Archive for the ‘coffee’ tag
How to Use Semi Automatic Espresso Machines
Semi automatic espresso machines are a popular choice for the coffee enthusiast who wants a good quality machine for home use that produces an espresso with excellent quality and flavor. Semi automatic machines include an automated pump and temperature controls but the user must decide the right time to turn the pump off. An example of this type of machine is the Krups espresso machine.
Semi automatic espresso machines will normally take ground coffee or pre filled coffee pods. If buying or grinding your own coffee, be sure that it is ground to a fine grade that is suitable for use in your coffee machines. Grinding your own coffee will result in a fresher and fuller flavor than using pre ground coffee. Coffee pods greatly reduce the mess and clean up required using the machine and are most suitable for use in offices and the like where the machines will be used frequently by different people.
It is advisable to use filtered water in your coffee machine to result in a purer tasting coffee and a reduced build up of minerals inside the boiler and tubing of the machine, which will need to be periodically removed with a chemical solution.
To use your machine, first fill the filter basket with coffee grinds and tamp it down to ensure an even pressure of water through the grounds when brewing the coffee. Some machines come with different size filter baskets for making a single or double espresso – you will need about 14g of coffee for a double shot.
After fitting the filter basket to the machine and filling the reservoir with water, you just need to flip the on switch to start boiling the water and brewing coffee. Some models will let you adjust the pressure and speed of the water flow to change the taste and strength of the espresso produced. When your coffee has finished brewing all you need to do is turn off the coffee maker and enjoy your perfect espresso!
