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There is a lot of talk about fully automatic machines. But what is the truth of the stories and for whom is such a device suitable?

Coffee machines deliver comparatively bad coffee

If you talk about fully automatic coffee machines, it quickly becomes clear that the coffee from such machines can only be mediocre. In particular, supposed “coffee professionals” are critical of the taste quality of individual coffee specialties such as espressos, latte macchiatos or cappuccinos. All in all, of course, it has to be said that a fully automatic machine is not the perfect device for a specific coffee drink – it scores much more with its variety, high functionality and user-defined settings. So if you are looking for the best espresso and are not interested in other coffee variations, you would definitely be better off with an espresso machine. Nevertheless, a fully automatic coffee machine delivers a high coffee quality, which should not be underestimated and is sometimes on a gastronomic level.

How good the coffee from a fully automatic coffee machine tastes varies depending on the device. As with other things, there are bad as well as good automatic machines. If you invest a little more, you often get better machines and can therefore look forward to a great coffee taste. Modern devices also allow user-defined settings so that individual creations can be created.

Fully automatic coffee machines usually deliver better coffee than conventional coffee machines. Freshly ground coffee beans, pre-programmed processes and innovative technology ensure consistent results and meet even the highest demands. The myth that only bad coffee comes from fully automatic machines is therefore not true – no other machine can deliver such a variety of coffee drinks in a comparably high quality!

Coffee machines are often defective

“Fully automatic machines are full of technology and therefore often have a defect”. This thesis may sound logical, but unfortunately it cannot be true. In addition to smaller exceptions, fully automatic coffee machines convince with a long service life and hardly any incidents that can be mentioned. However, if you want to enjoy your device for a long time, you should take good care of it. Most defects are not due to technical defects or faulty products, but are the fault of user misconduct.

With proper care of a fully automatic coffee machine, defects are easy to avoid. Regular cleaning and descaling is important here. Hard limescale in particular can cause major damage. Here you should pay attention to the use of the right descaler. Agents that are too aggressive can also cause damage. Experience has shown that, with reasonable care, fully automatic coffee machines can last for several years without showing any major defects.

Fully automatic machines use far too much coffee

It is true that fully automatic coffee machines require a large amount of coffee, but of course the dosage also matters here. Many devices allow an individual setting. For example, those who prefer a mild aroma do not need as much coffee as someone who tends towards a strong aroma. The amount of coffee in a cup of coffee starts at around 6 grams and can go up to 13 grams or more. If you would like to use your coffee beans sparingly or prefer your own settings, you should look around for a fully automatic machine with the appropriate additional functions.

The coffee consumption is not the same for every fully automatic machine. Some machines consume more than others by default. Also, the difference to conventional coffee machines or filter coffee is not really big. The statement that the consumption here is far too high is therefore not entirely correct.

Cooking Tips

The Advantages of a Fully Automatic Coffee Machine

There are a lot of ways to make coffee these days. Here you can find out what advantages a fully automatic machine offers.

When is a coffee machine needed?

Coffee has been one of the most popular drinks worldwide for years. There are now countless varieties, so there is something for everyone. But the preparation of coffee drinks is not always that easy. That is why the invention of fully automatic coffee machines goes hand in hand with many advantages for coffee lovers. With this invention and the progressive development of such machines, it became much easier to prepare a delicious coffee. The coffee drinker was relieved of more and more effort and work when preparing the hot drink. In the meantime, the selection is large – because everything is represented in the range, from manual preparation to semi-automatic variants to fully automatic machines. But which machine is the right one for which application?

Depending on where the machine is used, different functions are required. Fully automatic machines are particularly suitable for your own office space. They make it easier for coffee drinkers to prepare coffee in many ways and bring many advantages. Because these machines grind the coffee themselves, froth the milk and create the desired espresso drink. In addition, fully automatic machines have a wide range in their range, which can be easily selected at the push of a button. Whether espresso, latte macchiato or cappuccino – with the help of a fully automatic coffee machine, any coffee drink can be prepared in just a few seconds. A few other functions can also be selected, such as preparation with an additional shot of cocoa or the size of the cup. What are the other advantages of a fully automatic machine and what makes it stand out? In order to make it easier to decide for or against such a fully automatic machine, it will be examined more closely.

What advantages does a fully automatic machine offer?

