Espresso Machine
The best way to make an excellent coffee
The system of espresso coffee machine was developed in the nineteenth century and really improved by Achille Gaggia in 1948.
A vintage automated
coffee machine
© Christer Torjussen
The principle of the espresso machine is the percolation under high pressure (9 atmospheres). Of water heated to 92-94 ° quickly through a fine grind coffee compressed into a metallic filter. The particles compacted member with a thin film of viscous oil.
The set is a dense maze of tiny air ducts. The resistance that the assembly being slightly less than the pressure of hot water, the liquid flowing at a speed of the order of one milliliter per second. The percolation ideal time is 30 seconds. You can easily check the quality of your espresso machine by the texture of the foam produced on the espresso.
If the foam is clear extraction is not sufficient due to a grinding too coarse, too low a temperature or time of extraction too short. If the cream is very dark and it is "holes" in its center, this means that the grind was too fine, or contrary to a quantity of coffee too. If mining is too long foam is white with big bubble, and in this case, the water was probably too hot. A retrieval too long also can be seen when there is very little foam at the center of the cup.
The maintenance of your espresso machine is essential to maintaining good quality espresso achieved. The first element is to check the filter, if not accumulate oils, rancid and turning black severely affecting the taste of your espresso. Professionals use TSP (Tri Sodium Phosphate) for maintenance but you can also use simple vinegar that made you go in the water tank. Vinegar will also descaled deep ducts of your machine.
Use a sponge scratch green hard surfaces and dishwashing liquid, then quickly rub the inside of the filter until you get a shiny metal. Place a spoonful of TSP in the filter if you have or 2 cups of vinegar in the water tank and pass 5 cycles with the product, then 5 cycles with clean water. I advise you to test the taste of your coffee before and after cleaning it will help you remember the taste of oils RANCIS sign that we must quickly clean your machine.