http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Decalcify-your-Espresso-Machine—Locating-the-Best-Decalcifying-Agent/2350886

By: John Littner

If you own an espresso maker, it is imperative that you know how to decalcify espresso machines. Decalcifying your espresso machine is a crucial element of regular maintenance and if overlooked can lead to poor tasting espresso and irreversible damage to your machine. Keep reading to learn more regarding how to decalcify your espresso machine and which decalcifying agents you should use.
Why Decalcification is Imperative

As time goes on, the tap water that you use to brew your espresso can create calcium, magnesium, and other minerals to mass together on the interior of you machine. These minerals continue to build up as more and more tap water moves through the machine. They can disrupt water flow and affect the general taste of your espresso.

However, if you don’t decalcify your espresso machine frequently, this buildup can get to the point where it impedes your machine’s lines. Once this happens, the interior of your machine can begin to corrode, thus causing enduring damage. Many machines have been rendered entirely useless due to calcium buildup and corrosion. This is why it is especially crucial to decalcify your espresso machine at least every few months.

How Espresso Machine Decalcification Works

Fortunately there are numerous products out there which have been created especially to decalcify your espresso machine. Decalcifying agents frequently come as a liquid, and are discharged into the water basin and pass through a decalcification cycle. Numerous espresso makers have a decalcification cycle built in while others just treat the decalcification process as an aspect of the brewing cycle. In the end, instructions are usually presented in your machine’s instruction guide or with your container of decalcifying agent.

Vinegar and Citric Acid as Decalcifying Agents

There has been much misinformation spread recently regarding utilizing vinegar or citric acid to decalcify your espresso machine. While they both have decalcifying aspects they can create other problems with your machine. Most notably, vinegar has a pervasive smell which can be absorbed into your machine’s components, thus causing a poor taste in your espresso. It can take a long time to get the smell of vinegar out of your machine. Citric Acid on the other hand can form a residue that blocks the lines and valves of your machine, sealing in lime deposits further.

Therefore, it is imperative to properly decalcify your espresso machine by using a decalcifying agent that was produced especially for espresso makers.

With all these considerations to make, it is crucial to make an informed decision prior purchasing an espresso machine decalcifier.

Source: http://www.redhotoven.com/urnex-cleancaf-coffee-maker-espresso-machine-cleaner-and-descaler-3-pack-review-best-price/

* Dual-action formula eliminates coffee oils and dissolves mineral deposits.
* Cleans both home coffee and home espresso machines.
* You get 3 boxes – 3 single use packets per box (each single use packet weighs 1/3 oz.)
* Blue dye ensures proper rinsing.
* OMRI ™ Listed for use in Organic Production.

Cleancaf® Brand Cleaner and Descaler is an essential component to maintaining great tasting coffee at home. Cleancaf® is designed to remove flavor-tainting stale coffee oil residue from home machines. Its dual action formula also prevents the accumulation of scale deposits which are responsible for slow brew times and machine malfunctions. Portion packaged for easy use, Cleancaf® also contains a blue-dye which helps to ensure proper rinsing.

Directions: 1.Dissolve contents of Cleancaf® package in 1L of warm water. Pour into water reservoir. Put empty pot and filter basket in place. For espresso machines attach handle and place an empty container below.
2.Turn machine on and begin the brew cycle. For espresso machines, also allow several ounces of Cleancaf® solution to flow through steam pipe (into a container to avoid spray.) Discard entire solution once it has passed through your machine.
3.Rinse all components and repeat steps 1 and 2 twice with clean water only. Espresso machines remove handle. You may soak handle and filters in Cleancaf® solution then rinse all components with clean water

Source: http://appliances.lovetoknow.com/Spare_Parts_for_Espresso_Machines

By Joe Thomas

If you have an espresso machine, you may need to buy spare parts for espresso machines to keep the unit operating properly. Since this type of speciality appliance has a number of uses in the home and in cafes, coffee shops and restaurants, it’s important to know how to maintain your machine, where to buy replacement parts and how to extend the life of each part you purchase. Developing a good understanding of your machine will help you control the costs associated with owning and operating this type of appliance.

