How to Use Your Espresso Machine

The word espresso literally means an extraction of coffee using high pressure from a special espresso machine. If your machine is different from most espresso machines you may need some special instructions, but basically making an espresso is much the same no matter what machine you use.

Below are some hopefully foolproof instructions which will help you to make the ideal espresso.

1. It is important that you have a good quality machine.  If you can, purchase one that comes with a built in grinder (as the finest ground beans make the best coffee).
2. Get some cold clear water and pour this into the machines water tank.  Make sure that the boilers cap is secure.  For one shot of espresso use one ounce for a double shot use two ounces of coffee.  Some machines will give as much as four shots in one go.
3. Place the basket of coffee in the filter holder.  If you want you can place a little pack in the ground coffee and the filter has a measure which will tell you the amount for the type of espresso you are preparing.
4. Brush off any grounds from the top and sides of the filter and then place the filter holder inside the machine.
5. Place the glass carafe that comes with your machine under the spout and then turn the machine one.  The machine will warm the water up to the correct temperature  and then force it into the coffee grounds.  This should take between 15 60 20 seconds and as the coffee starts to flow into the cup the foam starts forming on top.  This foam is brown in colour and is known as Crema but once this foam becomes white in colour then the best tasting liquid is not flowing any longer and you should stop the machine now.
6. Remove the cup immediately and your cup of espresso is now ready to drink.

In order to get the best results from your espresso machine, you should select beans which are specifically packaged for making espresso.  These can be found in many coffee speciality shops as well as your local grocery store. If you want to get the best espresso, buy an espresso grinder that can produce the fine grind that's perfect for making espresso. Also use filtered or bottled spring water as tap water is too hard. 

By following these espresso machine instructions you should be able to produce that perfect shot of espresso that you always wanted.