How to Use an Espresso Maker

Espresso is a popular beverage made by brewing finely ground coffee beans with steam. Much like regular coffee makers, many espresso makers have been downsized for use in the home. There are many ways to enjoy espresso, most of which can be done on your own with a little practice. This article will explain how to use an espresso maker to brew espresso and froth milk.

Things You'll Need

• Espresso machine Espresso Espresso or coffee mug Milk, cream or half & half

Instructions

Make Espresso

1. Make certain the espresso machine is off.

2. Unscrew the lid to the water reservoir on the espresso machine.

3. Fill the espresso carafe with the appropriate amount of water for the cups of espresso you want to make. Most carafes that come with the espresso machine have 2 and 4 cup markings, as well as a mark for steam. You can make 1 and 3 cups, as well, just estimate the amount of water between the marked numbers. Consider using filtered water, such as that from a Brita or PUR system.

4. Pour the water from the pot into the reservoir. Be careful not to exceed the maximum amount of water marked on the pot, as it can cause damage to your machine from the pressure.

5. Screw the lid back on to the reservoir. Make an effort to screw it on tightly, but not so tight that you'll have difficulty removing it later.

6. Pack the appropriate amount of espresso into the filter basket. Most espresso machines come with a metal filter an basket to pack the espresso. These are marked with numbers that correspond to the cup capacity of the machine. Make certain to pack the espresso tightly into the filter. Unlike regular coffee, the espresso should be packed, not scooped into the basket lightly. As with the water, do not overfill the filter with espresso.

7. Put the filter into the appropriate part of the machine. Make certain it is placed in correctly.

8. Turn the espresso machine on to the "brew" setting.

9. Turn the espresso machine off after the brewing process is complete.

10. Pour the brewed espresso into small cups. The espresso will be extremely hot, so use caution when removing the carafe and pouring. If you plan to use the brewed espresso to make cappuccino or latte, pour the espresso into a larger coffee or cappuccino mug.

Steam Milk

1. Make certain the espresso machine is off.

2. Unscrew the lid to the water reservoir on the espresso machine.

3. Rinse any espresso out of the carafe.

4. Fill the espresso carafe with the appropriate amount of water to make steam. Most carafes that come with espresso machines have an icon that indicates the appropriate amount of water to steam milk. If not, use enough water for 2 cups of espresso to be safe.

5. Pour the water from the pot into the reservoir.

6. Screw the lid back on to the reservoir. Make an effort to screw it on tightly, but not so tight that you'll have difficulty removing it later.

7. Pour the desired amount of milk into a ceramic or stainless steel pitcher. You can also use a mug. Bear in mind that steaming the milk will create a level of froth, so leave enough room at the top of the pitcher for it.

8. Turn the espresso machine on to the "steam" setting.

9. Place the pitcher with the milk under the frothing post once the steam begins to come out. Make certain the bottom of the frothing post is just above the bottom of the pitcher.

10. Move the pitcher around in a circular motion. This will froth the milk. While continuing the circular motion, gradually move the pitcher down until the frothing post is just below the surface of the milk. The milk will become hot, so use caution when frothing and pouring.

11. Turn the espresso machine off after the frothing process is complete.

12. Pour the milk into the espresso while holding the froth back with a spoon. Make certain the milk goes in first.

13. Use the spoon to remove the froth from the pitcher and on to the top of the espresso and milk.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use half & half, heavy cream and even soy milk in place of regular milk. Be advised that the heavier or creamier the milk, the more difficult it is to froth.

• Always use caution when working with an espresso machine, as the coffee and steam are extremely hot.

Resources

• Espresso drink ideas