HOW TO MAKE ESPRESSO AT HOME

Your first sip of rich espresso can be just what you need to start your day on the right foot. If you have to frequent your local cafe every morning to get your hands on your favorite beverage, you may want to learn how to create flavorful espresso from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you have a stovetop pot or a fully-automatic espresso machine, you can learn how to replicate your typical morning espresso drinks with the help of this guide.

WAYS TO MAKE ESPRESSO

Espresso can be made using various methods, each requiring a unique balance of convenience, skill level and equipment needs. Espresso machines are the gold standard, offering consistency and authentic results. These machines range from manual to fully-automatic, catering to different skills and preferences. 

Alternative methods like stovetop pots, French presses and pressure filtration devices can produce strong, espresso-like coffee, though they don’t generally reach the amount of pressure needed to produce what many consider to be “true” espresso. It's important to note that espresso refers to the brewing method, not a specific type of bean. Any coffee bean can be used for espresso, though darker roasts are traditional.

HOW TO MAKE ESPRESSO WITH AN ESPRESSO MACHINE

Whether you’re using a manual, semi- or super-automatic machine, making espresso with a machine involves grinding beans, tamping grounds and extracting the shot. The process typically takes roughly less than half a minute, resulting in a rich, concentrated coffee with crema.

Use the steps below along with your product manual to learn how to brew espresso with a machine.

YIELDS

• 1 shot of espresso

INGREDIENTS

• Coffee beans

• Water

TOOLS

• Espresso machine, like the KitchenAid^® Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder

• Burr grinder

• Tamper

• Portafilter

TOTAL TIME

• 3 minutes

SHOP KITCHENAID® SEMI-AUTOMATIC AND FULLY-AUTOMATIC ESPRESSO MACHINES

Whether you prefer the flavor of a rich and dark espresso or a deliciously smooth and creamy latte, savor the routine of creating your favorite coffee with KitchenAid^® semi- and fully-automatic espresso machines.

HOW TO MAKE ESPRESSO WITHOUT AN ESPRESSO MACHINE

While it’s not true espresso, you can still make strong, espresso-like coffee without a machine using methods like French press, stovetop pots or pressure filtration devices. These alternatives use pressure or steeping to create concentrated coffee.

HOW TO MAKE ESPRESSO WITH A FRENCH PRESS

French presses are affordable and easy to use. While they can't produce true espresso, they offer a rich, strong coffee that can be used as a similar base for traditional espresso drinks. The method takes about 6-8 minutes and allows for control over brewing time and coffee-to-water ratio.

To make espresso-like coffee in a French press, boil water, then pour the water over your coffee grounds inside the French press. Let the coffee steep for 6-8 minutes (versus regular coffee, which often steeps for only 4 minutes) to get a stronger brew, then press the plunger slowly for a concentrated brew with a full-bodied flavor somewhat similar to espresso.

HOW TO MAKE ESPRESSO WITH A STOVETOP POT

A stovetop coffee pot uses steam pressure to force hot water through coffee grounds, producing a strong, espresso-like brew. The result is stronger than drip coffee but less concentrated than true espresso.

To use a stovetop pot, fill the bottom chamber with water, add finely ground coffee to the filter basket (without tamping) and heat the pot on the stove. As pressure builds, coffee will rise into the top chamber. Remove the pot from the burner when you hear a hissing sound or until a certain amount of time has elapsed. Consult your user manual for the specific directions for your pot.

HOW TO MAKE ESPRESSO WITH A PRESSURE FILTRATION DEVICE

A pressure filtration device uses manual pressure to brew a concentrated coffee similar to espresso. It's quick, portable and produces a clean-tasting brew in about two minutes.

To use, place a filter in the cap, add finely ground coffee to the chamber, pour in hot water, stir and press the plunger down slowly. This method offers control over variables like water temperature and steeping time, allowing for experimentation.

While not true espresso, this kind of coffee can be a great base for espresso-style drinks. It's often less bitter than stovetop coffee and tends to be smoother than French press.

TIPS FOR MAKING PERFECT ESPRESSO

Perfecting your espresso technique involves experimenting with various factors to suit your taste preferences. Here are some tips to enhance your espresso-making skills:

• Adjust water temperature: Lower temperatures (around 190°F) can reduce bitterness.

• Play with coffee-to-water ratios: Start with 1:2 (coffee-to-water) and adjust to taste.

• Try different roasts: Lighter roasts offer more acidity, while darker roasts provide bolder flavors.

• Cut bitter flavors with different add-ins: Add a tiny pinch of salt to the grounds before brewing to help cut any bitterness, or sweeten your espresso with honey or maple syrup.

• Maintain your machine properly: Keeping your equipment clean can help you brew better-tasting espresso.

• Practice makes perfect: Tamping espresso is a skill that takes some time to master. If your espresso isn’t extracting properly, make sure you’re tamping correctly for even extraction.

Remember, making great espresso is part science, part art. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your palate.

EXPLORE THE ESPRESSO COLLECTION FROM KITCHENAID BRAND

Enter a whole new world of espresso with the espresso collection from KitchenAid brand. From semi-automatic machines with attached burr grinders to fully-automatic options that let you brew your favorite drinks with the press of a button, KitchenAid^® espresso machines are the perfect addition to any coffee bar.