How to Make Coffee with an Espresso Machine
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Time to read 11 min
Making coffee with an espresso machine can seem intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right beans, proper technique, and a little practice, you can pull café-quality espresso shots right at home. Learning the process step by step ensures that every cup is rich, flavorful, and consistent.
In 2025, espresso machines will be more user-friendly than ever, whether you’re using a manual, semi-automatic, or super-automatic model. Understanding how to operate your machine, prepare your beans, and fine-tune your brew will help you enjoy coffee that rivals your favorite coffee shop.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to brew perfect coffee with an espresso machine, from preparing beans to pulling shots and steaming milk.
Let’s get started.
Making coffee with an espresso machine allows precise control over grind, pressure, and extraction for café-quality shots.
Fresh, properly ground beans are essential to maximize flavor and aroma in every espresso or espresso-based drink.
Preheating your machine and accessories ensures a consistent temperature, which is crucial for achieving rich espresso extraction.
Proper dosing, tamping, and timing help avoid under-extracted or bitter espresso, improving overall coffee quality.
Steaming milk correctly enhances texture and sweetness, creating professional-quality lattes and other espresso-based beverages.
Before you start brewing, it’s essential to understand your espresso machine. Mastery of your machine is the first step toward café-quality espresso at home.
Getting to know your different espresso machines is the first step to brewing flavorful, café-style espresso at home or in a café. Pro Coffee Gear offers a wide range of machines, from manual levers to super-automatic models, making it easier to choose what fits your needs.
Let’s break down the main types and essential components to help you choose and use your machine effectively.
Alt text:Types of Espresso Machines
Espresso machines come in several styles, each suited to different skill levels and brewing needs:
Manual Lever Machines: Give full control over extraction; best for hands-on users who enjoy the craft.
Semi-Automatic Machines: You manage grind, tamp, and shot start/stop, while water pressure is automated.
Automatic Machines: Automate brew cycles but still let you adjust grind and dose; good for daily use.
Super-Automatic Machines: Grind, dose, tamp, and brew at the push of a button; ideal for speed and convenience.
Understanding the key parts of your machine helps you troubleshoot issues and improve your coffee:
Portafilter: Holds your ground coffee and creates the base for proper extraction.
Group Head: Channels hot water evenly into the coffee puck for balanced flavor.
Steam Wand: Froths and steams milk for cappuccinos, lattes, and other drinks.
Boiler / Heater: Keeps water at brewing temperature, crucial for espresso taste.
Pressure Gauge: Monitors brewing pressure, typically near 9 bars for espresso.
Are you looking for ultimate precision in espresso extraction? The KVDW Speedster 1 at Pro Coffee Gear ensures unmatched speed and consistency. With its advanced design, you can enjoy a faster workflow and professional-level espresso quality.
Selecting and preparing the right coffee beans is critical. Freshness, grind size, and bean quality directly affect the flavor, crema, and balance of your espresso.
Getting the best from your espresso machine starts with the right beans and the right grind. Pro Coffee Gear highlights how bean choice, roast, and grinding directly affect flavor, crema, and aroma.
Let’s have a look at how to choose beans and the grinding process.
Arabica Beans: Smooth and aromatic, ideal for sweeter, balanced espresso shots.
Robusta Beans: Boosts body, crema, and caffeine, often blended for Italian-style espresso.
Freshness Matters: Always check the roast date; Pro Coffee Gear offers 12 oz, 1 lb, and 5 lb bags to match your usage.
Single-Origin vs. Blends: Single-origin brings unique flavors; blends balance flavor, crema, and body.
Fine Grind: Espresso needs a fine grind to build pressure and extract flavor fully.
Particle Balance: Grounds that are too coarse or too powdery affect crema and taste.
Grinder Choice: Burr grinders give even results; blade grinders can cause uneven brewing.
Adjust Gradually: Small changes in grind setting can shift timing and improve the shot.
Before you pull your first shot, it’s essential to follow a systematic process. Each step, from preheating to extraction, affects flavor, body, and crema.
Alt text:Step-by-Step Guide to Making Coffee with Espresso Machine
Think of espresso extraction like three phases: pre-infusion (bloom), main extraction, and blonding. Stopping at blonding ensures your espresso stays sweet, not bitter. Brewing espresso at home or in a café doesn’t need to feel complicated. With the right sequence, you can pull shots that highlight aroma, body, and crema every time.
Follow these steps to achieve rich, full-bodied shots every time:
Turn on the machine and let it reach brewing temperature.
Run a blank shot to warm the group head, portafilter, and cups.
Measure 18–20 g of coffee for a double shot.
Level the grounds and tamp firmly to create a compact puck.
Lock the portafilter, start extraction, and aim for 25–30 seconds.
