THE TALE OF THE DIRTY SOLENOID | THE TECHNICIANS’ DISPATCH #005 Deep in the heart of your espresso machine lives a tiny gatekeeper called the solenoid valve. Small in size it may be, but being the one in charge of letting pressurized water flow through the grouphead at just the right moment? That’s a large task. Start a shot? It opens. Stop a shot? Snap! It shuts. But here’s the catch: if you don’t clean your machine regularly, that little gate can get gunked up. And when it does? You might end up with more of a horror show in your cup than a delicious espresso. A clean machine means better shots and a longer life for your equipment. Don’t let the grime win. Read the full dispatch at the link in our profile. Words by Kimberly Franklin Artwork by Mandy Tsou