I e-mailed Melitta requesting information about this product and requested a owners manual. They replied: Thank you for choosing Melitta. We appreciate your interest in our products and apologize for the delay in a response. Regrettably this is a product that has been discontinued for over 15 years and we no longer have the users guide. To operate this Espresso machine: You would use the carafe to measure the water and pour into the top of the machine. Twist off the black knob at the top of the machine. Put Espresso coffee into the filter holder and be sure it is properly locked and press the on botton. The knob on the back of the machine and spout is to froth milk. Turning this knob towards you will release steam, turning away from you will close it. I hope this helps! If we could be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, Susan Zapata Consumer Relations