Look for a steady golden-brown stream for balanced flavor and crema.
Pour cold milk into a frothing pitcher and submerge the steam wand just below the surface.
Heat to 60–65 °C (140–150 °F) and pour immediately over espresso.
Now, you should know that choosing the right espresso machine is key to consistently brewing high-quality coffee. Let’s see how.
Alt text:Recommended Espresso Machines for Beginners and Professionals
Choosing the right espresso machine depends on your goals, space, and how hands-on you want to be. Below are machines suited for beginners and professionals.
Below are some top recommendations tailored to various skill levels and needs.
A compact yet powerful heat-exchanger machine, the Rocket Appartamento is designed for those who want café-style espresso at home without taking up too much counter space.
Boiler: 1.8 L copper boiler with heat-exchanger system.
Water Tank: 2.25 L reservoir.
Size & Weight: ~10.5″ W × 17″ D × 14.25″ H; 44 lbs.
Features: Manual lever-activated group, E61 brew group for excellent thermal stability, classic Italian styling with customizable circular cutouts.
Why It’s Great: Perfect balance of performance and size—ideal for small kitchens or apartments without sacrificing quality.
A stylish prosumer machine with professional-grade features and modern connectivity, the Sanremo Cube R is an excellent choice for those who want both design and performance.
Boiler: 1.9 L stainless steel heat-exchanger boiler.
Water Supply: 1.8 L water tank or direct plumb option.
Size & Weight: 12.4″ W × 17.9″ D × 14.3″ H; 53 lbs.
Features: PID temperature control, smartphone connectivity via Sanremo app, high-performance rotary pump.
Why It’s Great: Combines elegant aesthetics with modern features—ideal for home baristas who value both control and style.
A modern evolution of the classic Appartamento, the TCA (Temperature Control Adjustment) model brings advanced functionality to the beloved compact design.
Boiler: 1.8 L copper heat-exchanger boiler.
Water Tank: 2.5 L reservoir.
Size & Weight: 10.8″ W × 17.5″ D × 14.2″ H; 48 lbs.
Features: Four pre-set brew profiles with adjustable temperatures, updated design details, illuminated side panels, and enhanced performance for milk steaming.
Why It’s Great: Offers more precision and customization than the original Appartamento—perfect for home users who want control over brew temperature and flavor.
Compact yet designed for commercial reliability, the Rocket Boxer Timer is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized cafés.
Configuration: Available in 1- or 2-group versions.
Boilers: 8.3 L (2-group) copper boiler with heat-exchanger system.
Dimensions (2-group): 19.7″ H × 25.6″ W × 18.9″ D; 130 lbs.
Features: Programmable volumetric dosing, built-in shot timers, rotary pump, and steam wands.
Why It’s Great: A café-ready workhorse that fits into tighter spaces while still providing the power needed for rush hours.
A reliable and stylish commercial machine, the Astoria Pratic Avant Xtra SAE is designed for consistent performance in busy cafés.
Configuration: Available in 2- or 3-group versions.
Boiler: 10.5 L copper boiler (2-group).
Dimensions (2-group): 21″ H × 28.5″ W × 22.8″ D; ~165 lbs.
Features: Raised groups for taller cups, cool-touch steam wands, automatic volumetric dosing, and energy-saving functions.
Why It’s Great: Built for cafés that want durability and functionality with a modern aesthetic.
Designed for high-volume service, the Wega IO EVD combines industrial reliability with barista-friendly features.
Configuration: Available in 2- or 3-group versions.
Boiler: 10.5 L copper boiler (2-group).
Dimensions (2-group): 20.5″ H × 28.7″ W × 21.9″ D; ~154 lbs.
Features: Independent brew group control, programmable dosing, energy-saving functions, and cool-touch steam wands.
Why It’s Great: A robust machine for professional cafés needing consistent espresso quality and strong steam power across multiple groups.
Do you want café-quality espresso at home or in your specialty coffee shop? The Mahlkönig E80W GBS at Pro Coffee Gear delivers ultra-consistent grind sizes with advanced steel burrs and precise stepless adjustment.
Recognizing common mistakes helps you improve technique, maintain consistency, and enjoy richer, more balanced coffee every time.
Alt text:Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned coffee enthusiasts can encounter challenges that affect the quality of their espresso. Understanding and addressing these common mistakes can significantly enhance your brewing experience.
Here are the most common mistakes to watch out for:
Using Stale Beans: Old or improperly stored coffee loses its aroma, oils, and flavor, resulting in flat, bitter espresso. Always use freshly roasted beans and check the roast date for peak flavor.
Incorrect Grind Size: Too coarse leads to under-extraction; too fine causes over-extraction and bitterness. Adjust grind size to achieve a balanced extraction time of 25–30 seconds.
