How to Get the Best Performance from Your Coffee Machine
Have you just bought a coffee machine? Check out these handy tips for keeping that machine performing at its best.
Frequently Brew Plain Water
Over time, your coffee machine may start brewing coffee that does not taste fresh. This may be because clogs have accumulated within the machine to the extent that the heating element can no longer boil the water effectively. You can prevent this from happening by brewing plain water in the coffee machine. This will help to remove any buildup that may have started coating the interior of the coffee machine. Do this periodically (once a week, for example). This process of flushing is also very important when you have just bought your machine. The brew cycles that you run with plain water will remove any contaminants that may have found their way into your machine during transportation.
Use Filtered Water
Tap water has chemicals such as chlorine. It also contains several minerals. These two substances (minerals and chlorine) can affect the performance of your coffee machine. For example, the minerals can build up within the machine and reduce how quickly the heating element works (as already mentioned). The chlorine can create an unpleasant aftertaste in your mouth. It is therefore advisable that you use filtered water (or bottled water) when brewing coffee. This will prevent the buildup of minerals in the machine. This tip is especially useful if you live in an area with hard water.
Descale the Coffee Machine Regularly
Debris will inevitably build-up within your coffee machine despite all the precautions described above. It will therefore be necessary for you to descale that machine regularly so that the scale buildup does not compromise the functioning of the machine. Follow the descaling procedure outlined for your specific model of coffee machine. Perform the descaling process at least twice each year to keep your machine working optimally.
Vinegar is a very good product that you can use to descale the coffee machine. Drain the reservoir of your machine and put the vinegar in the reservoir. Begin a brew cycle and catch the vinegar in a cup. You may let the vinegar sit in the reservoir for about an hour before you begin the brew cycle.
Each coffee machine model has specific coffee machine maintenance guidelines that you should follow if you would like to get satisfactory performance and durability from that machine. Use the suggestions above to complement the specific guidelines given by the manufacturer.
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