KUBO FIRST SETUP
Get your Kafmasino Kubo ready in minutes
Welcome to Kafmasino Kubo.
This guide will help you set up your machine and get ready for your first espresso. The process only takes a few minutes and ensures your machine performs at its best from the very beginning.
Estimated setup time: 5–10 minutes
Step 1 — Unboxing
Welcome to Kafmasino Kubo.
Your Kubo package includes everything you need to start brewing:
Tablet stand
Before continuing, make sure all components are present and undamaged.
Step 1 — Unboxing
Welcome to Kafmasino Kubo.
Your Kubo package includes everything you need to start brewing:
Before continuing, make sure all components are present and undamaged.
Step 2 — Machine preparation
Preparing your Kubo
Before turning on your machine, follow these simple steps:
1. Fill the water tank
Before turning on your machine, follow these simple steps:
Remove the water tank and fill it with fresh water.
We recommend:
- Low mineral water
- Filtered water
- Bottled water suitable for coffee machines
Avoid:
- Distilled water
- Very hard water
- Water with high mineral content
Proper water helps prevent scale buildup and improves coffee taste.
2. Connect the power cable
Connect the machine to power.
Make sure:
- The cable is fully inserted
- The outlet matches the machine voltage
- The machine is placed on a stable surface
3. Turn the machine ON
Press the power button to start Kubo.
The machine will automatically begin its startup sequence.
The side power switch controls the machine’s high-voltage power supply.
Kubo will not turn on unless this switch is enabled.
Once switched on, the machine will start automatically.
Understanding Kubo’s buttons
Now that Kubo is powered on, let’s go over what each button does.
As mentioned above, the side switch controls the machine’s main high-voltage power supply.
We recommend keeping Kubo plugged in at all times.
Kubo is designed to remain connected and will automatically enter Eco Mode after a period of inactivity (this can be configured in the app).
On the front of the machine, you’ll find three vertical buttons with a removable label to help you learn their functions.
You can remove this label once you’re familiar with the controls.
From top to bottom:
Top button — Steam
- Press once to start steam.
- Press again to stop.
Middle button — Coffee / Flush
- Press once to start a shot.
- Press again to stop.
- Press and hold to run a flush for as long as the button is held.
Bottom button — Hot Water
- Press once to dispense hot water.
Step 2 — Machine preparation
Preparing your Kubo
Before turning on your machine, follow these simple steps:
1. Fill the water tank
Before turning on your machine, follow these simple steps:
Remove the water tank and fill it with fresh water.
We recommend:
- Low mineral water
- Filtered water
- Bottled water suitable for coffee machines
Avoid:
- Distilled water
- Very hard water
- Water with high mineral content
Proper water helps prevent scale buildup and improves coffee taste.
2. Connect the power cable
Connect the machine to power.
Make sure:
- The cable is fully inserted
- The outlet matches the machine voltage
- The machine is placed on a stable surface
3. Turn the machine ON
Press the power button to start Kubo.
The machine will automatically begin its startup sequence.
The side power switch controls the machine’s high-voltage power supply.
Kubo will not turn on unless this switch is enabled.
Once switched on, the machine will start automatically.
Understanding Kubo’s buttons
Now that Kubo is powered on, let’s go over what each button does.
As mentioned above, the side switch controls the machine’s main high-voltage power supply.
We recommend keeping Kubo plugged in at all times.
Kubo is designed to remain connected and will automatically enter Eco Mode after a period of inactivity (this can be configured in the app).
On the front of the machine, you’ll find three vertical buttons with a removable label to help you learn their functions.
You can remove this label once you’re familiar with the controls.
From top to bottom:
Top button — Steam
- Press once to start steam.
- Press again to stop.
Middle button — Coffee / Flush
- Press once to start a shot.
- Press again to stop.
- Press and hold to run a flush for as long as the button is held.
Bottom button — Hot Water
- Press once to dispense hot water.