Uneven Tamping: Uneven pressure creates channeling, resulting in inconsistent shots with weak flavor or excess crema. Apply firm, consistent pressure with a level tamper.
Skipping Preheat: Not preheating the machine or cups can cause temperature fluctuations, affecting the taste and quality of the crema. Always preheat your equipment before brewing.
Overfilling Portafilter: Too much coffee can increase pressure and produce bitter or over-extracted espresso. Stick to the recommended dose for your portafilter size.
Poor Milk Steaming Technique: Introducing too much air or overheating milk creates foam that’s dry, coarse, or tasteless. Aim for a silky, microfoam texture for lattes and cappuccinos.
Ignoring Machine Maintenance: Dirty group heads, portafilters, or steam wands reduce flavor and can damage equipment over time. Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and taste.
Now, let us have a look at how to maintain your espresso machine.
Proper machine care isn’t just about longevity; it directly impacts the taste of your espresso. Neglecting maintenance is one of the most overlooked mistakes. Incorporate these habits into your routine:
Backflush Regularly: Clean the group head with water daily and use a cleaning detergent weekly to remove coffee oils and residue.
Descale Periodically: Hard water leaves mineral buildup inside boilers and pipes. Follow your machine’s schedule for descaling to maintain stable temperature and pressure.
Gasket & Screen Care: Check and replace group head gaskets every 6–12 months, and keep dispersion screens free of coffee buildup.
Steam Wand Cleaning: Purge and wipe the steam wand after every use to avoid sour milk residue.
Deep Cleaning: Once a month, perform a full cleaning cycle, including portafilters and baskets.
By making maintenance a core part of your workflow, you ensure consistent flavor and protect your investment for years to come. Let’s now have a look at some practical tips that will help you refine your technique.
Enhancing your best espresso machine experience involves more than just having the right equipment. By focusing on technique, bean quality, and regular maintenance, you can consistently brew coffee that rivals your favorite café.
These tips are designed to help you brew coffee like a professional every time.
Use Fresh, High-Quality Beans: Grind just before brewing for optimal flavor and aroma.
Dial In Your Grind: Adjust grind size to achieve the ideal extraction and taste.
Consistent Dosing and Tamping: Measure coffee and apply even pressure for good crema.
Preheat Machine and Cups: Warm equipment to maintain a stable brewing temperature.
Monitor Shot Time: Aim for 25–30 seconds for a double shot; adjust as needed.
Perfect Your Milk Frothing: Steam milk to create smooth microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
Regular Maintenance: Clean the machine, portafilter, and steam wand to preserve flavor.
Making coffee with an espresso machine is both rewarding and enjoyable when you understand the process, choose quality beans, and maintain proper technique. From selecting the right machine to dialing in grind size, tamping, and extraction, each step contributes to a rich, flavorful, and balanced cup.
For premium espresso tools, accessories, and parts that support professional coffee workflows, Pro Coffee Gear’s curated collection. With quality equipment and industry-tested tips, you can refine your workflow, elevate every shot, and enjoy the boldest, richest espresso every time, at home or in a professional setup.
Yes, you can use pre-ground coffee, but using freshly ground beans delivers superior flavor, aroma, and crema. A burr grinder ensures consistency and allows you to adjust grind size for perfect extraction, which is critical for achieving café-quality espresso at home or in professional settings.
For a standard double shot, aim for 25–30 seconds of extraction. Pulling too fast can under-extract coffee, resulting in weak, sour flavors, while pulling too slow over-extracts, causing bitterness. Consistent timing ensures balanced flavor, body, and crema for every espresso shot you make.
Whole milk is ideal for creating rich, creamy microfoam, but 2% or plant-based alternatives like oat or almond milk can also work. Proper steaming technique is essential, regardless of milk type, to achieve a silky texture, sweetness, and foam stability for lattes, cappuccinos, or other espresso-based drinks.
Absolutely. Espresso machines can make a variety of beverages, including Americanos, lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and mochas. By adjusting the water volume, milk texture, and espresso shot, you can create a wide range of versatile drinks while maintaining consistency and prolonging the product's lifespan for both home use and café menus.
Regular cleaning is essential for flavor and longevity. Flush group heads, clean portafilters, wipe steam wands, and descale boilers as recommended. Proper maintenance prevents coffee residue, mineral buildup, and mechanical issues, ensuring consistent taste, smooth operation, and extending the life of your espresso machine.
No. Super-automatic espresso machines are designed to handle grinding, dosing, and tamping internally. They automate the entire process to ensure consistency, so there’s no need for manual tamping. Simply add beans, press a button, and the machine takes care of the rest.
