Basics of Using an Espresso Machine for Beginners

Creating delicious espresso drinks at home starts with learning how to operate an espresso machine properly and with Pro Coffee Gear's espresso machine collection, you can easily bring the café experience to your kitchen. A study shows that 66% of coffee drinkers brew coffee at home daily, and 89% do so at least once a week, highlighting the growing demand for satisfying coffee-making.

Once you understand how to use an espresso machine, you’ll be able to brew everything from a smooth espresso shot to a frothy cappuccino with ease. Don't let the complexity of espresso machines overwhelm you; breaking down the steps of how to use an espresso machine will ensure a rich, consistent cup every time.

In this blog, you’ll discover how small adjustments, from grind size to water pressure, can lead to the perfect brew. Mastering how to use an espresso machine is more achievable than you think. Ready to dive deeper into the process? Keep reading to learn about using an espresso machine to make café-quality espresso.

What is an Espresso Machine?

An espresso machine is an appliance designed to brew coffee by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee at high pressure. This process produces a concentrated shot of coffee with a smooth layer of crema on top. First developed in Italy during the early 20th century, espresso machines have since become an essential tool for coffee lovers, allowing them to create barista-quality drinks at home. 

Understanding how to use an espresso machine allows you to replicate barista-level brews right from your kitchen. Espresso machines typically brew one or two shots at a time. The process uses a portafilter to hold the ground coffee during extraction. 

Many machines also include a steam wand for frothing milk, enabling the creation of drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. Espresso can also be used in various recipes beyond just coffee drinks. It adds a rich, bold flavor to desserts like mocha mousse, cocktails like espresso martinis, and savory dishes like marinades and sauces.

Types of Espresso Machines

Espresso machines come in different types, each offering varying levels of control and convenience. Let’s take a look at each type through a table.

Espresso machines offer the flexibility to experiment with different brewing techniques and create a variety of espresso drinks. Whether you prefer a ristretto, which is a short, concentrated shot, or a lungo for a longer, milder brew, espresso machines allow you to customize your drink to your liking. 

By understanding how to operate an espresso machine, you can unlock endless possibilities in coffee making.

Using an Espresso Machine for Beginners -10 Basic & Essential Steps

Getting the most out of your espresso machine isn’t just about having the best machine; it’s about following a few important steps to set up and use your espresso machine properly. Whether you are just starting out or looking to fine-tune your technique, these 10 steps will guide you on how to use an espresso machine effectively.

1. Initial Cleaning and Setup

Before brewing your first espresso, it’s crucial to clean the machine thoroughly to remove any manufacturing or shipping residues that could affect your coffee's taste. Here’s how to do it:

• Wipe down: Grab a clean, damp cloth and wipe down the exterior of your machine as well as any removable parts. This removes dust and residue that might have accumulated during manufacturing and shipping.

• Rinse: Rinse parts that come into contact with water, like the water tank, portafilter, and drip tray. This will clear out any leftover dust or particles from the factory.

• Water filter: If your machine includes a water filter, pre-soak it according to the manual's instructions. Always use filtered water for your espresso. This ensures that impurities don’t interfere with the taste and gives you clean, balanced espresso.

2. Initial Start-Up Procedures

When setting up your espresso machine for the first time, it's important to follow the correct startup procedure to ensure everything works smoothly. Just like other appliances, espresso machines have specific first-use requirements:

• Fill the water tank: Make sure the water tank is filled with fresh, cold water to the proper level as indicated in the manual.

• Power on: Turn on the machine and allow it to heat up. Depending on your model, this may take several minutes. Make sure your home or commercial espresso machine reaches the optimal temperature before you start brewing.

• Prime the pump: Some machines require priming to get the water flowing smoothly. Check the manual for steps on how to prime the pump; some machines do this automatically, while others may require manual steps.

• Flush the group head: Run several blank shots (without coffee) to clear out any factory residue or stale water from the group head. This ensures that your first shot of espresso is clean and fresh.

3. Season the Grinder Burrs

If your espresso machine purchased from Pro Coffee Gear has a built-in grinder, it’s essential to season the burrs before you start brewing. Here’s why it matters and how to do it. 

