Warming "The Dead of Winter"

There are many ways to go about warming it up, the important thing is consistency. The following is the procedure I use-

Note- it is necessary to use water that is fresh off the boil, and to bring water to a boil repeatedly, so work out a way to do this.

Note- Holding water in the Presso will warm more effectively then just pouring water through. To this end you will need a way to plug up the spouts of the portafilter (I use the ends of two bamboo chopsticks).

1. Begin with the piston removed (see the 'Cleaning and Drying' entry).

2. Bring about a Litre or 4 Cups of water to a boil. With the Portafilter (sans basket) in place, pour about two chamber's worth of water through the brewing system into a bowl.

3. When done pouring, replace the piston and re-connect the arms.

4. Push the arms down and insert plugs into the Portafilter's spouts.

5. With the arms in their lowest position, begin pouring boiling water into the chamber while raising the arms. Stop when the arms are at the highest position.

6. At this point the chamber is nearly full, but there is still a lot of air trapped in the portafilter. You need to 'pump' the arms to force the water through the dispersion screen and release the water.

7. Slightly lift one of the arms (to open up the holes in the piston head) and pour water through the piston head to fill it completely.

At this point you can begin boiling water for brewing and fill the basket with coffee.

This procedure can be repeated if necessary.