Servicing My Espresso Machine
I love a good cup of cappuccino - it can be a great start to the day and a pleasant afternoon pick-me-up. My home espresso machine gets a lot of use, so of course, I keep it very clean. Coffee beans contain essential oils and over time, the residue from those oils can stick to the machine's components and alter the flavor of the beverages. Regular cleaning not only maintains the quality of the coffee but also extends the life of the machine.
Yesterday, Kobrick Coffee's service and equipment manager, Donald Ibrekic, came out to my farm to do some work on my Winter House espresso machine. Donald has been servicing my machines for several years. He also gave us some helpful tips for maintaining the units in-between visits, so every cup of coffee, especially my delicious Fair Trade Organic Martha Stewart Coffees roasted by Barrie House, tastes perfect. Now, varieties of my coffee are also available at seven Stew Leonard's locations in Connecticut and Westchester, New York - see my Instagram post on @MarthaStewart48.
Enjoy these photos.
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- Donald starts with some regular cleaning on my La San Marco espresso machine. Any commercial-grade espresso machine should be back-flushed every day to reduce oil and residue build-up.
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- Donald unscrewed all the panels on the machine and inspected all the inner components.
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- It’s important to keep the steam wand clean. Donald inserts the tip of his cleaning tool into the opening of the steam wand to remove any built-up residue. He says this can also be done with a straightened paper clip. Be sure to purge and wipe the steam wand after each use and try to run a shot of clean water through it after every brewing session.
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- Donald removes the tip to check for any other build-up.
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- Once all the connections on the machine are clean, he screws the panel back on covering all the mechanicals.
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- Next, he flushes the residue out of the system and cleans the valve of grind deposits, so it seals properly when used.
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- Underneath the machine is the water filter and pump. The filter’s cartridge should be changed every four to six months depending on how much the machine is used. Machines work best when used regularly, so water is constantly moving through the unit. It is also advised to keep the machine on at all times.
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- This is the old filter, which is ready to be replaced. The carbon filter cartridge removes impurities and softens the incoming water to the espresso machine and helps to reduce damaging mineral buildup.
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- The model of the filter cartridge needed depends on the type and quality of water used in the home.
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- Donald returns the cover to the top of the machine. This is where cups can sit and dry after being washed.
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- On this machine, the last button on the panel above each portafilter indicates the backflush function is in process – clean water moves through the machine and flushes out the components that come in contact with the water and coffee grounds.
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- Donald went through the basic functions of the machine to assess what parts, if any, needed replacing. Now he removes the gaskets. Worn or dirty gaskets and screens feel stiff when the portafilter is used.
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- These are the worn gaskets – notice they are so stiff they broke when removed – they should actually be quite flexible.
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- The screen on the top right shows the dirt and residue that accumulated. The bottom screens are examples of new and cleaned parts. The top left is a new and clean gasket.
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- Donald grinds some coffee beans to test the machine.
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- He tamps down the finely ground coffee before using it.
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- After every shot, it’s important to dispose of the grounds and rinse the portafilter.
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- Now the shots of espresso pour easily and smoothly into the cup.
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- Do you know the difference between a cappuccino and a latte? A cappuccino is made using a shot of espresso with steamed milk and milk foam. Typically, it contains equal parts of each and is made up of about 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foamed milk. Lattes have a more mild, slightly sweet flavor as they contain a greater proportion of steamed milk.
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- Donald made a latte to ensure everything was in perfect order. This cup tasted great. A good, thorough cleaning made a big difference.
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- Lastly, wipe down the machine with a damp dishtowel once everything is cleaned and all components are in their proper places. The machine is now ready to use.
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