In future updates, these buttons will support programmable combinations and customizable functions.
Step 3 — First startup
Automatic system check
When Kubo starts for the first time it performs several automatic checks to ensure everything is working correctly:
This process is fully automatic and requires no action from the user.
Simply wait until the machine indicates it is ready.
⚠️ Continuous Beep & Flashing Animation
If your Kafmasino machine is continuously beeping and the buttons are displaying a repeating animation, the machine has detected an error that requires your attention.
Please check the Error Codes section in this Quick Start Guide to identify the error and follow the recommended troubleshooting steps.
If the issue is not resolved after following the instructions, please contact Kafmasino Support. Include the error code, a brief description of what happened, and, if possible, a short video of the issue. This will help us diagnose the problem and provide a solution as quickly as possible.
A continuous beep and looping animation always indicate an error condition. This is different from the short beeps used during normal warm-up and automatic pressure release.
Step 3 — First startup
Automatic system check
When Kubo starts for the first time it performs several automatic checks to ensure everything is working correctly:
This process is fully automatic and requires no action from the user.
Simply wait until the machine indicates it is ready.
Step 4 — First warmup
Allow the machine to stabilize
Although Kubo heats quickly, we recommend allowing 5–8 minutes for full thermal stability.
This allows:
- Grouphead temperature stabilization
- Portafilter heating
- More consistent extractions
For best results:
Insert the empty portafilter during warmup so it heats with the machine.
Pro tip for best first espresso
Before your first coffee, run a short blank shot:
- 1. Insert empty portafilter
- 2. Start a shot
- 3. Let water flow for about 3–5 seconds
- 4. Stop the shot
This helps stabilize temperature and preheat internal components.
⚠️ Automatic Warm-Up & Pressure Management
When you turn on your Kafmasino machine, it will automatically begin its warm-up routine. During this process, the buttons display a heating animation indicating that the machine is increasing in temperature.
Once the main heating phase is complete (approximately 70°C), the machine will emit a beep to indicate that it is ready to continue heating and stabilizing before brewing.
During warm-up, you may notice the machine performing two automatic routines:
- Automatic boiler filling – The pump will briefly run to ensure the boiler remains at the correct water level.
- Automatic pressure release – The machine may automatically release water and steam through the Hot Water Wand to reduce boiler pressure. A few seconds before this happens, the machine will emit a warning beep to let you know that the pressure release is about to begin.
⚠️ Keep the area below the Hot Water Wand clear during warm-up and normal operation.
Water and steam may be discharged automatically, so do not place cups, towels, electronics, or any other objects underneath the wand.
Why does the machine automatically release pressure?
The automatic pressure release is a normal part of the machine’s operation. It occurs during warm-up and whenever the boiler pressure exceeds 10 bar.
Before every automatic pressure release, the machine emits a warning beep a few seconds in advance, giving you time to move your hands or any objects away from the Hot Water Wand.
This routine has three important purposes:
- Improved thermal stability – Maintaining the correct boiler pressure helps keep the brewing temperature stable.
- Enhanced safety – Reducing excessive boiler pressure prevents unnecessary stress on internal components and helps extend the boiler’s lifespan.
- Shot consistency – Resetting the boiler to a known pressure ensures that every espresso starts from the same conditions, resulting in more consistent extractions.
These automatic routines are an essential part of the Kafmasino system and do not indicate a malfunction.
Step 4 — First warmup
Allow the machine to stabilize
Although Kubo heats quickly, we recommend allowing 5–8 minutes for full thermal stability.
This allows:
- Grouphead temperature stabilization
- Portafilter heating
- More consistent extractions
For best results:
Insert the empty portafilter during warmup so it heats with the machine.
Pro tip for best first espresso
Before your first coffee, run a short blank shot:
- 1. Insert empty portafilter
- 2. Start a shot
- 3. Let water flow for about 3–5 seconds
- 4. Stop the shot
This helps stabilize temperature and preheat internal components.
