Techniques to use a coffee machine
There is a wide range of espresso coffee machines on the market, the most important factor is to make sure the espresso coffee machine you select is there to suit the purpose of your establishment. Recently on the market we also found a wide range of domestic espresso coffee machines, the process used to make an espresso or cappuccino is like the industrial machines, the main difference would be in the pressure and the water supply.
The coffee machine consists of:
- Boiler, (used to boil water and steam)
- The delivery group, and heat exchanger, (can be between single or more, this is the part whereby connecting the filter holder ‘ARM’ to the machine, coffee infusion and delivery is obtained by forcing the water, through the ground coffee.
- Heating system: an electric heating element plunged in the boiler which provides water heating and steam production.
- Electro pump: the device permits to take the main water pressure.
- On– OFF button: to run the hot water.
- Steam–drawing taps; allowing the steam drawing to ‘beat up’ milk essential to make cappuccino or hot chocolate.
- Water tap: permitting to draw hot water to use it to prepare hot beverages (not on domestic machines)
- Control instruments: Pressure gauges indicating the water and pump pressure, as well as the water level.
The Grinder is the device to transforms the coffee bean into powder and supplies the dose to be put into the filter/holder arm
- The hopper: It contains the coffee beans and conveys them to the millstones.
- Millstones: They are the toothed rings that grind the bean at high speed
- Dosing Device: It delivers a single- dose through the movement of a lever.
- Pressing device: It is used to press ground coffee in the “arm’.
The Sequence of using an espresso coffee machine
- Select the single or double filter-holder ‘arm’ and take it to the grinder.
- Take the lever of the grinder, single movement for 1 cup double movement for two cups. (the dose should be between 6-7 grams for each cup.
- Connect the filter-holder ‘arm’ to the espresso machine.
- Press the button to start pouring water.
Foaming and Steaming Milk
The art of steaming and foaming milk for lattes and cappuccinos is achieved by using the steaming wand of your espresso machine. This wand injects hot steam into your jug of milk. The technique is critical to produce fine, velvety, wet, small, dense bubbles.
Heating milk with steam alters its chemical composition, creating a different and wonderful flavor that harmonizes when combined with espresso. Generally, the lower the fat content of the milk the easier it will be to create a larger rise in the foam. However, whole milk will create richer, denser foam, with a velvety texture.
How to Steam Milk
- Empty any water in the steam wand.
- Place the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk and open the steam valve.
- Aerate the milk, keeping the tip of the wand just below the surface of the milk.
- Continue to slowly pull the pitcher down as the foam forms.
- When adequate foam has formed, raise the pitcher, letting the steam wand go to the bottom of the pitcher to allow the milk to heat through to 65 degrees Celsius.
- Close the steam valve and remove the pitcher. You will notice the temperature will continue to rise.
- Wipe the steam wand with a clean, damp cloth and open the valve to let any trapped milk out.
Taking care of the coffee machine
Materials Needed:
- Backflush disc (provided with most espresso machines).
- Coffee machine cleaning powder.
Steps:
- Remove the coffee filter and replace it with the backflush disc.
- Add the recommended amount of coffee machine cleaning powder into the portafilter.
- Lock the portafilter into the machine and initiate a backflush cycle. Follow your machine’s instructions for this process.
- The machine will force water through the coffee group to clean out oils and residue.
- Repeat the backflush process a few times until the water runs clear.
- Remove the backflush disc and rinse the portafilter thoroughly.
Weekly Maintenance
Materials Needed:
- Mild dish soap.
- Clean, damp cloth.
- Coffee machine cleaning brush.
- Water.
Steps:
- Turn off the machine and unplug it for safety.
- Remove all removable parts like the drip tray, coffee grounds container, and water reservoir.
- Wash these parts with mild dish soap and warm water. Allow them to air dry.
- Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the machine. Pay attention to buttons, switches, and the coffee spouts.
- Use a coffee machine cleaning brush to clean any coffee grounds or residue from the coffee group and grinder.
- Check the machine’s manual for any specific instructions regarding lubrication or additional maintenance.
- Empty and clean the drip tray and coffee grounds container.
- Refill the water reservoir with fresh water.
- Plug in the machine and turn it on. Run a water-only cycle through the machine to flush out any remaining residues.
- Discard the water from the drip tray.
- Perform a test brew to ensure everything is functioning correctly.