Blog entry by Silvia Gilman
An Espresso Coffee Maker Brings a Cafe-Like Experience to Your Home
An espresso coffee maker can bring a cafe-like experience into your home. These machines use high temperatures and pressure to make espresso, a drink that is full of flavor. It can be used to create drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Select an espresso machine that has the features you need. Some models come with an integrated milk frother, grinder and other accessories to increase the number of drinks you are able to make.
Making the Right Choice Machine
The type of espresso machine you select in a cafe can be a major factor when it comes to make drinks that your customers will remember. With so many options out there it can be difficult to decide which one is the best ground coffee for espresso machine for your needs. Take into consideration factors like ease of use, maintenance requirements and any health regulations that are applicable to your area when making your choice.
The kind of machine you choose also will have a major impact on the taste of the final cup of coffee. Different types of coffee machines extract the espresso flavor in different ways, and this can affect the acidity, sweetness, and the body of the drink. There are also differences in how easy the machine is to use and clean, especially when it comes to cleaning and descaling.
Another thing to consider is how much time you are willing or able to devote to cleaning the espresso machine on a daily basis. Hard water tends build up mineral deposits more quickly than soft or filtered, which can influence how often you clean the espresso machine.
It is also important to look into any additional features that the espresso coffee maker might have. Some models offer programmable brewing settings or other electronic functions that will help you save time and energy in the long run. Others could be specifically designed to work with certain milk products or even come with grinders and steam wands.
Getting Started with Espresso
You can have cafe-quality coffee at home with an espresso machine that is of high quality. Contrary to drip-over or automatic brewing, espresso makes use of high pressure to force steam through the grounds. This can add another variable to the brew, and give out flavors or aromas that other methods do not. However, espresso may be more difficult to prepare at home than other brewing methods.
The most important thing to consider when making a great shot, however, is deciding on the appropriate beans. You'll also have to be aware of your grind size and the timing of the extraction. The ideal grind is smaller than granulated sugar, and you'll need to make sure you have an extraction time of around 25 seconds. If your shot goes out too quickly, you'll need to adjust the size of your grind and vice versa.
The color of the crema, which is the thick layer of golden foam which forms over a well-pulled shot espresso, is an excellent indicator of the quality. A light-colored crema could mean that your coffee is old or you're not producing enough pressure when you brew. A dark-colored crema can be an indication of over-roasted, or burned coffee machines espresso that can affect the taste. If you notice visible "channels" through the grounds, this means that your grinder isn't working evenly, which can be corrected with a better grinder or more tamping pressure.
Creating Your Drinks of Choice
Espresso drinkers will appreciate the convenience of an espresso maker at home. It lets them make a variety specialty drinks quickly and easily. espresso coffee makers (http://www.stes.tyc.edu.tw/) use high-pressure to force hot water through the finely ground roasting beans, making an even more robust and dense drink than regular drip coffee.
A high-end espresso machine will allow you to fine tune the water volume, grind size and dosage for a perfect extraction. It is recommended to choose one with an intuitive display, that is easy to understand and provides clear instructions on how you can make the perfect espresso. A portafilter that can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of espresso glasses is a good feature to have.
Once you've made it a habit of pulling an excellent shot, you can play with other drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, or even indulgence-filled desserts such as gelato or affogato. If you don't own an espresso maker, you can make these drinks at home using a high-quality coffee grinder and the cold brew container or instant coffee.
Most espresso drinks are based on one or more espresso shots, therefore the right espresso is vital for making the perfect drink. An espresso machines home machine that is well-made can produce shots that are sweet, rich and smooth. Keep in mind, though that the best espresso requires only 9 bars of pressure. The manufacturers who claim that their machines can be brewed with 10 bars of pressure are lying. The extra 3, 6, or 10 bars will increase the chance of a disappointing result.
Keep Your Machine Clean
To make the most delicious coffee, you require a clean espresso machine. A machine that is dirty can give bitter tastes and can clog filters and drips, requiring more frequent cleaning. The good part is that the process isn't too difficult and will make your machine last longer. To get the most value from your investment, it is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
Cleaning a basic espresso coffee maker is as simple as rinsing the filter basket and the water screen with warm, clear water. Based on how often you use it, certain parts of the machine might need to be cleaned more often, such as the portafilter as well as the group head.
A few times a week, you should scrub the group head and the water screen with a brush and hot soapy water to get rid of any coffee residue. Every three to four months, it's recommended to backflush the espresso machine by filling the water tank with white vinegar and ice water let the mixture sit for two hours and then flushing the system with hot water to eliminate any remaining residue.
To clean the espresso machine, take it apart it and wash every component that is removable with hot soapy water. Clean the drip tray every daily, as it could build up coffee grounds and spilled water that could clog your drains and attract pests. Make sure you keep a separate damp rag that is used only to wipe the steam wand, to avoid cross contamination.