Hospitality - Cafe Skills
Prepare and Serve Espresso Coffee
Clean up time!!
Back flush the machine
Back flushing or backwashing cleans the build-up of coffee solids and oils from screens, valves and tubes in the espresso machine.
Normal back flush procedure
Do this at least 4 times a day and at the end of the day or shift.
1. Lock the group handle on.
2. Press the manual button for 10 seconds then turn
off. Repeat twice.
3. Remove the group handle and remove the residue
(what is left behind).
4. Repeat the procedure 3 times.
5. Remove the group handle.
Chemical back flush procedure
Do this for every 6 kg of coffee used, and at least weekly.
1. Put a blank filter (blind filter) into the group handle.
2. Put in a small amount of cleaning powder. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions about how much to put in.
3. Lock the group handle into the machine.
4. Press the manual button for 7–10 seconds.
5. Remove the handle and rinse.
6. Repeat 3–5 times, until water in the blind cup is clear.
7. Make and discard (throw out) a cup of espresso to make sure no chemicals remain in the machine.
Cleaning the rest of Espresso Machine
Wipe down the outside of the machine with a clean, damp cloth.
Clean under the machine. This area can be hard to reach. You could attach a cloth to a long handle, such as a wooden spoon, to clean under the machine.
Did you know?
You season the espresso machine after cleaning to make sure that any chemicals are removed. You do it by making at least 3 espressos. But don’t drink them!
Service area
Wipe down surfaces regularly during the day so the machine and surrounding area stay clean. Clean and sanitise the preparation and service surfaces at the end of the shift.
Cleaning other parts
Group head
Clean the inside of the group head with a brush or soft cloth to remove any excess (leftover) coffee.
Forward flushing
To remove any loose grounds from inside the group head, forward flush the machine several times a day.
1. Replace the filter basket with a blind filter.
2. Insert the group handle but don’t lock it in.
3. Press the manual button.
4. Gently jiggle the group handle up and down until the water is clear.
Filter baskets
Separate the filter baskets from the filter holders. Put them into a container of water to soak. Rinse and dry.
Group handle baskets
Soak baskets in hot water and cleaning powder, following manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t soak the plastic handles.
Rinse and dry. Replace the filter baskets and return to the espresso machine.
Drip trays and panels
Remove the drip tray and wash it by hand each day.
Each week do a chemical clean.
Wipe down the panels with a clean cloth. Pay particular attention to the areas where milk may have splashed.
Shower head
Remove the shower head from the machine and clean it in warm soapy water. Rinse it, then put it back onto the machine.
