A home espresso maker is a small appliance for brewing coffee beans using steam rather than hot water. An electric steam-pressure espresso maker heats water, forcing the resulting steam through a filter basket filled with finely ground dark-roast coffee beans. Higher quality espresso makers also have pumps. In addition to espresso, many units can make cappuccino (espresso topped with steam-frothed milk) and latte (espresso mixed with steam-heated milk) beverages.
Service the pressure cap:
Carefully remove the pressure cap gasket.
Remove any screws holding the pressure ring in place and remove the ring.
Inspect the pressure cap for cracks and replace as needed.
Service the hot-water dispenser head:
Remove the locking ring with a screwdriver.
Carefully remove the filter screen and gasket.
Clean all parts with soapy water and replace the gasket if necessary.
Service the frother assembly:
Unscrew the frother from the steam tube and remove the vent ring.
Check the rotor and replace it if it is damaged.
Wash all parts of the frother assembly with warm soapy water.
Dry and reassemble the frother assembly.
Electrical parts, such as the power cord, on-off switch, boiler, and hot water coil can be tested with a multimeter.
Text by Dan & Judy Ramsey - from "If It's Broke, Fix It!"
Artwork by Dan & Judy Ramsey
Copyright Fix-It Club® © 2004
