Brewing With Barista: Starbucks Aroma Coffee Maker Guide

The Starbucks Barista Aroma coffee maker is a drip coffee maker that brews coffee directly into an insulated, stainless steel mug. The machine comes in two models: Solo and Grande. The Solo model brews one 16-ounce mug at a time, while the output of the Grande model is not specified. The Barista Aroma coffee maker does not produce espresso, but it does brew coffee through a drip process. To use the coffee maker, first, open the top of the coffee maker to access the filter basket. Then, pour two tablespoons of medium-grind coffee grounds into the filter basket for every six ounces of water. Close the lid, plug in the machine, and push the On/Off button to start brewing. Allow the machine to brew until it beeps, indicating that the coffee is ready.

How to open the coffee maker to access the filter basket

To open the coffee maker and access the filter basket, follow these steps:

For the Solo model of the Starbucks Barista Aroma coffee maker, simply open the top of the machine. This will give you access to the filter basket.

For the larger models of the Barista Aroma, the process is slightly different. First, locate the filter basket latch and pull it to unlock the basket. Once unlocked, swing the arm out to access the filter.

It is important to note that the filter basket should be cleaned regularly. To clean it, remove it from the machine and wash it by hand using warm, soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before placing it back into the machine.

Additionally, when using the coffee maker, ensure that you use top-quality Arabic beans and follow the recommended ratio of 2 tablespoons of medium-grind coffee grounds for every 6 ounces of water.

The ratio of coffee grounds to water

The Starbucks Barista Aroma coffee maker is a drip coffee maker for home use. It does not make espresso, but it does brew coffee. The ratio of coffee grounds to water is important to ensure the perfect cup of coffee.

For every 6 ounces of water, you will need 2 tablespoons of medium-grind coffee grounds. This is a 1:3 ratio of coffee grounds to water. So, for example, if you want to make 6 cups of coffee, you will need 12 tablespoons of ground coffee.

First, access the filter basket by opening the top of the coffee maker for Solo models or by pulling the filter basket latch to unlock the basket and swinging the arm out for larger models. Then, add your desired amount of coffee grounds, followed by filling the thermal carafe with water. Place the carafe under the spout on the warmer, close the lid, and plug in the coffee maker.

Once you have the correct ratio of coffee grounds to water and have followed the brewing instructions, you can enjoy your perfect cup of coffee!

How to set the brewing lid

To set the brewing lid on your Starbucks Barista Aroma coffee maker, follow these steps:

Firstly, open the top of the coffee maker to access the filter basket. If you are using a larger model of the Barista Aroma, pull the filter basket latch to unlock the basket, then swing the arm out to access the filter. Next, pour 2 tablespoons of medium-grind coffee grounds into the filter basket for every 6 ounces of water. For example, if you want to make six servings, use 12 tablespoons of ground coffee.

Now you can fill the thermal carafe with water, up to the desired number of servings. Then, pour the water into the water reservoir at the top of the coffee maker.

At this point, you can set the brewing lid. Place the lid onto the thermal carafe and position the carafe under the spout on the warmer in the coffee maker. Close the lid or swing the basket closed, then plug the coffee maker into an electrical outlet.

Finally, push the "On/Off" button to start brewing. Allow the coffee to brew until the machine beeps, indicating that it has finished. You can leave the coffee on the warmer for up to five hours following the brew. After this time, the coffee maker will automatically turn off the warmer plate under the carafe.

How to clean the machine

To clean your Starbucks Barista Aroma coffee maker, you must first turn off the machine and unplug it. Allow the machine to cool down completely before you start cleaning.

When cleaning the external surfaces, use a damp cloth. Never use harsh cleaning products containing alcohol, solvents, or any other abrasive materials.

Remove the filter basket from the portafilter and wash it with a brush to get rid of any coffee grounds from the basket holes. Be careful not to dislodge the center pin on the floor of the filter.

Clean the brew head at least once a month using the brew head cleaning tool that comes with the machine. This tool is designed to remove large coffee particles from the brew head basket. For smaller particles, use a damp kitchen towel.

Thoroughly clean the brew head screen to prevent it from becoming clogged. Remove the center brew head screw and pull the screen away from the brew head. Wash the brew head with a brush to remove any remaining coffee grounds. Ensure that the brew head is correctly in place before brewing your next espresso, or the machine will be damaged.

