October 24, 2010

Maintaining Stove Top Espresso Makers

Maintenance of stovetop espresso makers

Stainless steel units are easier to maintain as aluminium ones tend to corrode from contact with water.  You can prevent this corrosion, though, by not allowing water to sit in the unit when not in use and making sure to clean and dry thoroughly after using.  Never allow these units to air-dry.  Store them dis-assembled as well, in case you missed a couple of drops of water while drying.  If drops get trapped in the unit, the corrosion will start.

DO NOT put aluminum pots and stove top espresso makers in the dishwasher. DO NOT use aggressive cleaning detergent.

Most recommend to use white vinegar and lemon juice combination.

Allowing a layer of coffee oils to build up on the walls of your aluminium moka pot is said to enhance the flavour, as well as provide a barrier between the aluminium and the coffee, for those worried about potential health risks of aluminium (research has yet to show any health risks from aluminum moka pots, but it is a concern for some people).  If you don't use the pot for a while, though, the coffee oils can go bad and you will want to wash them away and re-season before using again.

Limescale deposits, which may form on the inside of the bottom when hard water is used, can PERMANENTLY DAMAGE the coffee maker.

In order to prevent this from happening, DESCALING, as detailed below, must be performed at regular intervals:

1. Fill the bottom with water up to the safety valve

2. Add two teaspoons of citric acid ( use lemon juice and vinegar). You can also use one of our many descalers or coffee cleaning detergents.

3. Assemble the coffee maker without putting any coffee in the funnel-shaped filter and allow the solution to percolate into the top of the maker

4. After having done this, dispose of the water and acid solution and rise the coffee maker internal parts under running water

Make a brew as normal using water only and no coffee before using the coffee to maker coffee

Inside the moka pot is a rubber gasket or o-ring that will need to be replaced periodically.  Keep an eye on it and watch for signs of deterioration.  If you wait too long, it becomes more difficult to remove so try to stay proactive.  Keep in mind that moka pots come in all shapes and sizes and so do their gaskets.  They are typically not interchangeable so when you buy the pot, check that the store also carries replacement parts or find out where else you can get them.  Make a note of the brand and model names as well as the size.

The filter plate and safety valve can also be replaced if needed so, again, find out in advance where you can get them.  Generally, the only other spare parts you might be able to get are handles so if you break a part of your pot, you may have to buy a whole new one.

How to use Stainless steel and Aluminum Stove Top Espresso Makers:
Read the following cleaning instructions: http://www.espressoplanet.com/espresso-coffee-machine/hot_to_use_stove_top.html