Are you embarking on a journey to make café-style espresso right at home? This guide will walk you through the detailed steps to set up and master the perfect espresso machine.
With simple instructions and practical tips, you’ll enhance your coffee-making skills and enjoy delicious drinks from the comfort of your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the world of home espresso brewing!
Getting Started
To begin, open your box and starter kit. While it may seem like there are many pieces, don’t worry. Once you make your first drink, your jitters will melt away.
First, test your water hardness. Fill up a cup, dunk a test strip, and then lay it flat. After a minute, count the purple squares. Plug in the machine and set it to match the number of squares you saw. Simple!
Setting Up the Machine
Next, it’s time to run a short water cycle to flush out the system. Fill the reservoir to the max line, but not beyond. Pop it back in place.
Now, grab the portafilter with the double basket that comes pre-installed. Place it in the group head by aligning the orange dots and twist it till it locks. Then select the classic 12-ounce setting, place a cup underneath, and start the cycle.
Calibrating Your Machine
Before making delicious drinks, calibrate your machine. Unlike traditional espresso machines, this one minimizes trial and error for perfect shots.
You’ll need to brew two shots of espresso to dial in your beans. Open the UV-protected bean hopper and fill it up. Put the lid back on.
Place your portafilter and use the included funnel to avoid mess. The machine senses what basket you have, offering the right options. Choose Double Espresso and set the grind recommendation. Start grinding.
Brewing the Perfect Shot
Bring your portafilter to a level surface, then tamp the grounds with the assisted tamper. Remove the funnel and lock the portafilter back in place.
For optimal espresso, place the adjustable drink tray in the first position. Start your first espresso brew. This calibration shot helps the machine learn your beans.
Adjust the grind size based on this first shot’s quality. Dump out the old grounds and repeat the process. The second shot should look much better.
Preparing the Froth
Now that the machine is dialed in, it’s time to froth your milk. Choose your milk—dairy or plant-based—and fill the jug to the marked level.
Lift the wand and place the jug with the wand inside onto the platform. Select your milk type and froth style. For a latte, choose thin froth and start.
The machine will handle steaming and whisking, giving you perfect foam hands-free. When done, wipe the wand and let it purge. Pour your milk, admire your handiwork, and enjoy your drink.
Additional Resources
For more info, consult the how-to videos or the inspiration guide included.
Mastering the art of home espresso is achievable with the right steps and a carefully set-up machine. From testing water hardness to perfecting your shot, every stage is essential.
With practice and attention to detail, anyone can craft café-quality drinks in their kitchen. Embrace this journey, and soon, making espresso, lattes, or cappuccinos will become second nature.