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TECH FEATURE

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Even and consistent tamping is important to allow the water to absorb the flavour of the roasted beans. If the tamp is too tight it will reduce extraction and the amount of coffee; too loose and extraction will be faster, resulting in weaker coffee with little crema. First tamp with a little pressure to form the puck and then apply more force to remove any spaces between the grounds.

Breville the Barista Express Impress Manual Coffee Machine An ideal machine for the budding barista, the Express Impress removes the

guesswork for dosing and tamping. The ideal dose is calculated as per the last grind (and can also be manually adjusted), while the assisted

tamp lever exerts a precise 10kg tamp with a professional seven-degree twist for perfect extraction at nine bars of pressure. An inbuilt gauge indicates the right levels and the intelligent dose system will auto correct the dose and tamp for a consistent brew every time. The integrated conical burr grinder has 25 different grind settings, and a powerful steam wand creates silky microfoam milk for latte art. DeLonghi La Specialista Arte Manual Pump Coffee Machine

MANUAL

Manual coffee machines give you complete control over the preparation process, from bean grinding, dosing and tamping, to silky milk frothing. Words Bec Summer DIY ESPRESSO

This compact manual machine has an integrated grinder with eight grind settings for consistent single or double dosing, three temperature settings for different bean blends, and two heating systems for both coffee and milk prep. Consistent water

temperature is maintained for the brewing process for precise extraction, and there are presets for espresso, long black and hot water. The MyLatteArt steam wand lets you control the texture of the milk microfoam for a creamy finish, and there’s stable cup support for various sizes. Handy barista accessories, including a metal tamper, tamping mat, and stainless steel milk jug, are also on hand.

Who are they for? Manual machines require some coffee making know-how and ideally suit budding baristas and those who want to get hands-on with the entire process of coffee creation. For the novice, a manual machine is a great way to hone barista skills and brew coffee that’s comparable to what you would get from a café, and many now feature handy tech and menu guides to simplify preparation. Manual machines are an impressive and stylish addition to the kitchen that reveals you’re serious about coffee, and that a quality cup is assured. Precise extraction Getting the best coffee from a manual

machine can take some practice, but there are models that cater for the beginner and the expert. The key to extracting perfect espresso is getting the bean grind and the pressure right. Manual machines generally feature an integrated and adjustable bean grinder and can be lever-operated for greater control over the pressure required for forcing water through the ground coffee and into the cup. A bit of practice is often required to achieve consistency for both. Heating up Most manual machines have a quick heat up time and a temperature control system for consistent water temperature during the brewing process. Some also feature dual heating systems for consecutive coffee making and milk steaming.

Breville the Barista Pro Manual coffee prep is made easy

with an intuitive interface to guide you through the grinding and extracting process, plus there’s a manual control option for the more barista-savvy. The inbuilt conical burr grinder has 30 settings along with adjustable grind and dose control. A speedy

three-second heat up time means there’s no waiting for that morning cup, and a balanced espresso is delivered using low-pressure pre-infusion and nine-bar high-pressure extraction. A dosing funnel is included for less mess, and the steam wand lets you hand-texture the milk microfoam to perfection.

46 AUGUST 2023

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