Step 5 — App connection and machine registration
Installation
Search for “Kafmasino Lab” on the App Store or Google Play, or click the images below to go directly to the download page.
Devices compatibility
The Kafmasino app is compatible with most popular phones and tablets. To set up and use your Kafmasino products and services, you must install the Kafmasino app on a compatible device running one of the following operating systems:
- Apple iOS 11.0 or higher.
- Android 8.1 or higher.
Bluetooth 4.0+
Connect Kubo to the Kafmasino app
Kubo can be fully controlled from its touchscreen, but the mobile app unlocks additional features:
This allows:
- Profile management
- Shot history
- Firmware updates
- Advanced control options
To Connect
Enable Bluetooth on your phone
Open the Kafmasino app
Create your account and register your machine using the serial ID found on the sticker behind the drip tray
Turn on the scale and make sure it is set to grams — the app will detect and connect to it automatically
Go to the Settings screen and wait for the machine to connect automatically
Firmware updates
When connecting for the first time, the app may suggest a firmware update.
Keeping firmware updated ensures:
- Latest features
- Performance improvements
- Bug fixes
We recommend always keeping your machine updated.
Important note
Kubo works perfectly without the app.
You can brew espresso directly from the machine using the latest saved recipe.
The app is an optional enhancement, not a requirement.
However, the app is required to modify and save brewing recipes.
Optional Step - Installing Filter adapter
This is an optional step
The included filter adapter is designed for compatible water filters such as the CA6903. The kit includes two screws for easy installation.
If you do not plan to use a water filter, we recommend not installing the adapter, as it may interfere with the water tank level sensor and affect its operation.
Optional Step - Tablet Holder: Setup and Use
Attaching the adapter to your tablet
- Separate the two parts of the tablet holder.
- Peel the protective film off the adhesive side of the adapter.
- Center the adapter on the back of the tablet, aligning it evenly on both the vertical and horizontal axes. Proper centering prevents it from a tablet not staying correctly horizontal.
- Press firmly and let it cure for 24 hours before use, so the adhesive bonds fully.
Removing the adapter later: If you ever need to remove it, apply gentle heat to soften the adhesive and peel it off carefully.
Peel protective film
Align vertical and horizontal
Important note
Textured tablet covers: If the back of your tablet is not flat (for example, it has ridges or a textured finish), use the alternative adhesive pad included in the box — a thicker, foam-style pad that bonds better to uneven surfaces. If you’ve already applied the standard adhesive, remove it first before switching to the foam pad.
Weight limit: We don’t recommend using tablets heavier than 450 g with this holder.
Attaching the holder to the adapter
- Fit the holder arm into the adapter mounted on the tablet.
- The arm pivots along its vertical axis — move it gently to avoid damaging it.
- Position it so the vertical axis is perpendicular to the ground; this lets you tilt the tablet slightly up or down once mounted.
Fit the holder arm into adapter
Position it in vertical axis so you can tilt the tablet
Mounting on the machine
Once the adapter and holder are attached to the tablet, simply place the holder against the front of the machine, the magnetic base will hold it in place.
To remove the holder from the machine: Don’t pull on the tablet directly. Instead, reach behind the holder and gently pry it away from the machine. This avoids damaging the holder.
Place it in front of the machine gently
Removing the tablet from the holder
You can remove the tablet from the holder whether it’s mounted on the machine or detached.
To do so, rotate the tablet or arm about 45°, this lets you gently pry it free using the resulting leverage.
Caution: Never force the tablet off without rotating it 45° first. Doing so can break the tablet or the holder.
Rotate the arm 45º
Rotate the tablet 45º
Gently pull the tablet
Step 6 — Ready to brew
Your Kubo is ready
Your machine is now properly set up and ready to prepare your first espresso.
Next step:
Learn the basic workflow and prepare your first shot using our recommended starter recipe.