Making good espresso at home starts with a quality machine to brew the delicious coffee. Your machine should be able to produce at least 9 bars of pressure. Low end machines begin at 8, but 16 bars produces consistent results for crema. Throw in a grinder unless you buy a Super Automatic brewer.
Instructions
Choose Your Equipment
1. Consider a super automatic espresso machine. These models do it all. They grind the beans, tamp the coffee, brew and dispose the spent grinds. Also comes with programmable controls.
2. Look at a semi-automatic machine. You fill the portafilter hopper with coffee and lock in place. Press the switch or knob to brew then manually stop it at your favorite cup level. If you don't buy coffee pre-ground you need to purchase a grinder.
3. Get a lever model. This type is completely manual. You pump a lever that builds the pressure for brewing. An upward movement causes the water to flow to the coffee then add the needed pressure with a downward movement. The only electrical feature is the on switch for the heater element.
4. Shop for a grinder. Buying your favorite coffee beans fresh then grinding them yourself adds a nice touch for making good home espresso. The smell of the coffee beans sets the mood. Buy a burr grinder for best results with espresso beans and not a bladed kind.
Make Your Espresso
5. Buy your Arabica beans or espresso brand. Make sure the package says espresso. The essence of espresso is the crema. This frothy brown creamy layer at the top comes from the beans oils.
6. Grind the beans for fresh taste. Many brand names also come pre-ground. Experiment toward the fine setting. If your machine is having a hard time pushing the water through go to a higher grinder setting. The smaller the number on the grinder the finer the grind so read the instructions for your particular type.
7. Fill your water container. Good quality water is needed. Filtered or distilled is desired and hard water is not good to use.
8. Place your hopper into the portafilter and add the coffee. Use a 2-shot hopper for 2 oz. of espresso. This is about ? cup of coffee.
9. Tamp the grounds into the hopper with a coffee tamper. Experiment for best results. Sometimes applying too much pressure will hinder the flow of water. If the water drips through the portafilter chances are the tamping was too much or the ground beans too fine.
10. Lock the portafilter onto the machine. Follow your machines instructions. Usually about a 45 degree turn of the handle locks it in place. Don't forget your cup!
11. Watch the machine signal the water temperature is just right. Turn the brewing knob on to make a good cup of espresso. Remember to turn it off for the semi-automatics!
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