How to Properly Maintain and Clean an Espresso Coffee Machine
Espresso machines force water through the coffee grounds with pressure. This type of brewing makes an even stronger drink than drip coffee. These machines require nine bar of pressure in order to extract the flavor from the ground.
Espresso machines are available in three different types. They are manual, semiautomatic and fully automated. Semiautomatic machines permit you to control grinding, tamping and extraction time. They provide a great compromise between human control and machine reliability.
Simple to use
The top espresso machines are simple to use. They come with an adjustable thermostat to keep water at the right temperature and a pressure pump which increases the amount of water per shot. The higher pressure helps the grounds dissolve more quickly and produces a creamy crema with the right consistency. These machines include a milk frother to prepare espresso-based drinks, such as lattes and capspuccinos.
The traditional steam-driven electric machines make use of an airtight tank to heat water until it reaches boiling, and then release the pressure to create a shot of espresso. They are small and affordable however, they only provide about 1-2 bars of pressure. This is less than the ideal 9 bar needed for espresso.
Semi-automatic espresso machines pump hot water into a portafilter that is filled with beans that are pre-ground and pretamped. The barista is responsible for the extraction process, but they must manually grind, measure and tamp the beans prior each cup. This machine is more expensive, but it offers greater control and stability. Jai from Blank Street Cafe says.
Full-automatic espresso machines eliminate the barista from the preparation process, making them much more user-friendly than semi-automatic models. Most have built-in grinders that plug into the portafilter. They automatically grind and dose the beans, and can be adjusted to make various drinks. Certain machines have an hopper for milk that can foam milk and then pour it for you.
Easy to clean
Espresso machines use greater pressure and heat than drip coffee makers, resulting in an intense, full-bodied shot. They also come with a milk frothing system, which lets you make lattes and cappuccinos. They require more maintenance than drip machines, which includes routine cleaning and descale. Fortunately most espresso machines are easy to clean. Some models on our list are designed to make this process easier.
Most espresso machines have a portafilter that holds the grounds of coffee during brewing. Some models also have a group head that is a set of parts which perform the actual extraction. To ensure that these parts are free of grit and gunk it is necessary to backflush your device on a weekly basis. This involves rinsing and brushing the group head, after which locking the portafilter and running the brew cycle multiple times. Many coffeehouses backflush their equipment daily but home owners need to only do it once per week.
It is best to use filtered or softened water, as it will reduce mineral accumulation and the requirement to remove scale. However it is essential to remember that a moderate amount of minerals is required for proper extraction. Too much will overpower the flavor, while the absence of minerals can result in an unsavory and weak cup of coffee. Maintaining your machine will ensure it will continue to function properly and taste delicious for as long as you have it.
Easy to maintain
A coffee maker allows you to make various coffee drinks. But, unlike a standard carafe, an espresso machine requires a greater amount of temperature and pressure to achieve the desired results. To achieve this, the machine must be maintained and cleaned regularly. You don't need to be an skilled to keep your espresso maker running smoothly.
You'll want to clean the gasket each week. This is where coffee oils build up and result in bitter tasting rancid espresso. To clean this up, backflush the group using a solution of water and espresso machine cleaner. You'll also need to scrub the group screen and the nooks and crevices with a nylon brush or Coffeetool.
The drip tray is also important to keep clean as it collects all the coffee waste that is left after each brewing cycle. This can create an ideal place for the growth of bacteria and mold, which can affect the taste of your coffee. You'll also want to clean the exterior of your coffee maker regularly to prevent the accumulation of coffee and milk residue.
Take a look at a milk system cleanser, designed to clean every component that comes in contact with milk. These products are available at most supermarkets and professional espresso machine are simple to use.
Repairable and easy to fix
A coffee maker is an essential appliance to have in the home or office. Like any other electrical appliance, it can fail at times. This can be a hassle particularly if your coffee or espresso machine isn't working. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be fixed easily. In many cases, they're caused by a simple error or a poor maintenance.
First, ensure that the machine is connected and turned on. Examine the water tank for obstructions or clogs. If the issue is not resolved, it is possible to call in a professional technician.
The most common issues that coffee and espresso machines face are no power, no heat, a malfunctioning steam wand or an inability to make enough pressure. These issues are usually easily fixed, but others require more detailed cleaning and troubleshooting. These tasks should be done with extreme caution and care since many parts could be damaged and fragile.
Seek help from a professional if are not sure how to repair your espresso or coffee machine to avoid costly repairs. You should also make use of the proper tools and follow the procedures when fixing espresso or coffee machines. Be aware that some brands require that their espresso or coffee machines are repaired by an accredited national repair center.