Mars drinks coffee machines are a convenient and straightforward way to brew a wide range of beverages from lattes and cappuccinos to Americanos and flat whites. It’s easy to get started and offers a seamless experience for creating the perfect cup of coffee. From grinding fresh beans to making espresso and specialty drinks, there is something for everyone.
The first step to working a Mars drinks coffee machine is to select your desired beverage. There is a variety of settings and coffees to choose from, including a range of specialty drinks. Depending on your preference, the machine can be set up to make espresso-based drinks, like cappuccinos and lattes, or filter coffees.
When selecting your coffee, it is important to pay attention to the grind size and the coffee-to-water ratio. The grind size should be slightly larger than table salt and the ratio should be adjusted to suit the coffee type. For example, espresso coffee requires a finer grinding and a higher coffee-to-water ratio. Additionally, some variations on bean types can influence the resulting taste of the coffee.
Once the coffee has been chosen and the beverage settings have been adjusted accordingly, you’re ready to begin brewing. Start by filling the water tank with fresh, filtered water. This is important for a fresh, full-flavoured cup of coffee and should be done at least once a week. Next, ensure the portafilter is firmly locked into the machine.
Now it’s time to turn on the machine, wait until it is heated up and then insert the coffee grounds into the filter basket. After a few moments, the machine will begin to vibrate and release the hot, aromatic liquid into the cup below. All that’s left for you to do is enjoy a freshly-brewed cup of incredible coffee.
We recommend using a timer to ensure your coffee is extracted perfectly. The longer the coffee is extracted, the more intense and bitter the flavour will be. A slow extraction time, usually between 20 and 30 seconds, is a good starting point. You can then adjust accordingly and experiment to achieve the perfect extraction time.
It’s also important to remember to clean and rinse the machine regularly to maintain its hygiene. This should be done after each brew, as well as routinely, to ensure the perfect cup of coffee every time. Cleaning is a simple process that normally involves running the machine with a combination of water and coffee machine descaler, a formulated cleaning solution.
Coffee Grinders
Using a coffee grinder is essential for any barista to get the best coffee from their Mars drinks coffee machine. This is because grinding fresh beans releases essential oils which gives the coffee its robust aroma and flavours. The grind size is also important for a good extraction, and the wrong grind can lead to over- or under-extraction of the coffee.
The best coffee grinders are specifically designed for home users and will ensure an even grind size. This helps to ensure that all of the delicious flavours and aromas of the coffee beans are extracted for a perfect cup every time. When grinding fresh beans, always keep the beans airtight and store them in a cool, dry place.
Importance of Water Quality
Using high-quality water is also essential for crafting a delicious cup of coffee. Water should be soft and free from impurities and minerals, as these can produce off tastes or flavours in the coffee. We recommend testing your water on a regular basis and updating your filter as needed.
If your water is hard and contains high levels of calcium and other minerals, we recommend using a water softener to improve the quality of the water. This will make a huge difference in the quality of the coffee and will ensure you get the best flavour from every cup.
Cleaning Your Coffee Machine
Your Mars drinks coffee machine requires regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure it runs effectively and efficiently. This is essential to preserve the performance and taste of your machine and keep it running smoothly for years to come.
Cleaning can take some time, but it is essential for good flavour and for prolonging the life of the machine. Cleaning the machine regularly with a brush and soft cloth to remove any residue, cleaning the grinders and descaling are all important parts of the upkeep of the machine.
Barista Tips and Techniques
Once you have mastered the basics of the Mars drinks coffee machine, you can begin to experiment with your barista skills. This includes trying out different grind sizes, water temperatures and brewing techniques to determine the best outcome for the desired cup of coffee.
The perfect cup of coffee begins with fresh, high-quality beans and ends with the perfect extraction technique. To achieve the right balance of flavour, we suggest trying out different methods, such as the Japanese pour-over technique or the French press technique. This will help to bring out the most flavour from the beans, providing you with the best cup every time.
Professional Barista Training
If you’re serious about becoming an expert barista, attending professional barista training is a great way to learn the necessary skills and techniques. From understanding the basics of the Mars drinks coffee machine to learning how to perfectly extract coffee and create latte art, learning from an experienced barista can help you take your barista skills to the next level.
The courses are comprehensive and tailored to different experience levels, making them a great resource for barista apprentices and experienced baristas alike. Other skills like menu design, coffee tasting and customer service can be covered as well.
Home Barista Kits
For those who are looking to practice their new-found barista skills, home barista kits provide the perfect setup. These kits normally include all of the essential tools, such as a coffee grinder, digital scales and a manual brewing device. A home barista kit provides the perfect set-up to experiment, practice and develop barista skills in the comfort of your home.
Home barista kits are now more accessible and affordable than ever, making it easy for anyone to become an at-home barista. The kits are designed for beginners and more experienced baristas alike, allowing you to create the perfect cup of coffee every time.
