About Espresso; Making The Perfect Cup Of Coffee; The Four Main Components - Krups ESPRESSO COMBI XP1600 User Manual

Take a pitcher filled with cold water and hold it underneath the steam nozzle with nozzle
inserted into the pitcher. Then open the steam release knob by turning it clockwise. Leave
steam release knob open until no more steam comes out of nozzle. When finished turn steam
knob counter clockwise to close.
Now you can remove the boiler cap and the filter holder.
Espresso is a far richer and stronger brew than regular coffee. It should be deep in flavor
and dark in color. Most people find that they enjoy it in small quantities because of its
richness, and for that reason, espresso is usually served in small (2-2 1/2 oz) cups.
Your appliance when properly used, will produce espresso that is deep, dark and delicious.
Just follow the instructions and use fresh, well-roasted coffee that is pre-ground to an
espresso grind.
Preparing espresso or cappuccino is different from brewing regular drip coffee. One main
difference is that the water will come to a boil and will then be forced through the ground
coffee. This means that an espresso machine works under pressure and needs special
attention.
CAUTION-HOT
!
Do not touch boiler cap during operation. Before removing boiler cap turn off machine,
!
let it cool down for at least 2 or 3 minutes. Relieve pressure. See CAUTION-PRESSURE.

5. MAKING THE PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE

Making the perfect cup of coffee is something different for everyone. It is an art and a
science, that is not only effected by the coffee that is used, but also the equipment. The
water, the water temperature, the time the water is in contact with the coffee, the grind and
the type of filter, all play an important role in determining the flavor. Fine tuning these aspects
is the art of making the ultimate cup of coffee.

The four main components :

1. The Water
It is important to use fresh water. Since coffee is 98% water, any residual flavors will come
through in the coffee. For best in cup results, use filtered water.
2. The Coffee
Choose premium fresh whole beans suited to your taste. There are two main types of coffee:
Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are the choice beans with more flavor and less
caffeine. Robusta beans have more caffeine and are more robust in flavor and are usually
used in blends. The origin of the beans and the roast will determine the flavor. Roasts vary
from light to very dark. Light roasts have a smooth, delicate aromatic taste, medium to
medium dark roasts are slightly stronger, with a full-bodied balanced taste, and dark roasts
are bold with smoky undertones.
3. The Grind
Use the proper grind fineness and grind the beans just prior to brewing. The variation in the
grind depends on the type of filter you use. We prefer paper filters because they allow you
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4. ABOUT ESPRESSO