In the last article we looked at how to descale a manual Baby Gaggia coffee machine. Now we will take a look at how to remove the lime scale from an automatic Baby Gaggia machine. Make sure you purchase a cleaner that is compatible with this particular machine. Also, make sure that this process is repeated often, to ensure there is no scale allowed to build up in the machine. This is especially necessary in hard water areas.

The main difference with this machine is that it warns you when the tank requires descaling via a message, although you can still clean the machine as and when you see fit.

To descale the machine, first dissolve the contents in 1.5 litres of water, as with the manual machine. Again, pour the mixture into the water tank and open the steam pipe to extract the water. Once you have completed this process you can empty and then rinse the water tank. It should now be ready to use, but you can repeat the process if necessary. When finished, simply refill the machine with fresh water and you are ready to go.

Make sure this process is repeated at least every two to three months and check your manufacturer’s instructions and warranty as scaling is not usually covered by the guarantee.

As we have been discussing a lot lately, de-scaling your coffee machine is pertinent to its efficient working. The build up of materials can leave deposits in all the water-carrying parts of your coffee machine. Anywhere the water sits for any length of time is the worst affected.

If you have a Baby Gaggia then you don’t want the scale to affect the heating components of the machine. Follow these simple steps below, always in conjunction (and not in opposition) with the manufacturer’s instructions to de-scale your machine.

For those with manual Baby Gaggia coffee machines first remove the filter and plate using a screwdriver. Make sure there are no obstructions; dissolve the contents of the Baby Gaggia descaler in 1.5 litres of water before pouring the mix into the water tank. Turn the pump on for about 20 seconds. Then wait for 20 minutes and repeat the process. Once this is done, wait a few minutes more and then flush through the steam pipe.

You can always repeat it again until the descaler packet is finished or until no scale can be found in the water. Finally, rinse the machine through with clean water and you are then ready to go again making great tasting coffee!

I have just returned from a short holiday to famous city of New York in the United States of America. One of the biggest things to strike me about the way of life over there is the absolute dependency on coffee to get a person through the day.

There are coffee shops to be found on every corner around the bustling streets of Manhattan. And almost all of these shops are full with all the seating space taken. Some people like to drink coffee on the go while others like to take their time and sit down while surfing the internet on their laptops.

Having a drink of coffee in America is a very social thing to do; no matter what time of the day it was there were groups of students, mothers and work colleagues all huddled round tables enjoying their beverage while they caught up with one another.

It was not just the big chains like Starbucks that were popular either, New York has a variety of quaint little coffee shops and cafes in the East Village and SoHo areas where you can grab a great cup of fair-trade coffee and read a paper or magazine in peace.

If you love your coffee then you could do worse than enjoy a cup of coffee in the city that never sleeps while you check out all the amazing sights the city has to behold.