A clean portafilter is essential for preparing a delicious espresso. Old coffee grounds, coffee oils, and milk residue on the brew group can significantly impair the taste and, in the worst case, even damage the machine. Therefore, here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly clean your portafilter. Enjoy!
Why is proper cleaning of the portafilter so important?
Proper and especially regular cleaning of the portafilter not only ensures better taste and aroma of your espresso, it also prevents:
- Residues of coffee oils and milk fats, which can become rancid.
- Damage and blockages to the machine
- Corrosion caused by coffee residue and water.
To properly clean your portafilter, it's important to create a suitable plan. Different cleaning methods are required, so here's a good starting point:
Step-by-step instructions for cleaning your portafilter:
Daily cleaning:
1. After each use: Remove the coffee puck (the coffee grounds that have become relatively firm in the portafilter due to water and pressure) directly from the portafilter and then rinse it with hot water to remove all coffee residue. If you have frothed milk, then thoroughly wipe the steam wand and let some hot water/steam escape for cleaning – Caution: Risk of scalding!
2. Daily backflushing: For this, you need a blind filter, which triggers the backflushing process. This removes coffee oil residue from inside the group head.
Weekly cleaning:
1. Clean the portafilter and filter basket: Place the filter basket and portafilter in warm water with a special cleaning agent for espresso machines. You can usually get this directly from the same manufacturer as your coffee machine – this way you can be sure it's perfectly suited to the needs of your espresso machine. Let it soak, brush it with a specially designed brush, and rinse with clean, hot water.
2. Backflushing with cleaning agent: Pour the special cleaning agent into the dummy head and perform the backflushing process. Once this is complete, perform another backflushing with clean water to completely remove any remaining cleaning agent residue.
Pro tip:
The steam wand should also be unscrewed once a week. Clean the threads with a sponge and soak the wand overnight in a special milk frother cleaner. This will remove all traces of milk or milk alternatives. Rinse with clean water and you're ready to froth perfect milk foam again!
Monthly maintenance:
Of course, you're not a professional and shouldn't completely disassemble your machine. However, try to take a close look at it once a month and check for damage, rust, cracks, or leaks. A professional can then quickly intervene and ensure your espresso remains delicious.
Conclusion:
Cleaning your portafilter properly is incredibly easy with our instructions and can be easily replicated at home. This will extend the life of your portafilter and ensure perfect aroma every time! If you've been neglecting proper cleaning, it's not too late to start. Your portafilter, and especially every cup of fresh and delicious espresso, will thank you!
Do you already have a routine?
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team
How to properly clean the portafilter - A guide
A clean portafilter is essential for preparing a delicious espresso. Old coffee grounds, coffee oils, and milk residue on the brew group can significantly impair the taste and, in the worst case, even damage the machine. Therefore, here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly clean your portafilter. Enjoy!
Why is proper cleaning of the portafilter so important?
Proper and especially regular cleaning of the portafilter not only ensures better taste and aroma of your espresso, it also prevents:
To properly clean your portafilter, it's important to create a suitable plan. Different cleaning methods are required, so here's a good starting point:
Step-by-step instructions for cleaning your portafilter:
Daily cleaning:
1. After each use: Remove the coffee puck (the coffee grounds that have become relatively firm in the portafilter due to water and pressure) directly from the portafilter and then rinse it with hot water to remove all coffee residue. If you have frothed milk, then thoroughly wipe the steam wand and let some hot water/steam escape for cleaning – Caution: Risk of scalding!
2. Daily backflushing: For this, you need a blind filter, which triggers the backflushing process. This removes coffee oil residue from inside the group head.
Weekly cleaning:
1. Clean the portafilter and filter basket: Place the filter basket and portafilter in warm water with a special cleaning agent for espresso machines. You can usually get this directly from the same manufacturer as your coffee machine – this way you can be sure it's perfectly suited to the needs of your espresso machine. Let it soak, brush it with a specially designed brush, and rinse with clean, hot water.
2. Backflushing with cleaning agent: Pour the special cleaning agent into the dummy head and perform the backflushing process. Once this is complete, perform another backflushing with clean water to completely remove any remaining cleaning agent residue.
Pro tip:
The steam wand should also be unscrewed once a week. Clean the threads with a sponge and soak the wand overnight in a special milk frother cleaner. This will remove all traces of milk or milk alternatives. Rinse with clean water and you're ready to froth perfect milk foam again!
Monthly maintenance:
Of course, you're not a professional and shouldn't completely disassemble your machine. However, try to take a close look at it once a month and check for damage, rust, cracks, or leaks. A professional can then quickly intervene and ensure your espresso remains delicious.
Conclusion:
Cleaning your portafilter properly is incredibly easy with our instructions and can be easily replicated at home. This will extend the life of your portafilter and ensure perfect aroma every time! If you've been neglecting proper cleaning, it's not too late to start. Your portafilter, and especially every cup of fresh and delicious espresso, will thank you!
Do you already have a routine?
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team