Welcome to the ultimate guide on making the perfect cup of coffee using the Empstorm® Espresso Coffee Machine EM-21M. The EM-21M is a versatile and user-friendly espresso machine designed to bring out the best in your coffee beans.
This coffee making guide will walk you through the entire process, from cleaning and setting up your machine to the finer points of espresso dosing and coffee making. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or a beginner, you'll find everything you need to know to brew a delicious cup of coffee right at home.
Cleaning and Preparing the Coffee Machine
Coffee making starts with a clean and prepared coffee machine. Before you begin, it's essential to clean and prepare your coffee machine to ensure optimal performance and taste. Follow these steps:
1. Unpack and Inspect
After unboxing, check the contents to ensure all parts are included and undamaged. If you find any issues, contact your supplier immediately to resolve them.
2. Initial Cleaning
Remove all removable parts, including the water tank, portafilter, and drip tray. Then wash these parts with warm water and mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and wipe the machine with a damp cloth to ensure no detergent residue remains.
3. Water Fill
Fill the water tank up to the MAX line with purified water. Using purified water helps to prevent mineral buildup inside the machine, ensuring a longer lifespan and better-tasting coffee.
4. Descale
To perform the initial descaling, fill the water tank with a mixture of water and a descaling agent according to the instructions.
Insert the tank back into the machine and press and hold the cleaning button for 5 seconds to start the cleaning program. Once the cleaning cycle is complete, rinse the water tank and refill it with fresh water. Run a few cycles of plain water through the machine to ensure all descaling solution is flushed out.
How to Set Up Espresso Machine
Proper setup is crucial for consistent coffee making quality. Here's how to set up your EM-21M:
1. Power Up
Plug in the machine and press the power button. The machine will start its warm-up process, which usually takes a few minutes. The temperature indicator will show when the machine is ready for use.
2. Fill the Bean Hopper
Open the lid of the bean compartment and fill it with fresh coffee beans. It's best to fill only the amount needed for immediate use to maintain freshness. Close the lid securely.
3. Select Filter and Dose
Choose between single or double filters based on your desired shot. Place the appropriate amount of coffee grounds in the portafilter, ensuring even distribution.
Espresso Dosing
How to make a perfect cup of coffee? The key lies in precise dosing, an essential part of coffee making. Follow these steps for the perfect dose:
1. Choosing the Right DoseThe right dose of coffee is essential for a balanced espresso. Most baristas recommend using between 18-20 grams of coffee for a double shot.
For the Empstorm® EM-21M, adjust the grind level according to your coffee type and taste preferences. A grind level between 3 and 6 is generally recommended for most coffees. Finer grinds are better for espresso as they allow for a slower extraction, enhancing the flavor.
2. Grinding the CoffeeFill the bean hopper with fresh coffee beans. Avoid filling it to the top unless you plan to use it all in one go, as exposure to air can degrade the beans' quality.
Use the grind size adjustment to set your desired grind level. The EM-21M offers a range from coarse to fine, suitable for different brewing methods. For espresso, a finer grind (settings between 0 and 10) is recommended.
Please ensure that the grinder burrs are clean and free from old coffee residues, as this can affect the flavor of your coffee.
3. Distributing the Coffee Grounds
After grinding, you'll need to distribute the coffee grounds evenly in the portafilter to ensure uniform extraction.
Use a dosing funnel to avoid spills and to help level the grounds. A distribution tool can be handy here to make sure the grounds are evenly spread across the portafilter. Then lightly tap the sides of the portafilter to settle the coffee, ensuring an even surface.
4. Tamping the Coffee
Tamping is crucial for ensuring even water flow through the coffee grounds, which affects the extraction and taste of your espresso.
Use a tamper to press the coffee grounds firmly and evenly. Apply approximately 30 pounds of pressure, ensuring the tamp is level. A consistent tamping pressure will help in achieving a balanced extraction. After tamping, give the portafilter a slight twist to polish the surface of the coffee puck. This step helps in creating a smooth and even surface for the water to flow through.
Do not forget to check for any loose grounds on the edge of the portafilter, and wipe them away to ensure a proper seal when you insert it into the machine.
By paying attention to these detailed steps in espresso dosing, you can achieve a rich and flavorful espresso shot that serves as the perfect base for any coffee beverage. Proper dosing and tamping are fundamental to unlocking the full potential of your coffee beans and the Empstorm® Espresso Coffee Machine EM-21M.
Coffee Making
Coffee making with the EM-21M involves careful attention to detail. Now, it's time to brew your coffee:
1. Attach the Portafilter
Insert the portafilter into the group head of the machine. Ensure it is securely locked in place by turning it until it is firmly seated.
2. Select Extraction
Place a pre-warmed cup under the spout to receive the espresso. This helps to maintain the coffee's temperature and flavor. Then press the single or double extraction button, depending on your dose. The machine will automatically start and stop the extraction process based on your selection.
Monitor the extraction closely. A perfect extraction should take between 25-30 seconds for a double shot. The espresso should flow steadily, resembling warm honey, with a rich crema on top.
3. Monitor Pressure
Check the pressure gauge on the machine to ensure it is within the optimal range (usually between 8-10 bars). If the pressure is too high or too low, adjust the grind size or tamping pressure accordingly.
Making Frothed Milk (Optional)
For those who enjoy milk-based drinks, coffee making also includes perfecting frothed milk. Follow these steps:
1. Fill the Milk Pitcher
Use fresh, cold milk for the best results. Whole milk is recommended for a rich and creamy froth, but you can use any milk based on your preference.
Fill the pitcher no more than halfway to allow room for the milk to expand as it froths.
2. Preheat the Steam Wand
Before frothing, open the steam valve briefly to purge any condensation from the steam wand. This ensures that only dry steam is used for frothing.
3. Froth the Milk
Insert the steam wand into the milk pitcher, just below the surface of the milk.
Turn on the steam valve and create a vortex by positioning the wand slightly off-center. Move the pitcher up and down to introduce air into the milk and create a fine microfoam.
Continue frothing until the milk reaches a temperature of around 65°C (150°F). Use a thermometer to check the temperature if you're unsure.
4. Clean the Steam Wand
After frothing, immediately wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth to remove any milk residue. Then open the steam valve again to purge any remaining milk from the wand.
Cleaning the Coffee Machine
Regular cleaning is a crucial part of coffee making to ensure the longevity and performance of your coffee machine:
1. Daily Cleaning
After each use, remove the portafilter and knock out the used coffee grounds. Rinse the portafilter and filter basket with warm water, and empty and rinse the drip tray and waste container.
2. Descaling
Descaling should be performed after every 50-150 cups of coffee, or monthly, using a descaling agent or citric acid solution. Follow the same steps as the initial descaling process to ensure your machine is free from mineral buildup.
3. Backflushing
After every 300 cups, perform a recoil cleaning of the brewing head. Insert a blind filter (a filter with no holes) into the portafilter and add a cleaning tablet. Attach the portafilter to the machine and run the cleaning cycle. This helps to remove any coffee oils and residues from the group head and valves.
Conclusion
Coffee making with the Empstorm® Espresso Coffee Machine EM-21M is a rewarding experience. By following this guide, you can enjoy barista-quality coffee at home, tailored to your taste. Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure your machine continues to deliver excellent coffee for years to come.
