Why Espresso Coffee Machine Might Be Your Next Big Obsession How to Properly Maintain and Clean an Espresso Coffee Machine

Espresso machines make use of pressure to push water through coffee grounds. This method of brewing produces an even stronger drink than drip coffee. The machines require nine bars of pressure in order to extract the flavor from the ground.

There are three primary types of espresso machines. They include manual, semiautomatic and fully automatic. Semiautomatic machines allow you to regulate the grinding, tamping and extraction times. They provide a balance between mechanical control and human-controlled.

Easy to use

The best espresso machines feature an intuitive interface. They come with an adjustable thermostat that helps keep the temperature of the water at a suitable level, and a pressure pump that raises the amount of water per shot. The higher pressure allows the grounds to dissolve faster and creates a crema of the perfect consistency. These machines include a milk frother for making espresso-based drinks, such as lattes and capspuccinos.

The steam-driven electric machines make use of an airtight container to warm water until it reaches boiling, and then release the pressure to create a shot of espresso. Although they're compact and affordable however, they only have 1 or 2 bars of pressure, which is less than 9 bars for espresso.

Semi-automatic espresso machines pump hot water into a filtration system that is filled with beans that have been ground and pretamped. The barista handles the extraction process, but has to manually grind, measure, and tamp the beans before each cup. While this model is more expensive than others it offers greater control and stability, according to Jai of Blank Street Cafe.

Full-automatic espresso makers are easier to use than semiautomatic espresso machines since they eliminate the barista's involvement in the making process. Most have built-in grinders that click into the portafilter. They automatically grind and dose the beans and can be adjusted to make various drinks. Some even include a milk hopper, and can create froths and pours milk for you.

Easy to clean

Espresso machines make use of higher pressure and heat than drip coffee makers to produce a thick, full-bodied shot. They also come with an automatic milk frothing system that enables you to make cappuccinos and lattes. As such, they require more frequent maintenance than drip machines that includes descalers and routine cleaning. The good news is that most espresso machines are simple to clean. Many of the models we have listed were made to make cleaning easier.

Most espresso machines come with portsafilters that hold the coffee grounds during the brewing. Some models feature a grouphead which is a collection of pieces that actually do the extraction. To keep these components free of gunk and grit you'll need to clean your machine every week. This involves cleaning and brushing the portafilter, locking it, and running the brew process multiple times. Backflushing is routinely done in a lot of coffeehouses, however at home, it should be done once a week.

It is best to use filtered or softened water, since it will reduce mineral accumulation and the need to descale. It is crucial to remember that a small amount of water is needed for extraction. Too much mineral can ruin the taste. Too little could result in weak, salty-tasting coffee. Maintaining your machine in good condition will ensure that it continues to function properly and taste delicious for the duration of time you have it.

Easy to maintain

An espresso machine is an impressive piece of equipment that lets you to serve a broad variety of coffee drinks. However, unlike a typical carafe coffee maker espresso machine requires a greater amount of temperature and pressure to produce the desired results. To achieve this, the machine has to be cleaned and maintained properly. Fortunately, you don't need to be a professional in order to keep your espresso machine running smoothly.

You'll want to clean the gasket at least once a week. This is where coffee oils build up and cause bitter taste of the espresso that has gone rancid. Backflush your group using water-espresso machine cleaner. You will also want to scrub the screen of your group including the crevices and nooks using a toothbrush made of nylon or Coffeetool.

It is also essential to clean the drip tray every day, as it collects the coffee waste that is generated from each brewing cycle. This can be a breeding ground of mold and bacteria that can affect the taste of your coffee. You'll also want to clean the exterior of your machine regularly to avoid the build-up of coffee and milk residue.

Consider using a milk system cleanser, that is designed to cleanse every component that comes in contact with milk. These products can be found in most grocery stores. They are also easy to use.

Repairable and easy to fix

A coffee maker or espresso maker is a great appliance to have in the home or office. Like any electrical appliance the espresso or coffee machine could fail from time to time. This can be frustrating particularly if your espresso or coffee maker isn't working. Most of these problems are easily fixable. In many cases, these issues result from an error or inadequate maintenance.

Check that the machine has been plugged in and is switched on. It is also essential to examine the water tank for blockages or clogs. If the problem persists then it's time to contact a professional technician.

Coffee and espresso machines may experience a variety of problems, including no power or heating, defective steam wands, or inability to create enough pressure. Some of these issues can be easily solved, while others require a more thorough investigation or cleaning. These tasks must be performed with extreme care and caution as many components could be damaged and fragile.


Consult a professional if you are unsure of how to fix your coffee or espresso machine to avoid costly repairs. It is also important to use correct tools and follow safe procedures when fixing espresso or coffee machines. Be aware that some brands only allow their coffee or espresso machines to be repaired by a national repair facility that is certified.