subject: A Basic Guide to Using A Home Espresso Coffee Machine [print this page] Prior to using your espresso machine, be sure are ready with the basic equipment and ingredients. You should have an espresso grinder, a few demitasse cups, espresso beans and some water. Don't use bottled mineral water in your expresso machine though. Spring water contains minerals that can cause scaling and may harm your espresso machine. You're better off using filtered water.
Follow this basic guide when using your Espresso Coffee Machine:
1) Fill up the espresso machine water chamber with clear, cold filtered water. As a general rule, you will need an ounce of water per shot. Then close the boiler cap.
2) Put the coffee basket in the filter holder and lightly push down the coffee grinds. Most filters help you to measure how much espresso you want.
3) Clean up any coffee grounds along the sides and top of the filter then put it back into the espresso machine.
4) Securely position your demitasse or glass carafe beneath the spout. Flip the power button and when the water is heated to the right temperature it will then be forced through the coffee grounds.
5) Foam floats atop your coffee, and when it turns white you should remove the cup from the espresso machine (The best espresso comes with a light brown foam or "crema", so the moment it just begins to turn white is a sign that the best coffee flavor has been extracted)
Grocery stores and specialty coffee shops sell a range of coffee roasts and flavors. Serious espresso drinkers often purchase an espresso grinder and make their own ground coffee from beans before brewing.
Follow these steps in using your home espresso machine. Hopefully this will help you make the best espresso!
A Basic Guide to Using A Home Espresso Coffee Machine
