My espresso machine runs too hot and burns the coffee?!
My espresso machine runs too hot and burns the coffee?
There's no temperature gauge on it. Its a Sunbeam brand - about 4 years old.
Answers:
I don't know about this brand and you didn't cite the model or type--is it a steam-pressure machine or pump-driven?
If pump-driven, wait until the thing is fully warm and ready to make the espresso before pressing the grounds into the receptacle.
If steam-pressure, then unplug it, clean the filter basket and fittings and, while you're at it, the exterior, check power cord for signs of wear, put the entire thing in a box, and donate it to a thrift store. Then go out and buy a pump-driven.
In my experience, the burnt taste comes not from the machine, but from the provider of your coffee. Most roasters burn the bejeeze out of all their beans ('most' because ALL Starbucks locations do). Try to find a store that has carmelized those beans properly--they should be shiny with oil, not flat-black and dry.
the steam going via the coffee only gets to a specific tempeture so i doubt that is burning your coffee. it probably has something to do with the 'sunbeam' brand and how it is manufactured. you very well may be burning the coffee as the machine heats up before the steam goes though.
instead of sunbeam or krupps or whatever department store brand of machine maybe you should try a more professional piece of equipment. gaggia has produced machines for a long time, mine is over 8 years old and is a solid trooper, making 2-4 drinks a day over that period.