Espresso Machines

A delicious espresso is not something that just magically appears it is a direct result of its ingredients, the quality of the espresso machine and the skills of the barista. Since many brewing techniques are subjective, you will need to develop your own skills to create an espresso that is pleasing to your palate. There is no substitute for knowledge therefore it is essential to acquire the basics of brewing a great espresso.

The primary ingredient of espresso is water therefore, the water you use should be filtered (conditioned) and pure, there should be no distracting taste or odor. If stale water is used it will produce a poor quality espresso with an objectionable taste. Always be certain the water is fresh and has not been sitting in you espresso machines water tank or reservoir for days if not weeks. Many people believe that by merely heating the water it will eliminate impurities and improve its taste, this is not the case. There is no substitute for quality water, not only will it enhance the taste of your espresso but it will extend the life of your espresso machine as well since it will be free of impurities and minerals that can create scale build-up in your machine. On other note it is ideal to have a brewing temperature of just over 200 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal taste.

The other essential ingredient of a great espresso is the quality of the beans. Here again there is no substitute for freshness and quality. For even the best beans will develop a foul taste if allowed to sit around and become stale. Ideally a dark roast is best suited for a quality espresso; the grind should be fine and no more than 10 days old. After this period of time ground coffee begins to loose its aroma therefore it s good idea not to purchase large quantities of coffee that will not be consumed within a reasonable period of time. Then again since all of our palates are different it will require sampling of different blends of beans until you find one that is suitable to your taste.

The last component to producing a great espresso is the espresso machine itself. It should be a quality machine from a reputable manufacturer and dealer. The espresso machine you choose should be able to supply water at the proper temperature that the oils, aroma and flavorful essence of the espresso coffee can be fully extracted. Another consideration is that is should have ample steam to properly froth milk for producing quality lattes and cappuccinos.

Over time as you fine tune your brewing skills and will master the techniques necessary to produce a great cup of espresso coffee. Some tips that will help you achieve that goal are; Make certain the machine is warmed up and you run through a shot of hot water to warm the machines dispenser. Make sure the grounds are properly tamped with enough pressure to compact them; tightly compacted grounds require a longer period of time for the water to run through therefore, you are able to extract the full flavor from the ground espresso. On other tip is to have your cup warmed that way your freshly brewed shot of espresso will not be chilled from a cold cup.

Remember quality ingredients, a few tricks of the trade, and it won’t be long before you are pulling shots like a master barista for that delicious cup of espresso.