Espresso

[buster]

I've always loved espresso. I was buying lattes a lot pre-pandemic so I decided to start making my own. Not only am I saving a lot of money, I can make it how I want it. Any tips on making lattes or espresso?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted by buster

Any tips on making lattes or espresso?

To make espresso, for best results you will need: - freshly roasted beans - grind them just before pulling an espresso shot - a decent espresso machine that can produce 9 bars of extraction pressure.

 

[buster]

^yes that is the expensive way. Ultimately the best way.

 

[Alfred_B]

Mine is a cheapo setup, too. But the coffee is always illy

 

[buster]

^I almost bought that one. While it may not produce espresso as good as the machines, it's still good.

 

[555]

Have friend who says a burr grinder makes a big difference in balance of acidity, oils.

 

[John_Conrad]

good morning: i can't "expresso" my opinion as i have never tried one! hopefully i can learn from this thread. good day

 

[GSCJR]

Use tap water and don't fill past the valve located on the side of your moka pot then, fill the coffee filter right to the top but avoid packing it firmly. Use a low source of heat and allow the water heat up gently keeping the lid closed but keeping an eye on it. Once the espresso begins to brew, open the lid and monitor the level; remove from the heat as it approaches the top as it will still continue to brew off the heat (this avoids scorching the espresso). Use a long spoon to stir the espresso inside the moka before serving. I won't comment about which espresso to buy because you're already on the right track. I need to get one of those mugs!

 

[GSCJR]

Originally Posted by Quattro Pete

Originally Posted by buster

Any tips on making lattes or espresso?

To make espresso, for best results you will need: - freshly roasted beans - grind them just before pulling an espresso shot - a decent espresso machine that can produce 9 bars of extraction pressure.

Beautiful!

 

[555]

Originally Posted by John_Conrad

good morning: i can't "expresso" my opinion as i have never tried one! hopefully i can learn from this thread. good day

Haven't you "bean" to a coffee house? Does it "grind" you the wrong way? Waiting in those long lines gets me "steamed" .

 

[sloinker]

Buy a pump machine like the Breville above. Buy beans and grind at use. The filter basket and pull pressure will dictate the grind. You want plenty of crema and a steady zlow pull and a firm moist puck. zThere is a learning curve.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Burr grinder is a must for home brewing but a decent one can cost about $200.

 

[97prizm]

Burr grinder is a must. My dad had a spice grinder and a cheaper espresso machine and it made acrid espresso. The burr grinder helped. Also a high end water filter. I use a Zero water 5 stage filter. I get them at Target.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted by 97prizm

Also a high end water filter. I use a Zero water 5 stage filter. I get them at Target.

Zero Water is great. That's what I use as well.

 

[ET16]

Originally Posted by sloinker

Buy a pump machine like the Breville above. Buy beans and grind at use. The filter basket and pull pressure will dictate the grind. You want plenty of crema and a steady zlow pull and a firm moist puck. zThere is a learning curve.

I have a similar Breville. They're great, but pricey. A used Gaggia is a good way to start, too.

 

[sloinker]

If you buy a machine you need to filter the water or you will eventually plug it up to the point of failure, even if you do the cleaning process from time to time. Buy a filter pitcher. Those stove top espresso machines make a putrid brew imo.

 

[GSCJR]

Originally Posted by sloinker

If you buy a machine you need to filter the water or you will eventually plug it up to the point of failure, even if you do the cleaning process from time to time. Buy a filter pitcher. Those stove top espresso machines make a putrid brew imo.

You cannot compare between the moka and semi-automatic machines, they are completely different types of brews. I use tap water for all my machines and never had a problem with regular cleaning and descaling. I have a Gaggia that is about 20 years old.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted by GSCJR

Beautiful!

Thanks, GSCJR!

 

[Dave Sherman]

Originally Posted by sloinker

If you buy a machine you need to filter the water or you will eventually plug it up to the point of failure, even if you do the cleaning process from time to time. Buy a filter pitcher. Those stove top espresso machines make a putrid brew imo.

I had a relatively inexpensive pump machine I got on sale, but I think not using filtered water killed it. It made good espresso for a while, but then it decided it wasn't going to pump anymore although the pump was making the right noises. Never tried a moka pot, but I've seen those around.

 

[GSCJR]

@ Alfred_B . Those mokas make a good espresso and always piping hot!