to be something stuck inside, sometimes a small part of the seal can get jammed (in newer machines the seal is a different design so this is unlikely) or sometimes a coffee ground can work its way in.  If this is the case then the paperclip will just push it to one side and it will get blown back in so you need to flush it out with water.  Putting it in a glass of water and then shaking it can help.   The steam tips don't actually wear out so we usually only have to replace them if they get lost.

Question 42

I lost my induction top power cord

Accepted Answer

The power cord is a standard 'IEC power lead', it is the same type used in desktop computers and things like electric kettles. You can be able to find them at Bunnings or most electrical or computer shops.

Question 43

Can I repair the little guy myself ?

Accepted Answer

Some basic maintenance such as seals and steam tips can be done by you at home and are quite easy.

major faults which require the machine to be opened such as replacing the tubing means disassembling the machine. Special tools are required to take the steam assembly apart. Without these tools, there is a high risk of damaging the internals. It is all repairable but it will need to come back to an authorised service centre for a rebuild.

Question 44

My induction top is overheating

Accepted Answer

It could have a faulty fan or an internal fault but it also might be genuinely too hot.

If you using The little guy induction top with the coffee machine in the cooking mode that could be the issue. The coffee machine is a heavy load which is why we recommend using The little guy coffee setting.

Is there at least 10cm behind it for the hot air to exit? If it is too close to a wall the hot air can be sucked back in underneath so instead of cooling the fan makes it hotter.

Question 45

What size Allen key do I use to remove the filter ?

Accepted Answer

The Allen key depends on the version. The current version is 2.5 mm and can be purchased from any hardware store.    If you have a Little Guy with a serial number starting with OPE, OB31 or OC 31 then it is 3mm. Again available from any hardware store.   Also available online here.

Question 46

The basket is stuck in the group handle

Accepted Answer

What can sometimes happen with these is that you get a build-up of coffee under the basket that glues it in place.   You might try soaking the handle in warm water overnight and using a screwdriver to pry it loose.   If it is really bad you may have to tear the basket apart and just replace the basket. You can purchase replacement baskets online.   You can also send the group handle back to our service department and we can replace the basket for you.

Question 47

Steam pressure

Accepted Answer

The coffee machine's pressure system has no moving parts. It is the backpressure of the coffee in the basket that causes the build-up of steam pressure which drives the water through the coffee and provides the steam for the milk. So issues with that backpressure are a common source of low steam pressure. The back pressure depends on the fineness of the grind, the heat source and the level of coffee in the basket. All three of these often need to be adjusted when you change the type of bean you are using or if the beans get old. If you are using the induction top then the beep at 8 minutes is about when your coffee should be extracting, plus or minus 20 seconds or so. If it is much earlier than this then the grind is too coarse or there isn't enough coffee. Much after and it shows the grind is too fine or there is too much coffee.

The starting point for a good grind is a normal espresso grind the same as a barista uses. Incidentally, if you are grinding the beans yourself you need a decent quality burr grinder (the Breville Smartgrinder is the cheapest we have come across) a blade grinder (like a spice grinder or blender) doesn't give you consistent grain size so you will get inconsistent results.

The coffee should always be double dosed. That is, you pile the basket high, tap to get rid of air and then level with the top of the basket using something flat like a knife blade. Then tamp the coffee with 1-2kg pressure (not too hard). Then fill, level and tamp a second time. At the end of the second dose the coffee should sit within about a millimetre or so of the top of the basket, just below the radius on the edge. With well-ground coffee you should be using the espresso basket, not the supermarket one (with fewer holes).

Another important thing is to not let the coffee run after it has passed its peak. A few minutes after the extraction starts you will hear a hissing sound from the head. This is an indication that the water has dropped below the pick up in the boiler and steam is coming through instead of water. At this point the steam pressure will start to drop quite quickly so you won’t have much left for the milk and if you let it run until it stops the last extraction is stale and sour and will actually spoil the good coffee that you have collected. So best to heat the milk 2 or 3 minutes into the extraction. Once you’ve done that, when you hear the hissing sound turn the heat off and release the remaining pressure from the wand into the air.

Question 48

Steam leaks from the wand

Accepted Answer

The most common cause of this issue is a build-up of calcification on the steam tip.  This is just normal mineral deposits from the water that just accumulate over time.    You can generally fix it by tightening the Steam Knob as hard as you can (by hand) three or four times.  This will crack off the build-up and it will usually seat again.    If that doesn't work then it could be that the pin has worn unevenly and might need replacing or re-working.