• Why seasoning matters: Seasoning helps the grinder produce a consistent grind size, which improves the quality of your espresso. Without seasoning, you may experience uneven extraction, leading to poor-tasting espresso.

• How to do It: Run at least 1–2 pounds of stale coffee beans (or 3–5 pounds for flat burr grinders) through the grinder. This will help smooth out any rough edges from the burrs, improving their consistency.

• Tips for seasoning:

1. Use cheap, stale beans to avoid wasting your high-quality beans.

2. Start with a coarse grind setting and gradually adjust to a finer grind.

3. Run the grinder in short bursts to avoid overheating the motor.

4. Master Dosing, Levelling, and Tamping

The perfect espresso shot depends on getting the right amount of coffee into the portafilter, evenly distributing the grounds, and tamping them correctly. Here's how to do it right:

• Dosing: Measure the right amount of ground coffee for your portafilter. You can start by using a tablespoon, about 7 grams of coffee for a slightly rounded tablespoon. Here are some guidelines for dosing based on portafilter size:

• 54mm portafilter: 17–17.5g

• 57mm portafilter: 17.5–18g

• 58mm portafilter: 18–18.5g

• Aftermarket baskets: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended size.

• Levelling: Uneven grounds lead to uneven extraction. Use a leveling tool or your finger to smooth the coffee grounds evenly across the portafilter. Tap the portafilter gently to settle the grounds.

• Tamping: A firm, even tamp ensures the coffee puck is compacted properly, which is key for even water flow. Use about 30 pounds of force when tamping. A level tamp prevents channeling (uneven flow) and ensures a balanced extraction. Finish with a light twist to make it look polished.

5. Adjust Grind Size

Grind size is one of the most important factors in brewing good espresso. The right grind ensures proper extraction, while an incorrect grind leads to bitter or sour shots.

• Use the recommended grind setting: Your machine’s manual likely provides a recommended grind setting for espresso. Start with these settings to get a baseline.

• Extraction time: A typical espresso extraction time is 25–35 seconds. However, depending on your beans and personal taste, you may need to adjust.

1. If your shot is too fast and weak, tighten the grind (make it finer).

2. If the shot takes too long and tastes bitter, loosen the grind (make it coarser).

• Taste and adjust: Pay attention to how the espresso flows and tastes. Your shot should be rich, balanced, and smooth. Adjust your grind based on these cues for the best results.

6. Experiment with Coffee Beans for the Perfect Brew

As you begin continuously using your espresso machine, it’s the perfect time to experiment with new coffee beans. Each coffee bean has a distinct flavor profile, so finding what suits your taste will elevate your espresso experience.

• Try single-origin beans: Begin with single-origin beans to experience the unique characteristics of coffee from specific regions. For example, an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe offers a floral and bright taste, while a Sumatran Mandheling provides a fuller, earthy flavor.

• Explore blends: Blend different beans together for a balanced flavor profile.

• Consider roast level: Light roasts offer delicate acidity, while dark roasts bring bold, smoky flavors, perfect for milk-based drinks.

• Adjust grind for each bean: Changing your beans means adjusting the grind size to match the coffee's characteristics.

Experimenting with different beans is part of the fun in learning how to use an espresso machine effectively. The more you explore, the better your shots will become.

7. Extract and Evaluate Your Espresso Shot

Once you’ve dialed in your grind and chosen your beans, it’s time to evaluate your espresso shot. This is where your skills in how to operate an espresso machine really start to shine.

• Visual cues: A good shot should have a golden, velvety crema on top. If it's pale, you might be under-extracting, or if it's dark, you might be over-extracting.

• Flavor evaluation: A balanced espresso has a mix of sweetness, acidity, and bitterness. Sourness often means under-extraction, while bitterness indicates over-extraction.

• Texture check: Espresso should feel thick and velvety. If it's watery, it might need a finer grind or more pressure.

Evaluating each shot is key to mastering how to use an espresso machine and perfecting your espresso-making skills over time.

8. Steam Milk Like a Pro

Steaming milk is crucial for creating cappuccinos, lattes, and other espresso-based drinks. Even if your espresso machine has auto-steaming, it’s helpful to learn how to steam manually for more control.

