Buying an espresso machine radically changes the daily habits of those who love or feel the need for a cup, at least, every day to be able to carbonize. Just insert the pod, the capsule or the ground coffee and press a button: nothing could be easier, at least until there is the problem of the correct setting of the coffee machine and its maintenance, as well as cleaning.
It is not, however, so complicated as to make us give up: let’s see some useful tips that can be useful for everyone and a Guide to Setting Up The Espresso Machine. In fact, it naturally depends on the type of coffee machine we are using, but many indications can also be applied to professional instruments that require greater attention.
A Guide to Setting Up The Espresso Machine
Each coffee blend is the result of the selection of the most valuable and suitable varieties, to obtain, through careful processing, a result with a balanced taste. The choice of raw materials, therefore, and the most widespread techniques are fundamental ingredients for a good cup of espresso. However if we use a professional or home machine , it is equally important that the setting is correct .
Although each brand and each manufacturer have their own rules – and in this regard the reference is to the websites and specific instruction manuals – there are operating parameters to be respected.
Let’s see, in a brief and punctual summary, what it is:
Boiler pressure: 0.95 bar ± 0.05
Pump pressure: 9 Bar ± 0.5
Temperature: 90 ° C ± 2
Extraction time: 25 sec ± 2
Dose grams: 7 g
Volume in the cup: 25 ml ± 2 (in 25 seconds)
Cream height: 2-3 mm approx
Adjust the Pressure
Regarding the boiler pressure, we remind you that it must be adjusted based on the use made of the coffee machine. In fact, if we are dealing with the setting of our home instrument, the value must remain between 0.9 and 1.0 bar.
Instead, the professional espresso machines that are used in cafeterias, bars and bistros. Which also supply more than 50 coffees per hour and offer the opportunity to use the boiler water also for cappuccinos and hot teas, must keep the pressure between 1.0 and 1.0 bar.
As a general indication, it is good to remember that the boiler pressure is directly proportional to the temperature reached.
As regards pump pressure , on the other hand, we have to observe the pressure gauge lever during coffee extraction: in this phase, in fact, it must be in the green zone, and in any case between 8 and 10 bar. An incorrect pressure has the effect of increasing the delivery speed, while the extraction time of the coffee is reduced, invalidating the result.
Maintenance: Some Valuable Tips
Once set correctly, the coffee machine is ready to be used, but we must remember that to ensure that the result is always optimal we must keep a record of maintenance activities to be performed regularly during the year.
If, in fact, every day and every week we have to take care of cleaning, as we will see in the next paragraph, there are some golden rules for the correct functioning of the instrument that provide for regular technical interventions .
Firstly, in fact, once every two weeks or so, it is necessary to remove the stainless steel shower filters to thoroughly clean them, also removing the “shower screen” that must be placed on a heat source, like a simple stove, to make so that the oily residues of the coffee machine melt.
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Secondly, we must not forget that some parts have to be replaced due to wear. We think, for example, of filters that have to be changed at least once a year, and even more frequently if we prepare a lot of coffee.
But also to rubber seals . In fact, since they operate in high temperature conditions, they tend to wear out rather quickly. The advice, in this regard, is to change them at least twice a year, paying attention to the state of wear and tear because it may need to be replaced even more often.
How to Clean the Espresso Machine
In addition to maintenance, the espresso machine, as is normal, will tend to wear out with wear and consequently. It is essential not to neglect even cleaning to ensure an espresso with an excellent flavor.
In fact one of the first signs of the fact that the machine may need cleaning is the unpleasant taste, or different from the usual coffee. In other cases we may notice the problem because we observe that the coffee goes down more slowly or discontinuously: in this case, the limestone that prevents the liquids from flowing normally is responsible .
The useful ingredients for cleaning the coffee machine are vinegar, water and a container that, beforehand, should be stored where the cups usually go to collect the water that will come out during washing. In the water tank, instead, put a solution of vinegar, a third, and water, two-thirds.
At this point, to continue cleaning, you need to activate the coffee machine and behave as if it were preparing espresso cups until the water and vinegar solution is completely exhausted. When the container is empty, add a dose of water only and operate the machine again (at least) once: in this way, the hot water will eliminate the vinegar residues.
The solution of water and vinegar is the most economical and practical choice for cleaning the coffee machine, but the advice is to always check whether in any way the vinegar can cause damage to the object . The alternative is often offered by the same manufacturer that also sells specific descales that are used, precisely, for the periodic cleaning of the tank and internal circuits.
Hope after reading Guide to Setting Up The Espresso Machine, it will no more difficult for you to install it correctly.
Happy Coffee!
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