Espresso machine

[techead]

so who's got one? and which one do you have?

I just got myself one and Im looking for some tips and tricks

I already had a blockage yesterday, but I think thats coz the coffee Im using is too fine. I got the beans ground for stovetop espresso... which is a fine grind! I think I should have gone medium??

cheers

 

[Pooky]

I have a krups one we got for free from some voucher at hirschs. Works well, although the milk frother doesn't.

 

[ColinR]

Bought and returned a couple. Got a Russell Hobbs now. Does the job - gets worked everyday. Not had any hassles yet.

 

[techead]

Bought and returned a couple. Got a Russell Hobbs now. Does the job - gets worked everyday. Not had any hassles yet.

which ones have you returned??

 

[techead]

I have a krups one we got for free from some voucher at hirschs. Works well, although the milk frother doesn't.

ya I dont bother with the milk frother tbh

way too much effort

 

[Creag]

I got a Krups from Boardmans ... it's a good machine.

 

[midkemia]

so who's got one? and which one do you have?

I just got myself one and Im looking for some tips and tricks

I already had a blockage yesterday, but I think thats coz the coffee Im using is too fine. I got the beans ground for stovetop espresso... which is a fine grind! I think I should have gone medium??

cheers

some tips:
you need to compress the coffee, and depending on the type of machine, and the amount of pressure, you can compress it more. If you only have a cheap machine, you need to just press it down slightly, or the coffee wont come out. if you get the correct pressure when you do this, it will give that type of cream you usually see on more expensive machines.

you should run through some water before you make the coffee, just to warm up the pipes, and then also to warm up the cup. if you just make it, the coffee will be quite cold after the second sip.

you should use fresh cold water each time you use the machine, as the water gets stale.

the machine is quite easy to clean straight after using it, but if you leave it for a few operations, it will become very difficult to clean.

If you are using a decent machine, you should let the machine to pour for about 25-30 seconds. Any longer and it can give the coffee a burnt taste.