TECHNIQUES

OF A BARISTA

Great Tasting Water

An often overlooked element of great espresso is the brew water. If you don’t enjoy the flavor of your tap water, don’t use it to brew espresso – use bottled, purified water instead. Since it doesn’t take long for fresh water to acquire a “flat” quality and taste, it’s also a good idea to change the water in the reservoir often and refill the boilers after a long period of non-use.

Do not use mineral water or distilled water – they can damage the espresso machine.

The Right Grind – and Grinder

Espresso demands a very fine, very consistent grind. Blade grinders and inexpensive burr grinders usually fall short when it comes to producing the grinds needed for outstanding espresso.

The best espresso requires a quality burr grinder, like the PRO LINE™ Series Burr Coffee Mill. A good burr grinder will maximize the flavor and aroma of espresso by producing an extremely consistent grind with very little frictional heating,

Espresso Brewing Technique

Brewing Temperature

Water temperature and temperature consistency have a direct impact on the flavor of espresso. Great espresso comes from brewing at an optimum temperature, ideally between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Modern boilers and thermostats excel at producing and maintaining the right temperature, but there is a complicating factor that is a major concern for baristas: maintaining heat in the brew group.

If water is pumped from the boiler at a near perfect 200° F, but flows into a portafilter that’s at room temperature, the water will cool dramatically – and the actual brewing temperature will be far less than what the best espresso requires. If the water temperature drops below 195º F, the espresso might still exhibit good crema, but it will acquire a distinctly bitter or sour note.

To Insure Proper Brewing Temperature:

•Always attach the portafilter (with filter basket) to the brew head when the espresso machine is heating. This warms the filter.

•Always wait until the boilers are fully heated before brewing – at least 6 minutes.

•Dose and tamp your coffee quickly, and brew immediately. This prevents the portafilter from cooling significantly.

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KitchenAid KPES100 manual Espresso Brewing Technique, Great Tasting Water, Right Grind and Grinder, Brewing Temperature
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KPES100 specifications

The KitchenAid KPES100 is a sophisticated kitchen appliance designed for those who appreciate the art of cooking and the efficiency of modern technology. This electric stand mixer combines style, durability, and functionality, making it a staple in any culinary space.

One of the standout features of the KPES100 is its powerful 1.3 horsepower motor, which delivers impressive mixing performance to handle a variety of tasks. This robust motor ensures consistent results whether you're kneading dough, whipping cream, or mixing batter. The mixer comes with multiple speed settings, ranging from gentle stirring to high-speed whipping, giving users flexibility for different recipes and ingredients.

Another key characteristic of the KitchenAid KPES100 is its 4.5-quart stainless steel mixing bowl. The bowl is not only durable but also features a comfortable handle for easy pouring and handling. The bowl’s polished surface is easy to clean, making it a practical choice for any busy kitchen. Additionally, the bowl is dishwasher safe, simplifying the cleanup process after culinary endeavors.

The KPES100 incorporates the Planetary Mixing Action technology, which ensures that the mixing attachment moves in one direction while the bowl rotates in the other. This allows for thorough ingredient incorporation, achieving better mixing results than traditional mixers. This technology is particularly beneficial when working with thick doughs or heavy batters, as it ensures that all ingredients are evenly mixed.

Included with the mixer are several attachments, including a dough hook, a wire whip, and a flat beater, allowing users to tackle a wide range of recipes right out of the box. The easy-to-use attachment system also means that additional accessories can be purchased separately, expanding the mixer’s versatility.

Design-wise, the KPES100 showcases KitchenAid’s signature aesthetic, featuring a sleek and stylish profile available in multiple colors to match any kitchen decor. Its robust construction ensures longevity, while the non-slip feet provide stability during operation.

In summary, the KitchenAid KPES100 stand mixer is a powerful and versatile appliance that combines innovative technology with timeless design. Its efficiency, durability, and range of attachments make it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike, helping to elevate the cooking experience in any home.
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