Coffee & Espresso Makers Tips

Hamilton Beach (D50065) 60-Cup Coffee Maker Product Technical DetailsD50065 Key FeaturesTypeCoffee MakerCapacity60 CupOperatio...

You get what you pay for Hamilton Beach 40729 Espresso Machine I bought this machine about a year and a half ago based on the price (about $70.00 at K-Mart). I figured that for ...

First off this is no $400 Rancilio, Gaggia, or Saeco espresso maker. It is however the best machine that can be had new for 3 times its price. It is a huge value.

It features an 1100 watt aluminum thermoblock heating element that does the job well enough for a 2oz doubleshot of espresso topped with good crema(not great) if you do everything perfect with fresh roasted beans.

The 15 bar pump is made in Italy by a company called UKLA that makes similar pumps for espresso makers at much higher price points.

A valve in the brew group remains closed until the pump pressurizes the water enough to push it past the spring that holds it closed. This is also similar to more expensive set ups.

The portofilter (where the grounds go) is the largest in its class. It is a full 58 mm across the inside of the filter basket. 58 mm is the same size the Expobar Brewtus and Rancilio Silvia use.

The drip tray is large enough to forget about emptying for a week before you have a mess.

The steaming wand is hard to get used to at first. It is very short and tipped with plastic. This machine produces weak steam compared to my old Krups steam machine. I believe the short length is intentional to force you to use a smaller steaming pitcher and 12 oz of 1-2% milk max. I use a short 20 oz pitcher made by Krups. If you steam just enough milk for two traditional 6 oz lattes, this little wand does just fine. Just make sure you throw out that lame nozzle. It is great if you like it to fall off and make coarse froth. Try steaming without the attachment.

Follow these steps. Clear the wand of water into a rag. When it blows only steam, turn off the knob and submerge the tip of the wand deep into the milk. Turn the knob a 3/4 turn, angle the pitcher so that the milk swirls in a cyclone. When the bottom of the pitcher is warm to the touch, move it down to just below the surface of the swirling milk and chase the “rasp.” Your goal is very very fine micro bubbles. If you can see bubbles from where you stand, they are too large. Steam until the milk reads 140 on your instant thermometer, then turn off the knob. Remove the pitcher. Wipe off the wand with your rag and turn the knob briefly to clear out any milk inside.

This machine will make good espresso. You must have freshly roasted beans. Almost all espresso you find at any given grocery store and even the packaged stuff at fourbucks is very stale. Order online or better yet google “coffee roaster yourzipcode” When you call, ask for a total and bring exact change. You will be amazed at the difference in quality.

Espresso is very finicky and also depends on a perfect grind for any given bean and time since roasted, and a perfect tamp. Both of these need to be dialed in over time and repetition. Lots of research at home-barista.com and coffeegeek.com along with an espresso each morning will really help you get that crema topped 20 second perfect extraction that blondes out at the last second and leaves your empty cup lined with reddish brown goodness. Oh yeah, it tastes good too. The Hamilton Beach capuchino plus is fully capable machine that can make the espresso you dream about waking up to sip if you treat it right.

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Espresso Machines Hamilton Beach 40729 Espresso Machine