A fully automatic machine covers a wide range of taste preferences. Popular varieties include cappuccino and latte macchiato. An espresso can also be prepared. This turns out to be a great advantage when many coffee lovers use the machine together. Because everyone can conveniently choose their favorite drink at the push of a button and is not tied to just one drink, as is the case with a French press or an espresso machine. If necessary, certain fully automatic machines also have the function of conjuring up extra foam on the drink or regulating the strength. No previous knowledge is required for this, as the desired coffee can be selected very simply at the push of a button or via a touchscreen. In order to be familiar with such a fully automatic machine, no intensive training in the technology is necessary. A coffee drink from the fully automatic machine can also be prepared quickly and saves a lot of time. With a fully automatic machine, a more intense aroma comes into its own than with conventional filter machines. This is due to the higher water pressure that the fully automatic machine exerts. It can also process the coffee beans as a whole thanks to an integrated grinder. This improves the taste immensely as the flavors don’t linger long after the coffee bean has been ground. The full quality of the coffee bean is preserved and creates a high-quality coffee beverage.

Fully automatic machines have a brewing group or brewing unit that forms the center of the machine. The coffee is portioned by the brewing group and pressed together in the filter so that the hot water can then flow through. If the brew group holds a large amount of ground coffee at once, the coffee can be brewed more heavily. If you don’t want that, you can make two cups of coffee out of it. Some fully automatic machines also have an automatic cleaning program that makes cleaning and maintaining the machine easier, which is otherwise a bit more complex. Ideally, there is a cleaning program with which the brewing group is cleaned with 80 degree hot water and a cleaning agent intended for this purpose. This removes coffee oils (produced when the bean is ground) and scale from the machine. Another advantage of the fully automatic coffee machine is that it takes up significantly less space than the portafilter machine. This means that the fully automatic machine can be used in many, even smaller rooms.

Cooking Tips

The Pros And Cons of a Coffee Pod Machine

Coffee pad machines are trendy, after all they promise quick coffee enjoyment without much effort. But can you keep up with freshly brewed coffee?

The coffee pad machine – practical or tasteless?

While the good old coffee machine used to be an integral part of every kitchen, another trend is now gaining ground – the coffee pad machine. The small devices not only look modern, they are also easy to use and very popular in small households. The preparation is reminiscent of brewing a tea. Loose, pre-portioned coffee powder lies in individual pads made of filter paper. Thus, one pod corresponds to one cup of coffee. The preparation takes place at the push of a button. Advocates of the coffee pad machine are enthusiastic about the high functionality and easy handling. Critics complain about the taste of the coffee, which should not come close to freshly brewed coffee. But who is right and what are the advantages and disadvantages of such a machine?

A trend with a future? The coffee pad machine

Coffee pad machines have long outstripped the old coffee machines in electronics stores. The devices are now available in a wide variety of designs, colors and shapes. The first machines for the precise portioning of coffee enjoyment came onto the market around 1990. They only became a trend at the beginning of the 21st century. But the trend continues, although there is now a subtle backward movement towards carefully brewed coffee by hand or filter machine.
The advantages of a coffee pad machine are obvious. The preparation takes place within a few seconds, after all, only the required amount of water has to be heated. No special expertise or skill is required. Time-consuming work, such as grinding the coffee beans, is no longer necessary. Thanks to the large number of different varieties, there is something for every taste. All you have to do is insert the respective pad. A filter change or the like is not required. Thanks to its small size, a coffee pad machine is suitable for every household and even in the office, the small machine can easily be accommodated. Cleaning is very easy, many components can even be cleaned in the dishwasher. In addition, thanks to the use of filter paper, there is less waste than with a capsule machine.

Disadvantages of a coffee pad machine

At first glance, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages. But a coffee pad machine also has disadvantages. The small machine allows individual coffee enjoyment, but it is not possible to prepare a larger amount of coffee. Here the filter machine is clearly in the lead. In addition, the price per cup of coffee is slightly more expensive than freshly brewed coffee. An individual setting, such as changing the degree of strength, is not planned either. For a milder coffee, the coffee drink must be temporarily diluted with water. A fully automatic coffee machine from Kaffee Partner has clear advantages here, because many parameters can be conveniently set via the control panel.
The main criticism of many coffee experts, however, is the taste. Due to the pre-portioned pads with ground coffee powder, little can be said about the quality of the coffee beans. In addition, the powder used is not freshly ground, but rather older. In contrast, fully automatic coffee machines grind the coffee beans fresh. No wonder that particularly aromatic coffee drinks are produced here. It is worth trying different pads, because there are big differences in quality. The following measures help to achieve the best taste from a coffee pad machine:
Moisten the pad beforehand to release roasted aromas
Use quality coffees
Warm up cups beforehand
Store pads airtight and use up quickly

Who is the coffee pad machine suitable for?

