Archive for September, 2009
Decalcifying an Espresso Machine Step-by-Step
Yesterday we discussed the detriments of making a morning cup of joe with a calcified espresso machine. Needless to say, the gunky buildup affects both the taste of the final product – which should always be of utmost concern – and the efficiency with which it’s brewed. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to the problem: an espresso machine decalcifier. Although some machines perform this function automatically, they tend to be more than a little pricy.
To perform this routine bit of maintenance, you’ll need a stand-alone decalcifying cleaner and a large container capable of holding several cups of water. First, remove the water reservoir from the coffee machine, empty it, and refill with warm water. Add a bottle of decalcifier to the reservoir and stir. Then reattach the reservoir and turn the machine on. Place your empty container beneath the steam wand, toggle the machine to feed out hot water, and open the steam valve.
Wait until all of the liquid has drained into the container, then ditch the contents. Now it’s time for the rinse cycle. First rinse the reservoir manually in the sink. Next, fill with water and replace it on the machine. Run the water through the machine once more. When this final step is complete, your espresso machine will be effectively descaled. Time to enjoy a clean, crisp espresso.
Those who value the delightfully bitter flavor of fresh coffee in the morning might notice an unpleasant change in taste over time. It turns out that home coffee makers must be descaled or decalcified on a regular basis for a number of reasons. First, it keeps coffee tasting like coffee and not some alien substance that looks, smells and ALMOST tastes like the real thing. Second, descaling extends the life of the machine itself.
Over time, calcium and mineral deposits create an unpleasant buildup inside the machine’s boiler and tubing. It’s basically the equivalent of having hard water in your coffee. And who would want to drink the stuff that leaves hair flat and lather-free in the shower? As lines and valves inside the machine become clogged with buildup, the machine’s ability to function normally becomes impaired.
Espresso just doesn’t taste right without frothed milk, so it’s imperative that an espresso decalcifier is used to remedy the problem. Your machine’s user manual should denote which specific type of descaler is intended for use. The process should be undertaken about once every three months, or more often if you have hard water. In our next installment, we’ll discuss ways to descale a super automatic espresso machine in lieu of an automatic decalcification system.
If you’ve ever been invited to a wedding as an adult, I’m sure you’re somewhat familiar with bridal registry; the female wish list of home décor as many men have been known to call it. As a guest it’s your responsibility to choose a store from the list, and then venture to that location to then choose from a hand-selected list of the bride’s wants – how exciting. This method is a fool-proof way to guarantee the newly weds only receive presents they have preapproved.
However, when the couple splits up two weeks before the wedding and you get stuck with the hundred dollar espresso machine, their fool-proof system indeed makes you feel like a fool. The nightmare of returning department store merchandise is unbearable. And because I don’t drink coffee, I ended up turning my new espresso machine into a decorative plant holder for my kitchen. Now I wait until just days before the wedding to make my purchase.