FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Manual Espresso Makers

What type of coffee do I need to use in my espresso machine?
When preparing espresso, you should always use the proper bean. Espresso beans are roasted longer than other beans and deliver a full, rich flavor and aroma. Choose an Italian or French espresso roast coffee bean. For pump-driven espresso machines, you should choose a fine coffee grind. For steam-driven espresso machines, use coarse ground coffee.
Where do I find the appropriate coffee beans?

Most supermarkets carry Italian, French or “espresso” beans. Gourmet food stores and coffee shops also carry a wide variety of beans.

How do I know if the coffee beans are fresh?
You will know espresso roast coffee beans are fresh if they have an oily surface.
Should coffee grounds be packed tightly into the filter holder?
No. Gently compress coffee grounds using the tamper supplied with the machine. And our super automatic espresso machines automatically tamp the coffee for you.
Why does anyone drink espresso? It's always so bitter.
An authentic espresso should have a rich flavor, never bitter. Old coffee beans or coffee that has not been freshly ground may result in bitterness. For rich flavor, always use freshly ground beans or relatively fresh pre-ground coffee.
Does espresso have too much caffeine?
Actually, because espresso beans are roasted longer than other coffee beans, they have a lower caffeine level. A cup of espresso has more concentrated coffee flavor and should not be confused with caffeine content.
What's the brown foam on top of an espresso?

The light brown foam that floats on top of an espresso is known, in Italian, as the “crema.” Distinguished by its caramel color, the “crema” is the essence of authentic espresso. The crema carries a variety of flavors that comprise the coffee bean. The presence of “crema” means the espresso is fresh and perfectly prepared. It is a natural froth produced by the pump pressure.

My espresso has little or no crema. What's wrong?
The coffee may have been ground too coarsely or the grounds may not have been pressed with a tamper. Also check to make sure that the coffee is not old or stale.
What is cappuccino?
A cup of cappuccino is actually espresso topped with hot, frothy milk.
How do I make froth and what type of milk should I use?
Skim milk works best because it has very little fat. With our manual frothers you pour 1/3 cup of milk into a pitcher so the milk can aerate. The pitcher should be made of metal. With our automatic frothing systems you just simply pour milk directly into the container and slide onto the front of the machine.
I'm having difficulties creating a nice, rich froth. What's the problem?
You should use skim or low-fat milk that is cold. Check the steam nozzle and/or intake hole to see if it is clogged. Clean away any dried milk to allow steam to flow freely. With our automatic frothing systems simply push the clean button on the container.
What is the difference between pump and steam units?
Steam-driven machines boil water to create hot water, steam and pressure. The steam in the boiler is used to build pressure for the extraction of flavor from the grind. In pump-driven machines, the pump creates a minimum and consistent pressure of about nine bars. The water in the pump machines does not have to boil to make pressure for pushing the water through the grinds.
Water is leaking excessively from the filter holder. What's the problem?
The filter holder is not properly inserted into the brew head. Also, check to make sure that coffee grounds have been cleaned from the rim of the filter holder.