Steps In Cleaning Coffee Makers Using Vinegar

Over time, coffee residues, hard water deposits, as well as other elements will accumulate in your coffee maker. These impurities will greatly affect the taste of your brewed coffee. Good thing, cleaning a coffee maker is actually not a rocket science. You can find a number of ways to make this task way easy for you. But if you think rinsing this machine with soapy water will do, you’re wrong. If you really want to extend the service life of your coffee maker, you need to provide it with thorough cleaning on a regular basis.

Since it is natural and it doesn’t have any toxic residues, vinegar is one of the best coffee maker cleaners you can use. This solution also has acidic properties that can help eliminate mineral accumulations, lime scale, and oil leftovers produced by brewing different beans. These elements must not be ignored because it won’t only cause breakage or wearing out of the coffee maker, it will also taint the taste of every cup of coffee you brew. It is, hence, significant that you do clean it the right way.

Here are some steps in cleaning a coffee maker without using any chemicals or any complicated procedures:

1. Immerse or wash your coffee pot in vinegar.

As you do this process, you can provide the outside portion and the base of the coffee maker with aesthetic touches at the same time. You can also perform this step using vinegar.

2. Pour vinegar in the coffee pot and turn the coffee maker on.

You can also choose to put a filter in the coffee pot, in case you haven’t cleaned it before. Run the coffee machine and let the vinegar and hot water do the cleaning. The hot water and acids in the vinegar will sure break down or remove stains and mineral buildups in the pot that may cause clogging in your coffee maker.

3. Take out the coffee filter and rinse it well.

If yours is a mesh filter, you will see a whole bunch of dirt coming from the machine. Those are exactly the elements you want to get rid of. Usually, these are old coffee beans, oils, residue, and minerals that have been accumulated due to recurring evaporation of non-deionized water.

4. Take out the coffee pot and dispense the remaining vinegar.

After cleaning the filter, rinse your coffee pot thoroughly to eliminate all the residues.

5. Do the above mentioned steps one more time.

Since vinegar acts on the lime and accumulated minerals through chemical reaction, it is more likely that all of the grime and dirt have been eliminated without scrubbing the machine. So better perform these steps more than twice to make sure your coffee maker is really clean before using it again. To do away with all the vinegar, wash your coffee pot and filter with pure, deionized water.

While you can use commercial products for cleaning coffee makers, they aren’t that practical especially if you’re on a tight budget. After all, buying these products does mean paying for acids. So why not use vinegar instead?

How To Clean Your Coffee Maker

If you are wondering how you to clean your coffee maker the correct way, read on. Coffee makers should be cleansed one or two times every month to fully enjoy a cup of coffee that always tastes good.

Your coffee maker carries off hard water mineral deposits when cleaned up. Cleaning also takes away oils and grease from brewed pots in the past and other remains that can make your coffee taste terrible.

Generally speaking, a coffee maker is not that hard to clean up.

There are products available in the market that will cleanse your coffee maker. If you want to make of these, you have to ensure that you follow the instructions stated for safety. Usually, these solutions are in a form of acid which are packed for convenient use.

The most common acids found in your kitchen include lemon juice and vinegar. They can be applied in the similar way as efficiently but for a much smaller price tag which make commercial products a funds misuse.

Typically, a vinegar and water mixture is able to work very well. Also, the effort in cleaning a coffee maker is dependent on how greatly it has been cared for. You may well require appropriate detergents capable of removing calcium deposits if these mineral sediments built up tough on the parts of your coffee maker.

In no way you should use any kind of soap to wash your coffee maker. Most detergents and soaps leave suds and deposits behind which may possibly cause harm to your coffee maker. These may also make your coffee taste awful.

However, the coffee pot or the glass portion which collects the coffee can be cleansed with the use of soap. This is an efficient washing means provided that you rinse the coffee pot thoroughly. Also, it is suggested to clean the pot plus the filter basket in hot soapy water.

Here are simple steps you can make the most out of, if you have a coffee maker and do not know how to cleanse and preserve it:

Cleaning the Carafe

1. Clean the carafe using soap and a mild soap.

2. Fill the carafe with water and mild detergent then leave the solution in the carafe overnight to remove stains.

3. Wash the carafe completely.

Cleaning the water tank

1. Put water plus a pint of vinegar in the coffee maker tank.

2. Put the carafe into the hot plate and close the funnel.

3. Switch your coffee maker on.

4. Leave the vinegar in the water tank for half an hour.

5. Empty the carafe and then rinse it very well.

6. Again, put water on the tank and repeat the brewing cycle.

7. Switch the coffee maker off.

8. Clean the carafe thoroughly with running water.

Cleaning the hot plate and the filter basket

1. Turn off your coffee maker. Unplug it.

2. Allow your coffee maker to cool prior to cleaning.

3. Wipe down the hot plate using a damp fabric.

4. Wipe the hotplate dry.

5. Wash the filter basket with soap and water.

6. Rinse it thoroughly.

Make use of safe, inexpensive products in cleaning your coffee maker to enjoy more great tasting coffee.

