Coffee Machine Cleaner Reviews

 You want to serve good coffee but you can not do it if your espresso machine is dirty or in need of repair. Cleaning and maintaining your equipment should be among your top priorities if you own a coffee shop, since hundreds of coffees are made there every day.

Depending on the model, espresso machines have a useful life of between 8 and 10 years, as long as you take good care of them. Increase the life of your machine with these expert tips.

Your maintenance program should include periodic checks and the annual replacement of some parts. By changing small parts on a schedule, you may be able to avoid corrective maintenance, something that could lead to the store closing while the machine is being repaired.

To avoid getting to this point, make sure you have a routine cleaning and maintenance. Let's take a look at the experts' recommendations.

DAILY TASKS

David Mejía from Suministros AgroIndustriales, Honduras, tells me that “good habits on the part of the operator or barista are an important factor: you should clean while you work”. Here are some tips based on your suggestion:

Always clean the steam wand after use. You should also purge the wand before and after use. This will prevent dry milk clogging and bacteria growth.

Empty and clean the head of the group before each round of espressos : the oils from the coffee and the old ground can add unpleasant flavors to your shot.

Keep your cleaning cloths clean. Change them two or three times a day. Make sure they are washed at high temperatures and with detergent.

Get in the habit of cleaning your machine properly at the end of each day. The routine should include the following tasks:

Rinse everything well: scrub the heads of the groups with a special brush for espresso machines , in order to loosen and remove the residue, and then use the detergent for coffee machines and the blind filter. Repeat this until the water runs clear. David also recommends making several shots of espresso afterward to eliminate potential detergent flavor in future espressos .

Clean the steam wand: remove the tip and let it soak in a mixture of water and detergent. Daniel recommends leaving the wand in this solution "for at least 20 minutes or, if possible, overnight."

Clean the drain tube: This will help prevent any clogging or accumulation of coffee grounds that could clog the drain outlet of the drip tray.

Make sure to clean the portafilters, the portafilter baskets, and the drip tray.

SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR

Diana Patiño is the owner of Kumo Laboratoria de Café in Mexico City. He told me that once a month or every two months, his staff changes the shower filters and the portafilter baskets to prevent leaks between the portafilter and the head of the group.

You should know the quality of the water. If you have water full of minerals, you could end up with a tank of calcified steam. To avoid this, plan a regular descaling of the machine with your dealer or producer. Diana says that her coffee shop empties the steam tank of her machine every six months to ensure proper operation.

ANNUAL DUTIES

Once a year you should change these little parts before they become serious problems:

Rings or valve for steam and hot water

Stopper Bolt Wedges

The expansion valve (this will prevent leaks and loss of temperature in the tank)

Anti-suction valve

The steering activator for readiness

Drain pipe

The portafilter baskets (this may not be necessary, but take a moment to check them every year)

Changing all of these items can seem expensive. But it's cheaper than a closed coffee shop while repairs are being carried out.

WHAT CLEANING PRODUCTS SHOULD YOU USE?

Check your espresso maker's recommendations for cleaning products. Using the wrong product could cause damage or clogging. You should also know if you need all the products on offer. If you don't have hard water, you may not need descaling products, for example.

Some people use vinegar and water to clean in an eco-friendly way, but if you try this method, be sure to rinse well to avoid notes of vinegar in your espresso . In fact, with any cleaning product, it is important to rinse well to avoid serving a spoiled drink to your customers.

When planning your staff's shifts, be sure to include time for maintenance services and daily cleaning tasks. Add a note to your calendar of when the monthly and annual reviews should be done, so you don't go over the stipulated date without realizing it.

Espresso machine maintenance isn't the glamorous part of the coffee business, but it's one you can't ignore. If you want to serve tasty coffees that will keep your customers coming back, you need to take care of your machines.