Step By Step: Espresso Preparation With The Espresso Machine

If you dare to prepare espresso, you need manual skills and an analytical mind in addition to a good espresso machine . No, of course it’s not that difficult to prepare a good espresso . Here we show you what you should pay attention to when preparing. Before that, if you want to read more about what makes an espresso, you will find some answers here on our coffee blog .

Eight Simple Steps To A Better Espresso

1) Coffee is sensitive to temperature changes. This applies all the more to espresso, as it is a particularly small amount. We therefore recommend preheating the cup. Many espresso machines have a hot water dispenser that is ideal for this.

2) Knock out the coffee grounds and clean the port filter with a cloth. This step is often forgotten, but it is essential because during extraction, coffee releases oils that negatively affect the taste of the next espresso. Dry the port filter well.

3) Grind the coffee to the finest settings. The rule of thumb is: the shorter the contact time with the water, the finer the grind. Take enough coffee powder that the port filter is slightly heaped – we recommend 16 – 18 g espresso. This corresponds to a full port filter. If possible, use a grinding machine with a disc grinder. This grinds the coffee evenly and you always get a good result. A hand mill with the appropriate grinder is also suitable.

4) It is best to take your index finger and stroke the edge of the port filter without pressure. This creates an even surface and prepares you for the “tamping”.

5) We’re not really fans of anglicises, but unfortunately we don’t know of a better word than “tamping” to describe this step. This is the squeezing of the espresso coffee powder in the port filter with a metallic tamper. Use the tamper to apply 15-20 kg of pressure evenly to the port filter. This will give you a well consolidated, nicely uniform result. You don’t need to overdo it with the pressing. Because the water pressure on the brewing piston will be many times over later. It is important that the coffee surface is even and firm.

6) Before you insert the port filter, the group head should be cleaned. Let the hot water wash away any coffee residue for about 3 seconds. Now nothing stands in the way of the perfect espresso.

7) Now place the cup under the carrier opening and wait a few seconds. A good espresso should go through in 25 to 35 seconds. If it runs too fast or too slow, you should adjust the grind level.