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Fact of the Day What Are Super Automatic Espresso Machines?

There are different types of espresso pod machines available in order to prepare the espresso types. Three varieties of machines that exist today are the semi-automatic, automatic and super-automatic espresso machines. Ground coffee is put into the filter of the machine manually in either manual espresso machines or semi-automatic espresso...

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Stove-Top Espresso

Q: I have a question... I recently bought a "TCL" stove-top Espresso maker that was made in Italy. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to work it. Okay, I have a few ideas, but I'd rather learn from somebody who knows. Pictures are at Thanks for any help.

A: This machine is basically a stove-top "steam-powered Espresso maker." Fill the lower resevoir with clean, cold water, to about 3/4 full. Add 2 - 3 heaping tablespoons of ground coffee (a blend preferred for Espresso) into the grounds filter (the fluted metal insert) and place it into it's receptacle/cavity, into the lower half's water. Attach top portion and secure. Place on stove with medium-high flame. Place a cup or some implement to capture the "Espresso" as it flows out. When it begins, this is the appropriate time to froth any milk you may want to use if you are intending on a cappuccino. Open the larger of the two wand's valve, and let the steam push out any excess liquid water. Close wand, bring your pitcher of milk up to the wand, open the valve again, and.. well.. froth. (experiment... it'll take a few tries before you get the feel). When you have finished forthing, close the valve, and continue to capture your Espresso coffee. Capture only what you intend to drink, and that should be a few ounces but not more. The last bit of brew that spews forth will be bitter,burnt,sour, etc. (depending, but usually). Take off heat and let it completely cool before handling in any manner.I don't know your particular model, but in concept, it should be the same as others of its ilk. There will be an obvious way to fill the bottom container with water (don't go higher than the emergency relief valve, if you see one), then a middle part with ground coffee. Make sure the knobs are closed tight. Heat on stove (at temperatures to be determined through experimentation); coffee will eventually flow out of one of the nozzles, hopefully into some kind of container. Immediately after the coffee has all brewed out, you can use the other nozzle to steam milk, just like with any cappucino machine - immerse the end just under the surface of the milk, and open the knob on that nozzle.

Discuss It!

pt said:

where did you find this steamer???