How to Properly Maintain and Clean an Espresso Coffee Machine

Espresso machines push water through the coffee grounds by using pressure. This method of brewing produces an even stronger drink than drip coffee. The machines require nine bars of pressure to extract the flavor from the ground.

Espresso machines are available in three main varieties. They are manual, semiautomatic and fully automatic. Semiautomatic machines allow you to control the grinding, tamping and extraction times. They provide a great balance between machine control and human consistency.

Simple to use

The best budget espresso machine espresso machines are simple to use. The top espresso machines have an adjustable thermostat that keeps the water at the correct temperature, and a pressure pump that increases the amount of water that is used in each shot. The higher pressure helps the grounds dissolve more quickly and creates a whipped cream with the perfect consistency. The machines also come with an milk frother that can make espresso-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos.

Traditional steam-driven espresso machines make use of an air-tight tank to heat the water until it reaches boiling point, which releases the pressure in a shot. While they're inexpensive and compact espresso machine (Read the Full Posting) they're only able to reach 1-2 bars of pressure, which is less than the ideal 9 bars needed for espresso.

Semi-automatic espresso machines function by infusing hot water into a pre-ground and pre-tamped portafilter of beans. The barista is the one responsible for the extraction process but has to manually measure, grind and tamp each cup of beans. While this style of machine is more expensive than other models but it gives greater control and stability, says Jai of Blank Street Cafe.

Full-automatic espresso machines completely remove the barista from the coffee making process, which makes them much easier to use than semi-automatic models. Most come with built-in grinders which click into the portafilter. They automatically grind and dose the beans and can be adjusted to create different drinks. Some machines include a milk hopper that can make frothy milk and pour it for you.

Easy to clean

Espresso machines create a richer, more full-bodied shot by using greater heat and pressure than drip coffee makers. They also come with a milk-frothing system that allows you to make cappuccinos as well as lattes. They require more care than drip machines, such as routine cleaning and descale. Fortunately, most espresso machines are easy to clean. A few models on our list are even specifically designed to make cleaning easier.

Most espresso machines come with an in-built portafilter that holds the grounds of coffee during brewing. Some models have a grouphead that is a collection of pieces that actually do the extraction. To keep these pieces free of grit and gunk, you'll need to clean your machine on a regular basis. This involves cleaning and brushing the portafilter, locking it, and running the brew cycle a number of times. Many coffeehouses backflush their machines every day but home owners should only need to do it once per week.

The use of soft or filtered water is recommended, since it will lessen the buildup of mineral and decrease your need to descale. However it is important to note that a moderate amount of minerals are required for proper extraction. Too much will overpower the flavor, whereas too little could result in a weak and salty cup of coffee. Keeping your machine properly maintained will ensure that it continues to perform well and taste delicious for as long as you have it.

Easy to maintain

A coffee machine permits you to prepare various coffee drinks. A carafe-style maker can produce the same results however an espresso machine needs greater pressure and temperatures. To achieve this, it needs to be properly maintained and cleaned. Fortunately, you don't need to be a professional to keep your espresso machine in good working order.

You'll want to clean the gasket at least once a week. In this area, coffee oils can accumulate and cause bitterness in the espresso coffee machines. To remove this, flush the group using a solution of water and espresso machine cleaner. You'll also need to scrub your group screen including the nooks and crevices using a nylon brush or Coffeetool.

The drip tray is essential to be cleaned regularly as it collects all the coffee waste after each brewing cycle. This can be an ideal habitat for bacteria and mold, which can affect the taste of your coffee. Additionally, it is important to clean the outside of your machine on a regular basis to stop milk and coffee residue from accumulating.

Think about using a milk system cleanser, designed to clean every component that comes in contact with milk. These products are readily available at many supermarkets and are simple to use.

Repairable and simple

A coffee maker is a useful appliance for the home or office. Like any electrical appliance such as a coffee or espresso maker barista machine could malfunction from time to time. This can be frustrating particularly if your espresso or coffee maker ceases to function. Luckily, most of these issues can be fixed easily. In most cases, these issues result from an unintentional error or lack of maintenance.

Make sure that the machine has been plugged in and is operating. It is also important to examine the water tank for blockages or clogs. If the issue persists then it's time to contact a professional technician.

A few of the most frequent issues that coffee and espresso machines face are no power or heat, a faulty steam wand or an inability to generate enough pressure. These issues are typically solved, but others require more detailed troubleshooting and cleaning. These tasks must be done with extreme care and prudence, as many components are delicate and can be damaged easily.

Consult a professional if you are unsure about how to fix your espresso or coffee machine to avoid costly repairs. Make sure you use proper tools and follow the procedures when fixing coffee or travel espresso maker machines. Be aware that some brands require that their espresso or coffee machines be repaired at a national repair center that is certified.