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How to Properly Maintain and Clean an Espresso Coffee Machine Espresso machines force water through the coffee grounds via pressure. This type of brewing results in a stronger beverage than drip coffee. These machines require 9 bars of pressure to extract flavor from the grounds. There are three major kinds of espresso machines. They are semiautomatic, manual and fully automated. Semiautomatic machines allow you to control tamping, grinding and extraction time. They provide a balance between human control and mechanised accuracy. Simple to use The best espresso machines are easy to use. The top espresso machines have an adjustable thermostat to keep the water at the ideal temperature, and a pressure pump that increases the amount of water used in each shot. The higher pressure allows the grounds to dissolve faster and creates a crema of the perfect consistency. These machines also include a milk frother to make espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The steam-driven machines of the past make use of an airtight tank to heat water until it's boiling, and then release the pressure into a shot of espresso. Although they're compact and affordable however, they only have only 1-2 bars of pressure which is less than the ideal 9 bars required for espresso. Semi-automatic espresso machines pump hot water into a portafilter that is filled with pretamped and ground beans. The barista is in charge of the extraction process, however they must manually grind, measure and tamp the beans before each cup. This machine is more expensive but it is more reliable and stability. Jai from Blank Street Cafe says. Full-automatic espresso machines are simpler to use than semiautomatic espresso machines because they do not require barista's involvement in the coffee making process. They usually come with grinders that connect to the portafilter. They automatically grind and dose the beans, and can be adjusted to make various drinks. Some even have a milk hopper and can create froths and pours milk for you. Easy to clean Espresso machines utilize greater pressure and heat than drip coffee makers to produce the perfect, full-bodied, thick shot. They also come with the milk-frothing mechanism that allows you to make cappuccinos and lattes. They require more care than drip machines, and require regular cleaning and descaleing. Fortunately most espresso machines are simple to clean. A few models that we have listed are specifically designed to make cleaning simpler. The majority of espresso machines have a portafilter, which holds the grounds of coffee during brewing. Certain models also have a group head, which is a set of parts that do the actual extraction. Backflushing your machine every week will keep these parts clean and free of gunk and grit. This means cleaning and brushing the portafilter, locking it, and running the brew cycle a number of times. Many coffeehouses backflush their machines daily, but home users should only need to do it once per week. It is recommended to use filtered or softened water, since it will decrease the amount of minerals and the requirement to descale. It is essential to remember that a moderate amount is required for extraction. Too much mineral will overwhelm the taste. Insufficient amounts can result in an unsavory, salty coffee. A well-maintained machine will ensure that it continues to perform well and taste great for as long as you own it. Easy to maintain An espresso machine is an amazing piece of equipment which allows you to serve a broad range of coffee drinks. But unlike your average carafe coffee maker espresso machine requires a higher degree of temperature and pressure to get the desired results. To achieve espresso makers , the machine should be properly maintained and cleaned. You don't have to be an skilled to keep your espresso maker operating smoothly. You'll need to clean the gasket every week. In this area, coffee oils can accumulate and cause bitterness in the espresso. Backflush your group with a water-espresso machine cleaner. You will also want to scrub the group's screen including the nooks and crevices with a nylon toothbrush or Coffeetool. The drip tray is important to keep clean as it collects all the coffee waste after each brewing cycle. This can be a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold which can alter the taste of your coffee. Additionally, you'll want to clean the exterior of your machine often to stop milk and coffee residue from building up. Take a look at a milk system cleanser, designed to clean all components that come in contact with milk. These are available at most supermarkets and are simple to use. Repairs are simple A coffee or espresso machine is a useful appliance in the home or office. Like any electrical appliance the espresso or coffee machine is likely to malfunction from time to time. This can be a hassle, especially if your espresso or coffee maker ceases to function. Most of these problems are easily fixed. In many cases, they're caused by a single mistake or a poor maintenance. Make sure the machine is connected and powered on. Examine the water tank for any clogs or obstructions. If the issue continues, it is possible to contact a professional technician. Coffee and espresso machines could experience a variety of problems which include no power or heating, malfunctioning steam wands, or inability to generate enough pressure. These issues can be easily repaired, however some require more thorough troubleshooting and cleaning. These tasks should be completed with extreme care and prudence, as many components are delicate and can be damaged easily. If you are unsure of what to do to repair your espresso or coffee machine, you should speak with a professional to avoid costly repairs. You should also use the correct tools and follow safe methods when you repair coffee or espresso machines. Be aware that certain brands will only allow their espresso machines or coffee makers to be serviced by a national repair center that is accredited.