The Espresso Machine
Terms:
Group head – within the group head is the screen. All espresso bars, except Straz, are 2 group espresso bars.
Keep them well cleaned.
Always soak the screen at the end of the night.
Always use a group head brush and/or rag to clean up and inside the group head.
Portafilter – Used to transport espresso from the grinder to the espresso machine.
Within the portafilter is the portafilter screen.
Soak the screen at the end of the night.
Never dent/drop the screen.
Steam wands – Used to steam milk .
Always bleed and clean the steam wand after every use and before beginning a new drink.
Always soak the steam wand in urnex every night and during your shift.
Trays – Used to catch refused espresso.
The grated trays should be removed for cleaning.
The single solid tray beneath that should also be removed for cleaning.
Buttons, Knobs, and Levers -
Buttons turn on the flow of water in different ways.
The knobs turn on the steam wands.
When brewing espresso only use the buttons with the CUP –SHAPED ICONS
When cleaning the espresso groups use the button with the SWIRL SYMBOL
NEVER leave the water running for a prolonged period of time
ALWAYS keep everything clean. The slightest build up will cause shot time errors
Your espresso machine is much like a car – if maintained properly it will have a nice long life. The most important thing about maintaining your bar is to keep it very clean.
Espresso Bar Cleaning and Maintenance
After a Rush:
Bleed the steam wands
This means to quickly and safely turn the steam wand on, then off to clear any residual milk, chai etc.
Empty the portafilters
Clear all spend grounds into the knock box after every drink.
The heat from the bar dries the grounds and clogs the equipment.
Clean the bell creamers
Using hot water rinse the bell creamers clear of all espresso so as not to taint the next drink.
Tidy the bar space, wipe up spills, brush off grounds, and change sanitizer water.
Every Night After Close:
Soak the Steam Wands
Using a steaming pitcher and urnex soak each wand for 15 minutes.
Bleed the wand when finished.
Clear the Group Heads
Using a group head brush or rag clear the inner lip of the group head.
Backflushing:
After clearing the group head replace the portafilter’s screen with the solid insert, also known as a “blind” portafilter.
Put a dime size of urnex in the portafilter and place in clean group head that has be cleaned by brush or rag.
Press the button with a SWIRL symbol
10 SECONDS ON
10 SECONDS OFF
10 times for each group head
Urnex Bar Utensils, Screens, Ect.:
In a pitcher of hot water and a quarter-size amount of urnex, soak for 15 – 20 minutes.
Use a green scrub pad to remove all residue.
Hot Water Down Trap:
Under the grates is a trap – using hot water from the brewer, dump approx 3 small pitcher-worth of water to keep the trap clear
