Sunbeam EM4820 manual Secrets to the perfect cup

Secrets to the perfect cup

With a Sunbeam pump espresso machine and a little experience, you can create café-quality coffee at home. Here are a few helpful suggestions:

•The origin of the bean and roasting will affect the taste of the espresso, so test different brands and blends of coffee to find the one you like best.

•The grind of the coffee is critical. Vary the degree of grinding to find the right fineness for the coffee beans being used.

•A regular shot of espresso, the base of all cafe coffees, is approximately 30mls. The shot of espresso is a concentrate, so you will need to vary the quantity of milk and additional hot water to determine the strength and volume of the coffee. If you are using a large cup or mug you may require a double shot of espresso, rather than just a single shot depending on your taste.

•Ensure your coffee grinds are ‘tamped’ evenly. ‘Tamping’ refers to the amount of pressure with which coffee grinds are packed into the filter.

•If your espresso pours too slowly, tamp the coffee grind more lightly, or try a coarser grind.

•If your espresso is thin and watery, tamp the coffee grinds harder, or try a finer grind.

•Always use cold milk and a clean stainless steel jug when texturing milk.

•Always use the freshest beans or ground coffee available and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place.

•Whole coffee beans stay fresh longer than pre-ground coffee.

•When grinding your own coffee, never grind more than you will use for immediate use. Once ground, the coffee will begin to loose its goodness.

•Pre-warm cups prior to making an espresso, either by filling with hot water or placing on the warming plate.

•Once prepared, serve coffee immediately.

•Keep your espresso machine clean and thoroughly rinsed. Run water through the brewing head and flush the steaming nozzle in fresh water after each use.

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