Unveiling the perfect extraction of our coffee machine

In my home, the wake-up alarm in the early morning is neither the mechanical ringtone nor the hustle and bustle of vehicles outside the window, but the rich and warm aroma of coffee wafting from the kitchen. It is like a pair of gentle hands, gently brushing away sleepiness and painting a warm and bright base color for a brand new day. And the source of all these fragrances, the center of all the sense of ceremony, is the coffee machine standing quietly in a corner of the cooking counter.

It is not the latest or most intelligent model. There are already some marks of time on its metal casing, but in the eyes of my family, it is the most indispensable and vibrant member of the entire household. It has witnessed countless of our hurried mornings and accompanied many lazy weekend afternoons.

Morning Light and Preheating: A gentle Prelude to the Day

Usually, the father is the first person in the family to “talk” to him. When the first ray of sunlight filtered through the blinds and cast dappled shadows on the kitchen floor, Father would walk up to it and press the round power switch. With a soft “beep”, the indicator light of the coffee machine shone like an awakened eye, giving off a warm orange glow. Immediately after, a low and steady preheating sound came from inside the machine, and the water tank began to vibrate slightly, as if making the final preparations for a wonderful performance. This sound is more reassuring to us than any alarm clock. It seems to be saying: Everything is ready and a wonderful day is about to begin.

Mother is the “Director of water quality and bean products” at home. She always carefully fills the water tank of the coffee machine with filtered fresh soft water. “Good water brings out the soul of good coffee,” she often says. Then, she opened the sealed can containing coffee beans from different regions around the world. With a pleasant “whooshing” sound, the dark brown beans poured down like a waterfall into the bean bin at the top of the coffee machine. At that moment, the dry aroma of beans took the lead and quietly spread in the air, like the prelude to the opening of a symphony.

Grinding and Pressing: Awaken the sleeping elves

The true symphony begins when the “Grind” key is pressed. The father’s finger dropped, and the grinding wheel inside the coffee machine started up with a sound. The “buzzing” sound instantly filled the entire kitchen. This voice was powerful and forceful, as if it were a awakened lion. At the same time, a more intense and unrestrained aroma of coffee exploded and spread out. It was no longer the subtle dry aroma of beans, but a powdery scent with an oily texture and countless flavors. At this time, the child would always run into the kitchen, frown his nose and take a deep breath, saying, “I smell chocolate and nuts!”

After grinding, Father would take out the filter handle filled with coffee grounds. The freshly ground coffee powder is as fine as the wet sand on the beach, presenting a uniform caramel color. He gently smoothed it out with his fingers, then picked up the heavy metal powder press and pressed it down steadily and evenly. With a soft “click”, the coffee grounds were compacted into a smooth and flat “powder compact”. This process is filled with concentration and piety, like the most crucial step for a craftsman before completing a work. Finally, he skillfully inserted the filter handle into the coffee machine’s brewing head. With a crisp “click” of the lock, we knew that the curtain of the stage had officially risen.

Extraction and Steam: The Solo Moment of the Coffee Machine

Next up is the solo moment that belongs to this coffee machine completely.

Father pressed the extraction button marked “One cup”. In an instant, the powerful water pump started to work, and the 92-degree Celsius hot water, under a pressure of about 9 bar, penetrated the tight coffee powder cake. Everyone’s eyes will unconsciously focus on the area beneath the brewing head. At first, there was a few seconds of silence. Then, the first drop of dark coffee liquid struggled to stick its head out. After that, it merged into a fine stream and then turned into a shiny, viscous amber waterfall, trickling down into the preheated ceramic cup below.

This scene is never tiresome no matter how many times you look at it. The liquid that flowed out was not merely brown. Under the light, its edges glowed with a golden amber luster, and its core was a deep ochre. The most charming part is the layer of Crema that gradually accumulates and rolls on the liquid surface, like caramel-colored cream and as smooth as velvet. It carries the most charming flavor and aroma of coffee. As the coffee flowed out, there was a rhythmic “tick-tock” sound, like a lively percussion piece.

Almost at the same time, Father would turn on the steam knob on the side of the coffee machine. Another magic began – dry and powerful steam gushed out from the steam stick, making a sharp and forceful “hissing” sound. He inserted the milk jar containing iced milk, found the right Angle, and made the milk form a rapidly rotating vortex inside the jar. When milk mixes with steam, it makes a “sizzling” emulsification sound, its volume gradually expands and its temperature gradually rises. In no more than twenty or thirty seconds, a VAT of cold full-fat milk magically transformed into a VAT of high-quality milk foam that was smooth, warm and shimmering with a silky luster.

Fusion and sharing: The taste of home thus takes shape

When the rich flavor of espresso meets the smoothness of milk, it marks the final chapter of our family’s exclusive coffee ritual. Father would slowly pour the whipped milk foam into that cup of Espresso, which was as refined as essence, watching the brown and white collide and blend with each other. Sometimes, he would try to shake the milk jar and draw a simple heart or a leaf on the surface of the coffee. When the finished product is served on the table, it is no longer merely a cup of coffee, but more like a work of art infused with love and the morning light.

Our family sat around the dining table, each holding their own cup in their hands. I prefer lattes, my mother likes cappuccinos, and my father is loyal to his pure double espresso. In the air, the aroma of coffee and milk interweave, accompanied by the sound of relaxed conversations. What a nice day today. Where do you want to go for a walk this afternoon? What would you like to have for dinner tonight? … These ordinary family words, catalyzed by this cup of coffee, become particularly warm and touching.

For us, this coffee machine has long transcended its function as an household appliance. It is a warm symbol and an anchor point for a family. In its own way, it participates in and shapes our lives. It witnessed the father’s concentration, the mother’s meticulousness and the child’s growth. It connects every ordinary day with its fragrance, and together the sounds of grinding, extraction and our laughter, it composes a concerto named “Home”.

There are countless flavors of home. In our hearts, the most profound and irreplaceable thing is the rich and warm aroma of coffee that began with this coffee machine. What it brews is not just a drink, but the happy times we spent together.