While espresso is pure coffee and water, cappuccino can be best described as one-third steamed or frothed milk and espresso. Cappuccino is prepared using milk and espresso. Like espresso, it is an Italian beverage.
Some cappuccino makers also have a specialized milk frother. This separate milk boiler is accompanied by a frothing wand, which makes the switch from an espresso maker to a cappuccino making machine complete. The thermo block is a heating element. Water is passed through the thermo block while on its way to the pump.
The Steps to Making a Cup of Cappuccino
Cappuccino is a tricky drink to master. It is divided into 3 parts: the espresso, the steamed milk, and the frothy or foamy milk. These layers created at the perfect proportions, textures and temperatures are what make the ideal cup of cappuccino. It used to take highly skilled chefs to create this concoction, but with the advent of the cappuccino machine, most of the guess work is taken out of it.
How Cappuccino Machines Work
Cappuccino machines are designed to brew and dispense the espresso coffee. Many can also do the step of grinding the coffee beans for an ultra fresh brew. When the espresso has been dispensed into the cup, the machine then adds steamed milk. These two steps are relatively easy, even though milk temperature and the strength of the espresso are important ingredients in this recipe.
If you are unsure of what the basics are of specialty coffees, here is a quick breakdown.
Latte: dark roast coffee made with milk
Cappuccino: dark roast coffee made with steamed milk and milk foam on top
Espresso: caffeine jolt!Concentrated dark roast espresso coffee.
The method is to pour clean, fresh water into the machine. Switch on the machine. Once the water gets heated, allow a cup to warm up the machine and to clean it of any residue. The heated water goes through the machine to the pump. Meanwhile, put in the roasted granules of coffee and press down till the packed coffee is springy to the touch. Make sure nothing spills out.
Armed with this information, it shouldnt be difficult to turn out a refreshingly, delicious cup of coffee. Espresso or cappuccino, the choice is yours!
For more information on coffee and coffee making machines visit www.coffechino.co.uk
