| |
Main
Date: 26 Sep 2006 15:40:26
From: LF
Subject: Cleaning an Aluminum Portafilter?
|
One of my espresso machines, an aging pump driven Braun thermoblock
without a 3-way valve, has an aluminum portafilter, with a stainless
dispersion screen and a stainless basket. The portafilter is shaped so
that some coffee residue accumulates in its nooks and crannies. I use
oxyclean for other portafilters, but know better than to try in on
aluminum - which will oxidize and turn black.
What should I use for weekly cleaning of the portafilter? The complex
shape of the bottom of the portafilter is an effective barrier against
elbow grease and an abrasive.
By the way, this machine can be coaxed into producing a very decent
double espresso. Freshly ground fresh roasted beans, pre-heating with
blank shots, boosting the brew temp by turning the steam thermostat on
for 35-40 seconds prior, and a clean machine all help.
Thanks,
Larry
|
|
| |
Date: 28 Sep 2006 02:18:25
From: daveb
Subject: Re: Cleaning a Portafilter? -- Chill!
|
don't obsess over it!
just soak in warm water and Dawn dish soap or similar! and a gentle
brushing and rinsing.
You are NOT trying to sterilize the thing for brain surgery, just have
it clean.
Dave "120" b
Saeco / Gaggia esrvice SE
LF wrote:
> One of my espresso machines, an aging pump driven Braun thermoblock
> without a 3-way valve, has an aluminum portafilter, with a stainless
> dispersion screen and a stainless basket. The portafilter is shaped so
> that some coffee residue accumulates in its nooks and crannies. I use
> oxyclean for other portafilters, but know better than to try in on
> aluminum - which will oxidize and turn black.
>
> What should I use for weekly cleaning of the portafilter? The complex
> shape of the bottom of the portafilter is an effective barrier against
> elbow grease and an abrasive.
>
> By the way, this machine can be coaxed into producing a very decent
> double espresso. Freshly ground fresh roasted beans, pre-heating with
> blank shots, boosting the brew temp by turning the steam thermostat on
> for 35-40 seconds prior, and a clean machine all help.
>
> Thanks,
> Larry
|
| | |
Date: 28 Sep 2006 11:23:50
From: Jim
Subject: Re: Cleaning a Portafilter? -- Chill!
|
daveb wrote:
> don't obsess over it!
>
> just soak in warm water and Dawn dish soap or similar! and a gentle
> brushing and rinsing.
>
> You are NOT trying to sterilize the thing for brain surgery, just have
> it clean.
Once in a while, I toss mine in a good sized ultrasonic cleaner.
...because I have one. I wouldn't go through the expense just for this
purpose. But they come out looking like new.
>
> Dave "120" b
> Saeco / Gaggia esrvice SE
>
>
> LF wrote:
>
>>One of my espresso machines, an aging pump driven Braun thermoblock
>>without a 3-way valve, has an aluminum portafilter, with a stainless
>>dispersion screen and a stainless basket. The portafilter is shaped so
>>that some coffee residue accumulates in its nooks and crannies. I use
>>oxyclean for other portafilters, but know better than to try in on
>>aluminum - which will oxidize and turn black.
>>
>>What should I use for weekly cleaning of the portafilter? The complex
>>shape of the bottom of the portafilter is an effective barrier against
>>elbow grease and an abrasive.
>>
>>By the way, this machine can be coaxed into producing a very decent
>>double espresso. Freshly ground fresh roasted beans, pre-heating with
>>blank shots, boosting the brew temp by turning the steam thermostat on
>>for 35-40 seconds prior, and a clean machine all help.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Larry
>
>
|
|