Popular Types of Coffee Makers

The initial impression is that all coffee makers serve the same purpose: to produce a hot and aromatic cup of coffee anytime of the day. But the truth is that there are different types of coffee makers and each has a unique brewing method which produces distinct coffee taste. Here’s some of the popular types of coffee makers:

1. Coffee Percolator or Drip Coffeepot - This brewer makes coffee by drip method, a process where hot water passes through the coffee grounds once and then into a second container producing a thick, bitter-tasting coffee. The term “percolation” is often disassociated with the pumping percolator, another brewing device which allows water to rise through a tube inserted in the handle and spray down over the coffee grounds. Coffee percolator or drip coffeepot was invented in 1800 by Jean Baptiste de Belloy. It has three parts: a cylindrical pot for hot water, a container for coffee grounds, and a cylindrical pot for the finished brew. Coffee percolator is often made of aluminum which some people don’t like as it interacts with the acid in the coffee.

2. Pumping Percolator - The popularity of this brewer can be attributed to the aroma of the coffee during brewing. With every gurgle of pumping percolator more aroma and coffee oil vaporizes, escaping into the air prior to coffee drinking. It was invented by Jacques-Augustin Gandais. Pumping percolator produces a slightly bitter-tasting coffee.

To prepare a good cup of coffee with this machine, you need to measure fresh cold water leveled below the basket. Then, pour the right amount of the fine grind coffee into the basket, put the basket in place, and cover with basket lid. After you cover the percolator with its top lid, you need to heat the water until it begins to bubble. When it's not hot enough, you can already percolate gently for 5-6 minutes.

3. Vacuum Coffee Maker - At first glance, this sci-fi-looking device is complicated to use with an impression of brewing the alchemist's way. The first vacuum coffee maker was developed by a Scottish marine engineer, Robert Napier. It was later modified after World War I. Vacuum coffee maker is known for its clear resulting brew. The production of coffee using vacuum method is quite dramatic complete with sound effects. Using a vacuum coffee maker is time-consuming and the apparatus is difficult to clean up. Restaurants in Thailand use this type of coffee maker.

4. Electric Drip Machines - Commonly used as home brewing device, producing coffee with electric drip machines are quick. The usual brewing time takes only 4-6 minutes. However, coffee tends to change its quality after being heated for more than 10 minutes in the burner. To avoid this, you need to transfer the brew immediately in an insulated pitcher.

5. Espresso Machines - Designed by the Italians to modify the French filtration pots, espresso coffee makers use steam pressure to brew coffee. The term “espresso” is derived from the Italian verb “to put under pressure.” You need to use a standard espresso roast, Italian or French with this machine as it increases the acidy taste of the coffee.

Proper Coffeemaker Maintenance

A coffee maker is a special kitchen appliance that helps produce fantastic tasting coffee any time of the day. Investing in a coffee maker at home reduces the need to stop by a popular coffee chain to buy expensive readymade coffee. It is undeniable though, that the price paid for a cup of commercially served coffee is worth every penny. Owning a coffee machine does not guarantee a great tasting fix each morning, because, the truth is, there are still trade secrets and expert techniques that must be mastered.

Coffee preparation techniques can be learned in various ways, there are cookbooks, do-it-yourself websites, and a lot more channels. Practically, in this day and age, knowledge is just around the corner, waiting to be visited via the internet. However, there may be times when all steps have been tried and still the result is unpleasant. When this happens, it is time to inspect the machine.

Ensure that the coffee maker is well cleaned and free of debris and residue before and after using it. Left over coffee granules settle on the jug and the filter holes that affect the flavour and creaminess. Never clean the equipment parts with soap or detergent because these contain acidic elements that stick or may scrape the metal container. The best material to use is a food grade coffeemaker non-detergent cleaner. Its primary ingredient is sodium metasilicate and sodium perborate. Coffee is a very sensitive liquid, a slight imbalance in the measurement or residue will reflect on the extract.

