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How to use an espresso machine: a professional cup of coffee at home
Espresso has a rich, aromatic flavor. It is often thought that it can only be enjoyed at a cafe, but in recent years, the performance of home espresso machines has improved, making it possible to enjoy a genuine cup of coffee at home.
However, to make delicious espresso, you need to know a few things, not just how to use the machine, such as how to choose the beans, how well to grind them, and how to control the extraction time.
In this article, we will carefully introduce everything from the basic usage of an espresso machine to ideas for recreating professional-quality espresso at home, as well as how to avoid common mistakes.
Basic structure and types of espresso machines
There are many different types of espresso machines, each with different performance and ease of use, so it's important to choose one that suits your purpose.
Main types
- Fully automatic machine: This type handles everything from grinding the beans to brewing with the push of a button. It's easy to use, but difficult to adjust.
- Semi-automatic: Grinding and tamping are done by hand, but the brewing is controlled by a machine.
- Manual type: This is a professional-grade method in which the powder is filled into the portafilter and everything is done manually, from the extraction stage onwards. This requires skill, but it offers a high degree of freedom and makes it easy to get the perfect cup of coffee .
If you're aiming to make a "professional-quality cup of coffee" at home, we recommend a semi-automatic machine . Because it requires a moderate amount of manual labor, you can focus on the extraction process and have more flexibility in adjusting the flavor.
Preparations necessary for a delicious espresso
Espresso is a concentrated coffee that is extracted in just a few seconds, but there are many steps and delicate elements involved in making one cup. The following preparations are the key to the flavor.
How to choose the beans to use
Medium-dark to dark roast beans are often used for espresso. These beans have a mild acidity, a rich flavor, and a sweet taste, and they go well with milk. Using fresh beans is the key to the aroma and flavor .
Also, if possible, choose beans roasted specifically for espresso, as they will have the optimal balance and will reduce the chance of failure.
Grind (how to grind the beans)
The grind size is extremely important. If it's too coarse, the coffee will be thin, but if it's too fine, the extraction will be slow and the bitterness will be pronounced. The ideal grind for espresso is slightly coarser than powdered sugar.
Ideally, you should monitor the extraction speed and make fine adjustments as needed.
Tamping and Dosing
Dosing is the process of adjusting the amount of powder packed into the basket. The standard amount is usually around 18-20g. The next step, tamping (the process of compacting the powder), is a crucial step that determines the stability of the extraction . It is important to press the powder straight with uniform pressure; if this is not done properly, the hot water will flow unevenly, resulting in inconsistent flavor.
Extraction process and checkpoints
When extracting, be sure to check the pressure, temperature, and time. The basics for espresso are 9 atmospheres, 90-96°C, and 25-30 seconds.
Extraction procedure
- Power on the machine and wait until it is warm
- Warm the portafilter (leave it in place until just before brewing)
- Pack the ground beans into the basket and tamp
- Place it in the machine and start extracting.
- Extracts approximately 30ml of espresso in approximately 30 seconds
Pay attention to the condition of the crema (foam) during extraction. A thick, dark crema is proof that the extraction was successful . Conversely, if it is whitish and thin, it may be that the pressure or temperature is not appropriate.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
When brewing espresso, even small differences can make a big difference in the taste. It's a good idea to understand the common mistakes you can make and know how to fix them.
- Extraction too quickly: Grounds too coarse, tamping too weak
- Extraction too slow: Grounds too fine, tamping too hard
- Weak taste: Small amount of powder, short extraction time
- Too bitter: Extraction time too long, temperature too high
These can be improved by making small adjustments over time, and being able to adjust the coffee to your own taste is one of the great attractions of brewing at home .
How to enjoy arranging
Once you've mastered brewing espresso, you can enjoy it as is, or try making variations such as lattes, cappuccinos, and affogatos.
In particular, the combination of steamed milk and espresso creates a mellow yet rich cup of coffee. The temperature of the milk and how it is foamed also affect the taste, creating a world of depth.
There are also other ways to enjoy it in hot weather, such as as iced espresso or with soda. Try different styles to suit your mood and the season.
summary
Brewing coffee at home using an espresso machine is more than just a luxury item; it's also an act that brings rhythm and richness to your daily life . Even if you don't succeed at first, by making repeated mistakes you can gradually get closer to your ideal taste. This process itself deepens your relationship with coffee.
There are many time-consuming steps involved, but that is precisely why each cup tastes so special. The moment you realize that the coffee you brewed with your own hands is the best, is a joy that cannot be replaced by anything else .
Making authentic espresso requires special skills and mental preparation, but it also adds a little something special to your everyday life. If you're interested, start with a simple machine and expand your world of coffee at your own pace.
