How to Clean a Cuisinart Espresso Machine
Founded by Carl Sontheimer, Cuisinart introduced the food processor to the US in 1973, which led to a broad variety of kitchen appliances, including blenders, cookware, bakeware, microwave ovens and espresso makers. The espresso machine allows you to make espresso professionally, using the steam nozzle for a frothy latte or cappuccino. Cleaning your espresso machine takes little time and effort. Find Cuisinart appliances like the Cuisinart espresso machine in specialty and upscale department stores. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Clean, soft cloths
- Mild dishwashing detergent
- Warm, soapy water
- White vinegar
- Water
- Large container
Instructions
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Cleaning Procedure
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1
Turn off your Cuisinart espresso machine and unplug it from the wall outlet.
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2
Wipe the unit using a clean, damp cloth, then allow it to dry before storing it. Never immerse your espresso maker in water or any liquid.
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3
Rinse the stainless steel filter and portafilter holder under water immediately after using them to remove all traces of coffee grounds. Use a cleaning pin to remove particles of coffee stuck in the coffee filter basket. Your Cuisinart espresso maker comes with two cleaning pins.
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4
Wipe down the inside of the brew head using a damp cloth to remove coffee particles. Also, clean the cup warming plate and outer housing of the espresso maker using a soft, damp cloth.
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5
Remove the grate and drip tray, then clean them with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid all harsh cleaners, including scouring cleaners. You can also wash the drip tray in warm soapy water using a mild, non-abrasive dishwashing liquid, then rinse it well.
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6
Wipe off the steam wand, located on the right front side, with a damp cloth each time you steam milk. Plug in your espresso maker and turn the function knob, located in the center front of the espresso maker, to the "On" position. Set the function knob to "hot water" with the steam wand pointed at the drip tray. Any milk still inside of the steam wand will pour out onto the tray. Turn the function knob to the "Off" position, and unplug the espresso maker from the outlet. Use the cleaning pin to clear out any blocked openings in the steam wand.
Decalcification
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7
Decalcify your Cuisinart espresso maker periodically. This means you need to remove the build-up of calcium on your espresso maker's metal parts. How many times you decalcify depends on how often you use your espresso maker and the hardness of your water.
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8
Fill the water reservoir with a solution of 2/3 water and 1/3 white vinegar, keeping the espresso maker powered off and unplugged. Remove the portafilter holder, power your espresso maker on and turn the function knob to the "Off" position.
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9
Position a large container, such as a bowl, under the steam wand and brew head, then plug in the machine, turn it on, and turn the function knob to the espresso icon. The water and vinegar solution will begin to run through the brew head. Halfway through, turn the function knob to the steam position, then let the rest of the vinegar and water solution run through the steam wand.
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10
Turn the function knob off when the solution has gone through. Pour fresh, cold water through your espresso maker for one cycle after decalcifying.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Do not put any of the espresso maker parts in the dishwasher to clean--the metal can corrode. (See Reference 2 pg 9 Note & Reference 3)
References
Resources
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