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We
have endeavored to make the 'choice' easier for you by splitting the
machines into categories, this will help you decide which type of machine
is suitable for you, according to whether you want to be 'creative'(Manual
or lever) or just be able to produce a fantastic coffe at the touch
of a button (Fully automatic).
Of course once you have chosen your machine, we have also listed some
tips on producing great Espresso along with a quality Cappuccino.
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Digital / Automatic Machines
As the name suggests, just fill the hopper with your preferred coffee
beans, fill the water tank, push the button and there is your perfectly
dispensed espresso! What could be easier?
There are many variants on this type, they normally have a larger water
capacity than semi-automatics and because they grind for each individual
serving, you are ensuring a fresh cup every time. Many machines have
the ability to adjust the amount of coffee used for each serving therefore
enabling you to change the strength of the coffee.
Top-of-the-range units are fully-programmable with digital display taking
the user through, step by step prompting you when to change the water
filter, or when to refill the bean hopper, even when to de-scale.
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Manual
/ Lever Machines
The original the first and considered by some to be the best piece
of machinery to produce the ultimate espresso!
Normally available in a variation of chrome, copper and brass, or a
mixture of all! These beautiful machines are simple to operate but it
may take a while to perfect the technique. The operation of pulling
the handle to extract the coffee gives the user the ability to alter
the strength of the espresso, the slower the movement the stronger the
coffee! Normally suited to the low volume user, lever machines produce
ample amounts of steam for cappuccinos. Some machines have an ‘auto-frother’
attachment.
Still the most stunning in appearance of all espresso machines available
on the market they look fantastic, even when not in use!!
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Semi
Automatic Machines
All pump-assisted machines.
These machines are the most popular and are available in a huge range
of designs, colours, shapes and sizes, to suit any budget. They serve
espresso with the aid of an electric pump to provide the required pressure,
giving a consistent espresso every time with that ever-elusive crema!
They are normally exceptionally easy to use, having a detachable water
tank, which can be topped up during use to make the production of larger
quantities of drinks easier. All have a steam wand for Cappuccinos and
Lattes. Some have an auto-frother attachment to aerate and dispense
the milk.
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Producing
a Great Espresso
Choose a high roast bean, dark and normally oily in appearance. Grind
the beans to a fine espresso grind. The texture should feel similar
to fine, slightly damp sand.
Always remember, the right grind is one of the most important factors
in producing your espresso. You may have just bought the finest beans
in the world, but if the grind is wrong...the end result will be disappointing.
Per espresso serving you should use 7-8grams of finely ground coffee
in your 'gruppa' handle. This should be FIRMLY 'tamped' down and any
stray grinds of coffee should be cleaned from the rim of the 'filter
basket' before it is locked up into the 'brew head'.
It should take between 20-25 seconds to brew your espresso. Any quicker
will be too weak (wrong grind). Any slower and 'over extraction' will
produce a bitter taste. When all is correct, you should have an espresso
with an even, rich 'crema' on top.
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How
to Make & Serve your Favourite
ESPRESSO Short, strong, served black in a 'demitasse' (very small)
cup. Should sport a hazel brown, reddish tinged 'crema' on top. Fill
the cup no more than 3/4 full.
CAPPUCCINO Traditionally 1/3 espresso, 1/3 hot milk and 1/3 frothed
milk, topped with a sprinkling of chocolate or cinnamon.
LATTE Milky coffee. A tall glass. An espresso, filled with steamed milk,
topped with a very small froth top.
AMERICANA Normally served in a cappuccino sized cup. Shot of espresso,
filled with hot water, served black.
RISTRETTO Same as espresso, serve in a 'demitasse' cup but fill only
half way, giving a short, very intensive coffee.
MACCHIATO Espresso served in a 'demitasse' with a dab of frothed milk.
MOCHA Espresso served in a tall glass or mug with a shot of Chocolate
syrup or Chocolate powder topped with steamed milk and often a touch
of whipped cream.
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Espresso
Explained
Definition of espresso:
"Short, intense, full-bodied drink made quickly and under high
pressure"
The grind:
Choosing the right grind is essential.
The finer the grind, the greater the surface area of coffee is exposed
to the water. The longer the water takes to run through it as it is
brewed, the stronger the end result will be. (Espresso)
A coarser grind has less surface area therefore the water passes through
more rapidly. (Filter, cafetiere)
The various machines for making coffee are designed so that, with the
right grind, the coffee is exposed to the water for just the right length
of time.
If the grind is not right it will result in under extraction, which
is wasteful, and gives a weak-bodied brew; or over extraction, which
makes coffee bitter and can leave a lot of sediment in the cup.
The 5 components/variables deciding the quality of espresso:
Beans: Freshness and blend Grind: Finely ground coffee for espresso
Dose: 7 grams/single espresso
Pressure: Min. 9 bar (only relevant for automatic pump machines: NOT
the lever machines)
Water: Temperature, amount. Filtered water is preferable and will extend
the life of your machine.
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Nespresso
Explained
Immediately after grinding, the coffee is packed in hermetically sealed
capsules. Created exclusively by Nespresso, this innovative process
not only allows us to guarantee coffee freshness but also preserves
the flavour and aroma for several months. Each individual capsule contains
the precise quantity of coffee needed for one cup, thereby guaranteeing
a perfectly extracted espresso, cup after cup.
Each model in the Nespresso range incorporates the very latest technology
to ensure a perfect cup of espresso coffee just as you like it - day
after day.
Our machines are fitted with a high pressure pump (19 bars) specially
adapted for the Nespresso system, a heating block equipped with a thermostat
to guarantee optimal extraction temperature, a capsule holder with built-in
filter, a cup warming plate and a steam nozzle for cappuccino. A selection
of Nespresso capsules together with cups and saucers are included.
When you choose Nespresso, you enter a world of perfection.
These exclusive services are automatically yours when you join Nespresso
Club:
A contact person is available around the clock, seven days a week, to
advise you on the choice of coffee varieties and to answer all your
questions about the workings and maintenance of your machine.
The ability to place your orders for coffee by phone, fax or mail and
via the Internet.
Delivery of your orders to the address of your choice (place of work,
home address, holiday home…) within 2 buisiness days.
A selection of 9 coffee varieties each with its own unique characteristics,
supplemented each year by our own ‘limited edition’ - Special
Club.
An exclusive range of accessories each designed to enhance your coffee
making and enjoyment.
Privileged year-round offers: suggested recipes and technical innovations.
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