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~ Article:
How The Best Cappuccino Makers Work
by Peter Mason
Cappuccino makers are preferred over standard coffee makers
among the most serious coffee lovers. With these products, you
can brew your favourite caf style coffee drink in the privacy
of your own home. You may be unsure at first, but with
practice, you will be making restaurant quality drinks at home.
These coffee machines work by heating the water and then
forcing the heated water through the ground coffee. As the
heated water moves through the grinds, the water extracts the
flavor. The coffee used is ground finer than for regular
coffee. Steam is also used to froth milk for cappuccino or
lattes.
Types of Cappuccino Makers
There are two basic types of machines for brewing specialty
coffee drinks: steam and pump models. Pump machines are the
best rated for heating water to the optimal level quickly. The
most expensive models all work with an electric pump. They make
a great cup of espresso with good crema. Crema is the foamy
layer on top of a cup of espresso and is considered an
important feature that coffee lovers look for.
Steam models are less expensive and are capable of brewing a
good cup of espresso. Steam models have less pressure and less
power. They are more affordable and make a good first machine.
These products are definitely a step up from standard drip
coffee makers.
A variety of coffee types are available for making espresso at
home. The grinds are finer than standard coffee. Individual
pods are available to fit most models. Pods are pre filled
filter packets with the ground coffee measured and sealed
inside. Some people love the convenience of pods and swear by
them. Other people feel the quality of the drink is much lower
when pods are used. The finished drink can be weak or bitter,
depending on the brand of coffee and how it is prepared.
Super automatics are the top of the line in home cappuccino
making. Super automatics can make all specialty coffees
including espresso, cappuccino, lattes and mochas. An automatic
milk frothing system prepares the milk according to your taste.
Super automatics are grind and brew devices that do everything
for you. They grind the beans, tamp the grinds, measure the
water, brew the coffee and froth the milk. Used grinds are
dumped into a waste box, which you empty to dispose of the used
beans. You program it according to the strength, quantity, and
temperature desired in the finished drink. You can brew two
mugs at once with super automatics.
Burr grinders are used in most super automatics. You can set
the grinder for the consistency you want in the ground beans.
Super automatics measure the beans for you, depending on the
number of cups you will be brewing.
Cleaning a Cappuccino Machine
Proper cleaning is important to keep your machine working well
and making great tasting drinks. Follow the manufacturer's
directions for proper cleaning. The components vary from
product to product, so following the directions is important.
The machine should be cleaned inside and out to keep it working
well. How you will clean it depends in part on the material used
in construction. Stainless steel is the easiest to clean and
maintain. Follow the directions included to keep it working
well.
You will need to descale and decalcify the machine regularly.
This is necessary to remove build up caused by particles in
your drinking water. Over time, these particles can clog the
machine and interfere with the operation. How often you will
need to do this depends on the quality of your water and how
often you use the coffee maker. One way to avoid this build up
is to use distilled water.
The brew group will need to be cleaned about once each weak. A
removable brew group is easier in terms of cleaning. You slide
the brew group out through the service door and rinse it
regularly. This removes coffee residue and grinds and results
in a better tasting drink.
A non removable brew group should be cleaned with the automatic
cleaning cycle. You program this feature and it cleans the brew
group for you. Cleaning tablets are sold for non removable brew
groups. Follow the directions on the package for proper use.
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Click HERE to visit the store. In our shop you will find an excellent collection of coffee related gift baskets, mugs, coffees and more!
And here is our recipe website: www.Recipesifter.com
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11/20/06
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