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6 common coffee machine mistakes to avoid

6 common coffee machine mistakes to avoid

In the constantly evolving landscape of coffee machines, technological advancements have simplified the process of making coffee in one’s home. Irrespective of the type of machine one uses at home, the result will always be a flavorful, aromatic cup of coffee to kickstart the day. However, despite mastering how to use a particular coffee machine, some mistakes may affect the brew. Avoiding these mistakes may help one master the art of coffee brewing.

Using pre-ground mix

The secret to a flavorful brew is freshly ground beans. Anything that comes in a pack and says ‘freshly ground’ can sometimes be misleading. Coffee beans start to lose their flavor and aroma from the minute they are ground. The process exposes and breaks down the components of the bean, and the aeration causes it to go stale. The maximum time it takes to store pre-ground coffee and to expect their brew to have some flavor is a week. Anything after that week is bound to have a lesser flavor, although it is pertinent to note that storage conditions and the type of packaging also play a role in it. Using a pre-ground mix will make even the best coffee machine redundant since the coffee won’t be as flavorful as it could have been. Invest in a coffee grinder instead and have the best brew with every brew.

Not using fresh beans

It is common to use coffee beans that have been sitting in the jar for months. Most believe it is better to use it than trash it. One of the most important things about coffee beans is their shelf life. These are good for use for only about 4-5 weeks. To avoid mistakes, investing in small bags of beans and opening a fresh batch every few weeks is better. Stay away from store-bought beans, though. These come with a shelf life of about 12-24 months, indicating that the beans are not fresh. Alternatively, one can also sign up for coffee subscriptions to receive a fresh batch of beans every time while trying new flavors or roasts.

Improper storage

One of the most crucial mistakes coffee brewers can make is improperly storing the coffee beans, which may directly impact the performance of their machines. Irrespective of how high-end the coffee machine is, it will not reverse the damage caused by improper storage. It is necessary to store coffee beans in an airtight container or a vacuum-sealed bag. When it comes to coffee beans, light, heat, moisture, and air can negatively affect their quality. Any storage option that lets the bean come in contact with these elements will impact the brew quality. To avoid compromising on the flavor and aroma of the coffee, opt for an opaque, airtight container.

Not cleaning the machine often

Some people believe their coffee machine can clean itself without intervention. This is not true. Coffee machines need to be descaled, a process in which the limescale buildup is removed. If ignored, it can impact the machine’s operation and affect the coffee’s taste. Also, not cleaning the coffee machine daily is a highly unhygienic practice. If one needs help descaling the deposit from the machine, they can check the user manual for guidance. One can also speak to other coffee machine owners and make it a point to avoid making this mistake.

Inappropriate tamping

To achieve a perfect extraction, it is essential to apply the optimum pressure and ensure the perfect compaction of the coffee grounds. Tamping is a crucial tool to achieve this goal. It is an indispensable practice for achieving the perfect espresso shot. Some people do not apply the appropriate pressure to the coffee grounds and hence receive a poorly brewed cup of coffee. Inconsistent tamping could also mean an imperfect coffee puck. To avoid this mistake, ensure that the tamper is level with the tabletop and then apply optimum pressure using it.

Forgetting the purge

To properly maintain the coffee machine, it is important to purge the water between the drawers. It will take up to a few seconds, and ignoring this task is one of the most common mistakes people make when using a coffee machine. Purging ensures the coffee machine achieves stable temperatures between shots. Passing the hot water will also help remove the presence of cold water from inside the machine.

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The health and wellness industry continues to see technological advancements that help professionals offer personalized care with the help of round-the-clock health monitoring. This is where wearable medical devices come in. Devices such as smartwatches can keep track of personal health data, including body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate, and sometimes detect health risks. However, to make the most of wearable healthcare tech, it is important to choose the right device.  1. Not identifying health needs Before buying a wearable device to monitor health, one must determine their precise needs. For instance, one may require a wearable device that could monitor their heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure. However, some smartwatches might not track all kinds of health data. So, one must ensure that the wearable device they are considering offers the features one needs.  2. Choosing price over quality Today, one may come across all kinds of wearable health-tracking devices at varying price points. They may also be tempted to buy a cheaper device that seems to offer certain key features one expects in a wearable medical device. However, one should note that cheap wearables might not meet the required safety and performance standards, which may make them unable to track health data accurately. Also, cheap wearables might be made using inferior quality materials, speeding up the wear and tear of the device. Prioritizing quality when choosing such a gadget can help one get a durable device that offers accurate data. 3. Overspending Although going with a cheap product might be a mistake, choosing a device just because it is expensive is also an error one must avoid. Getting the most expensive wearable device without enough research can cause one to overspend and bring home something that they do not need. One should first examine the features a wearable device offers. Then, one must see if most of the device’s features seem unnecessary, then maybe it is not the right device. For instance, for basic health data tracking, one may not need a color screen, speaker, or calling features in their wearable device. So, they could save money by picking a more affordable option that does the job. The goal should be to get a value-for-money device. 4. Ignoring battery life Wearable health-tracking devices run on a rechargeable battery, so they will eventually run out of power and have to be charged to be used again. This is why it is important to consider the battery life of a wearable. Ignoring this key aspect could lead to buyer’s remorse. Also, choosing a device with a long battery life should be a higher priority for those who travel a lot rather than those who don’t, considering the former would frequently have access to a charging point. Certain premium devices can last 45 days on a single charge, while other, more cost-effective options may last less than a week on a single charge.  5. Neglecting comfort If one buys a wearable device that is not comfortable, then they might wear it less than they should. This would make them unable to consistently track health data. So, not testing the device for comfort is a mistake to avoid. To avoid this, one should try wearing the medical device for 15 to 20 minutes and looking for redness, irritation, allergic reactions, or any discomfort before making a purchase. 6. Not considering device compatibility A wearable gadget that is compatible with most of the devices one currently uses can help one seamlessly access health data on the device of their choice and avoid losing valuable information if the wearable malfunctions. However, one may overlook device compatibility and end up buying a device that does not sync with their phone or computer.  So, one should choose a device that can easily connect to their existing devices. 7. Overlooking ease of use While a smart wearable device might come with all the necessary features and advanced data tracking tech, it might be too complicated to use. Things like a cluttered display or slow interface can make it difficult for one to get the most out of the device. These things also make accessing healthcare data quite time-consuming. So, it is important to assess the device by testing it in person before making a purchase decision. Key things to look for are a clean and intuitive interface and easy-to-navigate menu. 

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