Thanks to the outstanding modernism in coffee machine tech, you can now enjoy barista standard brew from the comfort of your kitchen. You just have to pick a quality coffee machine Australia model that meets your needs. Brewing your first cup with your new machine may not require much thought, but it’s worth getting it right. Here are 10 key tips to use and take care of your coffee maker over time:
1 Fresh Ingredients
Although only two ingredients are mostly used to make a cup of coffee, ground coffee and water, the quality of each is very important. Water can affect the flavour of the brew regardless of the machine you use. For best results, use freshly obtained cold water. Flush out any remaining water in the machine before you start brewing. On the other hand, freshly ground beans will give the coffee a superior consistency.
2 Right Dose
Fresh ingredients are important and so is the ratio of ground coffee to water. Make sure you weigh your ground coffee every time for consistent espresso shots. You can get a less intense shot with a ratio of 1:3, a medium with a ratio of 1:2, and a more intense one with a ratio of 1:1.
3 Time Your Extraction
It doesn’t matter which coffee maker you use, time is one thing that you can easily control. The recommended time for an espresso shot is 25 to 30 seconds. However, some coffee makers like a pod machine may have much quicker extraction time. A shorter extraction time results in a thin and weak brew, whereas a longer extraction time may produce bitter and harsh espresso.
4 Brew Strength Control
Take advantage of the brew strength control feature if your coffee machine Australia model has one. This setting will enable the machine to produce bold-brew coffee by extending the extraction time. But it’s something that you should only do if you want a stronger brew. The bold brew coffee may have bitter flavours.
5 Pause and Serve
You’ve probably come across this feature in some high-end coffee makers. You can activate it before the machine finishes brewing the coffee, remove the carafe and serve a cup. There’s an innovative valve design that temporarily stops coffee from flowing. You will have about 25 seconds to attach the carafe to the machine. Otherwise, coffee and water may overflow and spill.
6 Daily Cleaning
There are two ways you can do daily cleaning of your machine – by activating the self-clean cycle and through manual cleaning.
A self-clean cycle is a feature that comes built-in in some premium coffee-making machines. The feature will prompt you to add clean water and white vinegar to clean the brewing system. Some models may alert you when the machine needs cleaning.
Manual daily cleaning is also easy. Use a damp cloth to wipe clean steam wands, portafilters, and group heads. This regular cleaning technique will prevent the buildup of milk residue and coffee oils.
7 Backflush the Coffee Machine
It may reach a time when the flavour of your coffee changes even with a daily cleaning cycle. This is usually a sign that your coffee maker needs backflushing.
Backflushing is the process of forcing detergent and hot water back through the brew groups to remove and clean residue and coffee oils from the machine’s three-way valve, holding plate, shower screen, and groups. You should only do backflushing if you are certain your coffee maker has a three-way valve. You can check your owner’s manual for specifics about backflushing your machine.
It’s recommended to backflush your coffee maker once a week. But you can always incorporate this technique into your daily cleaning routine.
8 Descaling
As time goes by, your coffee machine may develop build-ups inside the pipes and boiler, which can seriously affect the flavour and overall taste of your coffee. In the worst-case scenario, excessive build-ups may end up damaging your coffee maker.
Descaling your machine regularly can help get rid of build-ups and keep the coffee maker running smoothly. You can use specialised descaling tablets or vinegar for this deep cleaning process of your coffee machine.
9 Steam Wand Maintenance
The one part of your combination coffee machine that can easily form build-ups is the steam wand. So, regular cleaning after every use is important. Use a damp cloth to remove any milk residue from the steam wand.
10 Water Filter Replacement
The tap water you are using is not entirely clean. It contains mineral deposits that will be building up on the water filter over time. Therefore, it is vital to replace the water filter regularly. Not only will you be preventing a buildup of mineral deposits but you will also be maintaining consistent brewing results.
Wrapping Up
The key to a delightful cup of Joe every morning is to know how to use and maintain your coffee machine. These tips will help transform you into a pro barista who knows what it takes to maintain smooth brewing results and increase the lifespan of the coffee machine.