The coffee pad machine fits into our everyday life, in which everything has to work faster and more easily. Hardly anyone takes the time to grind the coffee beans themselves, for example. This makes the small machine perfect for households where small amounts of coffee are occasionally consumed. Families, flat-sharing communities or people who like to invite people over for a coffee quickly reach their limits with such a machine. Here, a fully automatic coffee machine, such as that offered by Kaffee Partner, should be purchased. In the end, taste also decides which coffee machine best suits your own requirements. Try out different variants, you will definitely find your favorite coffee quickly.

Cooking Tips

Proper Cleaning of a Portafilter Machine

To ensure that your espresso tastes perfect for a long time, regular care of the espresso machine is unavoidable. Here’s how to clean them properly.

Cleaning is the be-all and end-all for the espresso taste

Coffee drinkers who have found exactly the ideal variety for themselves want to be able to enjoy it in a relaxed manner for a long time. But after just a few weeks, the taste can diminish if one important factor is ignored: residues remain every time the portafilter machine is used. If they are not removed, it can spoil the taste. Regular cleaning of the machine should therefore be given at least as much attention as selecting the right type of coffee.

Proper and thorough cleaning of the espresso machine removes soluble particles and oils that have accumulated during the preparation of coffee. This process should happen about once a week. However, it is not enough to just roughly clean the device.

What needs to be cleaned before and after use?

While the thorough basic cleaning of the portafilter machine only needs to be done once a week, there are also individual parts of the portafilter machine that should be cleaned after each use or once a day. These mainly include the milk foam nozzle, the sieve and the water tank.

milk foam nozzle

If you like your espresso nice and creamy, you can also use the milk frother nozzle to froth the milk. In order to remove the milk residues, the milk foam nozzle – also known as the steam lance – is best cleaned immediately after use. the process of cleaning the milk system takes very little time and effort and saves you dried milk residues in your espresso or removing them from the steam lance. If milk residues have formed, the steam lance can be soaked. This will loosen any residue from the milk container. Another option would be cleaning with the help of a short burst of steam, which blows out milk residue. A clean and slightly damp cloth is then sufficient to wipe the lance.

Sieve

This does not have to be cleaned immediately after each use, but preferably after a few espressos. Depending on how many espressos are made each day, this can vary from once a day to every few days. The portafilter machine screen is cleaned by removing it from the portafilter and then simply wiping it with a cloth. It is understandable why the milk froth nozzle and the sieve of the portafilter machine have to be cleaned often. But what about the water tank?

water tank

The water tank is no different either. Because just like it can also be observed with the kettle, for example, deposits form in the water tank over time because the water remains there for some time. This is also the case with filtered water. Accordingly, it must be cleaned. The water tank of the portafilter machine is cleaned and descaled by rinsing it with warm water. After that, new, preferably filtered, water can be poured in. The water tank should be rinsed out after each refill. It is best to turn on the portafilter machine with hot water before each new espresso, but without using the portafilter (empty cover). This allows espresso residues to be removed as you pass through. A positive side effect is that the water is then already at the right temperature for the next hot drink.

Lifestyle

Use Washing Machine or Hand Wash?

There is a washing machine in every household these days. Operating the washing machine is not difficult, but which laundry actually belongs in the washing machine? With the following tips and tricks, it will be easier to clean your clothes correctly in the washing machine or by hand in the future.

Do I still have to wash the laundry by hand?

Doing laundry wasn’t easy in the past. Because in the last centuries it was usual to clean the laundry by hand at any time. The housewives soaked their clothes in a large cauldron for 24 hours before they worked them by hand with various tools such as washboards. Since this washing process could take several days, people only put in a washing day every few weeks. Today we have high-tech devices that make life easier. This includes the washing machine. But not every piece of clothing is suitable for the washing machine.

1) When is hand washing of textiles necessary?

Although a washing machine is now standard equipment in a household, many people wash their textiles by hand. Even today there are some situations in which there is no way around handwashing. Consequently, you should also prefer hand washing in the following cases:

Silk and wool are delicate textiles. They can be damaged in the washing machine despite the appropriate washing programs. It is better to wash these textiles by hand.
Garments that rub off can in principle be washed in the washing machine – in individual wash cycles. However, this procedure consumes a lot of electricity and water and is time-consuming. It can therefore make more sense to hand wash textiles that stain.
A defective washing machine due to a move or other unplanned situations makes hand washing a suitable means again. If you don’t feel like laundry service, wash the laundry by hand in a water bath.

