Kako očistiti i održavati aparat za kavu

Na dobru šalicu kave utječu mnogi čimbenici, a jedan od njih je i čistoća aparata za kavu. Sva nakupljena ulja i prljavština mogu pokvariti okus vašeg domaćeg napitka i učiniti vašu kavu gorkim. Dakle, ako želite odličnu kavu, morate obaviti prljavi posao i pobrinuti se da vam aparat uvijek bude čist.

Postoje tri glavne vrste aparata za espresso kavu – ručni, s kapsulama/čašunama i automatski – što znači da će neki dijelovi postojati na nekim modelima, a drugi ne (manje dijelova za čišćenje, juhu!). Uz neke aparate za kavu koji koštaju 5000 dolara ili više, u vašem je interesu da budu čisti i da rade što je dulje moguće.

Kako očistiti aparat za kavu

Morat ćete segmentirati svoje prioritete čišćenja za aparat za kavu na svakodnevna, tjedna, mjesečna i godišnja čišćenja. Postoje manja čišćenja koja ćete morati obaviti ako svoj stroj upotrebljavate svaki dan, a veća čišćenja koja treba obaviti svaki mjesec.

Podijelite svoje vrijeme na ovaj način kako ne biste na kraju potrošili sve svoje vrijeme na dugotrajno čišćenje svaki dan, dok također dobivate najkvalitetniju kavu koju vaš aparat može skuhati. Ako ste zbunjeni bilo kojom terminologijom koju koristimo, uključili smo rječnik dolje na stranici.

Svakodnevno održavanje aparata za kavu

Sve što se koristi u procesu proizvodnje espresso kave treba često brisati kako bi se uklonili mrvi i ulja koja su ostala. Preporuča se da ako imate automatsku mašinu čistite svaki dan i isperete nakon svakog pića.

• Osnovno uklonjivo pranje: operite sve uklonjive dijelove
• Vanjsko čišćenje: obrišite vanjski dio stroja mekom vlažnom krpom
• Ispiranje posude za skupljanje: ispraznite posudu za skupljanje tekućine i obrišite je
• Čip za pjenjenje mlijeka: obrišite i očistite cijev za pjenjenje mlijeka
• Čišćenje košare filtra: izvadite košaricu filtera iz portafiltera i obrišite je čistom krpom
• Ručni portafilteri stroja: za ručne aparate, uklonite sve tragove kave s portafiltara i temeljito ih isperite.

Tjedno održavanje aparata za kavu

Vaš stroj treba temeljitije očistiti barem jednom tjedno (ili dva tjedna ako ga ne koristite svaki dan) sredstvom za čišćenje. Ovakva redovita čišćenja podržat će okus vaše svakodnevne kave i olakšati vam mjesečno čišćenje.

• Očistite svaku komponentu: po potrebi mokrom krpom temeljito očistite kućište, spremnik za vodu i posudu za skupljanje tekućine. Nikada nemojte koristiti otapala ili abrazive na vanjskoj površini stroja. Kod nekih aparata za kavu, izlazni otvor se također može ukloniti radi lakšeg pranja
• Za strojeve u stilu mahuna: ispraznite spremnik iskorištene mahune klizeći spremnik van. Nikada ne stavljajte ruke u osovinu kapsule
• Za strojeve s ručnim radom: ispraznite svoj spremnik, koji je dio koji skuplja otpadni talog iz portafiltera.

Monthly coffee machine maintenance

On a monthly occasion, it’s recommended to clean the internal parts of your coffee machine by following a process called ‘backflushing’:

• Backflush: requires you to run a cleaning cycle (if your machine has one) or backflush (for three-way-valve systems) using a coffee machine cleaner. This will help to remove any oils and grime built up in the internal piping of the group heads. Follow up with a rinse cycle (if available) as coffee cleaners are typically quite strong and you don’t want to be left with residue inside
• Cleaning portafilters: for manual machines, clean the portafilters by removing any traces of coffee and soaking each component (including the filter basket and shower screen) in a bucket of cleaning solution, then rinsing off with water. After, wipe out the filter basket with a clean cloth
• Cleaning shower screens: depending on your unit, the group head shower screens may be secured by a screw, which you’ll need to remove to clean away any grime build up. You can use a toothbrush to help remove any coffee grounds. The group head’s rubber seals should also be wiped with a cloth to remove ground coffee build-up.

The video below demonstrates this particular step in detail:

Annual coffee machine maintenance

Every year you should dedicate some time to a much deeper coffee machine clean. Here are the things you should do:

• Descaling: descale the coffee machine (by following your manual)
• Deep clean: soak the group head, shower screen and portafilter in coffee machine cleaner solution
• On-board hopper clean: clean the on-board hopper with a damp cloth
• For stainless steel machines: if your coffee machine has a stainless steel design, you can use metal polish to finish
• Coffee grinder cleaning: if your machine features a coffee grinder, brush grounds from around burrs.

Coffee machine terminology

If you’re confused about any coffee machine lingo, here are some coffee machine parts you need to know about:

• Portafilter: a filter-basket with a handle that holds the coffee grounds and locks into the group head
• Group head: the permanent metal attachment at the front of the machine to which the portafilter attaches. It transports hot water out of the machine into the portafilter’s filter basket.
• Shower screen: sits inside the group head and disperses the water to ensure it spreads evenly over the filter basket, which is holding the coffee grounds
• Knockbox: the container (plastic or metal) with a rubber bar across the middle that collects used grounds from the portafilter.
• On-board hopper: the container that holds your coffee beans until you’re ready to grind them.

FAQs about cleaning a coffee machine

How do I a coffee pod machine

Coffee pod machines are a bit easier to clean and maintain than manual machines – simply run two cycles with clean water, and thoroughly wipe down your coffee maker for any excess coffee and staining. Clean any removable parts thoroughly by handwashing them, and empty the used pod receptacle regularly.

Wipe over the critical (and non-critical) parts of your coffee machine with a damp cloth. You should also follow your manufacturer’s advice on descaling, as specified in the manual of the coffee machine.

Can I clean coffee machine parts in the dishwasher?

Most brands don’t recommend that you clean removable parts in the dishwasher as it can decrease the lifespan of the components. Instead, handwash each part or soak it in coffee cleaner solution.

What do I do if my used coffee pod receptacle is jammed?

In this situation, coffee machine manufacturers recommend trying to loosen the container by shaking it lightly. Don’t put excessive force onto the lever or handle to avoid damaging the machine.

We hope you’ve found this guide helpful and will make the recommended steps above part of your coffee making routine. Keeping your coffee machine in tip-top shape could help enhance your coffee results, so you can enjoy a great cup of coffee every time.