In my Hudson Island vacation home, my friends Dan and Janet took these pictures to show me how to use the espresso maker. (I’d never used one before, and some future guests may not know either. So I asked for these pictures to make this post, so I could refer to it, next time I’m on the island. If you have no interest in an old coffee making machine, skip this post.
– Fill the boiler with water to just below the steam release valve.
– Turn machine on, and the switch will glow.
– Two sizes of filters. Small is for expresso, bigger is for long coffees. The fresh roasted coffee from Thetis Island is apparently excellent. Pot of Gold Coffee Roasting Co.
– Use a 1/8 cup scoop of coffee for the small filter. Or 1/4 cup scoop for the bigger filter. Place the filter in the boiler, but don’t spill coffee onto the rubber seal, or it will leak.
– Place steam spout/compression lid on the boiler, with spout pointing to the flask.
– Turn locking mechanism over lid. Turn the big knob until completely tight! Turn middle smaller knob tight.
– Place flask under spout, with plastic lid OFF.
– Get milk container ready. Only fill HALF way. If you overfill it, the steam will add too much volume, and you will overspill.
– After exactly 12 minutes, turn spout knob open slightly. Thick brown liquid gold should pour out. Leave open till you reach desired strength of espresso. If you are using the large filter, leave open for five minutes, till you reach one cup or two in the flask.
– Don’t worry if only steam is coming out after 30 seconds or so. This is distilled elixir. If you want, you can open the knob slightly bigger, to allow more to come out.
– When you are done making espresso, then grab milk container and stick it under the second spout to the right, coming out the side of the boiler. Stick the spout all the way to the bottom. If you want to froth the milk, wait till you hear the sound change, the sound of the steam will become lower, you’ve reached the proper temperature. Make sure by gently touching the side of the milk container. It will be warm. Lower the container and you will be making froth, as the spout is below the se France. DO NOT lower the container too low, as th espout will come out of the milk, causing a mess and possible scalding. Turn off steamer knob. THEN remove container from spout.
– It is very important to clean the spout after use. A warm clothe, with vigorous up and down motion, (insert vulgar joke here) works well. (hmmm. I can’t think of a joke, all I can think about now is having sex. I’ll be back in a few hours.)
– Turn on steam knob to clean inside of spout for a few seconds. Keep hands away from steam. It’s HOT.
Enjoy your Latte/Cappuccino/Americano or coffee. This machine makes a lovely brew. (Dan and Janet MacMullin)
March 9, 2013 update. Dan bought a coffee grinder,
and a modern coffee maker, a little easier to understand.