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How do you clean an electric espresso maker?

Published in Espresso Machine Maintenance 2 mins read

Cleaning an electric espresso maker involves both daily maintenance and occasional deep cleaning to ensure optimal performance and taste.

Keeping your electric espresso machine clean is wicked important for its longevity and for brewing delicious coffee. The cleaning process typically involves daily tasks and less frequent, more thorough cleaning.

Daily Cleaning Routine

The most effective way to maintain your espresso machine daily is to focus on the brew group:

  • Use a Group Head Cleaning Brush: The best way to clean your espresso machine is to use a group head cleaning brush daily. This helps remove accumulated coffee grounds and oils from the shower screen and group gasket, preventing blockages and ensuring an even water flow for consistent extraction.

Deep Cleaning Procedures

For a more comprehensive clean, especially if your espresso machine has the capability, backflushing is recommended:

  • Backflushing with Cleaning Tablets: For deep cleaning, we recommend backflushing with Urnex Cafiza Tablets. This powerful process cleans the internal components of the group head by forcing water and a specialized cleaning solution backward through the system, dissolving residual coffee oils and debris that daily brushing might miss.
    • Important Note: This method is only applicable as long as your espresso machine has this ability. Always consult your machine's user manual to confirm if it supports backflushing and for specific instructions.

Other Essential Cleaning Tasks

Beyond the group head, other parts of your espresso maker also require regular attention:

  • Clean Out the Drip Tray: Cleaning out the drip tray is a good idea, too. This prevents the build-up of stagnant water, which can lead to mold growth, unpleasant odors, and unsanitary conditions around your machine. Regularly emptying and rinsing the drip tray contributes significantly to overall hygiene and maintenance.

By consistently following these cleaning practices, you'll ensure your electric espresso maker remains in excellent condition, consistently delivering high-quality espresso shots with optimal flavor.