Remove the drip trays and wash them in warm, soapy water. Dry them thoroughly before replacing them.

Wash the water tank with warm, soapy water and clean the steam wand with a damp cloth after each use to avoid residue buildup. If your machine has built-up residue on the steam wand tip, submerge it in a container of hot water and let it soak overnight.

Descale your machine every three to six months. If you don't have any descaling solution, you can use no-pulp lemon juice or a citric acid-based product such as Dezcal (also made by Urnex).

• Dissolve the cleaner in one cup of warm water.
• Pour the solution into the water tank of your coffee maker. Alternatively, pour lemon juice into the tank.
• Add additional filtered water until the tank is full.
• Loosen the screw on the brew head (where the espresso comes out) using a screwdriver.
• Remove the screen from the brew head.
• Place a coffee cup under the brew head and another under the steamer wand of your machine.
• Turn on the machine and brew one cup of cleaner through the brew head and another through the steam wand (not steam).
• Dump the brewed cleaner solution down the sink and turn off the power.
• Wait 30 minutes, then run any remaining cleaner solution in the tank through the brew head and steamer wand, alternating between the two.
• Dump this brewed solution down the sink and remove the machine's water tank. Rinse it thoroughly.
• Refill the tank with filtered water and brew the water through the brew head and steam wand, alternating between the two.
• Dump the brewed water down the sink and repeat this process with clean filtered water three to four times.
• Allow the machine to cool, then replace the brew head screen, ensuring that the smooth side faces downward.

Note: It will normally take two or three "rinse brews" through your machine before all scents are gone. You should discard the first batch of coffee you brew after cleaning the coffee maker.

How to descale the machine

Descaling your Starbucks Barista Aroma coffee maker is important to ensure the machine functions flawlessly for years. Scaling is the accumulation of residue in the coffee tank, and different coffee-making machines have varying descaling procedures. According to the Starbucks manual, you should descale your machine every three to six months. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to descale your Starbucks Barista Aroma coffee maker:

Step 1: Prepare the Machine

Before you begin the descaling process, make sure the machine is turned off and unplugged. Allow the machine to cool down completely. It is important to follow safety precautions to avoid any accidents.

Step 2: Prepare the Descaling Solution

The Starbucks Barista manual recommends using a descaling solution specifically designed for coffee makers, such as citric acid-based products like Dezcal or Durgol Swiss Decalcifier. You can also use no-pulp lemon juice or vinegar as an alternative. Mix the descaling solution with water in a ratio specified by the manufacturer. For example, mix one cup of vinegar or lemon juice with one cup of cold water.

Step 3: Remove the Water Tank

Locate the water tank and carefully remove it from the machine. Empty the tank to remove any remaining water and loose dirt.

Step 4: Add the Descaling Solution

Pour the prepared descaling solution into the water tank. Fill the tank with the solution up to the recommended level, usually halfway or as specified by the manufacturer. Do not exceed the maximum level, as it may cause the machine to malfunction.

Step 5: Reinstall the Water Tank

Once the descaling solution is in the tank, reinstall the tank securely into the machine. Make sure it is properly seated and locked into place.

Step 6: Run the Descaling Cycle

Follow the instructions in your machine's manual to initiate the descaling cycle. Typically, you would press the appropriate buttons to start the cycle, such as the "Rinse" or "Descale" button, depending on your machine's model. The machine will then run the descaling solution through its system, helping to remove any built-up mineral deposits and residue.

Step 7: Rinse and Repeat

After the initial descaling cycle, remove the water tank again and rinse it thoroughly to remove any remaining descaling solution. Refill the tank with fresh, clean water and reinstall it. Run another cycle to rinse the machine, discarding the water afterward. Repeat this rinsing step multiple times, or as recommended by the manufacturer, to ensure all traces of the descaling solution are removed.

Step 8: Final Steps

Once you have completed the descaling and rinsing cycles, wipe down the machine with a soft, damp cloth to remove any residue or fingerprints. Ensure all parts are dry before reassembling them. Reinstall the water tank, and your Starbucks Barista Aroma coffee maker is now fully descaled and ready for your next cup of coffee!

Frequently asked questions