How to make Espresso at home?

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By James Robert

Contrary to what most people believe, there are various ways that an espresso fan can use to prepare their favorite drink. You can use a manual machine, an automatic machine or a French Press or any other method to prepare espresso at the comfort of your home. No matter which method you opt for, you should know its basics. Along with this, you should also know the basics of espresso.

How to make Espresso at home

How Do You Make Espresso At Your Home?

To make espresso at home, the first thing that you require is a coffee machine. From a manual to a fully automatic one, this could be any machine of your choice. Professionals, generally, prefer a manual machine as it gives them more control over their espresso. Beginners can use machines that are easy to use. Some of these machines may include the Breville Barista Pro and Nespresso Vertuo Plus. There are a few other things that you will need if your machine does not have a built-in grinder. These things include a good coffee grinder, a milk frother and a kitchen scale.

How To Make Espresso With An Espresso Machine

Step 1 : Grind And Measure Your Beans: Using a good quality grinder and dark roast coffee beans, grind enough beans that will help you brew one or two espresso shots. An average shot of espresso will require around 6 to 8 grams of espresso, although this can vary as per the choice of the consumer. Your grinds are supposed to be fine so, use the finest setting on the grinder. To measure the amount accurately, you can use a reliable kitchen scale.
Step 2 : Distribute And Tamp Down Your Shot: Once you measure the grounds, add them to a portafilter and distribute the grounds equally with your finger. Place the portafilter on a flat surface and then tamp on the grounds with the help of a tamper. This will result in a compact disk of espresso.
Step 3 : Pull Your Shot: Before you start, run the machine without the portafilter so that the ground head is clear. Once that is done, lock the portafilter into the machine, keep a glass underneath and start brewing your shot. The espresso shot will be prepared within 25 to 30 seconds; however, to achieve your desired taste, you will be requiring a lot of practice. The final products should have a balanced taste- it should neither be too bitter nor too acidic. Along with this, it should also have a fine layer of caramel colored crema on top.
Step 4 : Prepare Milk: If you are making a milk-based drink then you will have to steam the milk. If not, then you can enjoy your espresso as it is.

Can You Make Espresso Without A Machine

You may not be able to brew true espresso without a machine; however, you can prepare a bold, espresso-style coffee using other methods including AeroPress, stovetop coffee makers, instant espresso, etc. These methods will help you enjoy espresso without a machine

Making Espresso With The Help Of A Moka Pot

Popularly known as a stovetop espresso maker, the Moka Pot helps you brew strong, espresso-like coffee. It passes boiling water pressurized by steam through the coffee grounds. The coffee to water ratio should be 1:2. Using the Moka Pot is an easy and inexpensive way to brew espresso at your home without having a machine. You have to follow the following steps to brew your coffee:

Step 1 : Fill up the Moka Pot’s lower chamber with water till the fill line.
Step 2 : Fill up the filter basket with ground coffee and make sure that it is even. Remove any loose grounds present at the edge of the basket.
Step 3 : Put the pot on a stove on medium heat. As soon as you hear a hissing sound , remove the pot from the heat.
Step 4 : Once you have removed it from the heat, pour it into a glass of your choice.

Making Espresso With The Help Of A Moka Pot

How To Make Espresso With An AeroPress

An AeroPress is a device that helps you brew espresso at the comfort of your home. It comes with a plunger which creates pressure, forcing coffee to pass through a filter and into a cup. Even though an AeroPress cannot brew an original espresso, it brews a flavorful and strong espresso-like drink. To brew espresso using an AeroPress, follow the following steps:

Step 1 : Place a paper filter into a plastic cup before you wet the cap and filter with hot water. Once this is done, drain the water.
Step 2 : Twist the filter cap on the chamber of the device and place it over a mug.
Step 3 : Add coffee into the chamber and pour hot water over it.
Step 4 : Insert the plunger and place the spout on top of your mug. Push it gently until it reaches the grounds.

Making Espresso With The Help Of Aeropress

How To Make Espresso With French Press

The French Press requires coarse grind and since it does not produce espresso-level pressure, the end result is usually weaker than all the other methods. Even though a French Press does not produce similar results, a French Press love would have killed for a shot of espresso produced using this method. Follow the following steps to use a French Press.

Step 1 : Remove the lid of the French Press and add two tablespoons of medium-fine ground dark roast coffee in a carafe.
Step 2 : Splash a few drops of hot water onto the coffee and let it bloom for 30 seconds, then pour in the remaining hot water.
Step 3 : Put the lid of the French Press on the cylinder with the plunger up.
Step 4 : Let your espresso steep for about 4 minutes.
Step 5 : Gently push the plunger down with even pressure. Once it is half way through, bring it back up and plunge again.
Step 6 : When the plunger is at the bottom, pour your coffee into a mug of your choice.

Making Espresso With The Help Of French Press

How To Make Espresso With Instant Coffee

If you want to brew espresso at home and do not want to invest in any tools then the best way to do it is by using instant coffee. Mix a teaspoon of coffee with 1/4 cup of hot water, stir it nicely, and enjoy. Remember that the coffee won’t taste as rich as a real espresso.

How To Brew Espresso With Keurig

There are various espresso-style Keurig pods and machines that help you brew bolder and stronger coffee, even though it may not taste like espresso. The Instant Pod, a pod coffee maker and espresso maker from Instant Brand are some of the options available if you are looking for machines that work with K-cups and pods.

Tips And Tricks To Keep In Mind When Brewing Espresso

Following are some tips and tricks that will help you throughout the brewing process:

Make sure you prime your espresso maker before using it
If you want your coffee to taste fresh, use filtered water
Use dark roast coffee beans for maximum flavor and make sure you grind them just before brewing
Use even and fine grind
Do not forget the difference between an espresso and coffee. Both of them vary in taste and have different consistencies
Skim milk is the best option for frothing as it is light