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The Ultimate Guide to Built-In Coffee Machines: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Kitchen

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

The Ultimate Guide to Built-In Coffee Machines

What is a Built-In Coffee Machine?

A built-in coffee machine is an in-kitchen appliance designed to seamlessly integrate into your cabinetry, freeing up valuable counter space. These machines come in two main types: plumbed and non-plumbed.

Plumbed vs. Non-Plumbed Coffee Machines

  • Plumbed: These machines connect directly to your water line, providing a continuous flow of water. They require professional installation but offer convenience and uninterrupted operation.
  • Non-Plumbed: These machines use a water reservoir that you must fill regularly. They are easier to install and more portable but require manual water replenishment.

Choosing the Best Built-In Coffee Machine

Consider these factors when selecting a built-in coffee machine:

Beverage Options: Most built-in coffee machines offer a variety of beverages, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, standard brew, and hot water for tea. Choose a machine that meets your beverage preferences.

Customization: Look for machines that allow you to adjust coffee strength, temperature, and grind size to suit your taste. Some models even offer user profiles to save your preferences.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Opt for machines with self-cleaning and descaling features to minimize manual cleaning and extend the machine’s lifespan.

Special Features: Consider additional amenities like milk frothers, coffee pot functions, and programmable timers to enhance your coffee experience.

Top Built-In Coffee Machines

Best Overall:

  • Miele VitroLine CVA7845BW (Plumbed)
  • Smeg CMSU4303X (Non-Plumbed)

Best Value:

  • JennAir Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine

Best Smart:

  • Bosch Built-in Coffee Machine

Best with Milk Frother:

  • Fulgor Milano Built-In Coffee Machine

Best for Entertainers:

  • Wolf M Series Coffee System

Best for Hard Water:

  • Thermador Built-in Coffee Machine

Installation Considerations

  • Measurements: Ensure the machine’s dimensions fit your kitchen cabinetry without any gaps or overhangs.
  • Water Line: For plumbed machines, plan for the water line connection and hire a plumber for professional installation.
  • Water Filtration: Consider installing a water filtration system to protect your machine from mineral buildup and ensure optimal performance.

Cleaning and Maintenance

  • Regular Cleaning: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for daily cleaning, including rinsing the spout and emptying the drip tray.
  • Descaling: Perform regular descaling to remove limescale buildup that can affect water flow and taste. Some machines have built-in descaling programs.
  • Manual Cleaning: If your machine doesn’t have self-cleaning features, you may need to manually clean the brewing unit, portafilter, and other components.

Safety Features

Consider machines with safety features, such as:

  • Locking Mechanism: Prevents accidental activation, especially important if you have young children.
  • Automatic Shut-Off: Turns off the machine after a period of inactivity to conserve energy and prevent overheating.

Conclusion

Built-in coffee machines offer convenience, space-saving benefits, and a range of features to suit your coffee preferences. By considering the factors discussed in this guide, you can choose the best machine for your kitchen and enjoy barista-quality coffee at home.

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Food Science

The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Coffee Grinders: Blade vs. Burr

by Rosa
written by Rosa

How to Clean a Coffee Grinder: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Maintaining a clean coffee grinder is essential for brewing the perfect cup of coffee. Oils from the beans can accumulate and become rancid, spoiling the flavor of your brew. This guide will provide detailed instructions on how to clean both blade and burr coffee grinders, as well as tips to keep your grinder clean longer.

How Often to Clean a Coffee Grinder

If you use your coffee grinder daily, a quick cleaning every week is recommended. This will prevent the buildup of oils and ensure your grinder performs optimally. Even occasional users should clean their grinders before storing them to remove any residual oils.

Types of Coffee Grinders

There are two main types of coffee grinders: blade and burr.

  • Blade grinders: Use a rapidly spinning blade to pulverize coffee beans. They are inexpensive and come in various sizes.
  • Burr grinders: Use either flat or conical serrated disks to grind coffee beans. They produce a more consistent grind and are preferred by coffee enthusiasts.

Materials and Tools

For both blade and burr grinders:

  • Microfiber towel
  • Sink or large bowl
  • Stiff-bristled bottle brush
  • Non-abrasive sponge

Additional for blade grinders:

  • 1/4 cup uncooked rice or coffee grinder cleaning tablets

Instructions

How to Clean a Blade Coffee Grinder

  1. Add rice or grinder cleaning tablets: Pour rice or tablets into the grinder hopper.
  2. Run the grinder: Turn on the grinder and grind until the rice or tablets are pulverized.
  3. Power down the grinder: Unplug the grinder and empty the hopper.
  4. Wipe clean: Dampen a microfiber towel and wipe down the interior and exterior of the grinder, paying extra attention to the blades.

How to Clean a Burr Coffee Grinder

Disassembly:

  1. Remove the hopper: Empty and remove the hopper. Wash it, the lid, and gaskets in hot, soapy water.
  2. Turn on the grinder: Run the grinder briefly to remove any remaining beans. Unplug immediately.
  3. Remove components: Follow the owner’s manual to remove any parts that come into contact with coffee beans, such as the grounds bin.

Cleaning:

  1. Remove and clean the burr: Use a bottle brush to loosen and remove coffee grounds from the burrs. Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth to absorb oils. Do not use soap and water on the burrs.
  2. Wash other components: Hand wash removable parts in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry.

Reassembly:

  1. Reassemble the grinder: Once all components are clean and dry, reassemble the grinder.

Tips to Keep Your Coffee Grinder Clean Longer

  • Brush off excess coffee grounds after each use.
  • Clean your grinder regularly for optimal performance and coffee quality.
  • Deep clean and store your grinder if it will not be used for an extended period.
  • Consider using coffee grinder cleaning tablets for a convenient and effective cleaning method.

Additional Tips for Blade Grinders

  • Use uncooked rice to absorb oils and remove stale odors.
  • Grind small amounts of beans at a time to minimize oil buildup.

Additional Tips for Burr Grinders

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.
  • Use a dedicated brush to remove grounds from the burrs.
  • Adjust the grind setting to prevent clogging and ensure proper cleaning.
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