Espresso is a popular drink made by brewing finely ground coffee beans with steam. Much like a regular coffee maker, many espresso makers have been downsized for home use. There are a lot of ways to enjoy espresso, most of which can be made on your own with a little practice. This article explains how to use an espresso machine to brew espresso and froth milk.
Instructions:
Make Espresso
- Make sure the espresso machine is turned off.
- Unscrew the cover of the water tank on the espresso coffee machine.
- Fill the espresso carafe with the appropriate amount of water for the cups of espresso you want to make. Most decanters that come with the espresso machine have 2 and 4 cup marks, 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.
- Pour the water from the pot into the tank. Be careful not to exceed the maximum amount of watermarked on the pot, as it may cause damage to your machine from the pressure.
- Screw the cover onto the tank. Make an effort to screw in firmly, but not so tight that you will have a hard time removing later.
- Pack the appropriate amount of espresso in the filter basket. Most espresso machines come with a metal filter basket for wrapping the espresso. These are marked with numbers that correspond to the cutting capacity of the machine. Make sure to pack the espresso tight in the filter. Unlike regular coffee, espresso should be wrapped, not scooped into the basket lightly. Like water, do not overload the filter with an espresso.
- Put the filter in the appropriate part of the machine. Make sure it is placed correctly.
- Set the espresso machine to the “brewing” setting.
- Turn on the espresso machine after the brewing process is complete.
- Pour the brewed espresso into small cups. The espresso will be very hot, so use caution when removing the decanter and pouring. If you plan to use the brewed espresso to make a cappuccino or latte, pour the espresso into a tall cup of coffee or cappuccino.
Steam Milk
11 Make sure the espresso machine is turned off.
12 Unscrew the cover of the water tank on the espresso coffee machine.
13 Rinse any espresso out of the carafe.
14 Fill the espresso carafe with the appropriate amount of water for steaming. Most decanters that come with espresso machines have an icon that indicates the appropriate amount of water for steaming milk. Otherwise, use enough water for 2 cups of espresso to be sure.
15 Pour the water from the pot into the tank.
16 Screw the cover onto the tank. Make an effort to screw in firmly, but not so tight that you will have a hard time removing later.
17 Pour the desired amount of milk into a ceramic or stainless steel pitcher. You can also use a mug. Keep in mind that the steam of the milk will create a level of froth, so leave enough room at the top of the jug for it.
18 Set the espresso machine to the “steam” setting.
19 Place the pitcher with the milk under the frothing rod once the steam starts to come out. Make sure the bottom of the frothing post is just above the bottom of the jug.
20 Move the launcher around in a circular motion. This will froth the milk. While continuing the circular motion, gradually move the pitcher until the frothing station is just below the surface of the milk. The milk will get hot, so be careful when frothing and pouring.
21 Turn the espresso machine off after the frothing process is complete.
22 Pour the milk into the espresso while keeping the foam back with a spoon. Make sure the milk goes in first.
23 Use the spoon to scoop the foam out of the jug and off the top of the espresso and milk.
To read also-TOP 10 THE BEST SUPER-AUTOMATIC ESPRESSO MACHINE UNDER $1000
Tips and Warnings
You can use half and half, cream, and even soy milk instead of regular milk. Be aware that the heavier or creamier the milk, the harder it is to froth.
Always be careful when working with an espresso machine, the coffee and steam are extremely hot.