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How to Make Espresso Machine Coffee Espresso machines can produce an excellent cup of coffee, but they require more maintenance and setup than a typical coffee maker. You'll also need to grind and tamp the beans by yourself. The key to making espresso is pressure. The way an espresso machine operates is that heating vessels heat the water to the perfect temperature, then it forces it out of the spouts and into the grounds. Temperature Espresso is produced by pushing hot water, under pressure, through finely ground coffee beans. The temperature of the water is essential to the quality of the final shot. Insufficient temperatures cause absence of flavor compounds. High temperatures can cause over extraction, which can result in burnt or bitter tastes. The ideal temperature for espresso is between 195 and 205degF. This temperature can be achieved using a grouphead designed to ensure an even temperature and stability throughout the process of brewing. The E61 is the most popular group head because it comes with the ability to stabilize temperature, pre-infusion, and lever control. When altering the espresso machine to accommodate different roasts and brew ratios, it is crucial to take into consideration the effect of temperature on extraction yield and crema. The ideal temperature will vary depending on the roast and bean. However, a general rule is that lighter roasts with higher brew rate require higher temperatures. In addition, a top thermocouple that is of high-quality will be crucial in ensuring a consistent temperature. Pressure During the brewing process, espresso machine coffee is pressure-pushed through finely ground and tamped coffee grounds. This causes chemical reactions that extract flavors, oils and other soluble ingredients. The resultant beverage is usually richer and more flavorful. The ideal espresso machine's pressure should be nine bar equivalent to the atmospheric pressure at sea level. The soluble compounds found in the espresso bean are most effectively extracted at this pressure. Some espresso machines advertise up to 20 bar of pressure. While these machines may achieve these levels of pressure however, they might not be capable of maintaining the pressure during the extraction. To put that in perspective To put it in perspective, one bar of pressure is equivalent to 32 pounds per square inch, or PSI, of the tire of a car. This is more than four times the pressure that a professional cyclist uses to pump up their bike tires. The ability to control the espresso machine's pressure and produce consistent espressos is key for any serious home barista. Water The water that you use to make espresso is among the most important aspects that make a good cup coffee. The correct water can help your beans to extract their full potential. However the wrong type of water could cause issues like clogging pipes and damage to your expensive machine. To get the best espresso extraction, you should choose an untreated natural spring with a high mineral content. This water will elevate the flavor of your espresso without the chalky mineral trace that comes from tap water or bottled water. This is an excellent alternative to distilled or reverse osmosis, that can be too pure and cause issues with flavor. However, compact espresso machine should not use a water filter that removes too many minerals from the tap water, as this can also cause extraction and flavor issues. Purchase a water testing kit to determine the average hardness of the water you drink in your area. This can be used to locate an filtration system that can provide you with the right specifications for the water in your espresso machine. Beans Most coffee lovers tend to be very involved throughout the process of making espresso. They are obsessed with a variety of variables, such as temperature, pressure of water beans, milk viscosity and other factors. If one of the variables is off even slightly the whole shot may taste bad. The most important aspect when it comes to espresso is the beans used. Many people believe that only certain varieties are suitable for espresso. While certain beans are than others for specific purposes but any bean that is roasted can be used to make espresso. Espresso beans are roasted longer than regular coffee beans, tipycally over the second crack. This makes them appear darker and makes them more water-soluble. Medium or dark roasted beans are the best choice for espresso, as they give the shots a richness and boldness. Lightly roasted beans can be used to make excellent espresso, especially when they're pre-ground to make it easier to use an espresso maker. Milk Espresso and milk is a classic pairing. The combination of espresso and milk is an old-fashioned. Not only does it boost energy however, it also balances the bitterness of espresso. This is one of the best pairings for a meal! If you decide to get an espresso machine that can create cappuccino or latte make sure to examine how easy it is to use. A majority of the top espresso machines come with a jug of hot or cold milk, as well as steam wand. They also have a portafilter for pulling the shot. Some models also have an integrated grinder, tamper and frother. The steam wand must be purged before making use of it for the first time each day (or after each cup of espresso) to get rid of any condensed water. This process takes about 30 seconds and is important to ensure that your machine is operating smoothly. Failure to purge can result in bitter taste or accumulation of bacteria that can affect the flavor and smell of your beverages. It's easy to do and should be a part of your routine maintenance.