• Use cold milk: Start with cold, whole milk for a rich texture and foam.

• Steam with purpose: Submerge the steam wand just below the milk’s surface and listen for a gentle hissing sound, which indicates the introduction of air.

• Create a whirlpool: As the milk heats up, angle the steam wand deeper to create a whirlpool effect that helps break down large bubbles.

• Avoid overheating: Don’t let the milk get too hot; milk starts to burn around 155°F, which affects flavor.

Learning how to steam milk properly is an essential part of how to use an espresso machine and creating barista-quality drinks at home.

As an alternative to steaming your milk, you can also…

Froth Milk with an Espresso Machine as a Beginner

Frothing milk with an espresso machine is key to creating café-quality drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites. Here's how you can achieve that perfect froth:

1. Purge the steam wand: Start by releasing the steam valve briefly to clear any leftover moisture.

2. Position the jug: Hold the milk jug at a slight angle, placing the steam wand just beneath the surface of the milk.

3. Release the valve: Turn on the steam and slowly rock the jug to create a vortex of milk, allowing air to mix into the liquid.

4. Watch the froth form: As the steam bubbles through the milk, it will begin to expand, and froth will form on top.

5. Control the temperature: Continue frothing until the milk reaches around 110-115°F, then plunge the wand deeper to heat the milk further.

6. Final step: Keep frothing until the milk reaches about 160°F, then swirl the milk for a smooth, velvety finish.

7. Add to your espresso: Now you're ready to pour the frothed milk into your espresso shot.

Whether you're making a cappuccino or a cortado, the steam wand is your key to perfection. Even if you typically drink cold milk in your Americano, hot frothed milk can truly elevate the flavor.

A skilled barista knows that technique is everything, and frothing milk with your steam wand is no different. Be sure to use the right amount of milk for your drink, 100ml for a cappuccino or 250ml for a latte.

9. Maintain Your Espresso Machine Regularly by Cleaning

A clean espresso machine is essential to maintaining the quality of your shots. Regular cleaning helps you remove residue that can affect taste and machine performance.

• Use only cold, clean water in the reservoir: Warm or dirty water can damage your machine's components. Always ensure you're using fresh, cool tap or bottled water when brewing espresso. If you're using tap water, consider filtering it to enhance cleanliness and improve the taste of your espresso.

• Daily maintenance: After brewing, run a blank shot with water to clear coffee oils. Rinse the portafilter and wipe down the steam wand to avoid milk buildup.

• Weekly cleaning: Backflush with espresso cleaner to break down unseen grime. Clean the shower screen and steam wand thoroughly.

• Semi-annual deep clean: Descale your machine and inspect seals for wear. Replace them if necessary to keep your espresso machine running smoothly.

Consistently cleaning your home or commercial budget espresso machine makes sure that you’re always brewing the best espresso, making it a crucial step in how to operate an espresso machine effectively.

10. Practice and Enjoy the Process

Perfecting espresso is a continuous learning process. It takes time, but each shot is an opportunity to refine your technique.

• Consistency is key: Small adjustments to grind size, tamp pressure, and extraction time will improve your results.

• Taste every shot: Even if your shot isn’t perfect, tasting each one helps you understand what needs tweaking.

• Experiment and learn: Enjoy the process of experimenting with different variables, learning what works best for your taste.

Conclusion

With practice, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to use an espresso machine, improving your beginner-level skills and perfecting each shot. Understanding how an espresso machine works is key to brewing exceptional coffee. By mastering the setup, maintenance, and fine-tuning, you’ll operate your machine with confidence in no time.

At Pro Coffee Gear, we offer a range of high-quality espresso machines and accessories that cater to both beginners and seasoned coffee enthusiasts. Our collection includes semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic espresso machines, designed for ease of use and professional-level results. Whether you need a compact machine or a fully-equipped model with a steam wand, we have the perfect tools for you.

We also offer grinders, filters, milk frothers, and tampers to help you refine every aspect of your coffee-making process. Explore our site today and discover how Pro Coffee Gear can elevate your espresso experience.