Let’s face the facts. The day doesn’t start before we’ve had that first cup of steaming hot coffee.
It rejuvenates us to help us get through the day, and keeps us awake when we’ve got lots on our plate. So, how do you get the perfect cup of coffee every time?
If you don’t want to spend hours at the kitchen counter, or lining up at Starbucks, then you should invest in a high quality espresso maker.
Busy coffee shops will be a thing of the past!
The popularity of espresso has grown exponentially over the years. It’s now considered to be the fastest growing and most popular beverage in the foodservice industry.
In addition, the number of espresso machines sold worldwide increased from 4 million units in 2010 to 12 million units in 2017, and that number is only set to grow.
Espresso machines are designed to produce a consistent shot of espresso.
They come in two main types: manual and automatic. Manual espresso machines require some form of human interaction to operate.
Automatic espresso machines, on the other hand, are fully automated.
Whatever machine you choose, espresso machines can cost anywhere between $100 and $5,000 depending on their size, complexity, and features.
The average price for a home espresso machine is around $250-$500. So, they can be incredibly accessible, and simple for anyone to use.
Some of our personal favourites are the De’Longhi Bar Pump Espresso & Cappuccino Maker and the Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker.
If a home espresso machine sounds good to you, then there’s only one thing left to do. Let’s figure out how to work it!
How To Use An Espresso Machine
So now we’ll give you a simple guide of how to use an espresso machine. Just bear in mind that this is a general guide, and each machine may work slightly differently.
For the most simple, axiomatic machines, all it can take is turning on the power button and letting the machine work its magic.
For more manual machines, it can take a little more work.
Depending on whether your espresso machine uses espresso grounds, pods, capsules, filters or whole beans, you will need to adjust these instructions accordingly.
For the best results, it is worth preparing the beans/coffee grounds beforehand.
For example, if you are using coffee grinds, then you will need to select, measure and grind them up before you even get to the brewing part of the process.
Other machines just need a pre-filled capsule that the machine can pierce and extract the coffee from.
So, once you’ve figured out how yours works and which types of coffee it takes, you can get started.
Step 1: Get Your Ingredients Ready
Before you even turn your machine on, make sure all of your ingredients are ready. You’ll need ground beans, or coffee grounds, hot water, cold milk, and an espresso grinder.
We do recommend that you start by grinding your own beans right before brewing.
This way, you can select your own grind sizes depending on your preferences, and the grams of coffee that you need to brew enough espresso.
This will also ensure that you have fresh beans that are free of any impurities or contaminants. With fresh beans, you can extract the full flavor of the coffee, and enjoy a more delicious cup of coffee.
Fill your coffee bean hopper with ground beans or your coffee beans of choice. Make sure that you grind enough beans so that you’re able to fill your entire filter.
Add enough cold water to the water tank on the machine.
Add just enough water to cover the grounds by about half an inch. The machine will then turn this into hot water after running it through the machine.
Next, measure out the amount of milk you’d like to add. Pour this into a measuring jug.
Put your milk container inside your machine if it has the option, but you may need to froth milk in a separate brother. That is if you want steamed milk with your espresso.
Put the lid back on your machine, and close it so that it is covered and ready for use.
Step 2: Turn On Your Espresso Machine
Turn on your machine. After turning it on, wait 10 seconds.
Open the steam wand valve. To do this, you will need to open the steam wand valve until you hear a hissing sound. Close the steam wand valve when done.
Put the milk jug/mug under the spout. Close the steam wand valve. Place the steam wand inside of the milk, and allow it to foam and heat it up.
Step 3: Start Brewing Your Coffee Shot
Start brewing by pressing down on the power button.
Pressing down on the power should start the flow of coffee. Some machines may have the option for different cup sizes or the choice of espresso or lungo.
You can also select whether you want a single shot or double shot of espresso. Then, make your selection according to the shot size you want.
Wait for 5 seconds after pushing down on the power button and allow the coffee to brew into the espresso cup.
The extraction time should not take longer than a few seconds, as the heating chamber will have already warmed up ready to create the hot water that will make up most of your coffee shot.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Brewed Coffee
Once you’ve brewed your first cup of coffee, enjoy it while it’s still hot. If you want more coffee, simply press the plunger again.
Repeat steps 3 through 7 as many times as you’d like.
Enjoy your freshly brewed coffee.
It’s important to note that some coffee machines have milk foamers and steamers built in to the espresso machine, so that you can create lattes and cappuccinos.
If yours does not have this option, then you can purchase one here: Secura Milk Frother, Electric Milk Steamer Stainless Steel, 8.4 oz/250ml Automatic.
If you simply want a cup of espresso, then make this selection on your coffee machine, press the power button and wait for the machine to brew a fresh, hot, steaming cup of espresso.
Summary
To summarize, brewing a cup of espresso in the morning has never been easier.
With a home espresso machine, you can make your very own barista style espresso shot whenever you want it, and without standing in line at your local coffeehouse.
Once you’ve purchased an espresso machine, you can learn how to brew perfect espresso right at home with our guide.
Just remember that this is a general guide, and you may need to follow the manufacturer instructions that come with your espresso machine model for further guidance.
Brewing espresso is really very simple with modern espresso machines. Whether it’s a semi-automatic espresso maker you have, or a professional, exceptional coffee maker that would put baristas to shame.
