PREPARATION PORTAFILTER: INSTRUCTION FOR THE CLASSIC ESPRESSO MACHINE PREPARATION PORTAFILTER: INSTRUCTION FOR THE CLASSIC ESPRESSO MACHINE
PREPARATION STEP BY STEP
The eight crucial steps to espresso heaven via portafilter coffee machine:
YOU NEED THESE ACCESSORIES
INSTRUCTION: PREPARATION PORTAFILTER MACHINE
Step 1: Switch on the portafilter machine
Switch on the machine. Preheat the cups on the integrated heating plate and allow the machine to heat up sufficiently with an unfilled portafilter (at least 15 minutes, 30 minutes for dual-circuit machines). The brew group becomes very hot.
Step 2: Clean portafilter
Rinse out the portafilter and remove any old coffee oils left behind by drying with a cloth. These oils would negatively affect the aroma of the new espresso.
Step 3: Coffee quantity and grind for portafilter machine
Grind the beans fresh and on the finest setting and fill the portafilter with about 8 g of coffee for one and 16 g for two espressos. We recommend electric or hand-operated grinders with disc grinder for an even result.
Step 4: Straighten coffee surface
Straighten the coffee surfaces by lightly brushing over them with your index finger. If you value the highest level of hygiene, gently tap the portafilter on the countertop instead.
Step 5: Espresso tamp
Use a tamper to press the espresso grounds firmly together. The ideal pressure of 15-20 kg can be checked using a scale.
Step 6: Flush brew group
Briefly press the water draw button once without the portafilter clamped in place. Flush: A short empty draw of around 3 seconds is sufficient to heat up the brew group perfectly and remove old coffee grounds.
Step 7: Amount of water, temperature and time
Now clamp the portafilter with espresso powder and start immediately with the water draw button (for one or two cups), because the heat of the environment affects the ground beans. Check the throughput time. The optimum throughput time is about 25 seconds, depending on the espresso.
Step 8: Observe lead time
MATCHING ESPRESSI
GENERAL
The secret of perfect espresso preparation with a portafilter coffee machine is: none. A certain amount of experimentation and manual work is required if you decide to buy a portafilter espresso machine. Basically, there are (cheaper) single-circuit machines and so-called dual-circuit systems, each with a boiler and one or two water circuits. Third in the group are the newer dual machines. Fans of pure espresso enjoyment will do just fine with a high-quality single-circuit machine. Those who prefer milk specialties such as cappuccino will find it more convenient to use a portafilter coffee machine with two circuits and/or two steam boilers. This is because the temperatures for preparing coffee and milk foam differ. The dual-circuit and dual models make it possible to obtain both immediately, while the simpler machines have to compensate for the difference in temperature. Dual machines allow individual adjustment of temperature and pressure. In addition to the choice of machine, the decision to use a grinder and freshly roasted coffee beans proves to be equally important. After all, the most expensive machine cannot conjure up an aromatic espresso from improper roasts or old beans.
IN ITALIA / ALL' ITALIANA
While in Italian households the caffeine kick mostly comes from the stovetop pot, a stylish portafilter coffee machine is an absolute must for a public café and its trained barista.
TIPPS
- When buying the portafilter coffee maker, look for models with a copper or steel boiler. These keep the temperature better than simple aluminum containers.
- Not to be underestimated is the suitable coffee grinder. Even a grinder that heats up can negatively affect the delicate espresso powder. Ceramic grinders like those in Hario's products prevent this.
- The ideal brewing process takes between 25 and 35 seconds after starting the pump. Vary the grind of the powder to achieve this length of time.
- Daily cleaning is important for the functioning of the precious machine. Adjustable levels allow a wide variety of flavor variations.