Always cleanse the groupheads of the espresso machine by backflushing using the designated portafilters without holes. Backflushing allows the pressurized water and cleaner to circulate around the grouphead with force. This process frees the clogged and strayed grains. To free the portafilters of grains that were stuck in the strainer holes, soak these in a tub of hot water mixed with coffeemaker cleaner. Scrub it lightly after an hour then put it back on its group head and let water drip through for a minute.

To clean drip machines, place a tablet of cleaner on the filter basket or, in case of a powder cleaner, use a filter paper with the metal basket. Activate the drip machine as if regularly brewing coffee, leave the water and cleaner solution in the jug for about an hour, and rinse thoroughly.

Proper maintenance is necessary to achieve a great cup of coffee. Make sure that the equipment is calibrated to release the optimum amount of water; otherwise, the extract will be bland or bitter. Temperature must also be adjusted because coffee brews properly at a certain boiling point. Lower temperature will not extract the bean's full flavour and if the water goes any hotter, it could scald the grounds.

Lastly, do not make a habit of using different roasts on a single coffee maker or brewer if there are usual instances of leaving the liquid in the container for a long period. It leaves stains and residue that even diligent cleaning will fail to remove and these affect the flavour of other roasts.

5 Best Single Coffee Makers Brands

Whether it's an early-morning java or an afternoon latte, people look to caffeine for a hearty boost of energy, an enhanced physical performance, and sharpened mental alertness. If you want to enjoy a fresh brewed coffee without the messy filters and noisy grinding anytime of the day, one cup at a time; single coffee maker is for you. There are three main types of single cup coffee makers: Coffee pod brewers, K-cup brewers, and Tassimo brewers. Here's a quick overview of the 5 best single coffee makers today:

1. Melitta BCM4 - If you want a well-built coffee maker that can brew a cup of coffee in one minute, Melitta BCM4 is a perfect choice. The Melitta's brand is known for their innovative designs of coffee makers including air cleaners and humidifiers, cleaning bags, foils and wraps, and other coffee accessories. Melitta BCM4 is easy and convenient to pack when travelling. Parts of Melitta BCM4 are easier to clean like the cone section that you can just pop into the dishwasher.

2. Breville Gourmet Single Cup Coffee - This stainless steel coffee maker uses an advanced brewing system and evenly distributes water through the K-cup. Breville is wonderfully silent and with over 200 varieties of K-cup you can buy at gourmet coffee roasters in the U.S., you can never go wrong with your fine coffee taste.

For prolong coffee maker life, Breville recommends replacing the charcoal filter every two months. Also, you should not use abrasive scouring pads when cleaning the machines housing. The K-cup holder can be cleaned using a paper clip or similar tool.

3. Tassimo Hot Beverage System - Another one-cup-at-a-time brew system is the Tassimo Hot Beverage System. This versatile coffee maker has an adjustable cup stand, drip tray, and removable 68-ounce water chamber. Its cup stand can be used for different sized cups. Each brew takes less than a minute to complete. The Tassimo Hot Beverage System uses T DISC brewing system, a microprocessor technology that reads the bar code printed on each disk and adjusts the brewing function accordingly. If you want to prepare a custom blend coffee, you can mix and match different T DISCS like mixing a cappuccino disc, an espresso disc, and a hot chocolate disc whips up a tall cafe mocha.

4. Bunn My Cafe Pourover Single Serve Coffee or Tead Pod Brewer - This innovative coffee maker dispenses hot water through a drawer which holds coffee pods or tea bags. This coffee maker tends to break the record for fastest single cup coffee maker as it can deliver a hot cup of coffee or tea in less than 30 seconds. But of course, you have to make sure the machine is pre-heated.

5. Krups XP2070 Coffee and Espresso Combination Machine - If you are a coffee lover with wide range of coffee tastes, what could be more perfect if you can sip coffee anytime of the day, anywhere? The Krups XP2070 may be a sophisticated machine compare to other coffee makers but it is pretty traditional when it comes to brewing espresso, cappuccinos, lattes and other specialty coffees. It also comes with programmable clock/timer, flavor selector, and alarm system. The unit has a porta filter and three individual filter sieves for 1-cup, 2-cup or pod espresso preparation. You also don't have to worry about overheating as the machine runs a self-cooling cycle.

Why Go For Under Cabinet Coffee Makers?