2) Observe care instructions and sort laundry accordingly

When washing clothes with the washing machine, it is customary to sort the laundry according to color and material beforehand. It is also important to pay attention to the care instructions for the clothing when washing the clothes. Because washing a garment wrong ruins the fabric and makes it unsightly. In the worst case, the clothes can no longer be worn after washing.

Consequently, it is advisable to find out about the explanation of various laundry symbols in order to avoid mistakes in the future. Furthermore, it makes sense to only wash identical fabrics together. White laundry, colored laundry, and special items of clothing made of fine fabrics such as wool or silk should be washed separately. And for some items of clothing, hand washing is explicitly indicated, especially here you should take the washing recommendation seriously. The symbol usually shows a hand reaching into a kind of tub.

3) Which detergents are suitable for handwashing?

Delicate items of clothing should only be soaked briefly before washing. Liquid detergent is preferable to powder detergent for washing by hand. Because the powder is anything but skin-friendly and makes your hands rough. As far as the detergent is concerned, special delicates or wool detergents are suitable for sensitive textiles. Detergents for coloreds are more suitable for the clothes that go in the washing machine. Also, it doesn’t hurt to use rubber gloves when washing by hand to protect the skin from inflammation. You can also use this to make a mild detergent yourself.

4) Dry laundry after cycle or hand wash

The washed laundry – regardless of whether it comes from the washing machine or the water bath – can be dried in the air. The following applies to hand washing: It is best to wrap the textiles in a bath towel beforehand and let them lie flat to dry. If a dryer is used, only non-sensitive fabrics may go into the dryer. Either way, it’s important to flatten and hang up the finished laundry. If the laundry is left in the laundry basket or washing machine for a long time after washing, there will be musty smells in the washing machine and clothes. And it is then more difficult to iron the textiles. Therefore, note further tips on how to dry laundry properly. These help for perfectly dry laundry.

5) How can the washing machine be used in an energy-efficient manner?

Costs can be saved in the household by using the washing machine in an energy-efficient manner. In principle, it is worth fully loading the washing machine and setting the washing program gently. The material is preserved in the long term and you can save electricity with the washing machine. In this context, washing at low temperatures (30 or 40 degrees Celsius) has proven itself, whereby a detergent containing bleach can be used once a month to prevent biofilms from forming on the textiles. If infections occur in the household, it also makes sense to wash the textiles at high temperatures. This applies to non-sensitive textiles such as linen towels, nightgowns, pajamas, or hand and tea towels.

Lifestyle

Clean Smelly Washing Machine with Home Remedies

A smelly washing machine and smelly laundry are annoying. In order to effectively remove bad odors, you need to clean your washing machine regularly. Simple tricks and natural home remedies can help here.

Reasons for an unpleasant smell of the laundry

Laundry that is freshly removed from the washing machine and smells unpleasant is very annoying. But why is this? Experts agree that liquid detergent and fabric softener are the main causes of this problem. Of course, the liquid detergent is a win for the environment, but the washing machine doesn’t like it that much. In order to be able to avoid smelly laundry, you should look around for clever detergent alternatives.

How often to clean the washing machine?

You should also clean your washing machine regularly to avoid smelly washing machines and smelly laundry. So you can benefit from the long service life of your device. But how often do I have to clean the device?

At the latest when your clothes smell bad after washing, you should clean your washing machine. It is also advisable to run a wash cycle at hot temperatures once a month without laundry. As a result, you can fight germs and bacteria. You should also regularly remove dust from the device with a damp cloth. You should also clean the fluff filter, the seals, and the detergent container once a month. In this way, you can prevent and neutralize unpleasant odors. Simple household remedies are sufficient for cleaning the washing machine.

1) Vinegar against limescale

If there are coarser deposits, you should instead use the home remedy vinegar essence. Then put this home remedy in the washing machine with an old bed sheet and let it work at 95 degrees to clean the washing machine. Then run a program 1-2 more times. This is the only way to completely remove the vinegar essence. Fat and other deposits are then effectively removed.

