Explore the realm of extraordinary coffee as we unveil the secrets of home-brewing espresso. Whether you’re a seasoned brewer or a curious newcomer, this guide is your key to unlocking the full potential of your machine. Achieving the perfect shot of espresso requires precision and consistency. From bean to cup, we’ll delve into the intricacies of dialling in your machine, mastering the ideal brew ratios, and crafting the ultimate espresso in the comfort of your own kitchen. Let’s get brewing!
What You’ll Need:
- Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans: A single shot typically yields 20g of espresso from 10g of coffee grounds, a double shot yields 36g of espresso from 18g of coffee grounds.
- Espresso Machine: Select an espresso machine that suits your preferences and needs. There are various brands and models available, offering a range of features from basic to advanced.
- Grinder: While pre-ground coffee does the trick, grinding your beans right before brewing enhances the freshness and flavour. Espresso machines often come with a grinder, but you can also purchase one separately if needed.
- Portafilter: This essential component holds the coffee grounds during the brewing process and comes standard with most espresso machines.
- Tamper: A tamper is used to compress the coffee grounds in the portafilter evenly. Espresso machines often come with a tamper, but you can also purchase one separately if needed.
- Scale: A digital scale ensures accuracy in coffee-to-water ratios. Need a scale? Here’s our suggestion
- Timer: Consistency in brewing hinges on precise timing. Here’s a scale with a built-in timer.
- Coffee Distribution Needle: Enhance extraction by breaking up clumps and evenly distributing ground coffee in the portafilter. Need a WDT? Here’s our suggestion
- Cold Water: For optimal brewing, use pure, filtered water.
- Your Favourite Espresso Cup: Serve your freshly brewed espresso in a demitasse cup designed to maintain its temperature.
If you don’t have a grinder at home, you can get pre-ground coffee from us online or buy beans at any of our physical stores, and we’ll grind them for you on the spot.
Optional Items:
- Milk Frothing Pitcher: Essential for steaming and frothing milk for milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
- Knock Box: Easily dispose of used coffee grounds from the portafilter with a dedicated knock box.
- Cleaning Tools: Keep your espresso machine in top condition with brushes and cleaning tablets for regular maintenance.
Dialling In Your Espresso:
Dialling in your espresso machine is the process of finding the perfect balance between grind size, dose, and tamp pressure to extract the best flavours from your coffee beans. Each type of coffee bean requires a different grind setting for optimal extraction. There is no one perfect setting that works for all coffee beans. As a result, you will need to dial in the grind setting that works best for your coffee beans.
- Grind Size: Begin by adjusting the grind size to suit your beans. Finer grinds slow down extraction, while coarser ones accelerate it. Aim for a grind size that yields a consistent stream of espresso within the 25–30 second timeframe.
- Brew Ratio: The brew ratio denotes the balance between the weight of coffee grounds in your portafilter and the output of your espresso shot. We suggest following the Golden 2:1 Ratio. A standard single shot entails 10g of coffee, extracted over approximately 25 seconds to yield 20g of espresso. A double shot demands 18g of coffee, extracted within 25 to 30 seconds to produce 36g of espresso. Once you establish consistency, you can adjust the brew ratio to customise the flavour to your preference.
- Tamp Pressure: Apply firm and even pressure when tamping the coffee grounds in the portafilter. Too much pressure can lead to over-extraction, while too little can result in under-extraction.
- Identifying Extraction: Keep an eye on the espresso as it extracts. A well-extracted shot boasts a rich, golden crema and a balanced flavour profile. Signs of under-extraction include a thin, pale crema and a sour taste, while over-extraction yields a dark, oily crema and a bitter flavour.
From Bean to Brew:
1. The Prep
Before starting, ensure your espresso machine is clean. Wipe down the exterior, clean the portafilter, and empty the drip tray if needed. Use fresh, filtered cold water in the water tank.
2. The Preheat
Switch on your machine and let it preheat for a few minutes. Preheating ensures that the machine reaches the optimal temperature for brewing, resulting in better extraction and flavour.
3. The Weight
Weigh out your coffee beans according to your preferred coffee-to-water ratio. The Golden Ratio of 2:1, where every gram of coffee yields two grams of espresso, typically delivers a balanced and flavorful shot within the ideal 25–30 second extraction time. Feel free to adjust the ratio to suit your taste preferences or the characteristics of your coffee beans.
4. The Grind
The grind size should be fine enough to enhance flavour extraction without turning powdery. The grind affects water flow through the grounds. When the grind is overly fine, water struggles to permeate through, resulting in a bitter, over-extracted brew. A coarser grind permits water to rush through too swiftly, yielding an under-extracted espresso with diminished flavour.
5. The Portafilter
Remove the portafilter from the machine and dry it thoroughly before filling it with the freshly ground coffee. Disperse the coffee grounds evenly and break up clumps with your distribution needle. This technique aids in preventing channelling during the extraction process.
6. The Tamp
Place the portafilter on a flat surface. Hold the tamper level and apply firm, even pressure to the coffee grounds. The goal is to create a flat, uniform surface.
7. The Good Stuff
Lock the portafilter into the group head and start the brewing process according to your machine’s instructions. Pay attention to the extraction time and aim for a total shot time of around 25–30 seconds. Adjust the grind size and tamp pressure if needed to achieve the desired extraction time.
8. The Brew
Watch the espresso as it brews. The liquid should flow steadily in a thin, honey-like stream. If the extraction is too fast, adjust the grind finer or increase the tamp pressure. If it’s too slow, adjust the grind coarser or decrease the tamp pressure.
9. The Joy
Once the espresso shot is brewed, remove the portafilter from the machine. Serve the espresso immediately in a preheated cup to preserve its temperature and flavour.
10. The Milk (Optional)
Crafting milk-based espresso delights like lattes or cappuccinos takes practice. Fill a stainless steel pitcher with cold milk, purge any water from the steam wand, and then position it just below the milk’s surface. Create a whirlpool effect with the steam wand for even heating and frothing. Maintain a temperature of 65–70°C, adjust steam pressure for desired foam, then turn off the wand and wipe it clean. Different beverages call for different milk textures, from silky microfoam to airy, frothy foam. For further guidance, consult our detailed guide on mastering various milk textures.
The Aftercare
After each use, clean the portafilter, filter basket, and drip tray to prevent any buildup of coffee residue. Regularly descale your machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions to remove any mineral deposits that may affect its performance.
Some Helpful Tips:
- Read your manual! It might sound obvious, but many people overlook this. Espresso machines come with detailed manuals that explain each feature and function. Take some time to familiarise yourself with your specific model.
- To get the best results, use freshly ground beans that have been roasted within the last month.
- Preheat your espresso cups, portafilter, and machine to maintain the optimal temperature for brewing and ensure a better extraction.
- Tamping the coffee grounds evenly and with the right pressure is essential. Aim for a firm, level tamp, but avoid applying too much pressure.
- Espresso machines often have various temperature, pressure, and shot volume settings. Experiment with these settings to find the perfect balance for your taste preferences.
- Enjoy your coffee soon after brewing for the best flavour experience.
- Regularly clean and maintain your machine to keep it in top condition—including descaling, backflushing, and replacing worn-out parts.