The coffee maker is a fantastic tool for making different types of coffee at home. You can buy a classic coffee maker or an espresso machine. The machines are slightly easier to use, as they require less manual labor. Most of those for espresso are designed to be easy to use for the consumer, so all you have to do is fill the filters with ground coffee and wait for the espresso to come out. Be sure to clean the tool after each use.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using an Espresso Machine
Step 1. Fill the tank
The tank is the compartment into which the water is to be poured. The machine should have a specific label or symbol to indicate where the tank is, with dashes indicating how much to fill for a single or double coffee.
If desired, you can use filtered water, but some machines have a built-in filter
Step 2. Turn on the machine
Press the power button. This part of the machine should also be clearly and prominently labeled. Wait until all the lights have turned on, whose function is to indicate that the machine is ready to be used. Each tool has different ways to indicate that it is possible to proceed with the preparation of the coffee, so read the instruction manual to find out more.
Step 3. Insert the filter
Remove the portafilter cup from the bottom of the dispenser spout of the machine. A filter must be inserted into the cup, to be selected according to the type of espresso you want to prepare. Insert a filter for a single or double coffee into the cup.
If you use a double filter for only one cup (or vice versa), the coffee may not come out properly. Before filling the filter, make sure you have chosen the right one
Step 4. Fill the filter with coffee
Put the ground coffee in the filter. Help yourself with a spoon to fill it until it just reaches the edge. If you see coffee on the sides of the filter, remove it with your finger.
- Most espresso machines are equipped with a coffee grinder, which will come in handy in case you have some beans to grind.
- Always try to prefer specific ground coffee for espresso, as it is a finer powder than other types of ground coffee. Espresso can take on the full-bodied consistency and taste that characterize it only when finely ground coffee is used. In this case, boiling water has the ability to force its way through the dust in the filter.
- Using ground coffee within a few days usually helps to keep it fresh and to get an espresso with an intense flavor.
Step 5. Use a tamper
The tamper is a small device with a handle that you can use to press ground coffee. This ensures that the coffee is compressed at its best, allowing you to prepare a strong-tasting cup of espresso. How to use it? Just press the tamper on the ground coffee. Press down as far as you can to make the coffee compact.
Step 6. Attach the filter holder to the machine
Push the upper part of the filter holder under the dispensing spout of the machine. In most cases, the filter holder should be turned slightly until you hear a snap. This sound indicates that it has been attached to the machine.
Step 7. Place a cup under the dispenser
With the filter fixed, place a cup under the spout. Make sure the cup is large enough for the espresso.
Step 8. Press the power button
The espresso machines are equipped with buttons that allow you to prepare 1 or 2 cups respectively. Press the button you prefer according to the amount of coffee you want to get. At this point the machine will proceed with the preparation of the espresso and pour it into the cup.
Method 2 of 4: Using a Mocha
Step 1. Fill the boiler with water
The mocha consists of 2 compartments: a boiler, which is located in the lower part, and a jug, which is located in the upper part. The boiler must be filled with cold water up to the level of the safety valve.
- It is a good idea to give the boiler a quick rinse before starting to make sure it is as clean as possible.
- Use filtered water for best results.
Step 2. Put the coffee in the tank, which is the funnel-shaped part
Using a spoon, pour the ground coffee into the tank, filling it to the brim. Don't mash it with a spoon. Instead, level it with your fingers and remove excess dust from the edges.
For the moka it is always good to use roasted ground coffee specifically for espresso, while it is better to avoid other types of coffee. Ground coffee for espresso is finer, so the passage of boiling water through the minute and well-compacted grains allows for a robust consistency and intense flavor
Step 3. Close the mocha
Fit the tank into the boiler and place the jug at the top. Screw them tightly to close the compartments tightly, with no opening left.
Just place the tank on the boiler and screw it on, just like you would screw on the lid of a jar
Step 4. Put the mocha on the stove
The mocha should be placed directly on the stove. It is not necessary to use a saucepan or anything else. Adjust the flame to low.
Step 5. Remove the mocha from the heat and serve the espresso
Preparation times vary, but check the mocha every so often during the process. The jug will be filled with coffee at the end of the procedure. At this point, remove the coffee maker from the heat and pour the espresso into a cup.
Brewing the coffee should take no more than 5 to 10 minutes
Method 3 of 4: Making Espresso-based Drinks
Step 1. Invest in an espresso machine-specific vaporizer and a stainless steel carafe
To froth the milk and get a full-bodied foam, you will need a special device called a vaporizer, available in stores that sell espresso machines and online. It is typically used in conjunction with a stainless steel jug. In most cases, the jug should be filled about a third full with milk before you start whipping it. To use the vaporizer, insert the tip of the device into the milk and turn it on.
Some espresso machines have a built-in vaporizer, which can be turned on using the machine's control panel
Step 2. Use the vaporizer to get a thick foam
Before proceeding, pour the milk into a stainless steel jug about a third full. Insert the tip of the vaporizer into the milk calculating about 1 1/2 cm and keep it on one side of the jug. Turn on the vaporizer and wait for a swirl to start forming. Process the milk until it has doubled in size and acquired a frothy consistency.
If a swirl does not form, rotate the jug slightly clockwise to create it
Step 3. Whip the milk using a jar and microwave
Don't have a vaporizer? You can use a simple jar and the microwave. Pour all the milk you want into the bowl. Close the lid tightly and shake the jar as vigorously as possible until the milk has doubled in size. It usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. Then, put it in the microwave for 30 seconds for it to foam on top of the milk.
Step 4. Steam the milk
Pour the milk into the carafe about a third full. Insert the vaporizer into the milk until the holes in the device are completely submerged. Turn it on and wait for the light to come on. Let the vaporizer rest on one side of the jug. Once a steady swirl has formed and the milk has become lukewarm, tilt the jug slightly. Let it heat until you can no longer touch the jug without burning yourself.
Check the temperature of the milk with your finger, but be sure to wash your hands first
Step 5. Make a cappuccino
Pour 1 or 2 cups of espresso into a large cup. Pour some frothed milk over the espresso. Fill the cup until there is 3 to 5 cm below the rim. Then pour 2 to 3 cm of foam over the frothed milk.
Garnish the cappuccino with cinnamon or cocoa powder, if desired
Step 6. Make a latte
Make the espresso and pour it into a large cup. You can use 1 or 2 cups. Pour the frothed milk over the espresso. Fill the cup until there is 2 to 5 cm of space under the rim. Then pour about a finger of foam over the drink.
Method 4 of 4: Take care of the maintenance
Step 1. Read the instruction manual before using the machine
Each espresso machine is different. It is always good to read the instructions carefully before using it to make sure you are using it correctly.
Have you lost the hard copy? You can always search for your model online. You can often find the instruction manual on the internet in PDF format
Step 2. Fill the tank only and exclusively with clean cold water
Dirty or hot water can cause the tank to rupture. Make sure you use cold tap or bottled water whenever you plan to make an espresso. In case you use tap water, try to filter it to make it even clearer.
Step 3. Clean the car after each use.
Whether it's a mocha or an electric machine, wash the filters under running tap water to remove all dirt after each use. You should also wipe the dispensers and sides of the device with a clean rag to remove all stains.
