A Guide to Selecting and Caring for Your Coffee Brewer
A Guide to Selecting and Caring for Your Coffee Equipment
At Florin, we believe you should fully enjoy every cup of coffee. Good coffee starts with being expertly grown, processed, and then roasted. After you get that good bag of coffee in your hands, it’s important that you have a way to brew it. The brewing equipment that you use is just as important as how the coffee is made. There are a variety of manual coffee brewers (pour-over, Aeropress, Chemex, french press, etc), but we're going to focus on automatic drip coffee brewers today.
Coffee brewers are judged based on the water temperature and total brew time. Many people assume that good at-home coffee brewers are expensive, but that isn’t always true. You can get a quality machine to make your perfect cup of coffee for a reasonable cost. In fact, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) certifies all types of brewers for at-home use across different price points.
At Florin, we sell and recommend the Bonavita 8-Cup One-Touch Thermal Carafe Coffee Brewer. This brewer is perfect for any skill level. It’s an affordable coffee maker certified by the SCA. However, your brewer will only last if you maintain it. Regardless of which brewer you have at home, it’s an investment, and regular cleanings are key to keeping your brewer (and the coffee it brews) in good shape.
Each piece of coffee equipment needs different types of care and cleaning. Since we like to make enjoying the perfect cup simple for you, we’re going to break down the different equipment you probably use and how to maintain them – so you don’t have to.
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING TIPS FOR YOUR EQUIPMENT
Frequency of Cleaning
Regular cleaning is essential to maintaining the performance and longevity of your coffee brewer.
- Daily: Rinse and dry your carafe after every use.
- Bi-Weekly: Deep clean with a cleaning powder (we like this one) to help prevent the buildup of oils and residues.
- Every 3 months, 100 uses, or when the machine is producing more steam than usual: Descale your machine to break down mineral buildup inside your brewer. Use a good quality biodegradable and phosphate-free coffee machine descaler (we recommend this one). We do not recommend using vinegar, which may not effectively descale your brewer, and can be difficult to rinse thoroughly. Vinegar can also leave behind an order that may impact the flavor of your coffee.
Cleaning Your Brewer
Begin by unplugging the coffee brewer and allowing it to cool. Remove the filter basket, carafe lid, and other removable parts for a thorough cleaning. Use a mild detergent and warm water to clean these parts. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
Cleaning Stainless Steel and Your Travel Coffee Mug
For stainless steel external machine components, use a soft cloth or sponge with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water. Consider using a specialized stainless steel cleaner for a thorough cleaning and to eliminate any lingering odors. Polish the stainless steel parts regularly to maintain their shine.
To deep clean your travel mugs, sprinkle a bit of Coffee Machine Cleaning Powder into the travel mug, fill with hot water, and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, if you're cleaning your brewer at the same time, you can fill your travel mugs with the hot cleaning solution water that has just run through your machine. Allow to soak for 10-15 minutes. Rinse and hand wash well using a brush or sponge for hard-to-reach areas.
Investing in a high-quality coffee brewing machine is just the beginning. Regular maintenance and proper cleaning practices will not only enhance the flavor of your coffee but also prolong the life of your beloved equipment. Incorporate these tips into your routine, and you'll be on your way to enjoying the perfect cup of coffee every time!