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How to Make Espresso Machine Coffee Espresso machines can make an amazing cup of coffee, however they require more maintenance and setup than a standard coffee maker. It also requires that you grind and tap your own beans. The key to making espresso is pressure. What happens in an espresso machine is that heating vessels heat the water to a perfect temperature, then it forces it out from the spouts into the grounds. Temperature Espresso is produced by forcing hot water, under pressure, through finely ground coffee beans. The temperature of the water is vital to the quality of the final shot. Insufficient temperatures cause less extraction of the essential flavor compounds. High temperatures produce over extraction and can lead to burnt or bitter flavors. The ideal temperature for espresso is between 195 and 205degF. This temperature can be achieved using a grouphead designed to maintain a constant temperature and stability throughout the process of brewing. The E61 is the most well-known group head, as it offers temperature stability, pre-infusion capability and lever control. It is important to take into account the temperature when adjusting your espresso machine to different roasts or brew ratios. This can affect the extraction yield and the crema. The optimal temperature will be contingent on the specific bean and roast however, the general rule is that lighter roasts and higher ratios of brews need higher temperatures than dark roasts and lower ratios of brew. A good thermocouple is also important to ensure an even temperature. Pressure During the brewing process, espresso machine coffee is pressure-pushed through finely ground and tamped coffee grounds. This triggers chemical reactions that extract flavors, oils and other soluble ingredients from the beans. The drink that is produced is typically richer and more flavorful. The ideal espresso machine's pressure should be nine bar that's equivalent to the pressure of the ocean at sea level. This is because it is at this pressure that the soluble compounds of espresso are most easily extracted. However some espresso machines advertise as high as 20 or 15 bars of pressure. These machines might be able to reach these pressure levels, however, they might not be able to maintain them throughout the extraction. One bar of pressure equals to 32 pounds per square inch (PSI) of a car's tire. It's four times the pressure a professional cyclist utilizes to fill their bicycle tires. The ability to control espresso machine's pressure and make consistent espressos is key for any serious home barista. Water Water is an essential ingredient in a delicious cup of espresso. The correct water can help your beans to extract their full potential. However the wrong kind of water can cause problems like clogging pipes and damage to your expensive machine. For the best espresso extraction it is recommended to choose the natural spring that has a high mineral content. This water will enhance the flavor of your espresso without the chalky mineral traces you get from tap water or bottled water. This Resource site is an excellent alternative to distillation or reverse osmosis water, which may be too pure and cause issues with flavor. It is not recommended to utilize a water filtration device that removes excessive amounts of mineral content from your tap water. This can lead to flavor and extraction problems. Purchase a water testing kit to determine the average hardness of your local water. This can then be used to identify the right filtration system to give you the correct water specifications for your espresso machine. Beans Many coffee enthusiasts become enthralled in the whole process of making espresso. They are obsessed with a variety of variables, including temperature, pressure of water, beans, milk, viscosity and other factors. If one factor is slightly off, the entire shot might taste bad. The beans used are the most important factor when it comes down to espresso. People often assume that only certain kinds of beans work well to be used in espresso. Although certain beans are appropriate for certain purposes however, any coffee bean that has been roasted can be used to make espresso. The main difference between espresso beans and regular coffee beans is that espresso beans are roasted more by tipycally extending past the second crack and give them more of a dark appearance and makes them more water-soluble. Medium or dark roasted beans are the best choice for espresso, since they give espresso shots a richness and a boldness. Light roasted beans can also be used to make excellent espresso, particularly if they are pre-ground to make it easier to use an espresso maker. Milk Espresso and milk are a classic pairing. The combination of espresso and milk is an iconic. It does not only increase energy however, it also balances the bitterness of the espresso. There aren't many culinary pairings better than this one! If you decide to purchase an espresso machine that is able to make cappuccino or latte, be sure to look at how easy it is to use. Many of the best machines come with a jug for hot or cold coffee and a steam wand. They also come with a portafilter to pull the shot. Some models come with an integrated grinder, tamper and frother. To get rid of any condensed liquid the steam wand should be purged each day before use (or after each cup of espresso). This process will take around 30 seconds and is important to ensure your machine is running smoothly. If you don't purge, it can cause a bitter taste and/or a buildup of bacteria which can alter the flavor or aroma of your beverage. It's simple to do and should be part of your regular maintenance routine.