How to Properly Maintain and Clean an Espresso Coffee Machine
Espresso machines use pressure to force water through coffee grounds. This type of brewing makes a stronger drink than drip coffee. These machines need 9 bars of pressure to extract flavor from the coffee grounds.
There are three major kinds of espresso machines. They are manual, semiautomatic and fully automated. Semiautomatic machines let you manage the grinding, tamping and extraction times. They are a good compromise between human control and machine consistency.
Easy to use
The best espresso machines are easy to use. They come with an adjustable thermostat that keeps water at the right temperature and a pressure-pump that increases the amount of water per shot. The higher pressure allows grounds to disintegrate faster and creates a crema of the perfect consistency. The machines also come with a milk frother to make espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
The steam-driven electric machines make use of an airtight tank to heat water until it reaches boiling, and then release the pressure into a shot espresso. Although they're small and inexpensive they're only able to reach the pressure of 1-2 bars, which is less than 9 bars needed for espresso.
Semi-automatic espresso machines dispense hot water into a portafilter that is filled with beans that have been ground and pretamped. The barista is in charge of the extraction process but has to manually measure, grind and tamp each cup of beans. While this model is more expensive than other models, it provides greater control and stability, according to Jai of Blank Street Cafe.
Full-automatic espresso makers are easier to use than semiautomatic espresso machines because they don't require the barista's role in the brewing process. Most come with built-in grinders which click into the portafilter. They automatically grind and dosing the beans, and are often adjusted to produce different drinks. Some even have a milk hopper and can make froth and pour milk for you.
Easy to clean
Espresso machines make use of higher pressure levels and heat than drip coffee makers to make an intense, full-bodied shot. They also have a milk-frothing system that lets you to make cappuccinos and lattes. This means that they require more frequent maintenance than a drip machine that includes descalers and routine cleaning. Fortunately that the majority of espresso machines are easy to clean. Several models on our list were specifically designed to make cleaning a breeze.
Most espresso machines come with a portafilter to hold the grounds of the coffee while it is the brewing. Some models feature a grouphead which is a collection of pieces that actually do the extraction. Backflushing your machine regularly will keep these parts clean and free of grit and gunk. This involves cleaning and brushing the portafilter, locking it and running the brew cycle a number of times. Backflushing is done daily in a lot of coffeehouses, however at home, it should be done every other week.
It is best to use softened or filtered water, as it reduces the accumulation of minerals and the need to remove scale. However it is important to note that a reasonable amount of minerals are required for proper extraction. Too much mineral can ruin the flavor. A lack of minerals can result in a weak, salty coffee. Maintaining your machine in good condition will ensure that it continues to function well and taste great for the duration of time you have it.
Easy to maintain
A coffee maker permits you to prepare many different coffee drinks. But unlike your average carafe coffee maker espresso machine requires a higher amount of pressure and temperature in order to give the desired results. To achieve this, the machine needs to be cleaned and maintained properly. Thankfully, you don't have to be a professional to keep your espresso machine operating smoothly.
In the beginning, you'll have to thoroughly clean the group gasket each week. This is where coffee oils build up and result in bitter tasting coffee that has gone rancid. To remove this, flush the group using a solution of water and espresso machine cleaner. You'll also need to scrub the screen as well as the nooks and crannies with a nylon brush or Coffeetool.
It is also essential to clean the drip tray daily because it is the place where you collect the coffee waste from each brew cycle. This can become a perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria, which can alter the taste of your coffee. Additionally, you'll want to clean the outside of your machine regularly to keep milk and coffee residue from accumulating.
It is also worth considering a milk system cleaner which is food-safe and designed to clean all components that come in contact with milk. These products can be found in the majority of grocery stores. They are also easy to use.
Repairable and simple
A coffee or espresso maker is a valuable appliance to have in the home or office. Like any electrical appliance the espresso or coffee machine can be prone to malfunction from time-to-time. This can be frustrating especially if the coffee or espresso machine isn't working. Most of these issues are easily fixable. In most cases, they are caused by a simple error or a lack of maintenance.
Make sure the machine is connected and turned on. Examine the water tank for clogs or obstructions. If the issue persists it could be the right time to contact a professional technician.
Espresso and coffee machines can experience a variety of problems which include no power or heating, defective steam wands, or an inability to generate enough pressure. These issues can be easily solved, but some require more thorough cleaning and troubleshooting. These tasks must be performed with extreme care and caution because many parts can be damaged and fragile.
If you're unsure what to do to fix your coffee or espresso machine, it is recommended to consult with a professional to avoid costly repairs. You should also make use of espressomachines the proper tools and follow the methods when you repair coffee or espresso machines. Be aware that some brands only allow their espresso machines or coffee makers to be serviced by a repair center in the nation that is certified.