While visiting your coffee shop for a creamy latte is the perfect start to the day, sometimes, all we need is to stay indoors and create the perfect brew ourselves.
If you’re thinking of investing in a brand new manual coffee machine, or have made a super fancy lockdown purchase, you’re probably looking at all the bits and bobs and trying to figure out how to work it. Looking at the manual is one thing, but we’ve created an easy-to-use guide that will have you whipping up the perfect coffee in no time.
These coffee machines in and of themselves are actually not that difficult to use, so whether you’re an espresso lover or enjoy a warm 3/4 almond latte for on-the-go, here are some tips that will you help you use a manual coffee machine and create the perfect coffee at home.
Use the pre-set recipes
Most manual coffee machines have a handy preset button, which will perfect your choice of brew with the push of a button. The machine will also drip out just the right amount of coffee depending on your preference.
Just use the integrated grinder to deliver a consistent dose of freshly ground coffee (8gms will give you the perfect amount for an espresso), and you’ll be a barista in no time.
Our tip? Try out the De’Longhi manual coffee machine range.
Make the steam wand your best friend
You may have stood at your local cafe and be mesmerised by how the barista turns milk into liquid gold. But what if we told you, you can do it too?
While you may think you are “frothing” the milk, technically, a steam wand actually steams it.
Your new coffee machine should come with accessories, including a small metal pitcher. When pouring in the milk, do not overfill the jug. Instead, just fill up to below the line which dips in to hold the wand. Tilt the jug and place the steam wand into the milk, just below the surface. You want to see the milk moving in a wavelike motion — this creates a creamy consistency. Try not to move the jug up and down, because it will create bubbles, causing a thin foam, and you won’t be able to transform your cappuccino into a work of art.
If you’re unsure how hot to make the milk, the ideal temperature on a home espresso machine is between 65 – 68 degrees. Invest in a thermometer or use the inside of your hand and once it gets too hot to touch, stop!
The best thing is, once you’ve perfected it, you can make cappuccinos, macchiatos, lattes and more.
Activate the in-machine temperature control
Most at-home manual coffee machines have an Active Temperature Control system that maintains a consistent water temperature during the coffee brewing process for the perfect extraction. Some even have two heating systems that ensure coffee and milk can be prepared one after the other with no waiting time between.
Invest in additional accessories
Investing in barista-quality tools such as a metal tamper (to press down your coffee grind), tamping mat and stainless-steel milk jug, will ensure a mess-free coffee making process. This means you can enjoy your coffee straight away, without worrying about a mess.
The final step? Enjoy your beautifully brewed coffee.
See what National Product Review said about the latest tried and tested addition to De’Longhi’s manual coffee range here.
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