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TECH FEATURE

SPILLING THE BEANS ON COFFEE MACHINES continued

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The daily grind Perfectly ground coffee beans are the foundation of a flavoursome brew and many automatic and manual coffee machines have an integrated grinder to simplify preparation. This is likely to be a conical burr grinder, which evenly crushes the beans – if the grind is not consistent (either too coarse or

that flushes the system, as well as dishwasher-safe components. Drip trays and capsule/grounds containers are easily removable for emptying, and the steam wand/milk frother should be wiped down after each use. The build-up of minerals – or limescale – from water

too fine) it can affect the extraction process and ultimately the flavour. If you opt for a machine without an inbuilt grinder, you can pick up a standalone grinder separately to enjoy the full-bodied flavour of freshly ground beans.

can affect both the machine’s performance and the taste of the coffee, so descaling should be carried out every few months, depending on usage. Automatic and capsule machines can have a handy inbuilt descaling cycle; otherwise a bottle of descaling solution will do the trick. Many machines will alert you when it’s time for descaling. Convenient connections Some machines feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to connect to a companion app for

Milk systems Velvety milk microfoam is the icing on top of a cappuccino or latte – particularly if you want to add an artistic flourish – and milk-frothing systems can differ between machines. Some use a steam wand, which can take a bit of practice to avoid scalding the milk, while others have a milk carafe attached to the machine that automatically froths to a preset recipe. While full cream dairy milk generally delivers the best microfoam, alternative plant-based milks like soy or oat will froth up

TOP TIP A common misconception is that coffee stays fresher when it’s stored in the fridge. Moisture or condensation will affect the taste and the coffee can also absorb aromas from the fridge, so it should always be kept in an airtight container in the pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight. However, fresh beans can be frozen for long-term storage without losing their flavour.

adjusting settings and remote control using a smartphone, and to receive automatic software updates.

equally well (see page 52) . Keeping it clean

The life of your coffee machine can be prolonged with regular cleaning. If this sounds like a chore, the good news is that many models have a self-clean function

We asked Irene Stavrakakis, owner of the Lumberjack Café in Richmond, Victoria, for five top tips to make great coffee at home. TIPS OF THE TRADE

1 Invest in quality equipment, both espresso machine and separate grinder. 2 Buy small batch roasted beans. They will be more consistent and fresher than supermarket brands. Beans are at their optimum around 12 days from roasting. 3 Every coffee bean and espresso machine is unique

and it takes time and patience to unlock the perfect recipe. Generally, 21-23 grams of ground coffee for a double group head extracting at 28-30 seconds should produce a rich brew, and 11-12 grams in a single group, with a similar extraction. Use scales to weigh your shots and then work on extraction. 4 Understand the importance of the grind. If it is pouring

too fast, go finer; too slow, go coarser. Adjust slowly, as equipment can be sensitive. As you're churning through the beans to find the perfect sweet spot, pay equal attention to the pressure you apply when tamping. 5 Keep your equipment clean and serviced. Accumulated oils in the grinder will go rancid and affect the flavours.

44 AUGUST 2023

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