Great coffee is the basis of a good morning. Unfortunately, even the most expensive coffee machine will not guarantee a perfect brew if we make basic mistakes. Let's take a look at what can spoil the taste of our little black dress.
Grind matters
Buying ground coffee is the first step to disappointment. Why? Because freshly ground beans have much more aroma (which disappears after just a few minutes if we do not make coffee from them). A good grinder is not a whim of baristas – it is a necessity. The fineness of the grind also matters. And the freshness of the beans is also very important. Coffee only retains its best flavor for about three months after roasting. Stale grains will never give you an intense aroma, even if you add more of them.
It's worth spending a little more on coffee – the difference in taste will be huge. Good beans are evenly roasted and shiny. “Luxurious” packaging means nothing – what matters is the roasting date and the quality of the beans.
It is also worth investing in a decent electric grinder. Cheap grinders often grind unevenlywhich translates into the quality of the infusion. A good grinder will also allow you to experiment with the grinding fineness – this is how you will find the perfect taste for yourself.
Hard water
The quality of tap water can greatly affect the taste of coffee. Too hard water (i.e. one with a high mineral content) not only does it tarnish the coffee machine faster, but it also causes the coffee to lose its delicate aroma. If your water is hard, it is worth investing in a filter jug. And so we naturally move on to the next issue…
Stone – a silent taste killer
Scale deposits are a nightmare for coffee machines. Not only does it spoil the taste of the coffee, but it can also damage the device. Regular descaling is essential – once every few months is enough, depending on the water hardness. You can use special products or a home remedy with vinegar – it is important to do it systematically.
The heart of the espresso machine needs care
The brewing group is the heart of your coffee machine, and neglecting it is the way to bad coffee. Regular cleaning is essential. Coffee residues and sediments can spoil the taste of any brew. Some coffee machines remind you to clean them, others require your initiative.
When to call for service?
If you regularly take care of your coffee machine and the coffee is still weak, pay attention to some warning signs:
- The pump should run evenly – if instead of a quiet buzzing you hear loud cracking noises or the pump works intermittently, it may be damaged
- If the coffee comes out very slowly or drips, and it does not flow in a continuous stream, it is a sign that the pressure is too low
- When the coffee machine makes a loud, metallic clicking noise while brewingthis may indicate a problem with the brewing group
- If water is leaking from under the machine or from places other than the spout – turn off the device immediately