Wega Polaris Coffee Machine: How to Set Up Hot Water Volume

The Wega Polaris is a reliable commercial-grade espresso machine found in cafes and serious home setups across Australia. One of the most common questions we get is how to program the hot water volume — the amount of hot water dispensed when you press the hot water button. Whether you're setting up the machine for the first time or adjusting the dose for long blacks and tea service, this guide walks you through the process.

💡 Tip: Hot water volume programming on the Wega Polaris is done through the volumetric control board. The process is quick once you know the steps — watch the video below first, then follow the written guide.

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Video Tutorial

Watch this step-by-step video demonstration of how to set up the hot water volume on the Wega Polaris:

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Step-by-Step: How to Program Hot Water Volume

What You'll Need

• Your Wega Polaris machine powered on and at operating temperature
• A measuring jug or cup to measure the dispensed volume

Programming Steps

1. Ensure the machine is at operating temperature. The boiler pressure gauge should be reading within the normal range before programming.
2. Enter programming mode. On the Wega Polaris, press and hold the programming button (typically located on the control panel or accessible via the front panel buttons — refer to your specific model's panel layout). The machine will indicate it has entered programming mode.
3. Select the hot water function. Press the hot water button to select it for programming.
4. Begin dispensing. The machine will start dispensing hot water. Place your measuring jug under the hot water spout.
5. Stop at your desired volume. Press the hot water button again when the desired amount of water has been dispensed. The machine records this volume as the new set point.
6. Exit programming mode. Press the programming button again (or wait for the machine to time out) to save the setting and return to normal operation.
7. Test the new setting. Press the hot water button in normal operation and confirm the machine dispenses the correct volume.

⚠️ Note: The exact button sequence can vary slightly between Wega Polaris production runs and software versions. If the steps above don't match your machine's behaviour, refer to the video above or contact our service team for model-specific guidance.

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Common Issues After Programming

• Volume not saving: Make sure you fully exit programming mode before testing. If the machine loses power before saving, repeat the process.
• Volume inconsistent between shots: Check the water pressure and flow rate — a worn flow meter or low water pressure can cause inconsistent volumetric dosing.
• Hot water button not responding: The hot water microswitch may need replacing. Contact us for diagnosis.
• Machine not entering programming mode: The volumetric control board may have a fault. See our control board below.

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🛒 Shop Genuine Wega Coffee Machine Parts

Keep your Wega Polaris running at its best with genuine replacement parts. Browse our full range:

Popular Wega parts we stock:

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Need Help or a Service Call?

If your Wega Polaris isn't programming correctly, the hot water function isn't working, or you need a technician to service your machine — our team is here to help. We service Wega espresso machines across South Sydney, Eastern Suburbs, Sutherland Shire, and Georges River.

Can't figure it out? Need a service call?
Call us or send a message — we'll get your Wega Polaris sorted.

Contact Us / Book a Service →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my hot water volume is set correctly?

Dispense into a measuring jug and check the volume. For a standard long black, most cafes set hot water to 180–220ml. For tea service, 250–300ml is common. Adjust to suit your workflow.

Can I set different volumes for different buttons?

Yes — the Wega Polaris volumetric system allows independent programming of each button (espresso doses and hot water). Each button is programmed separately using the same process.

My machine keeps reverting to the old volume — why?

This usually means the machine isn't fully exiting programming mode before you test, or the control board is not saving settings correctly. If the issue persists after following the steps correctly, the volumetric control board may need replacing or servicing. Contact us for diagnosis.

Does this guide apply to other Wega models?

The programming process is similar across Wega volumetric machines (Polaris, Pegaso, Atlas, Orion) but button layouts and sequences can differ. The video above is specific to the Polaris. Contact us if you need guidance for a different Wega model.