Coffee Making Tips Preparation, Pre-Heating

COFFEE MAKING TIPS & PREPARATION

COFFEE MAKING TIPS

& PREPARATION

PRE-HEATING

Heating your cup or glass

A warm cup will help maintain the coffee’s optimal temperature. Pre-heat your cup by rinsing with hot water from the Hot Water outlet and place on the cup warming tray.

Heating the portafilter and filter basket

A cold portafilter and filter basket can reduce the extraction temperature enough to significantly affect the quality of your espresso. Always ensure the portafilter and filter basket are pre-heated with hot water from the Hot Water outlet before initial use.

NOTE

Always wipe the portafilter and filter basket dry before dosing with ground coffee as moisture can encourage ‘channeling’ where water by-passes the ground coffee during extraction.

Dual Wall Filter Baskets

Use Dual Wall filter baskets if using pre-ground coffee.

Dual Wall filter baskets regulate the pressure and help to optimize the extraction regardless of the grind, dose, tamp pressure or freshness.

NOTE

Regardless of whether you use Single Wall or Dual Wall filter baskets, use the 1 cup basket when brewing a single cup and the 2 cup basket when brewing two cups or a stronger single cup or mug.

SELECTING FILTER BASKET

Single Wall Filter Baskets

Use Single Wall filter baskets if grinding fresh whole coffee beans.

Single Wall filter baskets allow you to experiment with grind, dose and tamp to create a more balanced espresso.

THE GRIND

If grinding coffee beans, the grind size should be fine but not too fine. The grind size will affect the rate at which the water flows through the ground coffee in the filter basket and the taste of the espresso.

If the grind is too fine (looks like powder and feels like flour when rubbed between fingers), the water will not flow through the coffee even when under pressure. The resulting espresso will be OVER- EXTRACTED, dark in color and bitter in flavor.

If the grind is too coarse the water will flow through the ground coffee in the filter basket too quickly. The resulting espresso will be UNDER-EXTRACTED and lacking in color and flavor.

BES900XL specifications

The Breville BES900XL, also known as the Dual Boiler Espresso Machine, is a high-performance espresso maker designed for home baristas who seek professional quality in the comfort of their kitchen. This machine combines innovative technology with user-friendly features to create exceptional espresso beverages, making it a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of the BES900XL is its dual boiler system. Unlike traditional espresso machines that use a single boiler for both brewing and steaming, this model utilizes two separate stainless steel boilers. This design allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming, which is essential for producing café-quality drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. With the ability to maintain consistent temperatures, the dual boilers ensure that the espresso extraction and milk frothing processes occur perfectly.

Temperature control is another key characteristic of the Breville BES900XL. It offers precise PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) temperature control, which enables users to select and maintain the ideal brewing temperature. This precision is critical for extracting the best flavors and aromas from coffee grounds, enhancing the overall espresso experience.

Additionally, the BES900XL features a shot clock, which helps users monitor the timing of their espresso extraction. This built-in timer assists in achieving the ideal shot duration, allowing for a more consistent and delicious brew. The machine also boasts a large water tank with a capacity of 84 ounces, reducing the frequency of refills during busy brewing sessions.

The BES900XL is equipped with a powerful steam wand for frothing milk. This steam wand features a 360-degree rotation, enabling baristas to create various milk textures and designs with ease. The manual control allows users to adjust the pressure and steam as needed, ensuring that they can achieve the desired microfoam for their coffee creations.

Durability is another essential aspect of the Breville BES900XL, which is built with high-quality materials and components. Its brushed stainless steel construction not only gives it a sleek appearance but also ensures longevity and resilience in daily use.

With its wealth of features, including dual boilers, precise temperature control, and a powerful steam wand, the Breville BES900XL caters to coffee lovers looking to elevate their espresso-making skills. Whether crafting a morning espresso or delivering a sophisticated latte art, this machine empowers users to achieve professional results at home.