Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for preserving the performance and flavor quality of your espresso machine, with backflushing standing out as a vital task often overlooked. This process involves using a blind filter to flush out residual coffee oils and trapped particles within the machine's internal components, preventing the buildup of rancid oils and residues that can adversely affect the taste of your espresso. Neglecting backflushing can also lead to decreased water pressure, altering the extraction process and resulting in a bitter taste.
Above is a photo of the inside of a shower screen that I took off a customer's machine. It is clear that this is a particularly bad case but it very clearly illustrates the point of how important regular maintenance and cleaning is. All of the water that passes through your portafilter will pass through this screen first!
Consistent backflushing not only maintains cleanliness but also ensures the uniform quality of your brewed espresso. The accumulation of coffee oils and residues can not only taint the flavor but also affect the machine's functionality, leading to potential damage. Furthermore, mineral deposits from water can obstruct internal components, causing scale buildup and eventual mechanical issues. Therefore, integrating backflushing into a routine cleaning schedule, typically recommended at least once a week for home use and more frequently for commercial settings, is essential to preserve the machine's efficiency and longevity. We sell special detergents for cleaning various parts of your machine and specifically ones for backflushing. You don't always have to backflush with detergents, but it is recommended that you do at least once a week to prevent build up in your home machine. Once the build up is significant enough, backflushing will no longer be effective at removing the residues and more significant cleaning will be needed.
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In conjunction with backflushing, regular cleaning of removable parts and using filtered or softened water can significantly contribute to the machine's upkeep. By following manufacturer guidelines and incorporating these maintenance practices, you can ensure the consistent performance and lifespan of your espresso machine, elevating your coffee experience while safeguarding your investment.