Understanding Espresso Machine Parts

Before you can operate an espresso machine properly, you need to learn about the parts that make the machine work.

* Portafilter: The portafilter consists of the basket, handle and spouts. This part is made of metal and should be warmed before you use it to extract espresso. You can warm up the portafilter with water from the group head or the hot water nozzle.
* Steam Wand: Each espresso maker also has a steam wand that froths the milk by ejecting steam. You need to clean this wand after you use it in milk, or at the end of each day of use. Do not soak the wand in water overnight, as the boiling tank of the espresso maker can suck the dirty water inside the machine.
* Keypad: If you have a semi-automatic or automatic machine, it will have a keypad that allows you determine how much water will enter through the coffee pallet. Your machine should also have an on/off switch to control the power.
* Espresso Tray: The espresso tray that comes with the machine catches excess liquids, making it easier to clean up after use. You should position the tray to empty into a drain. If the machine does not come with its own drain, you can make your own by drilling a hole in the espresso tray.
* Boiler Parts: The boiler sight glass determines the amount of water in the steam that passes through the steam wand. The boiler pressure gauge measures the pressure of the water forced through the espresso. It also measures the pressure produced by the water tank. Many machines also have a probe at the top of the boiler, which allows you to control the steam level.

Common Espresso Machine Spare Parts

Parts that often need to be replaced, along with links for purchasing replacements, are detailed below

* Boiler Components: These valves, tubes, and pressure sensors ensure your espresso tastes wonderful for years to come.
* Fittings: You may need various nuts, bolts, connectors, and other odd fixtures when repairing your espresso machine.
* Gauges: Increase the accuracy of your espresso machine by replacing the gauge(s) on the machine.
* Group Gaskets: Prevent your espresso machine from leaking by replacing the group gaskets every three months.
* Group Heads: Protect the sensitive components of your espresso machine by replacing the group heads once a year.
* Group Screens: Keep unnecessary liquids and moisture out of your espresso maker with screens.
* Portafilter Baskets: Having a clean and sanitary portafilter basket is important when making homemade espresso.
* Portafilter Spouts: Replace the spout that attaches to the bottom of your portafilter.
* Portafilters: Did you know the portafilter is one of the most valuable components of your espresso machine?
* Pumps and Motors: Espresso machines rely heavily on moving parts to create your beverage, so you may need to replace the pump and/or motor every few years.
* Solenoids: The solenoid serves as a heating element for your espresso machine.
* Steam and Water Valves: Due to the moisture of an espresso machine, consider replacing valves every five years.
* Steam Wands and Tips: Movable and small components often need replacement at some point during your espresso machine’s lifecycle.
* Switches: Using your espresso machine everyday causes certain functions to wear down over time, so replace switches when they become worn out.
* Thermostats: The thermostat controls how hot your espresso is, thus it is important to replace the thermostat immediately when your drink is no longer hot.

Finding Spare Parts for Espresso Machines

A few places where you can search for and purchase parts for espresso machines are:

* CafeParts.com
* WholeLatteLove.com
* EspressoParts.com
* PartsGuru.com
* EspressoOnline.com

Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_6904450_prime-espresso-machine.html

Espresso machines can produce impressive lattes, americanos, and macchiatos, but as a luxury appliance they require special attention. Proper maintenance and care is key to producing years of satisfactory, reliable espresso drinks. The very first maintenance task to perform on an espresso machine is to prime it. New espresso machines have no water in their boilers, and they will need to be primed before use so that the heating element does not suffer damage. Espresso machines may also need to be primed after steaming milk or after a period of disuse.

Source: http://espressomachinetips.graduateblogspot.com/espresso-machine/how-to-keep-your-espresso-machine-running-smoothly.html

A home espresso machine is a wonderful thing, but it does require maintenance and care. If you want to get the longest life out of your investment, it is imperative to give attention to your espresso machine to keep your brew tasting fresh and delicious.

One of the biggest enemies of your home espresso machine is scale buildup, which is a buildup of minerals. Oftentimes, lime scale can build up inside your espresso machine, and it will affect how it functions. This scale will most often affect the boiler of your machine, and the mineral buildup will directly influence the taste of your coffee and espresso. If you do live in an area that has hard water, you need to descale your machine regularly, at least every 2 to 3 months. How often you descale your machine does depend on the hardness of the water that you use, how often that your machine is used, and how often water is left sitting in your espresso machine for long periods of time.

