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Secrets to the perfect cup – Sunbeam EM5400B User Manual

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With a Sunbeam pump espresso machine

and a little experience, you can create
café-quality coffee at home. Here are a few
helpful suggestions:

• The origin of the bean and roasting will

affect the taste of the espresso, so test
different brands and blends of coffee to
find the one you like best.

• The grind of the coffee is critical. Vary the

degree of grinding to find the right fineness
for the coffee beans being used.

• A regular shot of espresso, the base of all

cafe coffees is approximately 30mls. The
shot of espresso is a concentrate, vary the
quantity of milk and additional hot water to
determine the strength and volume of the
coffee. If you are using a large cup or mug
you may require a double shot of espresso,
rather than just a single shot depending on
your taste.

• Ensure your coffee grinds are ‘tamped’

evenly. ‘Tamping’ refers to the amount
of pressure with which coffee grinds are
packed into the filter.

• If your espresso pours too slowly, tamp the

coffee grind more lightly, or try a coarser
grind.

• If your espresso is thin and watery, tamp

the coffee grinds harder, or try a finer
grind.

• Always use cold milk and a clean stainless

steel jug when steaming.

• Don’t boil the milk when steaming. The

ideal temperature is when the jug becomes
too hot to touch.

• Always use the freshest beans or ground

coffee available and store in an airtight
container in a cool, dry, dark place.

• Whole coffee beans stay fresh longer than

pre-ground coffee.

• When grinding your own coffee, never grind

more than you will use for immediate use.
Once ground, the coffee will begin to loose
it’s goodness.

• Pre-warm cups prior to making an

espresso, either by filling with hot water or
placing on the warming plate.

• Always use cold milk and a clean stainless

jug when texturing milk.

• Do not boil the milk when texturing. The

ideal temperature is when the jug becomes
too hot to touch.

• Once prepared, serve coffee immediately.
• Keep your espresso machine clean and

thoroughly rinsed. Run water through
the brewing head and flush the steaming
nozzle in fresh water after each use.

Secrets to the perfect cup