cleaning the fully automatic coffee maker – how to get pure coffee enjoyment
You can’t make a good cup of coffee or espresso any faster or more conveniently than with a fully automatic coffee maker. At the push of a button, the grinder starts to roar and delicious coffee aroma permeates the air. Many machines crown the coffee experience with a fluffy portion of milk foam.
But what if germs and bacteria secretly settle in the fully automatic coffee machine and spoil the coffee enjoyment?. Suddenly, the beans, which still had a seductive aroma when they were filled in, turn into a brew that tastes musty and stale. Instead of a fine crema on the surface, there are only grubby foam residues floating in the coffee cup. Then, at the latest, it is time to change the cleaning routine of the fully automatic coffee maker. But it’s even better to prevent it from getting that far in the first place.
Why germs feel at home in fully automatic coffee machines.
For many germs, the fully automatic coffee maker provides the ideal breeding ground. The environment is warm and humid, and the oils contained in the coffee beans further enrich the climate. If residues of the foamed milk are added, bacteria, germs and mold already find the ideal breeding ground. The longer the remains of the last coffee preparation are left in the darkness of the machine, the more undisturbed the microorganisms can spread. In the long run, this not only affects the taste of coffee and espresso, but can also be detrimental to health, especially if molds or e.Coli bacilli settle in the fully automatic coffee maker.
In his final thesis at the rhein-waal university of Applied Sciences, jan schages, a master’s graduate in food science, examined the inside of fully automatic coffee machines. Especially in those parts through which water flows, he found a biofilm of bacterial colonies. Even if it is not yet certain whether the bacteria in the coffee machine are fundamentally harmful to health, the very thought of such a contaminated interior of the machine can spoil the appetite for fresh coffee.
What does the cleaning program do??
Those who have opted for a fully automatic coffee maker with an integrated cleaning program often already feel safe when it comes to hygiene. But unfortunately this is not the end of the story. Although the cleaning program usually flushes the water lines of the machine after each use or directly after switching on, thus considerably reducing the prerequisites for contamination, it is not really hygienic inside the machine, because the warm and humid climate remains and not all residues inside the machine are removed. The automatic cleaning program of a fully automatic coffee machine can do no more than pre-clean the coffee.
Which areas are particularly susceptible to contamination??
Even a closer look reveals deposits, incrustations or even mold in some parts of the machine. The water tank, drip tray and milk frother are particularly susceptible to deposits. But the brew group and coffee grounds container also need to be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis.
The water tank
If water with a very high lime content is filled into the water tank, lime particles are deposited in it particularly quickly. They provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which spread immediately. The water tank must therefore be kept particularly carefully clean. The water tank should be rinsed out with clean water and dried at least once a day, but preferably before and after each use of the fully automatic coffee maker. In no case should the water stand too long in the tank. It should always be replaced after a maximum of four hours.
However, it is not enough to change the water, it is also necessary to clean the water tank regularly. A clean, dry surface quickly becomes uncomfortable for bacteria. Regular cleaning with vinegar or descaler also helps to prevent limescale deposits from building up in the first place.
The pomace tank
Another critical area is the pomace container with its moist, warm contents. Anyone who has ever forgotten to dispose of a used coffee filter knows how quickly mold and bacteria colonize the contents. And it’s not for nothing that leftover coffee is a particularly effective fertilizer for plants. After brewing, the coffee residues should never remain in the machine longer than necessary to prevent bacteria from settling in the first place. After emptying, the container should be rinsed hot and dried off. Coffee pods and coffee capsules must also be removed from the machine immediately after brewing.
The brew group
When buying a fully automatic coffee maker, make sure that the brewing unit can be easily removed and cleaned. it should be rinsed with clean water at least once a week. It is important that after cleaning, it is allowed to dry thoroughly before being used again. If necessary, the filter can also be cleaned with a brush. Dishwashing detergent should not be used when cleaning the brewing group, as it can impair the taste of the coffee.
The drip tray
If residue from the last brewing process collects in the drip tray, it usually looks quite unappetizing. Molds can quickly spread here if the drip tray is forgotten during cleaning. It must be rinsed thoroughly and dried well.
The milk frother
The milk frother can also quickly become encrusted with milk residue or limescale. Germs are usually not long in coming at this point either. Milk residues must therefore always be removed completely. Cleaning with hot water or vinegar and thorough drying also prevent colonization with uninvited guests.
Fighting germs – high brewing temperature and regular cleaning.
In addition to regular cleaning, increasing the brewing temperature can also help to counteract germ contamination. While most machines prepare coffee at a temperature of 60 to 63 degrees celsius, raising the temperature to 68 degrees celsius would be sufficient to destroy most germs. This way you can be sure that no germs get into the coffee cup.
As a further indication for the selection of a fully automatic coffee maker, it should be taken into account that bacteria are more likely to accumulate in plastic parts than on metal parts, since a plastic surface is rougher than a metal surface. An automatic machine with few plastic parts is easier to clean and easier to keep clean. In addition, the installation of metal parts can already be an indication of a high operating temperature of the machine.
The instructions for regular descaling of the machine, which can usually be found in the user manual, should be followed without fail. Limescale deposits make it particularly easy for bacteria to take hold in an appliance. Special cleaning agents for descaling are usually recommended or even supplied with the machine. Often, however, thorough cleaning with vinegar or descaling agents from the drugstore or specialist store can restore smooth surfaces.
the bottom line – unadulterated coffee enjoyment with simple basic rules
Even a few simple basic rules can help to keep the fully automatic coffee maker germ-free and clean:
– When buying a coffee maker, it is important to choose one in which the brewing unit can be easily removed and cleaned. In addition, the machine should prepare the coffee at a temperature of at least 68 degrees celsius.
– you should not rely on automatic cleaning in everyday use. It can only serve as a preparation for your regular cleaning routine.
– when cleaning, pay special attention to the parts of the machine that come into contact with water, coffee grounds or milk. The water reservoir, brew group, drip tray and milk frother are particularly popular breeding grounds for bacteria and must therefore be removed regularly and cleaned thoroughly.
– the climate in a coffee machine should be determined by high operating temperature, cleanliness and dryness. Then bacteria and germs will find little breeding ground to spread.
Taking care of the most susceptible areas of the fully automatic coffee maker requires only a few simple steps that quickly become routine. So you can enjoy the pure aroma of a cup of coffee prepared at the touch of a button and be sure that it contains only what you want to drink.