How to Properly Maintain and Clean an Espresso Coffee Machine

Espresso machines make use of pressure to force water through coffee grounds. This type of brewing results in stronger beverages than drip coffee. The machines require 9 bars of pressure to extract flavor from the coffee grounds.

There are three primary kinds of espresso machines. They include manual, semiautomatic and fully automatic. Semiautomatic machines let you control grinding, tamping and Espresso Coffee Machine extraction time. They provide a great balance between human control and machine reliability.

Easy to use

The top espresso machines come with an intuitive interface. They come with an adjustable thermostat to keep the temperature of the water at a suitable level and a pressure pump that increases the amount of water used per shot. The higher pressure allows grounds to dissolve more quickly and creates a whipped cream of the perfect consistency. They also have a milk frother to make espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

Traditional electric steam-driven espresso machines utilize an air-tight container to heat the water until it is at a boiling point, and then release the pressure into a shot of coffee. They are compact and cheap, but they only reach 1-2 bar of pressure. This is less than the ideal 9 bars for espresso.

Semi-automatic retro espresso maker machines dispense hot water into a portafilter that is filled with pre-best ground coffee for espresso machine and pretamped beans. The barista handles the extraction process, but has to manually measure grind, grind and then tamp each cup of beans. This machine is more expensive, but it is more reliable and stability. Jai from Blank Street Cafe says.

Full-automatic espresso makers are easier to use than semiautomatic machines because they remove the barista's involvement in the coffee making process. Most come with built-in grinders that plug into the portafilter. They automatically grind and dose the beans and can be adjusted to make different drinks. Some machines come with a milk hopper that can foam milk and then pour it to you.

Easy to clean

Espresso machines produce a more dense, more full-bodied shot by making use of higher temperatures and pressure than drip coffee makers. They also come with a milk-frothing system that lets you to make cappuccinos and lattes. They require more care than drip machines, such as regular cleaning and descale. Fortunately that the majority of espresso machines are very easy to clean. Several models on our list are specifically designed to make cleaning a breeze.

Get help from a professional if are unsure about how to fix your coffee or espresso machine to avoid costly repairs. In addition, you must always use the appropriate tools and follow safe techniques when repairing coffee or espresso machines. Be aware that some brands only allow their coffee or retro espresso maker machines to be repaired by a repair center in the nation that is certified.