2) Citric acid for cleaning washing machines

Citric acid is cheap, environmentally friendly, efficient, and available in every drugstore. It will help you loosen limescale without damaging delicate rubber components as vinegar does. It is also a good way to descale the washing machine. Accordingly, put a maximum of eight tablespoons of citric acid in the empty washing machine (directly in the drum). Then choose a washing program with a maximum of 40 °C and start the machine without laundry. Once 50 percent of the wash time has elapsed, pause the wash program for two hours. This allows the citric acid to take effect. Then end the washing program. In the following video, you can watch the cleaning procedure with citric acid and find out why the acid must not be heated above 40 degrees.

3) Baking soda against dirt

Using baking soda can also keep the machine clean. To do this, mix two bags of baking soda with a little water. Then put the paste directly into the washing drum or detergent compartment. Then run the smelly washing machine on a hot wash cycle. You will quickly enjoy nice-smelling and clean laundry. In addition, note useful tips for descaling the kettle.

4) Cleaning with soda

Cleaning the washing machine with the home remedy washing soda is environmentally friendly and easy. Because you can add this to the laundry during a normal washing program. This saves water and energy. Consequently, simply add 1-2 tablespoons of soda directly into the detergent drawer with the detergent. In addition, soda has outstanding advantages:

more powerful than baking soda
gentle on seals
versatile usable
Cheap

5) Clean in washing machine with baking soda

If you don’t have soda at home, you can also use the popular home remedy baking soda to clean a smelly washing machine because baking soda helps against odors, limescale, and bacteria. It is used without washing: Put 50 grams in the washing machine and run a full wash cycle at a minimum of 40 °C.

Important tips for using the washing machine

In addition to the home remedies mentioned, there are a few tips and tricks that you should take to heart. Otherwise, it can quickly happen that you have to buy a new washing machine. But don’t panic with the following tip your washing machine will last for a long time without problems:

6) Allow moisture to escape

To keep your washing machine from smelling, you should always let the moisture escape. To do this, avoid closing the washing machine door. It must always be open so that the device can dry well after use and no mold forms. You should also keep the detergent compartment open so that the residual moisture can escape. In line with the topic, also note tips for reducing high humidity.

7) Occasional heat wash

As already mentioned, low temperatures are often to blame when clothes smell bad. Microorganisms multiply rapidly in humid climates. Therefore, occasionally run your machine at high temperatures (60 – 95 degrees. Then germs and bacteria die. At 30 – 40 degrees, only a small part of the microbes in the laundry is washed out. While at 60 degrees, significantly more Therefore, wash underwear, tea towels, and cleaning cloths at this temperature. For all other clothes, follow the care instructions for the textiles. However, if a family member is ill, it would be advisable to wash their laundry separately at 60 degrees.

8) Clean detergent compartment and lint filter

High temperatures at regular intervals are good but only help to a limited extent with dirt in the detergent compartment. Because detergent and fabric softener residues often remain in the compartments, causing mold to form. Since the entire detergent drawer can usually be removed in just a few simple steps, cleaning is possible without any problems. How to remove the element can be found in the instructions for use of the washing machine.

Then hot water and a good brush are enough to remove dirt without leaving any residue. You can also use some citric acid if necessary. Then let all components dry thoroughly. Likewise, a foul smell can emanate from the fluff filter. If this is rarely emptied, hair, lint, and many other components accumulate. The machine manufacturers provide individual information about the correct removal and cleaning of the sieve.

9) Maintain door seal

The door seal in the porthole of the washing machine provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Since the surfaces here are constantly damp and clogged with hair, fluff, and detergent residue, soiling is inevitable. Here, too, citric acid is a reliable helper. Accordingly, put a few squirts of the home remedy on a rag and wipe the entire sealing ring thoroughly with it. And your washing machine stays clean.

Cooking Tips

Filter Coffee From the Coffee Machine: is That Possible?

A fully automatic coffee machine is the perfect product for anyone who loves the variety of coffee specialties. But can he also prepare a classic filter coffee? We give the answer.

How is coffee prepared in a fully automatic machine?

Coffee is prepared in a fully automatic coffee machine using a pressure brewing system. The coffee powder, which is usually freshly ground for each brewing process, is filtered through a sieve. The method can be compared to the preparation with the portafilter.
The end product, whether espresso or coffee, is influenced by the amount of coffee grounds and water. If little water is pressed through the sieve in relation to the amount of coffee powder, an espresso is created. A normal coffee is also possible, but this is not filter coffee because the preparation works without a filter. If you have a normal coffee prepared from a fully automatic machine, you will receive a drink that can best be compared to coffee from an espresso maker.

There is therefore no classic filter coffee from the fully automatic coffee machine, as these work with a sieve, but there is a “normal coffee”.

