3 Quick Tips for the Perfect Nespresso® Coffee [1.5 min read]

By Ben Goodman

So, you've decided to have the specialty coffee experience at home and purchased some of our café quality, eco-friendly pods.

The question is: How do you use your Nespresso® machine like a pro and complete the experience?

Don't worry, we'll tell you our secrets...

Check out these three tips to get the most out of your machine, every time.

 

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Tip #1 - Warm Up Your Machine
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This is simple yet surprisingly effective.

Before you pop a pod in your machine, be sure to run it a couple of times (with the lid down) to flush out any residual grind and heats up the pod contact points.

This enables easier pod piercing and helps regulate the amount of coffee that flows out. Meaning a smoother pour and more coffee in your cup!

 

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Tip #2 - Program Your Machine
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Now that you're using specialty coffee in your machine, you might find it's not extracting as much coffee from the pod.

This is because specialty coffee is a lot finer and is designed for a longer extraction (to get all those delicious flavours out).

To get the most out of your specialty pod, do the following:

Simply pop a pod inside the machine and hold down the Lungo button (big one) until your happy with the amount of coffee in your cup.

 

 

The best part?

The machine will remember your setting it for next time. No need to keep reprogramming.

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Tip #3 - Use Your Eyes
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This tip really separates the average from the die hard pod users.

Are you ready?

If you are feeling a little more expert, you can use your eyes to make the perfect espresso. To do this, follow these steps:

  • When the coffee is pouring, watch how the coffee changes colours (espresso goes through three different shades of colour as water pours through - red/brown, caramel, and finally blonde)

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  • Observe the red/brown shade (this is the ristretto which gives your coffee sweetness and body)

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  • Now see how it changes to caramel (this gives the coffee its balance and is the main ‘espresso’ section of the pour)

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  • Finally, as soon as the espresso turns blonde, kill the water flow! (the light yellow colour coming through is only extracted bitter water)
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      If your coffee turns out like the one below, you’re onto a winner.

       

       

      And that's it - we hope this post helps you maximise your machine in the best way possible and enjoy that delicious specialty coffee!