How to Make Great Coffee in an Espresso Machine: Unleash Your Inner Barista

The Rise of Home Espresso Machines

As the appreciation for high-quality coffee continues to grow, so does the popularity of home espresso machines. It's time to awaken your inner barista and learn the art of crafting an incredible cup of coffee in the comfort of your own home, using your trusty espresso machine.

The Role of Espresso Machines

Espresso machines have become a household staple across Australia, especially with the increasing number of people working from home. While budget-friendly options can be found at retailers like Kmart or Aldi for under $100, renowned brands such as Breville offer machines starting at $500.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide that applies to all types of espresso machines. Regardless of the machine you own, the information shared here will prove valuable in your coffee-making journey.

The Mechanics of Espresso Extraction

Espresso machines operate by forcefully passing hot, pressurized water through finely ground coffee and a filter, resulting in the rich and concentrated coffee we know as espresso.

Once you experience the pleasure of a well-made cup of espresso, you'll be hooked on its full-flavored profile and the exquisite golden crema topping.

Essential Equipment

Before diving into the coffee-making process, make sure you have the following equipment:

• Espresso machine: For beginners, we recommend the Breville Bambino Plus. This compact machine boasts an automatic steam wand for milk texturizing, a rapid 3-second heat-up time from a cold start, and seamless transition from extraction to steaming, allowing you to make your coffee faster.
• Freshly ground coffee (rated 4.7 on the grind scale): We suggest trying our Private Blend or Espresso Blend for an exceptional espresso experience. Alternatively, explore our new Sample Pack featuring four 250g bags of our favourite coffees. If you don't own a grinder, we can grind your coffee to the recommended rating in-store or online.
• Measuring spoon: Use this to accurately portion your coffee.
• Tamp: If your coffee machine didn't come with a tamp, we recommend the Rhino Coffee Tamper.
  
  

A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Fill the water tank with fresh filtered water before turning on the espresso machine. Filtered water helps prevent scale build-up and enhances the overall coffee quality. If filtered water isn't available, regular tap water is acceptable.

Step 2: Upon powering on your espresso machine, flush water out of the group head through the handle.

Step 3: Pre-flush and purge the steam wand to ensure optimal performance.

Step 4: Fill the filter basket to the brim with freshly ground coffee, then tamp it lightly with a slight twist to ensure an even surface.

Step 5: Lock the group handle securely into place (at a right angle) and immediately start the water flow.

Step 6: Position your cup(s) under the spout in preparation for the pour.

Step 7: Your coffee should flow from the handle like warm honey, showcasing its perfect extraction. See below for more on over and under extraction.

Step 8: Once your coffee has extracted, it's now time to add milk if you desire.

Under and Over Extraction 

If your coffee pour is too quick, it indicates under-extraction and may result in a sour taste. In this case, adjust your coffee grind to a finer setting.

If coffee is pouring out slowly or is dripping through this is considered over extraction and it will taste bitter and burnt. To remedy this, have your coffee ground more coarsely.

Over extraction video guide:

The result of a perfect extraction should be a rich chocolate-coloured shot with a consistent, golden layer of crema.

Ideal extraction video guide:

Coffee Making Tips

• Almost all espresso machine brands have model-specific tutorial videos available online. Have a look on YouTube or the brand's website to find them. 
• We recommend buying whole beans and only grinding beans right before use. This will ensure the coffee you are using is fresh. 
• If you are looking to take your espresso skills to the next level, join one of our espresso education courses. In this class you will learn the foundations of espresso coffee making – grinder and machine knowledge, how to dose, tamp and extract coffee. You will also learn how to texturise milk and pour the classic cafe menu.
• To keep coffee hotter for longer, fill cups with hot water for a minute before making your coffee. Pour out this hot water before filling the cup with coffee. 
• Fresh is best when it comes to coffee – we recommend buying your coffee in smaller quantities, more frequently. Whole beans tend to go stale after about six weeks and this process is quicker for ground coffee. 
• We custom-grind for all brewing methods – just tell our staff how you make your coffee at home, or select your brewing method when you order online. 
• Use filtered water where possible.
• A Merlo subscription is an easy way to make sure you never run out of coffee again. Save time and receive bonus beans with every 6th order, plus easily cancel, update and manage your subscription at any time.