I just use a steaming pitcher full of cold fresh water, give it around 15-18 seconds with the steam wand and am good to go.

I just use a steaming pitcher full of cold fresh water, give it around 15-18 seconds with the steam wand and am good to go.

This is my preferred method. If you have a commercial grade machine or semi-commercial [anything with a large capacity boiler (HX or double boiler) ] this is your best option.

If you have something with a small boiler such as a silvia or a small lever machine, you should use an electric hot water kettle or something similar for the water.

I could only imagine how miserable it would be to steam a large cup of water with the silvia boiler only to have to wait for it to cool down and stabilize to make espresso

CoffeeOwl wrote:+1

The bonus of kettle/machine is that you can get water for your americanos as hot as you would like and from my experience it makes a difference, though I was exactly getting the water from hot water tap a bit earlier to let it cool just a tad.

Paul,
it is much tastier when you pull the shot to the hot water.

Hi,

Cool thanks, Im just not getting a decent americano. Maybe its because im using lighter coffee beans. I have some darker beans but they are a little strong for Espressos for me.

wish i had more time in the week to play rather than being a weekend warrior.

Cheers

PaulN

It's super loud to steam water though. I say hot water tap is ideal, if it's too hot, pour it into a cool cup. I use a kettle or if need be just boil water on the stove top. I don't drink a lot of americanos at home though.

Depending on the machine, the hot water tap can provide some pretty skunky water (especially on commercial machines).