How To Make Espresso
If you're looking to elevate your coffee experience, making espresso at home can be a rewarding journey. You'll want to start with a clean, preheated espresso machine and high-quality beans. There is so much to explore, from the ideal brewing temperature to extraction time, and mastering the coffee grind.
Understanding Your Espresso Machine: A Beginner's Guide
Understanding your espresso machine is essential for learning how to brew espresso effectively.
Most espresso makers have key components, including a water reservoir, boiler, portafilter, and steam wand. The water reservoir holds the water you'll need, while the boiler heats it to the perfect temperature. The portafilter is where you'll pack your coffee grounds, and the steam wand textures and froths milk if you want a cappuccino or latte.
There are two main variables that you can adjust when you’re making an espresso, these are grind size and the brew ratio, which is the amount of coffee to water. To manage these you will ideally be able to grind your coffee yourself, know the basket size of your machine, and be able to control the brew or shot time with your machine.
Once you've got these basics down, you'll be on your way to mastering home espresso.
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans
Selecting the right coffee beans is vital for brewing a delicious espresso at home. Start by looking for high-quality, freshly roasted beans. Ideally, you want beans labelled as espresso, as they're typically roasted specifically to highlight flavours vital for this brewing method. An espresso roast is more developed than a filter roast, which allows it to be more soluble at espresso style extraction times and pressure, (less than 35 seconds). Espresso is a darker roast than a filter roast.
Blends are a great option for espresso coffee as they offer a consistent flavour across the year, and are easy to use.
Different single-origin coffees have unique flavour profiles. Ethiopian beans are known for being fruity and floral, while Brazilian beans tend to be nutty and chocolatey. The best way is to experiment until you find your preference.
Grind size is one of the most important variables. For espresso, you'll want a very fine grind, similar to powdered sugar. This guarantees proper extraction, creating that rich, complex flavour.
If you can, invest in an electric burr coffee grinder. It provides a consistent grind, which is key to achieving the best results.
Check out our blog post Manual Grinders vs. Electric Grinders - The Ultimate Showdown
Our Recommended Coffees for Home Espresso:
3056 Blend is a medium roast, with a smooth malty profile, making it versatile for both milk-based drinks and espresso shots.
Ex-Wife Blend is a roast focused for milk-based drinks and those who love strong coffee. It has dark chocolate and caramel sweetness. This blend also pairs well with alternate milks such as oat, soy and almond.
Espresso Recipe
This is based on our 3056 signature blend:
Coffee dose: 20g - This will yield 40g (ratio 1:2)
Brew time: 26 – 32 seconds
Method:
- Start by ensuring your machine is clean and preheated.
- Next, measure out 20 grams of fresh finely ground coffee (if using our 3056 blend), the grind should be fine and resemble powdered sugar. If you have a different basket size on your machine, you will be aiming for a 1:2 ratio, (coffee dose to output of the shot).
- Place the ground coffee into the portafilter, distributing it evenly. Then, firmly tamp it down with consistent pressure to create a smooth, even surface.
- Lock the portafilter into the machine and position your cup beneath the spouts.
- Now, it's time to brew! Begin the extraction by starting your machine. Ideally, the water temperature should be around 93℃ if this is a variable you’re able to adjust with your machine. You want to aim for an extraction time of between 26-32 seconds. The output should be 40g of coffee dose from the 20g of coffee (following a 2:1 ratio).
Note: If you don’t have scales, and the coffee extraction is starting around 8-10 seconds mark, then you can stop the shot at 30 secs and the yield should be in the approximate range.
If the shot runs too quickly, adjust the grind size to be finer. If the shot has run too slowly or ‘chokes’ adjust the grind size coarser.
Once it's done, remove the cup and enjoy your shot! Remember, practice makes perfect, so adjust your grind size or tamping pressure if needed. Each shot is a chance to refine your technique.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Brewing Espresso
Even the most passionate home barista can stumble upon a few common pitfalls while brewing espresso coffee. One mistake is using stale coffee beans. Freshness is key, so always choose beans labelled with a ‘roasted date’ rather than a ‘use by’ date. A coffee subscription can be an excellent way to ensure you always have fresh beans on hand, delivering freshly roasted coffee directly to your door.
Another common issue is grind size. If your grind is too coarse, the espresso will be weak; if it's too fine, you may end up with a shot that chokes or is muddy. The grind consistency should be similar to powdered sugar.
Tamping is another essential step. You want to apply even pressure, a firm tamp is ideal.
Additionally, watch your water temperature. Too hot, or too cool can ruin the extraction, so aim for around 93℃.
Lastly, cleaning your equipment is essential as residual coffee oils can affect flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Clean My Espresso Machine?
You should clean your espresso machine after every use to keep it in top shape. Regular maintenance prevents buildup, ensuring perfect flavour. A deep clean every month helps maintain performance and extends your machine's lifespan.
Can I Use Pre-Ground Coffee for Espresso?
You can use pre-ground coffee for espresso, but freshly ground will best preserve flavour and aroma. If you’re grinding your own coffee, you will be able to experiment with grind size to perfect your shots.
How Do I Store My Coffee Beans Properly?
To store your coffee beans properly, keep them in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and moisture. You'll preserve freshness and flavour, ensuring every cup you brew tastes its absolute best.
Is It Necessary to Use Filtered Water for Espresso?
Using filtered water for your espresso removes impurities that can alter flavour, ensuring you get the best taste from your coffee beans. Clean, odour and chemical-free water is a must.
Can I really make espresso without a fancy machine?
You can make espresso style coffee without an espresso machine using a Stove Top brewer.
What’s the best way to make espresso on the stove?
The stovetop espresso maker, also known as a moka pot/or Bialetti is your best bet. Check out our stovetop brewing guide for a step-by-step process.
What’s the best coffee to use for making espresso drinks?
The best coffee for making espresso drinks is one that is specifically designed and roasted for espresso.