73
TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
Preparing delightful coffee is an art you will learn quite easily using your new espres-
so machine. This chapter will give you good advice for your perfect coffee.
SELECTION AND STORAGE OF COFFEE BEANS
• To maximise flavour and taste it is best to grind directly before the extraction.
Start with fresh coffee beans to get the best possible extraction.
• We recommend quality beans with a “Roasted On” date stamped on the bag,
not a “Best Before” or “Use By” date. Coffee beans are best consumed between
1 - 3 weeks after the “Roasted On” date.
• Store coffee beans or ground coffee on a cool, dark place in a dry, air-tight
container. Vacuum seal if possible. Using a vacuum sealer from Gastroback,
you can seal your coffee in appropriate portions to preserve aroma and taste.
• Buy coffee beans in small batches to reduce the storage time. Aroma and taste
will fade quickly, when storing ground coffee for more than a week.
THE GRIND
• The grind size will affect the rate at which the water flows through the ground
coffee in the filter basket and, therefore, the taste of the espresso. The grind size
should be fine but not too fine. If the grind is too fine (looks like powder and feels
like flour when rubbed between fingers), the water will not flow through the cof-
fee even when under pressure. The resulting espresso will be dark in colour and
bitter in flavour. If the grind is too coarse the water will flow through the ground
coffee in the filter basket too quickly. The resulting espresso will be lacking in
colour and flavour.
• For adapting the grind size to your favourite taste, begin with a medium grind
size in a range, suited for espresso machines. Then, change the settings of your
coffee grinder in small steps to reach the desired optimum.
• When purchasing already ground coffee, ensure that the coffee is suited for
espresso machines, as indicated on the packet.
FILLING THE FILTER BASKET
• Do not overfill the filter baskets. Use 1 level measuring spoon for filling the 1 cup
filter basket. When using the 2 cups filter basket, you may fill in up to 2 level
measuring spoons full.
• For measuring the amount of coffee powder, do not press on the coffee powder
in the measuring spoon
. Distribute the coffee powder evenly. By using the back
