Two Basic Ways of Making Coffee and What They Entail
There are two basic approaches to making coffee. The first, and simpler of the two, is to simply combine ground coffee with water and let the mixture steep. After a few minutes, the coffee can be removed by any number of means, whether by straining through a filter or careful decanting of the now-fresh coffee.
Another approach is to force hot water through coffee grounds that remain in place throughout the process. Because the water does not remain in contact with the grounds for as long, the bitter compounds that are drawn out over time are extracted at a lower rate than with the other approach. That can result in sweeter, smoother coffee, a style of beverage that many prefer.
The best-known approach of this second kind is the use of an espresso machine. These devices incorporate boilers that heat and pressurize water, pushing it through specially designed outlets when it is ready. That pressurized hot water is then driven through finely ground coffee relatively quickly, producing a rich, thick style of coffee that can be enjoyed as-is or used to create other drinks.
Because of the special nature of this kind of coffee, many people today enjoy owning and maintaining their own espresso machines. This can be a rewarding way to brew coffee espresso machine cleaning tablets, but it does entail some equally special kinds of maintenance. The high pressure of the water in an espresso machine can cause minerals in the liquid to precipitate out especially quickly, resulting in scale deposits that can inhibit performance and negatively affect the flavor of the coffee that is produced.
Keep your espresso machine clean, though, and these issues will not arise. While some machines can be easily disassembled for regular cleaning, virtually all of them include parts that are hard to access. Because of this, it generally makes more sense to use products like jura cleaning tablets or keurig descale solution instead. When a tablet is added to a machine's reservoir and water is then run through it, the water itself acts as a cleansing solution, sweeping up deposits that have already formed.
It is therefore easy enough to clean your espresso maker that this should not be counted as a mark against owning one. While the distinctive nature of the technology that allows for espresso to be made does entail some special requirements, these are easy enough to deal with. Just as with other ways of making coffee, the reward for keeping up with them can be savored with every cup.
