Secrets to the perfect cup
With a Sunbeam pump espresso machine and a little experience, you can create
•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, 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 steaming.
•Don’t boil the milk when steaming. The ideal temperature is when the jug becomes too hot to touch.
•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
•When grinding your own coffee, never grind more than you will use for immediate use. Once ground, the coffee will begin to loose it’s goodness.
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•Always use cold milk and a clean stainless jug when texturing milk.
•Do not boil the milk when texturing. The ideal temperature is when the jug becomes too hot to touch.
•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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