5 tips for perfect coffee from a fully automatic machine
The fully automatic coffee machine has automated and perfected coffee preparation. Coffee of consistent quality flows at the touch of a button!
So why a manual for fully automatic coffee machines? It’s simple: to get the best out of this miracle machine! With a few simple settings and the right cleaning routine, you can take your coffee enjoyment from the fully automatic machine to the next level.
Overview:
- Read operating instructions
- Grinding degree – finest setting
- Water – fresh, not too soft/hard
- Amount of water – 40 ml double espresso/120 ml extended espresso
- Beans – only daily requirement in the container / roasting not too light
- Cleaning – according to instructions
Tip 1: Settings
If you can read, you have a clear advantage.
Practical instructions are now available for most fully automatic machines. These explain the possible settings. If you no longer have the manual in physical form, simply google the machine type and brand. Most manuals are now also available in digital form. Why should you read the manual? First of all, you don’t have to read everything, but some information can be extremely helpful. For example, what all the symbols mean or how to clean the machine. In addition, your fully automatic machine may have hidden functions that you have never dealt with before. Coffee quantity, grind etc. can often be changed, but you need to know how!
Tip 2: Grinding degree
As with the other preparation methods, the grind is also crucial here. If the grind is not right, the coffee is either too stale or too bitter and astringent. Fully automatic coffee machines tend to grind the coffee too coarsely, resulting in under-extracted, flat coffee. For a strong, full-bodied cup, adjust the grind finer, preferably to the finest setting. If the coffee tastes too strong and bitter, adjust the grind a little coarser again until the result is perfect. You can tell whether your coffee is too coarse or too fine by the following characteristics:
Too rough:
- Coffee tastes sour and stale
- Coffee runs through too quickly and is very light
Too fine:
- Coffee tastes very bitter and strong
- Coffee barely comes out of the spout
Water quantity and quality
The rule of thumb for the amount of water is: the more water, the flatter the coffee. The following information can be used as a guide:
- 40 ml double espresso
- 120 ml cup of coffee (extended)
Depending on whether you prefer extended or espresso, you can adjust the amount of water once using this information. If you then try the coffee and it tastes too “strong”, i.e. bitter and astringent, you can increase the amount of water. If the coffee tastes too flat, you can reduce the amount of water. But don’t forget that the grind also plays a role! If you like a very intense coffee, choose a fine grind and a small amount of water. Many machines also have pre-settings, e.g. for espresso and extended coffee. Here you can often adjust the settings for the respective drink.
When it comes to water quality, it is important to know that water makes up the largest part of the coffee drink! That’s why you should make sure you use fresh water with as little limescale as possible. The water is not only important for the taste, but also for the longevity of the machine. It should be neither too soft nor too hard, otherwise the coffee will taste stale or bitter. A pH value of 7.0 and a total hardness of approx. 4 – 8 °d are recommended. If the water is hard, a table water filter can be used. The water is simply poured from the tap into the filter jug and only needs to run through the filter.
Beans
The fully automatic machine can handle most coffee varieties and roasting degrees. This means you are spoiled for choice, as most of the coffees at Coffeechecker are also suitable for fully automatic machines! However, the roast should not tend to be too light – delicate, fruity blends come out better in the filter and would taste rather sour in a fully automatic machine. Coffee blends with a Robusta content are particularly suitable, as they ensure a particularly beautiful crema in the fully automatic machine. Here are our most popular coffees for your fully automatic machine:
Espresso Alessandro Caffè Gemelli
Vom Checker geprüft – Das ist unser Fazit: Espresso Alessandro von Caffè Gemelli ist ein mittelkräftiger, italienischer Espresso mit Robusta-Anteil. Er bildet, mit Siebträger oder Vollautomaten zubereitet, eine schöne Crema. Espresso Alessandro gehört zu den beliebtesten Gemelli Produkten und überzeugt vor allem mit seinen geringen Säureanteil und der ausgewogenen Bitterkeit. Nicht nur als Espresso sondern auch besonders gut ist der Alessandro in Verbindung mit Milch und lässt sich perfekt zu einem Cappuccino verarbeiten. Die Aromen gehen in die süße Richtung mit Schokolade und Jasmin.
Caffé Crema Deluxe Inndie Beans
Vom Checker geprüft – Das ist unser Fazit: Ein milder, feiner Kaffeeblend von Inndie Beans mit sehr wenig Säure. Intenisv schokoladig und süß mit Noten nach Haselnuss. Besonders cremig, auch gerne im Vollautomat.
Gran Crema Mokaflor
Vom Checker geprüft – Das ist unser Fazit: Gran Crema von Mokaflor eignet sich gut für den Vollautomaten oder die French Press mit einer angenehmen Süße und wenig Säure. Eine helle Röstung mit komplexen Noten nach Vanille und Karamell. Das Produkt weist ein geringes Haltbarkeitsdatum auf. Das MHD bei “Gran Crema Mokaflor” ist der 31.01.2025!
So if the quality of the beans is right, you can’t go far wrong with the coffee itself. The bean container is critical. The longer the beans are exposed to oxygen in the warm bean container, the more the coffee smokes out. The coffee oils stick to the container and can become rancid. Therefore, only fill the container for the daily requirement and clean it regularly. You can usually estimate the daily requirement well after trying it a few times. If in doubt, fill less and store the rest of the coffee in the original packaging in a dark and cool place. A kind of clamp also helps to prevent additional oxygen from reaching the coffee.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning of a fully automatic machine is essential. Many small coils and a warm environment with high humidity are an ideal breeding ground for mold and the like. It is therefore best to empty and rinse the brewing drawer daily and leave the fully automatic machine open if possible. Here too, simply refer to the operating instructions, which also contain information on cleaning programs. Most machines rinse in between and have automatic cleaning programs that are necessary after a certain amount or time.
Machine parts that come into contact with milk should be cleaned particularly thoroughly. Fully automatic machines with a milk system in particular require special care when cleaning and maintaining them. Always make sure that no milk remains in the hoses for a long time.
The best way to clean the outside of the machine is with a damp cloth. Aggressive cleaning agents are not necessary.
Conclusion
Even the fully automatic machine needs a little love and attention to get the best out of it! Your machine will thank you for good care not only with a longer service life, but also with a better coffee taste! With the right background knowledge, you can also adjust the fully automatic machine even better so that your coffee tastes exactly the way you like it! It’s definitely worth getting to grips with this clever appliance.
