How to Make espresso machine coffee (please click for source)

Espresso machines can produce an excellent cup of coffee, but they require more care and setup than a standard coffee maker. You'll also need to grind and tamp the beans yourself.

The key to making espresso is pressure. Here's how an espresso maker works: a heating vessel prepares water to the right temperature before forcing it through the grounds and out the spouts.

Temperature

Espresso is made by forcing hot water, under pressure, through finely ground coffee beans. The temperature of water is vital to the final shot. Low temperatures lead to an under extraction of the essential flavor compounds. High temperatures can cause over extraction, which can result in a bitter or burned taste.

The ideal temperature range for espresso is 195-205degF. This temperature is reached by using an espresso group head that has been designed to maintain the stability of temperature and maintain a constant temperature throughout the brewing cycle. The E61 is the most well-known group head as it comes with temperature stability, pre-infusion capabilities, and lever control.

When altering the espresso machine for different roasts and brew ratios it is important to consider the impact of temperature on extraction yield as well as crema. The ideal temperature will vary on the particular roast and beans however, the general rule is that lighter roasts and higher ratios of brews require higher temperatures than darker roasts and lower ratios of brew. A high-quality thermocouple is vital to maintain the same temperature.

Pressure

In the process of brewing, espresso machine coffee is pressure-pushed through finely ground and tamped coffee grounds. This causes chemical reactions which extract flavors, oils, and other soluble components. The resultant beverage is usually richer and more flavorful than regular coffee.

The ideal espresso machine pressure is nine bars of pressure which is equal to the atmospheric pressure at sea level. This is because it's at this pressure the soluble compounds in espresso beans are the easiest to extract.

Some espresso machines advertise up to 20 bars of pressure. While these machines can attain these levels of pressure however, they may not be able to maintain that level of pressure throughout the extraction.

One bar of pressure is equal to 32 pounds per square inch (PSI) of a car's tire. It's four times the amount of pressure a professional cyclist uses when filling their bike tires. Every serious home barista needs to be able manage the pressure of their espresso machine espresso, and also produce consistent espressos.

Water

Water is an essential component to a perfect cup of espresso. The right water allows your beans to extract their maximum potential. However the wrong water can cause problems such as clogged pipes or even damage to your expensive machine.

The best option is natural spring water that is rich in minerals that will ensure the best espresso extraction. This water will enhance the flavor of your espresso without mineral chalky trace found in tap water or bottled waters. This is a great alternative to distilled water or reverse osmosis. It can be too pure and cause taste issues.

You should not make use of a water filtration system that removes too much mineral content from the water you drink. This can lead to flavor and extraction problems. One option is to purchase a water test kit, which will provide you with the local average hardness. This can be used to determine the best filtration system to provide you with the right specifications for the water in your espresso machine.

Beans

Most coffee aficionados tend to become enthralled in the whole process of making espresso. They obsess about a number factors, such as temperature, pressure in the water and viscosity. If one factor is slighty off, the entire shot might taste bad.

The most important aspect in the matter of espresso is the beans used. People generally believe that only certain kinds of beans work well for espresso. While some beans are better to be used for specific purposes, any roasted bean to cup espresso machine can be used for espresso. Espresso beans are roasted longer than regular coffee beans, and tipycally beyond the second crack. This gives them a darker appearance and makes them more water-soluble.

Medium or dark roasted beans are the best for espresso machines home as they give the shots a richness and a boldness. Light roasted beans can also be used to make great espresso, especially when they are ground to make it easier for an espresso maker.

Milk

Espresso and milk are a traditional combination. The combination of espresso and milk is an iconic. It does not only boost energy but it also balances the bitterness of the espresso. There aren't many culinary pairings more perfect than this!

When you are choosing an espresso machine capable of making latte, or cappuccino too you need to think about how easy it will be to use. The best espresso machines have an ice cube that can be filled with cold or hot milk as well as a steam wand, and a portafilter for pulling the shot. Certain models also come with a built-in grinder as well as a tamper and a frother.

To eliminate any condensed water the steam wand should be cleaned every day prior to use (or after every cup of espresso). This process only takes 30 seconds, yet it is vital to ensure that your machine stays running smoothly. If you don't purge it, it could result in bitterness and/or a accumulation of bacteria that could affect the flavor or smell of your beverage. It's simple to do and should be a part of your routine maintenance.