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Coffee Machine Espresso Espresso coffee machine makes an intense cup of coffee using hot water that is forced through tightly compacted grounds. There are many processes that take place behind the scenes to ensure consistency in quality. Temperature and pressure of water are the two most important elements. A good espresso machine will allow you to manage these variables for consistent flavor and extraction. Types The best espresso machines use high pressure to push hot water through tightly packed ground coffee. This method can brew 2 to 3 grams of the concentrated version of coffee, referred to as espresso and also produces the characteristic crema, which gives espresso its creamy texture. Espresso machines can create various coffee drinks, including cappuccinos, caffe lattes, and flat whites. Many coffee lovers like the taste and strength of espresso compared to other types of brewed coffee. Espresso makers are usually divided into four categories based on the level of automation: manual semi-automatic, automatic and super-automatic. Automated machines are designed for use at home and usually feature programmable drink sizes and an automated process. The most expensive models are capable of grinding and tamping beans, and steaming and frothing milk to make other drinks like cappuccino. Portafilters are commonly used in semi-automatic or piston-driven espresso machines. They are used to hold the tightly packed grounds of coffee, which are tamper-pressed. The handle is pulled to pressurize water, forcing the water through the grounds and releasing espresso. These machines offer the most authentic and hands-on brewing experiences, but they require more skill and attention to operate. Espresso machines that are fully automated are the most commonly used. These machines have an automatic pump that drives water that is pressurized into the coffee grounds and then through the extraction system. This results in espresso. They can be programmed to brew specific amounts of coffee with the push of a button, and they often have built-in sensors which adjust brewing variables like water temperature and extraction time. Bean-to-cup coffee and espresso machines have a filter which accepts pods and ground coffee. Most of these machines can produce multiple servings at once, and they can differ in their capacity for coffee-grinding size power and brew cycle speed, among other variables. Some of them offer grinding options for coffee, like whole bean or pre-ground. Some can also brew tea and other beverages that are not drinkable. These machines are cheaper than a large espresso machine but can be more costly over time and present a sustainability issue, because coffee pods are hard to recycle or biodegrade. Functions Espresso machines are designed to produce high-pressure water which forces itself through ground coffee making the thick, frothy beverage known as espresso. There are several machine designs however, they all share certain functions, including the ability to vary the fineness of the grind and pressure. They can also be used to make a number of different drinks, from simple single shots to extravagant cappuccinos. In addition, many espresso machines have steam wands that are used to heat and froth milk. The most well-known espresso machine available is the pump-driven model. These machines use an electronic pump that dispenses hot coffee grounds and water into the brew chamber, creating high pressure. They are available in automated, super-automatic and semi-automatic versions. Lever machines are more interactive than pump-driven machines. They have a portafilter which is a handle-shaped container which holds ground coffee, as well as the group head. The barista puts the portafilter inside the group head, and then locks it in place. The slots on the group head are aligned with the metal tabs of the lever. Once the portafilter is secured in place the lever is pulled down to create pressure that releases water through the grounds and creates an espresso shot. Many brands claim their products can reach 20 bars or more in pressure. However, espresso machine with milk frother required to make a great espresso is just nine. Another crucial aspect is water temperature that should be between 195 and 204 degrees Fahrenheit. A lot of professional and commercial machines use a separate boiler to heat the water up to the correct brewing temperature. However certain machines come with dual heater designs (also known as a dual boiler) that provide more flexibility. Unlike filter-based coffee makers, espresso machines can make a range of drinks with the touch of the button. They can be programmed to automatically adjust a variety of variables, like the size and temperature as well as the amount of water being poured. Some models even come with an integrated grinder, which allows you to start with fresh beans. A lot of models also have an electronic display that keeps track of important data like the temperature and time of the coffee. User-Friendliness A good espresso machine will give you a variety of drinks, ranging including double and single shots to cappuccinos and lattes. It should also offer the flexibility to use different types of beans as well as to adjust the grind size as needed. A quality coffee and espresso maker will also let you regulate important aspects like water temperature and pressure. Some models have digital, programmable PID controls which allow you to fine tune the temperature of the water. Some models may come with a built-in grinder that automatically adjusts the size of the ground coffee prior to it entering the portafilter. These features are helpful if you're new to espresso-making or don't have the patience or skill to manually grind and measure your own coffee. If you intend to drink your espresso with milk, search for a model that offers an additional steam wand for heating and frothing the liquid. Some machines also have separate hot-water spigots. If you are looking to make a large volume of espresso, consider getting an Italian-style double boiler espresso machine. It has two separate steam tanks as well as independent temperature controls. This kind of espresso maker is more expensive, however it offers more stability in the heat throughout the brewing process. Most espresso makers require some manual cleaning. Some models are self-cleaning, but most require daily cleaning the portafilter as well as the milk frother. Descale the machine each few months. When descalering a coffee or espresso maker, always unplug the unit first, and follow the directions in the user manual for specific instructions. The type of water you are using will affect the amount of mineral buildup inside your machine. Hard water has high levels of dissolved minerals, and can make it more difficult for descalers, whereas soft or filtered water is less demanding to use and lessens mineral buildup. Maintenance A well-maintained machine is essential to the success of any cafe. They work hard to produce delicious brews, and they deserve to be kept neat and tidy. Maintenance of your espresso machine should be a regular routine of daily cleaning and weekly descaling. Cleaning involves removing drip tray and waste container and washing them in warm, soapy, water. This includes cleaning the portafilters, and removing coffee grounds from each grouphead to avoid a buildup of coffee grounds which could affect the taste. You should also clean the milk containers and frothers and remove any stains or odors. Descaling eliminates mineral deposits, or limescale, from the inner workings of an espresso machine. This process is typically accomplished by using a commercial descaler that is compatible with your model and following the instructions of the manufacturer for use. Other maintenance tasks for the month include inspecting the gaskets and seals for signs of wear or damage which could lead to leaks. To avoid costly repairs, it's important to replace damaged or worn out parts. A monthly inspection should focus on the brew group mesh, which is where coffee residue and oils could build up. If the mesh isn't regularly cleaned, traces of the brew can linger in each cup of espresso your staff serves customers. It is also recommended that you test the hardness of your water every month to ensure your cafe is using high-quality water. The presence of high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) will cause your espresso machine to overwork and shorten its lifespan. Softening water systems are a great way to avoid expensive repair and replacement costs. Espresso machines are intricate pieces of machinery and each one has distinct requirements for care. Maintenance managers need to be aware of these complexities and to establish a consistent and reliable schedule for the maintenance of espresso machines. A digital system such as Xenia can also assist in coordinating preventive and scheduled maintenance, provide alerts for when tasks are due and track inventory efficiently to reduce the likelihood that unplanned downtime will occur. Xenia can also automate tasks to make the maintenance management process and improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.