How to Properly Maintain and Clean an Espresso Coffee Machine
Espresso machines make use of pressure to push water through coffee grounds. This type of brewing makes a stronger drink than drip coffee. These machines require nine bars of pressure in order to extract the flavor from the ground.
There are three types of espresso machines. They are manual, semiautomatic and fully automated. Semiautomatic machines allow you to control the grinding, tamping and extraction time. They are a good balance between human control and mechanised accuracy.
Simple to use
The best espresso machines feature an intuitive interface. 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 allows grounds to dissolve more quickly and creates a crema of the perfect consistency. These machines have a milk frother to prepare espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Traditional electric steam-driven espresso machines utilize an airtight tank to heat the water until it is at a boiling point, and then release the pressure in a shot of coffee. They are compact and inexpensive but they can only deliver 1-2 bar of pressure. This is less than the ideal 9 bar needed for espresso.
Semi-automatic espresso machines pour hot water into a portafilter stuffed with beans that are pre-ground and pretamped. The barista is the one responsible for the extraction process, but must manually measure, grind and tamp each cup of beans. Although this type of machine is more expensive than other models but it gives greater control and stability, according to Jai of Blank Street Cafe.
Full-automatic espresso machines take out the barista from the espresso brewing process, making them much easier to use than semi-automatic models. Many have built-in grinders that connect to the portafilter. They then automatically grind and dosing the beans, and they can often be adjusted to create different drinks. Some even have a milk hopper which can do the frothing and pouring for you.
Easy to clean
Espresso machines make use of greater pressure and heat than drip coffee makers to produce an intense, full-bodied shot. They also come with a milk frothing system, that allows you to make lattes and cappuccinos. This means that they require more regular maintenance than drip machines which includes descalers and regular cleaning. Fortunately that most espresso machines are easy to clean. Some of the models on our list have been specifically designed to make cleaning a breeze.
Most espresso machines have the portafilter, which stores the grounds of coffee when brewing. Some models also come with a group head, which is a set of parts that actually extract the coffee. To keep these parts free of gunk and grit it is necessary to flush your machine back on a regular basis. This entails cleaning and brushing the group head, after which locking the portafilter, and then running the brew cycle multiple times. Backflushing is done daily in a lot of coffeehouses, however at home it should only be done once a week.
Using filtered or soft water is recommended, as this can reduce the buildup of minerals and cut down on your need to descale. However, it is important to note that a moderate amount of minerals are required to ensure proper extraction. Too much mineral can overwhelm the taste. Too little could result in an unsavory, salty coffee. Maintaining your machine in good condition will ensure that it continues to function properly and taste great for the duration of time you own it.
Easy to maintain
An espresso machine is an amazing piece of equipment that lets you to serve a wide variety of coffee drinks. A carafe-style coffee maker could achieve the same result however, an espresso machine requires a higher pressure and temperature. To achieve this, it should be properly maintained and cleaned. You don't have to be an expert to keep your espresso maker running smoothly.
You'll need to clean the gasket every week. This is where the coffee oils build up and cause bitter taste of rancid espresso. Backflush your group with a water-espresso machine cleaner. You'll also need to scrub the screen as well as the nooks and crannies with a nylon brush or Coffeetool.
The drip tray is also essential to be cleaned regularly as it collects all the coffee waste that is left after each brewing cycle. This can be an ideal place for the growth of bacteria and mold that can alter the taste of your coffee. Additionally, it is important to clean the outside espresso maker for home of your machine on a regular basis to prevent coffee and milk residue from accumulating.
Consider using a milk system cleanser, which is designed to clean all components that come into contact with milk. These products can be found in a majority of supermarkets. They are also simple to use.
Repairs are easy
A coffee or espresso machine is a useful appliance to have in your home or office. But, just like any other electrical appliance, it can malfunction from time to time. This can be frustrating especially if the espresso or coffee maker isn't working. Fortunately, most of these issues are easily fixable. In the majority of cases, they're due to a simple mistake or a poor maintenance.
Verify that the machine been plugged in and is functioning. Examine the water tank for obstructions or clogs. If the problem persists it may be necessary to call a professional technician.
Espresso and coffee machines can be afflicted by a variety of issues such as no power or heating, malfunctioning steam wands or an inability to create enough pressure. Some of these issues are easily solved, while others require more extensive troubleshooting or cleaning. These tasks must be carried out with extreme caution and care because many parts can be fragile and damaged.
Contact a professional when you are unsure of how to fix your coffee or espresso machine to avoid costly repairs. Make sure you use right tools and follow safe procedures when fixing espresso or coffee machines. Be aware that some brands will only allow their coffee or espresso machines to be serviced by a national repair facility that is certified.