How to Make Espresso in Coffee Machine using Simple Steps
There’s nothing quite like a rich, aromatic shot of espresso to kickstart your day—but making the perfect cup is an art. If you’ve ever wondered how baristas craft those velvety, full-bodied shots, the good news is: you can do it at home!
Espresso isn’t just strong coffee—it’s a concentrated, flavorful brew made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. The result? A smooth, intense shot topped with a golden layer of crema, the hallmark of a well-made espresso.
While café-quality espresso might seem complex, it’s surprisingly simple once you know the right steps. Whether you’re using a manual, semi-automatic, or automatic espresso machine, this guide will walk you through everything—from choosing the best beans to pulling the perfect shot.
Ready to become your own barista? Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need to Make Espresso
Before you start, gather the right tools and ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Equipment
| Item | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Espresso Machine (manual, semi-auto, or automatic) | The core device that brews under pressure (9–15 bars ideal). |
| Burr Grinder | Ensures a consistent, fine grind (key for even extraction). |
| Tamper | Compresses coffee grounds evenly (prevents weak or bitter shots). |
| Scale (optional but recommended) | Measures coffee dose and yield for precision. |
| Filtered Water | Improves taste by reducing impurities. |
Optional (But Helpful) Extras
- Milk Steamer/Wand – For lattes and cappuccinos.
- Knock Box – Holds used coffee pucks for easy cleanup.
- Timer – Helps track extraction time (25–30 seconds ideal).
Ingredients
- Fresh espresso beans (medium to dark roast preferred).
- Filtered water (better taste, less machine scaling).
Pro Tip: Avoid pre-ground coffee—it loses flavor quickly. Grinding fresh is a game-changer!
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans
Not all coffee beans work well for espresso. Here’s how to pick the best:
What Makes a Great Espresso Bean?
✅ Freshness: Use beans within 2–4 weeks of roasting (peak flavor).
✅ Roast Level: Medium to dark roast (balanced sweetness and boldness).
✅ Grind Size: Fine, like table salt (too coarse = weak; too fine = bitter).
Whole Beans vs. Pre-Ground
| Whole Beans | Pre-Ground |
|---|---|
| ✔ Fresher, more flavorful | ✖ Loses aroma quickly |
| ✔ Adjust grind size as needed | ✖ Fixed grind (may not suit your machine) |
| ✔ Better crema and extraction | ✖ Often stale before use |
Best Choice? Always grind fresh! A burr grinder gives the most consistent results.
Recommended Espresso Blends
- Italian-style blends (e.g., Lavazza, Illy) – Balanced, chocolatey notes.
- Single-origin beans (e.g., Ethiopian Yirgacheffe) – Fruity, bright flavors.
Experiment Tip: Try different beans to find your favorite flavor profile!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Espresso
Now, the fun part—brewing! Follow these steps for a perfect shot.
Step 1: Preheat Your Machine
- Why? A cold machine leads to uneven extraction (sour or weak espresso).
- How?
- Turn on the machine and let it heat up (5–10 mins).
- Run hot water through the portafilter (the handle with the basket) to warm it.
- Preheat your cup by placing it on the machine’s warmer or rinsing with hot water.
Step 2: Grind Your Coffee Beans
- Dose: 18–20g for a double shot (adjust for single shots).
- Grind Size: Fine, but not powdery (should clump slightly when pressed).
Troubleshooting Grind Size:
- Too fast (<20 sec extraction)? → Grind finer.
- Too slow (>30 sec extraction)? → Grind coarser.
Step 3: Tamp the Coffee Grounds
- Distribute grounds evenly in the portafilter (prevents channeling).
- Press down firmly (30 lbs of pressure)—use a calibrated tamper if needed.
- Twist slightly to polish the surface (ensures even water flow).
Common Mistake: Uneven tamping causes bitter and sour spots in the shot.
Step 4: Brew the Espresso
- Lock the portafilter into the machine.
- Start extraction immediately (delays cause heat loss).
- Aim for 25–30 seconds for a 1:2 ratio (e.g., 18g in → 36g out).
- Watch the flow: Should look like warm honey—not too fast or slow.
Perfect Shot Signs:
- Rich, golden crema (at least 1–2mm thick).
- Balanced taste (sweet, not too bitter or sour).
Step 5: Evaluate & Adjust
- Sour? → Under-extracted (grind finer or increase brew time).
- Bitter? → Over-extracted (grind coarser or reduce time).
- No crema? → Stale beans or wrong grind size.
Pro Tips for Better Espresso
- Use filtered water (better taste, less machine scaling).
- Clean your machine weekly (prevents old coffee oils from ruining flavor).
- Experiment! Adjust grind, dose, and tamp pressure to find your perfect shot.
Common Espresso Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Using stale beans → Flat, dull flavor.
🚫 Inconsistent tamping → Uneven extraction.
🚫 Skipping preheating → Sour, weak espresso.
How to Enjoy Your Espresso
- Straight shot (sip and savor).
- Americano (espresso + hot water).
- Latte/Cappuccino (espresso + steamed milk).
Conclusion
Now you know the secrets to café-quality espresso at home! Remember:
✔ Fresh beans matter.
✔ Grind size affects flavor.
✔ Practice makes perfect.
Ready to brew? Try it out and taste the difference! ☕
FAQ’s
Can you make espresso with a regular coffee machine?
A regular coffee machine isn’t designed to make true espresso, as it lacks the pressure needed for espresso extraction. However, you can make a strong, concentrated coffee using a drip machine by adjusting the grind size and coffee-to-water ratio.
Can all coffee machines make espresso?
Not all coffee machines can make espresso. To brew espresso, you need a machine specifically designed to generate high pressure, such as an espresso machine. Regular drip coffee makers or single-serve machines typically do not have the required pressure to make true espresso.
Can regular coffee be used for espresso?
Regular coffee beans can be used for espresso, but they aren’t ideal. Espresso requires a darker roast with finer ground coffee to create the right flavor and pressure. Using regular coffee might result in a weaker and less flavorful espresso.
Is a coffee shot the same as espresso?
A coffee shot and espresso are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t exactly the same. Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed under pressure, typically in a machine. A “coffee shot” may refer to a single shot of espresso, or it could mean a serving of brewed coffee, depending on context.
Can I use regular coffee beans for espresso?
Yes, but espresso roasts are optimized for richer flavor.
Why is my espresso watery?
Grind too coarse or under-extracted—adjust grind size or brew time.