Question 49

Should I empty the boiler ?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance of the boiler &mdash; the boiler is solid stainless steel and has an electropolished surface. There is no need to empty the boiler when The Little Guy's in regular use.

Question 50

Internal tubing - what is it made of ?

Accepted Answer

The internal tubing is made from silicon reinforced with nylon mesh.

Question 51

Been taking longer and longer to extract coffee.

Accepted Answer

If the coffee and grind haven't changed but you are getting less extraction then you are losing pressure somewhere in the system and it is likely to be from the steam wand.

The most common issue with this is a build-up of calcification on the tip of the steam pin. This can often be fixed by tightening the steam knob several times (by hand) as hard as you can which will break it up.

If that doesn't work then service would certainly get it back working well again.

Question 52

Dimensions and specifications (approx.)

Accepted Answer

The induction top is Voltage: 220-240VAC, 50/60Hz Absorbed Power: 1,200W Dimensions (Approx) 25cm Length x 22cm Width x 6.5cm Height The Little Guy is H: 23cm D: 18cm (excluding the handle) W: 13cm

Question 53

Boiler cap o-ring damaged

Accepted Answer

Remove the boiler cap using the group handle as per the instructions.

When tightening the boiler cap tighten by hand rather than using the group handle if you feel significant resistance it could indicate that the seal is sticking to the boiler mouth and might tear so try lubricating the seal by rubbing a little cooking oil onto it.

The boiler cap should always be tightened until it hits the stop to get the optimal seal.

New boiler cap o-rings are available here.

Question 54

Steam comes out of the steam tip despite being fully closed

Accepted Answer

The steam knob is connected to a pin with a conical end that stops the flow of steam to the steam arm.  If this pin isn't seating properly steam will leak out which will lower the pressure for the milk and also the pressure for the coffee extraction.   The most common cause of leakage (especially in areas with high mineral content in the water) is calcification from the dried steam that builds up and stops the pin from closing properly.  The first thing to try is closing it three or four times by hand tighter than you normally would, this can often break off the minerals.    If this doesn't work then it is possible that the steam pin might have worn and will need replacing.  You can order replacement pins from the website if you need.   It is completely normal to have three or four drops of water come out of the tip at the beginning of the extraction, this is just the leftover steam that is sitting in the arm from the last time it was used, but it should stop after that.  If it continues or you see spurts of steam then there is a sealing issue as described above.

Question 55

Removing the steam pin

Accepted Answer

To access the steam pin:

Insert a Phillips head screwdriver into the end of the Steam Knob and unscrew the screw completely.
Slide off the Steam Knob.
You may be able to unscrew the Steam Valve Collar without removing the Steam Collar Insulator first. Attempt to unscrew them both together by hand. If that does not work, then go to steps 4 and 5.
Remove the Steam Collar Insulator. This can be done by hand.
Unscrew the Steam Valve Collar using your hand by turning it counterclockwise. If your machine is old and has not been cleaned recently, you may need to use some pliers. Do not use pliers directly on the Steam Valve Collar, as it will scratch the surface.
Unscrew the Steam Pin using your hand by turning it counterclockwise. If your machine is old and has not been cleaned recently, you may need a small spanner.
To re-assemble, repeat the process in reverse.

Question 56

Can I place an order without creating an account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can place an order as a guest with no obligation to create an account. We do recommend that you create an account, however, if you'd like to check your order history and have your shopping basket items and payment details saved for next time. It's quick and easy to create an account. Just visit register and follow the instructions on-screen.

Question 57

Where is my order confirmation?

Accepted Answer

This is automatically sent to your email address when you place an order. If you haven't received your order confirmation within 24 hours, please get in touch at contact-us just in case there's a problem with your order. Please check your mailbox's spam or junk folder before contacting in case the order confirmation has been diverted there.

Question 58

Why has my order been canceled?

Accepted Answer

We typically only cancel orders if there’s a problem with stock, or if you’ve asked us to cancel. Please accept our apologies if your order is canceled because of a problem at our end. We’ll always offer an alternative product and process your refund in full, as quickly as possible.

