So you’ve decided to start making your own espresso at home? Considering the prices of some gourmet espresso drinks at a coffeeshop, it’s a smart idea to look into doing it yourself. And thankfully, it’s easy to make espresso. Providing you have the right coffee and machine to work with.

Step 1: The Coffee

The Coffee

Make sure you start with fresh coffee beans; it is best to use beans that have been roasted within the past week.  You bean ask your coffee vendor for a good blend for maximum taste quality.

Once you have your beans, grind them immediately before brewing.  It is recommended that you use a good burr coffee grinder, and a conical burr grinder is optimum.  

Step 2: The Machine

The most common home espresso machine is referred to as a “pump” machine, because it uses electricity and a pump to create its internal pressure.

Steam machines are very inexpensive but since they produce weaker espresso, they are not as popular. Either way, the basic use is the same.

Step 3: Add Water to the Machine

To make espresso with a machine, you first need to fill up the water tank with cold water (filtered water is best). Make sure it’s securely closed, or the pressure could blow it open. Turn on the machine and let it get warmed up.

One shot of espresso requires approximately one ounce of water, and a doubleshot uses two ounces.

Tamping the grounds

Step 4: Add and Tamp the Coffee Grounds

First you have to unlock the portafilter, which looks like a handle with a little cup at the end of it. The handle part sticks out, and the cup fits into the machine.

Remove the portafilter and fill it with coffee grounds. Tamp well, but not too hard. That can take a bit of practice to get it just right.  Be sure to wipe off any grounds that may have gotten on the sides.

Lock the portafilter back in place, and you’re ready to brew. Depending on your machine, you may just have to hit one button or there may be other settings to adjust for temperature, pressure or length of pull time. You’d have to check your manual for that. Even with all those options, most machines will have a standard default setting for people just getting used to their machines.

Espresso a Brewin'

Step 5: Place a Carafe or Cup in Place and Brew

Once a cup or carafe has been set in place, let it start brewing and in a few moments a pressurized stream of water will flow through the portafilter and into a small carafe or right into your demitasse cup.

For best results, use a pre-heated espresso cup or carafe. 

An espresso cup with thick walls is best for retaining the heat of the coffee.

Step 6: To Add or Not to Add to Freshly Brewed Espresso

Enjoy!

Now you can either enjoy your espresso straight, or use the milk frother to jazz it up into a latte or cappuccino.

Your machine may have it’s own milk cannister, or you might have to set a small jug beside the machine. Either way, a shot of hot foamed milk can be the crowning touch to your espresso. Worthy of any coffeeshop, and at a fraction of the price.

Step 7: Enjoy!

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