Making Great Espresso:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the cup. Do this by removing the portafilter from the group head and rinsing the cup under the stream of water from the brew port. Some machines have an area on top where cups are stored and kept warm.

2. Fill the portafilter insert with fresh ground coffee: 7-9 grams for a single and 14-18 grams for a double.

3. Tamp the grounds firmly. Be sure that the coffee is grounds are even. Wipe the top edge and sides of the portafilter clean of any stray coffee grounds.

4. Insert the portafilter into the machine’s group head and turn the handle to secure it.

5. Activate the espresso machine pump and brew into a preheated cup placed under the portafilter spouts.

6. Watch the flow of espresso and take note of the characteristics of quality espresso. Stop the pump or remove the cup from under the spouts after approximately 1-1.5 ounces are in the cup and 20-30 seconds have passed.

7. Serve the espresso within 10 seconds or use it immediately to make an espresso based beverage (latte, cappuccino, etc.).

8. Remove the portafilter from the group head and knock out the used grounds into the knockout box.

9. Using a clean bar towel (or paper towel if you are at home), rinse or wipe the portafilter insert and the group head.

10. Return the portafilter into the group head