Question 59

How do I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

There is only a short amount of time between when you place your order and when we start processing it. If you contact us straight away after ordering, via contact-us, we may be able to cancel your order before it's processed. If not, we'll despatch your order and then you can return it to us if you wish upon receiving it.

Question 60

Can I alter my order?

Accepted Answer

Sadly, we’re unable to modify your order once we’ve started processing it. If you need to order a greater quantity or an additional product, please place a new order online.

Question 61

When will my order arrive?

Accepted Answer

Orders that require shipping within Australia. will be delivered within three to ten days, depending on your preferred shipping method.

Question 62

What countries do you ship to?

Accepted Answer

We ship to most countries in the world with DHL.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we do. Transit times are typically up to 15 days depending on the country.

International shipments - Duty and Taxes paid by you the receiver.

Duties and taxes are levied by Customs in the destination country and the receiver is responsible for paying them.

DHL will pay the charges on the receiver's behalf and collect payment from the receiver prior to or on delivery. Generally, DHL is unable to deliver parcels until these have been paid.

International shipments - What additional charges can I expect following customs clearance?

Depending on the value and the type of goods imported you may expect the following:

Customs import duties (percentage of shipment value and transport charges)
Local tax
Any regulatory charges, if applicable

Question 63

How much is shipping?

Accepted Answer

Shipping costs depend on the item you've ordered and the country where it's being delivered.

Question 64

Can I track my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We’ll provide updates at every stage of your order, from the moment you place it, through to despatch and delivery. In your delivery confirmation emails, you’ll receive a tracking reference which you can use to check the progress of your order online.

FAQ

About the little guy

Is The Little Guy environmentally friendly?

How does the little guy work ?

Why does The Little Guy work on The Little Guy induction top but not on other standard induction tops?

How long does it take to produce a cup of coffee from The Little Guy?

How much water does the water tank hold ?

Can I change the length of the extraction ?

What if I want a full mug of coffee (I normally have a long black)?

How to make multiple coffees - cooling the little guy between shots.

Does The Little Guy get Hot?

How tight should I screw on the boiler cap ?

What coffee should I use with the Little Guy

What Grinder should I use with The Little Guy?

How do I froth Milk ?

The little Guy stovetop requirements (Gas, Electric and Ceramic)

Steam Pressure 101

What are the induction top ratings at the various settings ?

Dimensions and weight (size)

Will a standard tamper fit the little guy ?

How much coffee and how should I grind ?

Seals and general maintenance

How big a pan can I put in the Induction Top for cooking?

Travel case

How many bars of pressure does the little guy generate ?

Service and maintenance

Steam pressure 101

Why don't I have any steam pressure for milk?

Steam pressure issues - basic things to try

Steam pressure issues - Advanced - Cannot get pressure from the wand but coffee extraction is okay

Cannot get pressure from the wand but coffee extraction AND my espresso shots run short.

Why don't I have crema like in the online videos?

How do I get the head seal out ?

How often should I clean my The Little Guy?

How should I clean my The Little Guy?

Do I use a descaler ?

What do I do if my The Little Guy needs a service?

Where can I buy parts and accessories?

How often does The Little Guy require servicing?

Removing the dispersion plate for cleaning. Removed the Allen screw but the plate is stuck tight.

International warranty

Australian Warranty

I've read the FAQs but I still have a question about The Little Guy, who can I contact?

Steam tip

I lost my induction top power cord

Can I repair the little guy myself ?

My induction top is overheating

What size Allen key do I use to remove the filter ?

The basket is stuck in the group handle

Steam pressure

Steam leaks from the wand

Should I empty the boiler ?

Internal tubing - what is it made of ?

Been taking longer and longer to extract coffee.

Dimensions and specifications (approx.)

Boiler cap o-ring damaged

Steam comes out of the steam tip despite being fully closed

Removing the steam pin

Ordering and delivery

Can I place an order without creating an account?

Where is my order confirmation?

Why has my order been canceled?

How do I cancel my order?

Can I alter my order?

When will my order arrive?

What countries do you ship to?

Do you ship internationally?

How much is shipping?

Can I track my order?

Payment

What payment methods do you accept?

Returns

Can I return or exchange an item?

My order has arrived but it’s not as I expected. What can I do?

How long does it take to return an item?

Download Manuals

The little guy instruction manual

Induction top operating manual

Videos

Check out our stop motion video to get a feel for the little guy.