PODcast Newsletter, Issue 5

Untimely demise of espresso machines?
I get a fair number of phone calls from people who need a new espresso machine because their old machine only lasted a very short time. Typically, the user thinks that their current machine is not made well and therefore broke prematurely. That might be the case, or..., it might be the case that the machine met an untimely demise because it wasn't taken care of properly. I've identified two areas that can affect your machine's life that I'd like to pass along so that your machine will last as long as it should.

First, if the machine's boiler is empty, the heating element can overheat and burn out. To prevent this problem never let the machine run dry. Also, if the machine has been emptied (say, for transport), as soon as you switch the machine on, run the pump until water comes out of the brew head. This makes sure that the boiler is filled and the heat can be transferred to the water, preventing burn out of the heating element.

Secondly, the brew head screen, filter basket, and filter handle should be cleaned every time you use the machine. The first line of cleaning is very simple: Put the portafilter back into the machine and run the pump until the water coming out runs clear. The hot water will clean the brew head screen from above (where you don't see the coffee resin), and it will clean the filter basket and underneath the filter basket where again, you can't see the resin building up. Performing this simple ritual every time after making espresso will greatly reduce the needed cleaning and prolong your equipment's life.

It also helps to do regular maintenance cleaning using products expressly designed for cleaning coffee makers. PodMerchant will soon be carrying Urnex brand cleaning products, starting with Cleancaf. Please check our site soon for them.

For your maximized espresso enjoyment, we present this issue's tip:

Tip No. 6:
We've written about pod orientation before, and PodMerchant includes an explanatory flyer in each box. However, this bears repeating. The orientation is important with some, if not most, brands of pods. In this case, the deeper side of the pod should be placed on the bottom. Also, often there are small bumps or a circle embossed into the bottom side of the pod. Please ensure that you insert the pod into the machine in the correct orientation. illy pods should be placed printing-side down.

PodMerchant is now carrying illy's "scuro", dark roast pods. Give these a try if you are looking for a stronger flavor from a darker roast. We have the dark roast in both tins of 18, and money-saving cases of 180 pods.

The pace of adding new products continues to be slow as we've been busy with the move to a larger space. However, look for espresso machine cleaning products from Urnex, as well as espresso pods from Izzo at PodMerchant.com in the near future.

Commercial (Wholesale) Sales
We sell a lot of coffee to restaurants and espresso bars. We've now set up a program for discounts for these volume buyers. If you are in the business, please read more about our Commercial Sales Program.

PodMerchant offers the following discounts only to our PODcast Newsletter subscribers. The discount is taken by redeeming one of the following coupon codes at checkout (Note: These coupons are only valid for PODcast subscribers. We check use of coupons against the subscriber list. Coupons expire 35 days after the newsletter is published, or when the next issue is published, whichever comes first):

$35 off Ascaso Dream espresso machines -- Enter code: XXXXXXXX (subscribers only)

$25 off all other espresso machines (Cafe Retro, Koala) -- Enter code: XXXXXXXX (subscribers only)

And just for being a PODcast subscriber, we're going to take...
$4 off your next order over $30. -- Enter code: XXXXXXXX (subscribers only)