What the symbols on the Group head controller (GHC) mean

Starting with the v1.1 machines, all Decent Espresso machines were equipped with a so-called group head controller. In short, it's called GHC.

You can think of this controller as analogous to a clock face. Each tick represents the number that would correspond on a clock (see title picture above).

Here's what the symbols mean:

At 12 o'clock, there's the symbol for water. Use this if you want to make a tea, or if you need water for an Americano.

At 3 o'clock, you'll find the steam symbol. Use this to steam milk. Keep in mind that a few seconds after stopping the steam, the machine will purge the steam wand with some air. Remove the milk jug before it does!

The symbol at 6 o'clock is a coffee cup. With it, you can brew coffee.

You'll find the flush on 9 o'clock. Use this to flush the machine after every shot, to clean the group head. You can also use the flush to warm the portafilter and cup before use.

In the middle of the group head controller, you'll find a hand making the stop sign. Use this button to stop any function in progress. You also put the machine to sleep and wake it up by holding that button. If the machine is out of water, holding the stop button will allow you to clear the warning and sleep the machine

Besides the above functions, you can also control the pressure or flow manually via the group head controller. If you're in a pressure profile, you control the pressure. If you're in a flow profile, you control the flow.

Here's a video showing you how it works:

If you're looking to understand the lighting codes of the group head controller, here's the article explaining all of the LED patterns.

If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact our customer service team.

#symbols #GHC #troubleshooting #documentation

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mirjam created 2026/09/23.