Strong, aromatic, and with thick crema. This is what espresso looks like when done right. But how do you make it taste like café quality? In this article, we'll explain step by step how to prepare espresso, how to properly set up your coffee machine, how to grind coffee beans and what else you need to watch for to get results worth having.
What is espresso?
Espresso is the foundation of most coffee drinks from cappuccino to americano. It's prepared under high pressure (9 bars) from finely ground coffee, resulting in a small, strong cup (about 25–30 ml) with the characteristic golden foam on top.
Proper espresso has:
- full flavor without bitterness
- creamy consistency
- balanced strength and aroma
For such espresso to emerge, every step matters – from grinding the coffee to properly setting up the coffee machine.
How to grind coffee for espresso
Proper grinding is the essence of good espresso. If coffee is ground too coarsely, water flows through too quickly and the espresso will be weak and watery. When it's too fine, extraction takes too long and results in bitter taste.
How should coffee be properly ground for espresso?
Espresso requires fine grinding, similar to the consistency of granulated sugar.
When the grind is:
- too coarse – water flows through too quickly, crema disappears immediately and coffee will be weak, sour and watery.
- too fine – water stays in the filter, flows slowly, espresso will be bitter.
The goal is to achieve so-called optimal extraction – so that 25–30 ml of espresso flows from the portafilter in 25–30 seconds. This tells you if the grind size is set correctly.
What to watch out for
- Grind just before brewing. Ground coffee loses flavor and aroma within minutes.
- Use a quality grinder with adjustable coarseness settings.
- Ideal is a burr grinder, not blade – blade grinders are uneven.
- Always use fresh, properly stored beans.
How to set up your coffee machine for espresso
Espresso is a bit of alchemy and proper coffee machine setup is part of it. In this article, we focus on espresso preparation with lever coffee machines, because the lever coffee machine is the only way to prepare classic espresso with rich crema and intense flavor.
Don't forget to preheat the cup
It sounds like a detail, but warm cup = better crema and taste.
You can:
- place it on the warming plate of the coffee machine,
- or rinse with hot water from the steam wand and then dry.
Temperature
Espresso is extracted at around 90–95 °C. Too high temperature causes bitterness, low temperature results in watery taste.
Amount of coffee
For one classic espresso you need about 7–9 g of ground coffee. Important is to:
- evenly distribute the coffee in the basket,
- tamp with a tamper using moderate pressure,
- smooth the surface so water doesn't flow unevenly.
Extraction time
Time yourself from the moment you press the button. Properly prepared espresso of 25–30 ml should flow for 25–30 seconds. If the flow is too fast or slow, adjust grind size and tamping pressure.
Most common mistakes when preparing espresso
Even when you properly weigh the beans and time the preparation, the result can disappoint you. The reason is often small details that play a big role in espresso preparation. What else to watch out for?
Dirty portafilter or old coffee residues
Dried coffee in the basket, portafilter or under the shower screen affects taste and can burn the extraction. Before each preparation, rinse the portafilter.
Insufficiently heated coffee machine
If the machine isn't properly heated (including the portafilter), temperature drops during extraction and the result will be bland.
Using old or improperly stored coffee
Coffee loses aroma within days of grinding – and even faster if not properly stored. Use freshly roasted beans and store them in a sealed container in a dark, cool place.
Clogged coffee machine
A coffee machine without regular cleaning and descaling loses performance, affects temperature and pressure and changes coffee taste.
Why capsule coffee machines aren't enough
Capsule coffee machines are popular for their simplicity. But if you want to enjoy real espresso like from a café at home, it's important to know where they have their limits. Here are the main reasons why capsules aren't enough.
1. Pre-ground coffee = less flavor
Coffee in capsules is ground long before you use it. Within minutes after grinding, beans lose aroma and oxidize.
The result is a drink that lacks freshness, complex flavor and distinctive aroma that are characteristic of espresso.
2. No control over preparation
With capsule coffee machines you can't influence almost anything:
- grind size,
- coffee dose,
- water temperature and pressure,
- extraction time.
But these are exactly the things that determine whether espresso will be bitter, watery or perfectly balanced.
3. Thin crema, weaker taste
Crema is the foam on espresso surface and one of its distinguishing features. With capsules, often only a weak hint of foam forms, and even that disappears quickly. It lacks density, durability and velvety texture. Similarly with taste – capsule espresso is often watery, less intense and sometimes mildly sour or bland.
Why get the Salente Coffio lever coffee machine
If you're looking for a reliable coffee machine that can handle real espresso, the Salente Coffio lever coffee machine is an excellent choice not only for beginners, but also for more demanding home baristas. What can it do and why do customers praise it?
Quality pressure for real espresso
Salente Coffio works with 20 bar pressure, which is more than sufficient for rich crema and intense café-like taste. Thanks to this it extracts maximum aroma and flavor from coffee.
Fast heating and stainless steel body
Heating takes only a few dozen seconds, so you can prepare coffee without waiting. The elegant stainless steel design not only looks good, but also ensures longer lifespan and easier maintenance.
Steam wand for barista-quality cappuccino
The coffee machine is equipped with an adjustable steam wand that easily creates fluffy milk foam. Whether you crave cappuccino, latte or flat white – you can handle it at home without expensive equipment.
Simple operation
Clear control panel with indicator lights makes daily use easier. With one press you can prepare espresso or foam milk, without complex settings.
Hot water function
Need to make tea or hot chocolate? Salente Coffio can also dispense pure hot water.
Excellent price/performance ratio
Salente Coffio offers features you'd find in more expensive models, but at an affordable price. Perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy excellent coffee without compromise at home.
Café-quality espresso? Just takes a little care
Espresso is a seemingly simple drink, but every detail matters in its preparation. If you follow our guide when preparing, the result will be a cup of delicious espresso that will delight you every day.
Most frequently asked questions about espresso
How much coffee for one espresso?
For one classic espresso you need approximately 7–9 grams of freshly ground coffee for 25–30 ml of drink. If preparing double espresso (doppio), use about 14–18 grams.
How to make espresso with milk?
Espresso with milk can take several forms:
- Macchiato – classic espresso with a small "cap" of foamed milk.
- Cappuccino – espresso with about 150 ml of foamed milk.
- Latte – espresso with large amount of hot milk and delicate foam.
Just prepare espresso in a lever coffee machine and use the steam wand to foam milk to desired temperature and texture.
How much water for one espresso?
One espresso uses 25–30 ml of water. Too much water creates a drink similar to American coffee, too little will be unpleasantly strong and bitter.
