How to Make Perfect Coffee with an Espresso Machine: The Essential Guide

The espresso machine is a coffee lover’s favorite tool for replicating the quality of a specialty coffee shop espresso at home. Achieving the perfect extraction takes a little technique and practice, but the results are well worth the effort. Here’s how to master the art of espresso at home.

1. Choose the Right Coffee

The quality of your espresso depends heavily on the type of coffee you use. Opt for beans that are freshly roasted and ground specifically for espresso. An artisanal coffee like Bun Coffee 's Ethiopian Sidamo , with its subtle, floral notes, is a great choice.

2. Grind Coffee Correctly

The grind for espresso should be fine and uniform, similar to the texture of powdered sugar. If it is too fine, it may block the water; if it is too coarse, the water will pass through too quickly, resulting in under-extracted, weak-flavored coffee. Use a burr grinder for precise grinding control.

3. Measure the Right Amount

Use about 18 to 20 grams of ground coffee for a double espresso. The amount of coffee plays a crucial role in the balance of the final drink. A well-filled portafilter ensures an even extraction.

4. Tamping the Coffee

Use a tamper to press the ground coffee into the portafilter. The pressure should be firm and even to create a flat, compact surface. Consistent tamping allows the water to flow through the coffee at the right speed.

Tip : Tamping too hard can slow extraction and make the espresso too bitter, while tamping too little can make it too light and acidic.

5. Prepare the Machine

Make sure the machine is preheated, including the portafilter, to ensure optimum temperature. Ideally, the water used should be between 90 and 96°C for extraction.

6. Start Extraction

Lock the portafilter into the machine and start the extraction. A perfect espresso should flow in a continuous, creamy stream, resembling a "tiger's smile", a homogeneous texture with slight streaks.

Extraction time : Espresso should flow for 25 to 30 seconds for a double shot. If the flow is too fast, adjust the grind or tamping pressure.

7. Observe the Cream

Crema on top is a sign of a successful espresso. It should be golden and thick. If it is too pale or thin, it usually indicates an extraction problem, such as a grind that is too coarse or not tamped enough.

8. Cleaning and Maintenance

After each use, rinse the filter holder and the machine’s shower head. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the quality of the espresso taste and prevent the build-up of residue.

Tips for a Perfect Espresso

• Pre-infusion : Some machines allow for a pre-infusion, a short time where water steeps the coffee before full extraction, which helps with extraction consistency.
• Choosing Good Beans : Experiment with different bean types and roasts to discover your personal preferences.
• Temperature and pressure : Make sure your machine is able to maintain 9 bars of pressure for extraction, the standard for a perfect espresso.

Why Choose an Espresso Machine?

An espresso machine offers unparalleled control over your coffee preparation, allowing you to create custom drinks with an intensity and richness that other methods can't replicate. Plus, espresso is the base for many other classics like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos.

Try these steps with Bun Coffee and discover the magic of a deep-aromatic, rich-flavored espresso that will transport you straight to the heart of the mountains of Ethiopia.