ECM / Espresso Coffee Machines: Espresso culture

… a high-quality espresso machine that meets all requirements.

… an espresso grinder that allows one to set the optimal grinding degree and that will not overheat. Overheating can affect the coffee flavour.

… the water quality. Use non-sterilised, lime-deficient water. Lime affects the flavour, a certain degree of lime allows the coffee to develop a better aroma.

… the choice of the right coffee bean. It is important to use a good coffee blend that does not contain too many broken beans. Most coffee blends are composed partly of the aromatic Arabica as well as the stronger Robusta variety, which creates a delicious creme on top.

It is crucial to harmonise the coffee and the grinding degree of the grinder with the type of espresso machine. A good "barista" must know how to achieve the perfect interaction of grinding degree, grinding quantity and tamping pressure.

If too little coffee is used, the water pervades the coffee too fast and the espresso is not extracted properly.

If too much coffee is used, the water is not evenly distributed on the coffee. Also in this case, the espresso cannot be extracted properly.

To achieve the best espresso result, it is recommended to use freshly ground coffee.

It is important that the pressure exerted on the coffee inside the filter holder is always constant. Wipe off loose coffee particles from the edge of the filter holder before clamping it to the coffee machine.

Tip: The "barista" deposits the filter holder on the edge of the work surface in order to exert constant pressure on the coffee. (Angle filder holder/ tamper = 90°).

For an optimal adjustment of the grinding degree, it is important to always tamp with the same pressure and to use the same grinding quantity.

Tip: When adjusting the grinder, modify the grinding degree only gradually to approach the perfect result.