COFFEE MAKING TIPS

TIPS ON MAKING THE

PERFECT ESPRESSO

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

WATER FLOW

If you’re making an espresso, make sure the water flows through the coffee filter at the correct rate. If it’s too slow, the coffee will be over-extracted - too dark and bitter, with a mottled and uneven crema on top. If it flows too quickly, the coffee will be under- extracted - the proper flavor won’t have had time to develop. You can adjust the water flow by tamping (pressing down) the coffee firmly or by changing the grind of the coffee.

THE COFFEE

Pre-ground coffee will only retain its flavor for 1 week, provided it is stored in an air tight container, in a cool, dark area. Whole coffee beans are recommended and should be ground just before use. Coffee beans stored in an airtight container will keep up to 1 month before they begin to lose their flavor. Do not store in a refrigerator freezer.

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THE GRIND

1.If using pre-ground coffee, ensure you purchase an espresso grind for espresso/cappuccino machines.

2.If grinding your own beans the coffee must be ground fine, but not too fine. It can affect the taste and the rate the water flows through it.

3.If the grind is too fine, the water will not flow through the coffee even under pressure (this grind looks like powder and feels like flour when rubbed between fingers).

4.If the grind is too coarse, the water flows through the coffee too fast, preventing a full flavored extraction.

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

PROBLEMPOSSIBLE CAUSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee does not run through

• Machine is not turned on or plugged in

 

 

 

• Water tank is empty

 

 

 

• Selector Control not in ‘ESPRESSO’ position

 

 

 

• Coffee grind is too fine

 

 

 

• Too much coffee in the filter

 

 

 

• The filter is blocked (see Care and Cleaning)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee runs out too quickly

• Coffee grind is too coarse

 

 

 

• Not enough coffee in the filter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee runs too slowly

• The water tank is empty or low

 

 

 

• Coffee grind is too fine

 

 

 

• Machine is blocked by scale build up

 

 

 

(see Care and Cleaning)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee runs out around the

• Filter holder is not inserted in

 

 

edge of the filter holder

the brew head properly

 

 

 

• There are coffee grounds

 

 

 

around the filter rim

 

 

 

• Too much coffee in the filter

 

 

 

• Coffee has been tamped too tightly

 

 

 

 

 

 

The machine is too loud

• Water tank is empty

 

 

 

• Water tank is not securely in place

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee is too weak or watery

• Coffee grind is not fine enough

 

 

 

(use coffee ground for espresso machines)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee is too cold

• Machine not preheated

 

 

 

• Cups not preheated

 

 

 

• Milk not heated enough

 

 

 

(if making a cappuccino or latte)

 

 

 

 

 

 

No crema

• Coffee is not tamped (pressed)

 

 

 

firmly enough

 

 

 

• Coffee grind is too coarse

 

 

 

• Coffee is not fresh

 

 

 

 

 

 

No steam is generated

• Machine is not turned on

 

 

 

• Water tank is empty

 

 

 

• Selector Control not in ‘STEAM’ position

 

 

 

• Steam wand is blocked

 

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(see Care and Cleaning)

 

 

 

 

 

Milk is not foamy after frothing

• Not enough steam

 

 

 

• Milk is not fresh and cold