Thanks - Illy's website, though not as precise, says about the same thing http://www.illy.com/wps/wcm/conne...ffee/preparations/

Re-reading, I think I just misread Dave's post. I thought he wrote that a 2 ounce double shot goes to just below the lettering, but I guess he was saying it ranges from that to the rim as it ranges from 1.5 to 2 ounces. About 2 ounces to the rim is not so out of whack with my testing, since I only spilled a little water, and probably didn't have the measurements 100%. It also means that my old shots were not too out of whack, although once my new grinder comes I will pay a lot more attention to all of this!

I'm also surprised that a single shot with a single basket takes the same amount of time as a double shot with a double basket!

In any event, all of this has been hugely helpful. I will report back once all my new stuff comes in and I've cleaned the machine!

To the rim is around 2oz, below the lettering is around 1.5.

OK - thanks all for your help thus far! The cleaning process has begun. I read the home-barista cleaning guide which left me with a couple of questions:

1. The guide emphasizes the importance backflushing; however, I know I am not supposed to do that with the carezza because it lacks a three-way valve. Instead, my instructions say to run Cleancaf through the grouphead and steam wand, and soak the baskets, portafilter, shower screen etc. in a solution of water and Ornex Cafiza. Does that mean I'm screwed; or will regular cleaning keep the machine clean even without the backflushing step?

2. I was a bit concerned to see the article warn against using backflush detergeents for cleaning the inside of the steam wand. As above, my instructions (from wholelattelove) recommend the Cleancaf for both the grouphead and the steam wand, and that's what I have done in the past. Is that a problem?

Many thanks in advance!