STACK #262 August 2026

TECH FEATURE

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Want to get more from your coffee machine? A few simple habits can improve flavour, keep your machine performing at its best, and help every cup taste even better. Words Scott Hocking Better COFFEE starts here

Common mistakes almost every co ee machine owner makes Leaving beans in the hopper for weeks instead of keeping them fresh Ignoring cleaning and descaling reminders Using warm milk instead of cold for frothing

Never adjusting strength or grind settings to suit different beans

Unlock everything your co ee machine can do Modern coffee machines are packed with clever features, but you might only use a handful of them. Spend a few minutes exploring the menus and you could discover new ways to personalise your coffee, save time, and enjoy a wider range of drinks. Many machines can store personalised drink profiles, letting everyone in the household save their preferred coffee strength, cup size, and milk settings for one-touch convenience. One machine, dozens of drinks There’s more to explore than espresso. Most machines can prepare cappuccinos, flat whites, lattes, macchiatos, long blacks, and more with the simple press of a button. Technology does the hard work Barista guidance, automatic grind recommendations, intelligent extraction, and adaptive brewing tech help remove much of the guesswork, so it’s easier to achieve consistent results. Small tweaks, big difference Adjusting coffee volume, milk texture, or drink temperature lets you tailor each Your coffee machine can remember you

Fresh beans make a difference

Cold milk froths better Whether you use dairy or plant-based alternatives, keeping milk

Coffee beans gradually lose flavour once exposed to air. Consider buying smaller quantities,

store them in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight, and only fill the bean hopper with what you'll use over the next week or two. Fresher beans usually mean better flavour in your cup.

well chilled before frothing can noticeably improve texture and consistency. Cold milk generally creates smoother, silkier microfoam.

Don't skip the clean cycle

Automatic rinse and cleaning programs remove coffee oils and milk residue that gradually affect flavour and the performance of your machine. Running these cycles when prompted can help every coffee to taste its best, while reducing long-term maintenance.

Experiment before changing beans Before buying different beans, try adjusting

Filtered water tastes better Using fresh filtered water can improve flavour while helping reduce mineral build-up inside the machine and the need for frequent descaling.

coffee strength, grind size, extraction volume, or milk texture. Small changes can often produce a surprisingly different flavour and could help you find your ideal cup.

Build your own coffee routine

recipe to suit your favourite mug and personal taste. A few simple changes could transform your daily coffee. Chill out Many of today's machines can also prepare iced coffee, cold brew, or chilled coffee recipes alongside traditional espresso brews.

Good coffee at home isn’t just about the machine, it’s about creating a routine that works for you. Consider when, how, and why you drink coffee, then set your machine up around that routine. If mornings are rushed, save a simple one-touch favourite so your go-to coffee is ready in a flash. On weekends, experiment with different recipes, milk textures, iced coffee, or a stronger brew. Households with multiple coffee drinkers can benefit from user profiles or saved favourites. One might prefer a short, strong espresso, while another wants a larger milk coffee in a favourite mug. Setting these up once can save time every day. Make keeping the machine ready for the next coffee part of your routine. Top up the water tank, empty the grounds container, rinse milk parts, and check beans. That way, your coffee machine becomes a part of your daily ritual rather than just another appliance on the kitchen bench.

20 AUGUST 2026

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