Coffee Making Tips

Tips On Making The Perfect Espresso

Don’t just rely on your coffee machine to do all the work. Making a good cup of coffee is: an art.

Warming Your Cup Or Glass

A warm cup will help maintain the coffee’s optimal temperature. Preheat your cup by storing on the cup warming tray or rinsing with hot water from the group head.

Warming The Filter Holder

A cold filter holder can drop the extraction temperature enough to significantly affect the quality of your coffee. Always ensure the filter holder is preheated by running hot water through it before tamping it with coffee.

NOTE:

Always wipe the filter and filter holder dry before tamping with ground coffee as moisture can encourage ‘drilling’ - this is when water bypasses the ground coffee during extraction.

The Grind

If using a pre-ground coffee, ensure an espresso grind suitable for espresso/ cappuccino machines is purchased.

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

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 coffee will be over extracted, too dark and bitter, with a mottled and uneven créma on top.

If the grind is too coarse the water will flow through the coffee too quickly. This will result in an under-extracted coffee lacking in flavor and without the thick créma on the top layer of coffee.

The Right Measurement

A single shot of espresso is made with

¼ounce or 7g of coffee. A single level measure of the tamp/spoon is the correct amount of coffee for a single espresso. Two level measures of the tamp/spoon is the correct amount of coffee for a double espresso. It is important to use the correct filter for the amount of coffee. Single cup filter for a single espresso. Two cup filter for a double espresso or two single espressos at the same time.

Tamping Correctly

Level the desired amount of coffee by gently tapping the side of the filter holder before pressing down firmly with the tamping end of the measuring spoon.

When packing for a double espresso it is important only to tamp after the second measure. Tamping between measures will create a layer in the coffee that can impede full extraction.

Purge The Group Head

Before inserting the filter holder, run some water through the group head. It will ensure that your machine has a last minute ‘clean through’ and stabilizes the temperature prior to extracting.

NOTE:

Make sure to wipe off any excess coffee from the rim of the filter to ensure a proper seal is achieved under the group head.

BES250XL specifications

The Breville BES250XL, also known as the Infuser Espresso Machine, stands out as a versatile and efficient tool for coffee enthusiasts and baristas alike. With a sleek design and an array of sophisticated features, this machine is crafted to deliver a café-quality espresso experience right in the comfort of your home.

One of the defining characteristics of the BES250XL is its precise temperature control system. The machine employs a digital PID temperature control, which ensures that the water is consistently heated to the ideal extraction temperature. This is vital for achieving the rich flavors and aromas that characterize a perfect espresso shot. With the ability to maintain stability and precision, users can enjoy optimal extraction results, whether they prefer lighter or more robust coffee profiles.

Another noteworthy feature of the Breville Infuser is its 15-bar Italian pump. This powerful pump creates the necessary pressure to extract espresso from the coffee grounds effectively. Coupled with the pre-infusion function, the BES250XL gradually increases the pressure at the beginning of the extraction process. This pre-soaking allows for a more even saturation of the coffee grounds, enhancing the overall flavor and consistency of each cup.

The machine also boasts a generous water tank capacity of 61 ounces, which is removable for easy filling and cleaning. This feature allows users to brew multiple shots of espresso without frequent refills. Additionally, the BES250XL is equipped with a 360-degree swivel steam wand, perfect for frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The steam wand creates microfoam, achieving the velvety consistency that every coffee lover craves.

From a design perspective, the Breville BES250XL is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Its polished stainless steel housing not only adds a modern touch to any kitchen but also ensures durability. The intuitive control panel includes an easy-to-read LCD screen that provides essential information about the brewing process and allows for user-friendly operation.

In conclusion, the Breville BES250XL Infuser Espresso Machine is a high-quality appliance that combines advanced technologies with user-friendly features. With its precise temperature control, powerful pressure system, ample water capacity, and exceptional steam capabilities, it offers a complete espresso-making experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced barista, this machine will elevate your coffee brewing to new heights.