Sure, you want to buy an under cabinet coffee maker for two reasons – it makes good coffee and it saves space on your kitchen countertop. This is why manufacturers of under the cabinet coffee makers strive hard to satisfy these two criteria. These coffee machine manufacturers understand that most of us need a spacious home so we’re always looking for smaller items that can still make us happy by satisfying our needs. So they make sure that the under cabinet coffee makers they produce can brew the coffee that you want without eating up space in your counter.

Aside from being a space saver, other features and advantages of selecting an under cabinet coffee maker are:

• Sneak-a-cup feature

Most under cabinet coffee makers are ideal for people who are always in a hurry every morning yet don’t want to miss their favorite cup before they go. With such feature, the brewing cycle can be paused so you can fill your cup even if the entire process is not yet finished. And take note, with such type of machine, you no longer to take the carafe out because there’s a separate device to take charge of that quick pour.

• Design

This type of coffee maker comes in a wide variety of sleek designs and color choices including white, black, and stainless steel. It is a good idea to go for stainless steel units.

• Cup Capacity

While they appear small, under cabinet coffee makers have “Perfect Pour” thermal carafe that can contain up to 12 cups of coffee.

• Ease of installation

Such coffee makers are way easy to install. As their name implies, they can be placed under the cabinet or on your counter top.

• Timer

These coffee machines come with 24-hour programmable timer so you can set it to prepare coffee right before you leave for work. With this, you can’t just save space, you can also save time.

• Save-a-Plug outlet

If you need to use other electrical appliance nearby, you can plug it in the coffee maker so you can save your wall outlet for other use.

• Auto shut-off feature

This is another good feature of under cabinet coffee makers. After brewing your coffee, it automatically turns off so it can help you save electricity.

• Detachable water reservoir

What’s good about this feature is it makes the machine easy to clean. This just adds to the conveniences that under cabinet coffee makers will provide you with.

An under the cabinet coffee maker is, no doubt, one of the best coffee machines you can get for your home especially if you have space constraints. Sure enough, you don’t want to let go of your blender or oven toaster just to make room for your coffee maker, don’t you? So if you think your counter top can no longer accommodate a full-size coffee maker yet you don’t really want to compromise the taste of your coffee, then just remember that under the table coffee makers are made to answer your needs.

Disadvantages Of Purchasing Cheap Four Cup Coffee Makers

While you can easily find cheap four cup coffee makers, you sometimes need to make a little sacrifice both in the quality of the coffee machine and the taste of the coffee it makes. So if you don’t want to end up disappointed of your purchase, better go for more expensive yet high quality larger brewers.

Here are some of the common problems you’ll encounter with cheaper, substandard alternatives:

1. Pillage

This is among the most common problems people encounter with their coffee machines. Sometimes, the spout is poorly designed in such a way that the coffee spills all over the bench or on the table when you are trying to pour a cup. With small spouts, like the ones in most 4 cup coffee makers, the only thing you can do to avoid spillage is to simply pour more slowly and carefully. If you think you can’t avoid spills, then pour a cup in your sink.

2. Moisture

There are also instances when the coffee basket retains so much moisture which results in moisture dripping on the hot plate after the carafe is removed. While this is not much of a problem, it can be annoying on your part since this means extra cleaning.

3. Delay brew feature

Some low-quality four cup coffee makers have delay brew feature that you can set up hours before your drinking time. Others may have defective timer, so you better be careful in choosing the unit you’ll buy.

4. Durability issues

Since they are cheaper, substandard coffee makers are just not ready for serious everyday use. So if you think you will be using the brewer more than once a day, you really need to invest in a larger and better model. You can also opt to add smaller amount of water, which helps solve your problems with the quality of the coffee.

5. Quantity of brewed coffee

You must also be aware that the cup sizes stated by the manufacturers are sometimes smaller than the average cup of coffee. So don’t expect that a 4-cup coffee maker will really make the amount its name implies.

Aside from being compact, 4-cup coffee makers also come stylish. They are ideal for students staying in dormitories, as well as for families with three to four members. Depending on the design you choose, this type of coffee maker may look good on small kitchen countertops or even on small bench tops. However, if you’re really serious about how your coffee tastes, then cheaper models are a big NO. Why? Simply because the coffee brewed from such second-rate machines usually tastes like plastic or a little metallic.

While it can be difficult on your part to find out if the unit is durable or not or if the extra features will really work the way they should or as the manufacturer claims, you can still do something to avoid purchasing inferior units. It pays a lot to do a little research first on the brand and types of coffee makers that will fit your needs and your budget. In buying coffee makers, you get what you pay for. So if you want quality unit, you must be willing to spend a good amount of money for it.