To begin descaling your machine, you need to turn it off and allow it to completely cool down. If you are working with a hot espresso machine, it can become dangerous, and it can also negate the effectiveness of the descaling product that you are using. Many people will descale their espresso machines with vinegar, but that is overall not a good product to use for the interior of your espresso maker. You can make your own solution of lemons and water, and there are also commercial solutions available for purchase to descale your machine. Some popular descaling solution brand names are CLR and Saeco. Many premium espresso machine manufacturers will also sell their own brand of a descaling product, which may be ideal for the brand of machine that you have.

To begin with, pour the descaling solution into the water reservoir of the machine. Turn on your machine, and allow water to pump through the steam nozzle for up to 30 seconds. Turn the machine off completely, and allow it to cool down with the descaling solution in the parts of the machine that hold water. Allow this solution to soak within the machine for up to 10 minutes, and turn the machine on again to pump the solution through for 60 seconds. After that, turn off the machine completely.

You can repeat this process up to five times, which will take around an hour. It is important to remember that this solution can leave a bitter taste in your machine, so you do need to rinse out the water reservoir completely and refill it. Finish this process by running clean and fresh water through the espresso machine up to three times.

Last of all, make a shot of espresso or pot of coffee, and throw it away completely because it could still have traces of descaling solution. Afterward, all you have to do is enjoy a fresh espresso product that is free from any taste of mineral buildup!

Source: http://www.espressoequipment.org/265/how-an-espresso-machine-works.html/

Espresso is a drink made by forcing water heated to just below boiling point through a filter packed, finely ground coffee beans.
A single serving of espresso is a 1. 25-1. 5 oz coffee concentrate covered with a thin layer of foam (called Crema). Known for its rich body and aroma, the bitter taste of espresso stops on the palette after each sip, the taste of satisfaction for coffee lovers.
While it is possible to construct a crude method of brewing, forcing hot water into the coffee using steam power, specialized machinery needed to prepare the perfect shot of espresso.
An espresso machine heats the water to the recommended temperature controls water pressure and may even provide an attachment of the steam nozzle to heat the milk and foam is added to the drink. The typical home espresso machine has a tank where cold water is poured. There is also a removable handle attached to a filter (called portafilter), which is just above the platform where you place the cup of espresso.
When the machine is on, the water tank is pumped through a heating element. Once this element heats the water to the desired temperature (about 190 degrees Fahrenheit), an indicator light informs the user of the process of brewing is ready to begin.
Before mixing, the user fills out the portafilter with ground coffee and tamping the grounds. The portafilter is placed in the machine and locked into place. A switch is overruled by the brewery that signals the pump to the machine to pressurize the chamber is heated to about 220 psi, forcing the water heater through the ground coffee, with a peak at the bottom the portafilter.
Once the glass is full, the espresso machine is switched off and a cup of coffee is ready to be enjoyed.

Although most espresso machines use this basic process for preparing an espresso, prices can vary from fifty dollars to thousands. Additional features of more expensive units have the capacity to moisten the soil before preparation begins, the pumps can produce higher quality more sustained pressure, the increase in heating systems, integrated water filter foam sticks.
Achieving a good cup of coffee from a machine at home does not cost thousands of dollars, however. Simple procedures can add the taste of coffee, even in low-end machines. Fill the tank with filtered water chemical reactions take place in the process of preparation. The type of coffee bean and the fineness of the grind has a direct impact on the overall flavor and should be tested to find the perfect mix.

Furthermore, of the compactness of the reasons for the portafilter affects the emulsification process, whose results are visible in the foam. Perhaps the most important quality of a good espresso is the freshness. Using the new grounds take full coffee flavor comes through. Coffee should be consumed within a few minutes of experience in brewing flavor. With a little experimentation, the same as ordered in a coffee can be enjoyed at home with a home brewer of espresso. The satisfaction of having perfect espresso infused, however, never be in a menu of Starbuck.