For many decades, the coffee machine belongs to the most popular household appliances. Today, we are unlikely to find a kitchen without a coffee maker. Of course, high demand stimulates fierce competition between companies. As a result, manufacturers are forced to constantly increase the competitiveness of their models, expanding their functionality with the help of new innovative solutions. As a result, a fairly simple kitchen appliance has been transformed to a technically sophisticated Smart device with an amazing customization level. Innovative Jura Z6 Impressa, Delonghi ECAM 650, Melitta Caffeo Barista, Saeco Xelsis and Siemens EQ.9 coffee machins perfectly illustrate this trend.
Unfortunately, any improvement complicates the technique, expanding the number of modules for new options. As a result, modern coffee machines require care and compliance with certain operation rules. Of course, manufacturers partially solve this problem by providing service support. In addition, many expensive models provide some options in automatic mode, including, for example, water purification using an built-in filter, descaling, steam cleaning milk frother, etc. However, even quite expensive models from famous brands sometimes break down and need repair. Of course, the guarantee partially solves this problem, but even it does not relieve the user from the hassle, and, sometimes, from additional costs. But regular and proper care extends the service life of any device, including a coffee machine. This list contains several key points, including descaling, cleaning the brewing unit and the milk frother.
Cleaning the brewing unit
The brewing unit is one of the main modules of any coffee machine. As known, for this purpose the capsule models use coffee capsules, carob coffee makers have a holder.
Today, capsule models provide the simplest and fastest solution to this problem with the help of special cleaning capsules.
The video at the end demonstrates this process.
The remaining models use built-in or removable brewing units. Of course, removable brewing units are much easier to clean.
Manufacturers recommend washing them under running water or in dishwasher every few weeks, depending on the operation intensity. Additionally, the companies recommend cleaning all the device elements from coffee oils at intervals of 200-500 cooked servings that significantly extends its service life and improves the coffee taste. Today the market offers a wide range of different coffee oil cleaning tablets for this purpose.
But many manufacturers, including Jura and Krups, use a non-removable brewing unit. These models require the obligatory cleaning from coffee oils. Of course, all manufacturers strongly recommend the use of their branded cleaning products. But many experts do not confirm the differences in their effectiveness.
Today, the original Bosch or Melitta are popular because of their relatively low price.
Step-by-step instruction
Usually, the technical manual contains step-by-step instructions, but may be absent in some models. In general, this rather simple procedure contains the following:
– activation of “Ground coffee” mode;
– tablet supply to the ground coffee bypass;
– installation of a sufficiently capacious cup under the dispenser;
– the choice of making the maximum amount of espresso, but without the ground coffee supply;
– emptying the cup from the water;
– repetition of the process (2-3 cycles).
Some models, for example, Delonghi have a special automatic cleaning mode. This algorithm works as follows:
– feeding the whole or crushed tablet into the ground coffee bypass;
– activation of the cleaning mode;
– turning off the device when filling the cup with about 10-20 ml of water (the power is turned off during operation);
– 10-minute pause;
– turning on the device;
– repetition of the process (6-8 cycles).
Unfortunately, some models, including the Philips HD8649, HD8827 / 8829, do not support the “Ground Coffee” mode and, accordingly, do not have a ground coffee bypass or auto cleaning program. In addition, some models use a coffee sensor that blocks the process of making coffee without ground coffee. Of course, these models require regular manual washing of the brewing unit under running water or in the dishwasher.
However, the Internet offers some exotic ways to solve this problem. But they, according to experts, can damage the device. Therefore, the appropriateness of their use depends on individual preferences. Of course, more complicated and uncomfortable regular manual cleaning eliminates this risk.
But in general, the cleaning simplicity significantly affects the choice of coffee mashines.
Milk frother cleaning
Models with an automatic milk frother (or cappuccino maker) and built-in jug require cleaning from milk residues.
Otherwise, they deteriorate quickly, impairing the coffee taste. Some expensive models support automatic steam cleaning after each cycle. Unfortunately, most modern models do not yet have this option. But the periodic cleaning the milk frother, even in a dishwasher, requires its removal.
In this case, special milk frother cleaner most effectively solve the problem. Today the market offers them in a wide range.