What tastes better: coffee from the coffee machine or filter coffee?

There is no general answer as to which method of preparation makes the coffee taste best. That depends in particular on your personal taste. If you want a full and intense coffee taste and like to drink pure coffee without milk anyway, classic filter coffee is probably more recommended. On the other hand, if you love variety and like to grab a latte macchiato or cappuccino, a fully automatic coffee machine is the ideal solution for getting the drink you want quickly.

How good a coffee tastes depends not only on taste preferences, but also on the choice of components such as the beans and the amount used.

How do I get black coffee from the coffee machine?

You can prepare a classic black coffee with almost any fully automatic coffee machine. Even if you use espresso beans in your device, there are various options for this.

Black coffee: Almost every fully automatic coffee machine has a button for black coffee. If possible, set your machine in terms of grinding degree and throughput time so that it tastes good to you.
Espresso Lungo: Behind the Espresso Lungo is an espresso that is brewed with twice the amount of water. As a result, it is extracted significantly more. This means that the water is pressed through the coffee powder for a comparatively long time. This creates a very strong coffee taste.
Americano: An Americano is a double espresso that you dilute with hot water to get the same volume as a regular coffee.

Conclusion

In summary, a filter coffee is not possible due to the construction of a fully automatic coffee machine. Instead of using a filter, pressure and a sieve are used. The extraction time is also different. Nevertheless, a black coffee is one variation among many that a fully automatic machine can prepare. The basic process remains that of an espresso, only the amount of powder and water is changed. Even with this coffee preparation, a normal coffee from the coffee machine tastes aromatic and intense. The decisive factor is always the choice of coffee bean and the right settings. If you don’t value high-quality processed coffee, you shouldn’t expect a wow experience.

Cooking Tips

5 Advantages of the Coffee Pad Machine

Coffee is the most popular hot beverage in Germany. In addition to the classic filter coffee, practical coffee pods are very popular with many coffee lovers.

The preparation with the pads covered in cellulose is child’s play with a special coffee pad machine. One pad is placed in the machine for each cup of coffee and the water is pressed through with pressure. This creates a wonderful crema that gives the coffee a round and velvety taste. The range of coffee pads with different types of coffee and flavors is diverse, so you can choose from the wide range according to your individual taste. There are also suitable pads for coffee-milk drinks, such as cappuccino, as well as for tea or cocoa.

The preparation of coffee with a coffee pad machine is quick and easy. The coffee always tastes the same because the portion size is consistent. Especially for small and single households, the preparation of coffee with pads for single portions is ideal and a coffee pad machine should not be missing in the kitchen! Compared to portion packs made of aluminum or plastic, coffee pods are environmentally friendly. They are made of cellulose and are therefore biodegradable.

5 advantages of the coffee pad machine

The advantages of coffee pads and preparation with a coffee pad machine are:

1. Fast and uncomplicated preparation of individual portions

Thanks to the practical pads, which can be inserted individually into the machine, it takes very little time to enjoy a delicious coffee. It only takes about 30 seconds to prepare a cup – child’s play!

2. Fine cream

During preparation, a fine crema is created, which ensures a velvety taste. For many coffee lovers, the crema is one of the most important things. It should be tender and yet have a slight firmness. It is the delicacy on the coffee, which also works great when prepared with the coffee pad machine.

3. Always the same strength and taste

Thanks to standardized filling quantities, the strength and taste of the coffee is the same with every preparation. This is of course great, as the coffee cannot become too strong or too weak. The filling quantity of 7 grams per pad is ideal for a harmonious, balanced aroma.

4. Eco-friendly

Pads are made of biodegradable cellulose and are therefore environmentally friendly and can be disposed of in the compost or general waste. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to many consumers. So it fits perfectly to live this while enjoying coffee and to combine it with the easy handling of a coffee pad machine.

5. Price advantage

Compared to other portioned coffees, such as aluminum or plastic capsules, pads are cheaper. The lower packaging effort for the pads is also reflected in the price. This not only protects the environment, but also saves money.

How does a coffee pad machine work?

The coffee pad machine has been known for around 50 years, although it was initially only used in gastronomy. The machines score with uncomplicated use and easy handling. The coffee pad machine heats the water in the water tank to around 90 degrees Celsius and then pumps it through the pad. The preparation is quick and only takes about 30 seconds, so the full aroma of the coffee is preserved.

