How to clean a coffee machine

Have you ever wondered how to clean a coffee machine properly?

The first coffee machine or espresso machine was designed and patented by Luigi Bazzera in the early 20th century.
He made prototypes of his design, but this invention went largely unnoticed until he reached out to someone he knew that could successfully market it. He sold the patent to Desiderio Pavoni in 1903. Pavoni redesigned the machine with Bazzera and brought “cafe espresso” to the world in 1906.

Through years of evolving designs, two main types of coffee machines have emerged. The automatic coffee machine and the manual coffee machine.

What makes them so different?

Manual: This type of coffee machine is used by baristas, coffee shops and in homes. Manual machines are constantly advancing providing numerous options to suit the tastes of casual drinkers, coffee enthusiasts and everyone in between. Barista training isn’t required. It helps you to pay careful attention to detail and carry out each step by hand to create the various drink options available.

Automatic: This style of machine is typically used at home. As the use of these machines in a commercial setting renders a baristas training and skill pointless.

An automatic machine can come in the traditional espresso style or other forms such as pod machines. Automatic coffee machines only provide the quality of coffee up to the machines individual quality. Lower tier machines provide a lesser product than those than pricier, more advanced models. They are useful for those that want several options without the manual work, the push of a button is all it takes. This is a plus when it comes to entertaining as you can make beverages quickly and continue to host without disappearing.

Both machines provide the desired beverage. It is key to remember that, by using a manual machine and a barista’s skill set, you can personalise and craft drinks to individual specifications and expectations.

With that in mind, it may cast the cleaning process in a daunting light.

How to clean a coffee machine

What you’ll need:

• Espresso machine cleaner
• A large container

Procedure:

1)  Following your espresso cleaner directions make the cleaning solution, in your container.

2)  Carefully remove and separate the portafilter, the basket, the steam wand, and the screen. Wipe down the rest of the machine as normal.

3)  Put these pieces into the solution and allow to sit overnight. The colour of the solution will change as it removes residues and any espresso build up.

4)  Scrub any remaining residues and rinse the parts with warm water. Dry and return them to the espresso machine. Discard of the solution as instructed on your preferred cleaner packaging.

Are you interested in learning more about coffee equipment? Get your barista training started by enrolling in our Beginners Barista Course today!