Making Espresso, Tips For Great Espresso

Making Espresso

1.Be sure that the selector knob is in the vertical, or stand-by, position. Plug the cord into a 120 volt, AC outlet. Press the On/Off switch to turn on the machine. Both lights will illuminate. Press the Steam/Espresso button to the Espresso position. Preheat 3 minutes before use.

2.Remove the water container and the filter holder. Fill the water container with fresh, cold water and insert into the machine. Push the water container slightly down to open the valve. The water container lid will close properly only if the container is properly inserted and the valve is opened.

3.Insert one of the filters into the filter holder. Use the measuring spoon to fill the filter with ground coffee (one flat spoon per cup). Tamp the coffee down very slightly with tamper and clear any excess coffee grounds from the rim of the filter holder to assure proper fit of the filter holder into the machine. Level the coffee; do not tightly pack it. When inserting the filter holder, the handle points approximately 45 degrees to the left. When properly aligned, pull the filter holder to the right. The filter holder is inserted properly when the handle points to the front of the machine or slightly to the right.

Caution: If you do not insert a filter into the filter holder, it is not possible to tighten the filter holder. The filter holder could then come out of the machine while hot water runs through it.

4.Place one or two warm espresso cups underneath the two spouts of the filter holder. When the temperature light goes out, first make sure the Steam/Espresso button is in the espresso position. Then, turn the selector knob to the right brew position. If the ground coffee has the right fineness and is tamped correctly, it should take approximately 30 seconds to get dark espresso with crema on it.

5.Turn the selector knob to the vertical, or stand-by, position and remove the cup(s). Release the filter holder by turning it to the left.

Caution: When removing the filter holder there can still be hot water floating on top of the filter. Therefore, hold the filter holder steady as the metal parts are hot.

Push the thumbguard of the filter holder over the filter and knock out the coffee grounds. Rinse filter holder and filter under cold water to cool off any hot parts.

6.Repeat process for additional cups of espresso.

Steam Position

Stand-by Position

Brew Position

Tips For Great Espresso

•Espresso coffee is stronger than normal coffee and is made in small espresso cups. Very hot water passes under pressure through the ground coffee to obtain strong, black coffee.

•Crema, the bittersweet golden foam that tops an espresso, is the sign of a perfectly brewed cup of espresso.

•Espresso cups are also called demitasse cups and usually hold 2 to 2 1/2 ounces.

•Always warm your espresso cups before use by using the built-in cup warmer. Place the cups on the warmer (located on top of the espresso maker) while the unit is preheating.

•Great espresso is only achieved by using great espresso coffee, which has been well roasted and correctly ground. If ground espresso coffee is not available to you, use a coffee grinder to grind beans to the correct fineness.

•Espresso coffee should not be ground too fine but should contain small granules. If the grounds feel like flour, it is too fine; it should feel more like salt. Coffee ground too fine will block the filter and prevent water from passing through. Conversely, water will flow too fast through coffee that is too coarse and the full body of the coffee won’t be extracted

•If you are having your coffee ground at a retailer, specify that you would like it ground slightly more coarse than normal fineness for espresso.

•Use filtered or bottled water, if desired.

Using the Steam Nozzle

As long as your espresso maker is turned on and the filled water container is properly inserted, you can use the steam feature. There is no need to prepare espresso before using the steam feature (for example, if you want to use steamed milk in a hot cocoa drink). As soon as the temperature light goes out, first make sure the Steam/Espresso button is in the steam position. Then, turn the selector knob to the left steam position.

From now on, you will hear a knocking sound. The pump releases small drops of water into the heating system very quickly. The droplets are them immediately trans- formed into steam. As the knocking begins, a few drops of water might come out of the nozzle (place a sponge or empty cup underneath the steam nozzle to catch these water drops). After that, it will be all steam.

Detail of Selector Knob

BECR0010 specifications

The Wolfgang Puck BECR0010 is a remarkable kitchen appliance that brings professional-grade cooking right into the home. This multi-functional device is designed to simplify cooking while enhancing flavors and maintaining nutritional value. Its sleek, modern design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also engineered for practicality and durability.

One of the standout features of the BECR0010 is its versatility. It combines several cooking methods in one unit, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and even baking. This multifunctionality allows users to create a wide array of dishes, from tender stews to perfectly baked desserts, all with the touch of a button. Its programmable settings cater to various cooking preferences, making it an essential tool for home chefs looking to expand their culinary repertoire.

The appliance employs advanced technology to ensure consistent cooking results. It features a built-in pressure sensor that regulates the pressure and temperature, allowing for precision cooking. This not only reduces cooking times significantly but also helps in retaining the natural flavors and nutrients of the ingredients. The automatic keep-warm function maintains the temperature of the food until it's ready to be served, adding convenience for busy households.

Safety is a top priority with the BECR0010. It comes equipped with multiple safety features including a locking lid that ensures pressure does not build up until securely closed, and an overheat protection mechanism that prevents the appliance from overheating. These characteristics enhance user confidence and allow for safe operation, even for those new to pressure cooking.

Ease of use is further amplified by its intuitive control panel, which includes preset cooking programs tailored for common dishes like rice, soups, and meats. This user-friendly interface eliminates guesswork, ensuring that both novice cooks and experienced chefs can achieve perfect results every time.

Cleaning is hassle-free thanks to the removable inner pot, which is often made from non-stick materials. This feature allows for easy cleanup and ensures that food doesn't stick, making the cooking experience enjoyable from start to finish.

In conclusion, the Wolfgang Puck BECR0010 is an exemplary kitchen companion, designed to streamline the cooking process without sacrificing quality or safety. With its blend of functionality, advanced technology, and user-friendly design, it empowers individuals to explore their culinary creativity while enjoying home-cooked meals that are nutritious and flavorful.