Food

Moka or Machine? The Subtle Difference in Italian Coffee

Well, do you hear it hiss? Ever since it was invented by Bialetti, the Moka Express has been the ultimate symbol of Italian coffee. Almost every household in Bella Italia has such a device. How does it work? And what distinguishes coffee from the Moka from espresso from other machines? Mamis Caffè will give you the answers.

La Moka: How Bialetti created the Italian classic

Anyone who speaks of caffè in Italy means either espresso – or coffee from the so-called moka. The octagonal device for preparing coffee is even more widespread there than the filter coffee machine in Germany.

It was invented by Alfonso Bialetti, who patented his “Moka Express” in 1933. Until now, Italians could only drink their beloved espresso outside, in bars with the appropriate machines. Bialetti then had the idea of not producing espresso under high steam pressure, but of forcing the water through the coffee using little pressure in the pot. That’s why the Italians sometimes simply name their favorite kitchen utensil after its inventor: Bialetti.

Incidentally, according to stories, he was inspired by a method of washing clothes that was common at the time. Because in Italy in the 1920s, dirty clothes were washed in buckets with a pipe in the middle. This tube pumped the soapy water up and distributed it over the laundry.

How does an espresso maker work?

Each classic Moka consists of three parts:

Can top with pouring spout
Boiler that is filled with water
Funnel insert with coffee powder
As soon as the water in the boiler begins to evaporate, overpressure is created. This pushes the hot water up through the ground coffee in the funnel insert. The top part of the jug has a fine sieve on the underside that filters the coffee from the coffee grounds. The filtered coffee rises in the riser pipe and flows into the espresso maker’s pot.

The important role that the Moka plays in Italian households is also shown by the many colors and designs in which the kitchen classic is available. Because the device is also an eye-catcher. The Moka is often in sight on the stove or on the shelf. Hardly anything has changed in the basic form. However, designers keep adapting the look of the Moka to harmonize it with different kitchen styles.

Already knew?

The father invented it, the son spread it: the Moka only became widely known after the Second World War, when Alfonso Bialetti’s son Renato marketed his invention professionally. The entrepreneur built the world’s largest factory for coffee machines – and as a “man with the mustache” himself became an advertising star for “La Moka”. He was associated with the octagonal coffee pot even after his death: his ashes were buried in an oversized mocha in the family grave.

This is what distinguishes coffee from the moka from espresso

Unlike the Moka, which has evolved primarily around aesthetics, home espresso machines have changed a lot over time. Depending on your budget, you can now choose between fully automatic coffee machines, portafilter, pad and capsule machines. All of the good quality machines deliver great-tasting espresso.

But what exactly is the difference between “caffè dalla moka” and espresso? Even if “la moka” is often referred to in German as an espresso maker or espresso pot, this does not quite describe your method of preparation. Strictly speaking, the Moka is not an espresso pot, but a coffee pot. Incidentally, this is also the name of the Italian synonym Caffettiera. The reason: The Moka works with a maximum pressure of 2.5 bar. However, real espresso requires a brewing pressure of between 8 and 10 bar, which can only be achieved by machines.

Caffé from moka and espresso also differ in terms of:

Caffeine content: With the same amount of coffee, a cup of moka contains around 50 mg caffeine and an espresso around 68 mg.
Crema: The classic moka brews intense coffee with little to no crema. However, there are now versions with a special crema valve that produce a nice crema. All espresso machines usually produce espresso with crema.
Price: The Moka is already available for little money. The original from Bialetti costs between 15 and 30 euros, no-name cookers around half that. Good espresso machines, on the other hand, quickly cost a few hundred euros or more.
Size: The Moka takes up little space. It is easy to transport and can also be made to run on the go, for example with a camping stove.
Incidentally, various studies on the coffee consumption habits of Italians show that moka is still the most common way of preparing coffee in Italian households – a preference that is probably passed on from generation to generation. Most Italians even have two pots of different sizes in order to be able to brew the right amount of coffee for different occasions. And even if a modern espresso machine is available, the majority also have a moka at home.

Cooking Tips

Cleaning the Coffee Machine: the Most Important Information

Cleaning the coffee machine is one of the routine tasks for baristas in Italy. Because in the cafés, hundreds of cups of espresso go over the counter every day – and it only tastes good from clean machines. Of course, what is standard for cafés also applies at home.

How often should you descale coffee machines?

How often you should descale your coffee maker to ensure it works perfectly depends on the following factors:

Hardness of the water in your region: The harder the water, the faster limescale deposits. If you are unsure, you can ask the local water company for the value. Water hardness test strips are also commercially available.

