Alexia Espresso Machine
9
Setting Coffee Brew Temperature With PID Models
The Alexia can be ordered with an optional PID controller. The PID controller provides
much better temperature control and the temperature can be easily changed without
having to open the machine up.
To change the temperature press the up or
down arrow keys until the desired temperature
is displayed in green.
The PID controller automatically compensates
for the loss of temperature between the boiler
and the group head so you may set the temperature to your desired brew temperature.
The recommended brew range is 195°- 205° Fahrenheit or 90°- 96° Celsius.
Steaming Milk - Basics
First, le
t’s talk about some of the things you need to learn in order to become ‘b
arista-
like’ in
your techniques.
Milk
–
Whole milk works best to steam, both in technique and in flavor! Lower fat milks
contain mostly water which will not foam well and will be almost tasteless when steamed. After
all your hard work you will be left with a less than desirable tasting beverage.
Temperature
–
Your whole milk needs to be as cold as possible to ensure the creamiest,
sweetest, and best tasting micro-foam. Once the milk has reached a temperature between
150-160 degrees, you must stop the process. The longer amount of time you have with the
cold milk gives you that extra time to continue making the milk creamy and sweet tasting. Milk
heated above 160 degrees will be burnt and taste terrible.
Frothing Pitcher
–
Keeping your pitcher in the freezer is another tip which helps keep the milk
its’ coldest. The size of your pitcher is relative to the size and number of drinks you will be
preparing at the time. Our recommendation on pitcher choices would be our own
“Pro
Barista
Steaming Pitcher”
which has become the pitcher of choice of the renowned baristas who
helped train Chris’ Coffee Service in this frothing technique. These baristas felt the Pro Barista
Steaming Pitcher promoted a user friendly rolling of the milk which made it simple to create
thick rich micro-foam for pouring Latte Art.
