KEEPING YOUR ESPRESSO MACHINE

HOW TO KEEP YOUR ESPRESSO MACHINE IN TOP-NOTCH CONDITION?

Espresso machine is working as an extend of baristas arms. Its duty is to offer 9 bars of water pressure to make espresso and steam to froth your milk. Simply put, professional machines can be divided to two different categories how their boilers are designed.

The most common type of espresso machine is with a HX or heat exchange boiler. Basically, there is a coffee boiler that is wrapped with a steam boiler. The water used to make the espressos is heated by the steam boiler and that’s why it´s called heat exchange boiler.

In HX boiler machine’s groups are heated with coffee water circulating from heat exchange to the groups and back. That is called convention when temperature difference makes the water to move inside the machine. Benefits of HX boiler is that there is minimal temperature difference between shots because the heat mass and because of their simplified build. Another advantage is that there isn’t that much parts that need service or maintenance.

Espresso machine that is maintained regularly, can last easily 10 or even more years. Espresso machines cost quite a bit so it’s really worth keeping a good care of it. Also of course it’s better for your espresso’s taste as well.

Dual boiler machine means that the water used to brew the espressos and the steam boilers are separated and they both have their own heating elements and you can adjust both of them separately. In dual boiler machine you are able to adjust the temperature of water so that it suits best for your coffee.

Some baristas like the steam pressure to be a bit lower and it’s possible to adjust the steam pressure without affecting your coffee water temperature. Powerful heating elements also make sure that there is always on demand hot water with minimal temperature difference between shots.

Making annual maintenance is the best way to keep your espresso machine in a top-notch condition all year around.

Water filters are the most cost efficient to reduce service bills, because one of the most common reasons to maintenance is calcification of the espresso machine. Even the best espresso machines need maintenance from time to time. Symptoms that tell you that your machine needs maintenance:

Your grouphead is leaking water while brewing. Grouphead gaskets needs to be replaced. The job that can be done also by yourself, ask next time your technician some tips how they can be changed.

Steam wand is leaking, or the wand feels stiff. Machine needs descaling or steam wand gaskets need to be replaced.

• Usually steam wand that is near to your grinder wears much faster than one on other side because most likely it’s used for more practically.

MATT INWOOD 3 WAYS WITH COFFEE

AFFOGATO

Matt Inwood is a phone Photographer and art director he has worked with many chefs creating book covers and food photography for their social content. These stunning coffee shots were his recent photo shoot at London Kindred.