Arguably the most popular coffee brewing method, espresso is a classic. Whether you prefer a latte, flat white, or long black, it all starts with quality coffee and a good shot of espresso.
An Introduction to home espresso
Brewing the perfect espresso is like a delicious science experiment, mixing just the right amount of finely ground coffee and hot water under the right conditions to create a bold and flavorful shot. Whether you're a coffee aficionado with a premium machine or just starting with your first budget espresso machine, mastering the art of home espresso is totally doable and oh-so-rewarding. So, grab your favorite beans, fire up that machine, and get ready to dive into the precision brewing world of home espresso.
With so many variables impacting the end flavour of your espresso, and a wide range of equipment available in the market, it's difficult to drill down to a simple one size fits all approach. With that in mind, consider the below as a basic intro to espresso. For more advanced information including shot diagnostics and espresso-based drinks, check out our Advanced espresso brew guide and our Milk steaming guide.
What you’ll need
If you’re just getting started with home espresso, there’s no need to worry about all the extra pieces of kit like puck screens, bottomless portafilters, Wdt tools, and distributors before nailing the basics. While these tools can help with small improvements, it's important to get your fundamental recipe correct first.
With that said, it's important to note that espresso extraction is a highly sensitive brew method and is impacted by grind size, Machine specs, dose, tamping pressure, water temperature, and extraction time. Variations in these can significantly impact the flavour and quality of the espresso shot so when it comes to Espresso so having fresh beans and your own grinder should be nonnegotiable. To get started you'll need:
An espresso machine
A burr grinder with specific espresso grind settings
Your favourite coffee
A portafilter
Digital scales (ideally with timing function)
Cold, filtered water.
Your favourite mug
Picking the best coffee for Espresso
When it comes to picking the perfect coffee for your espresso, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First off, you'll want to look for beans that are specifically labeled as "espresso roast" or "espresso blend". Our range of espresso blends are specifically crafted to deliver the rich, bold flavors that espresso lovers crave.
Next, consider the origin of the beans. Single-origin coffees can offer unique flavor profiles, while blends often provide a more consistent and well-balanced taste.
Finally, pay attention to the freshness of the beans. Opt for recently roasted coffee to ensure the best extraction and maximum flavor and aroma. We recommend brewing coffee between 10 days, and four weeks from roast date.
Whether you prefer a smooth and chocolaty espresso or something more fruity and complex, choosing the best coffee is all about finding the perfect balance of roast, profile, and freshness.
Espresso grind extraction is highly sensitive to numerous factors, including grind size, Machine specs, dose, tamping pressure, water temperature, and extraction time. Variations in these factors can significantly impact the flavour and quality of the espresso shot so when it comes to Espresso, we always recommend pairing your machine with a grinder and grinding your coffee fresh at home.
While we do offer pre-ground options for home espresso and commercial espresso, these will not be suitable for all machines and conditions. If you want the best results, good espresso requires the right equipment.
Recommended Recipe
For brewing espresso, the golden rule is to aim for a 1:2 ratio of coffee achieved within the desired extraction time. This may need to be adjusted based on your machine or basket size but for a double shot of espresso we recommend the below:
18g fine ground coffee (fresh is best)
40g water in, aiming for 36-40 out.
26-30s extraction time.
Step-by-step guide for Home Espresso
Step 1 - Switch your machine on and let it come to temperature. Pulling a shot of water through the machine before you get started is a good way to heat your group head for a more even temperature when you begin.
Step 2 - measure out 18g of ground coffee and pack your portafilter, distribute the coffee evenly through the basket, and tamp firmly with a moderate amount of evenly applied pressure.
Step 3 - Place the portafilter into the group head, being mindful not to knock the portafilter, as this can cause channeling/uneven extraction.
Step 4 - Place your cup under the portafilter, on top of the scales, and tare to zero. Prepare your timer and get ready to pull your shot.
Step 5 - Press the brew button and start your timer. let it run until your scales are at 40g. This should take between 26 and 30 seconds.
Additional Tips
When brewing espresso, dose and time are the constants and we use grind size as the variable. If your shot is pulling too quickly and tasting sour, grind finer. If it is too slow and bitter, grind courser.
Espresso requires a super fine grind. If you are grinding coffee at home, make sure to purchase a grinder with specific espresso grind settings to help achieve this.
If you don’t have the ability to control your grind at home, we recommend using a pressurized basket in your portafilter. This can help control the flow during your extraction and reduce the need for the perfect grind size.
With espresso brewing, fresh beans are best. However, for best results, we recommend letting fresh roasted coffee age for around a week before using.