Intensity of use of the machine: The more often you make coffee, the faster the device gets dirty.

With very hard water and medium usage, for example, the recommendation is to clean the device every three to four weeks. If the water is soft, it is sufficient to descale the machine about every six to eight weeks.

Remember: Regular cleaning extends the life of your machine! Because every time you prepare coffee in it, powder residue, fat and limescale are deposited and, in the worst case, can eventually clog the device. So it is better to clean too early than too late.

Cleaning the coffee machine with home remedies: yes or no?

The instructions for use usually state which cleaning agents you can use to descale your coffee machine. In order to clean portafilters or fully automatic coffee machines, you should avoid using home remedies or other additives. These could damage the sensitive hoses, pump or sealing elements.

On the other hand, you can easily descale your filter coffee machine with household products. Vinegar essence has proven particularly effective.

Descale the filter coffee machine with vinegar essence

Mix water and vinegar essence in a ratio of 1:4.

Pour the mixture into the water tank of the filter coffee machine.

Insert a coffee filter. It catches the dissolved lime.

Start the machine and allow the mixture to flow halfway through.

Turn off the coffee maker for about 30 minutes. During this time, the vinegar can take effect and dissolve further limescale inside the machine.

Start the machine again and let the rest of the vinegar and water mixture run through.

Remove the coffee filter. Run at least two more pitchers of water through to completely flush out the vinegar.

Cleaning the portafilter machine: how it works!

Does the espresso from your portafilter machine taste sour or is it only lukewarm? The device makes loud pumping noises? High time for a decalcification! Of course, it’s better if you don’t let it get that far in the first place.

To descale your portafilter machine, follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the instructions for use. It usually works according to this principle:

Dose the descaler according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Mix with water in the tank of the machine.

Then remove the water alternately via the steam nozzle and brewing group. This ensures that all water circuits come into contact with the descaler and the limescale dissolves everywhere.

If the water tank is empty, rinse the machine thoroughly with fresh water.

While the descaler runs through the machine, you can devote yourself to the shower sieve and the portafilter.

Pour descaler into a bowl of warm water according to package instructions.

Leave the filter and portafilter to soak for about 30 minutes.

Rinse thoroughly with clear water.

Put back in the machine.

Clean the shower sieve and portafilter

Apart from regular descaling, the shower sieve of the portafilter machine needs your attention a little more often. You don’t necessarily need to clean it after every use, but you do after several espressos. Because coffee oils can get stuck in the sieve, which would otherwise clog the fine pores.

Cleaning the portafilter is simple: first remove the brewing sieve from the carrier and wipe it with a clean cloth. You’ve already removed the oils. Occasionally you can also clean it particularly thoroughly by letting the coffee fat remover take effect and then rinsing it off with clear water.

Simply rinse out any coffee residue left in the portafilter with lukewarm water. For a particularly simple and thorough cleaning, the trade also offers special brushes with which you can easily remove coffee residues from the portafilter and brewing group.

Tip: Before each new espresso, run a little hot water through the device without inserting the portafilter. This removes residue and the water for the espresso is kept at the optimum temperature.

Clean the milk nozzle on portafilters and fully automatic machines

Does your device have a milk nozzle or a steam lance? It is best to clean them after each use. It is easiest to remove the milk residues when they are still fresh. To loosen dried residue, let the nozzle emit steam several times, it then simply blows out the milk residue. Then wipe with a clean, slightly damp cloth – done!

Descale the coffee machine: Thanks, cleaning program!

The coffee machine is many people’s best friend in the morning. At the push of a button, it grinds beans and brews espresso with a fine crema or delicious cappuccino. Especially when it is used frequently, the hard-working coffee maker with its different areas and hoses needs regular care and cleaning.

The good news: Luckily most modern vending machines have an automatic cleaning program – and all you have to do is make sure there is enough detergent in the tank provided.

Make it a routine to run the automatic cleaning program regularly. Most machines are very well positioned here. For example, the degree of hardness of the water can often be stored in the system. In combination with the frequency of use, the device itself then determines the optimal time for cleaning and informs you by flashing or a corresponding message on the display.

Apart from that, there are components in all fully automatic coffee machines that you should regularly remove and clean yourself. Otherwise, bacteria can collect there, and in the worst case, harmful mold forms. Warm water, dish soap and a cleaning brush are usually sufficient to clean the parts. You can also simply put many components in the dishwasher.