You can keep settling for a plain cup of drip coffee, but let's be honest, a perfect shot of espresso at home is the ultimate goal. The catch? Espresso is high-maintenance, and without the right technique, it's easy to end up with something thin, bitter or completely undrinkable.
You see baristas with top-of-the-line gear and years of practice, but here's the truth: You don't need to spend thousands on equipment to brew a quality shot.
We skipped the expensive coffee gadget websites and went straight to a professional. Kaleena Teoh, co-founder of Coffee Project New York, is here to share her expertise and show you how to master the process and brew espresso like a pro, no matter what machine you have on your counter.
Read more: I Tried a $140 Espresso Machine That Pulls Creamy Shots and Is Slimmer Than a Blender
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The basics of espresso
Espresso is a precise brewing method, not a drink. Pamela Vachon/CNET
"The word 'espresso' itself is not just a drink, it's actually a brewing method that involves pushing hot water through a compacted puck of coffee," Teoh said, which can be accomplished through a machine with a boiler, or manually, as in a stovetop espresso pot. It requires a specific pressure and temperature calibration, but a high-end machine isn't necessary.
"The two most important things are the machine's ability to maintain pressure and temperature as you pull the shot," she said. In most models for home use, you may not be able to make any adjustments, but gauges or displays that indicate pressure and temperature can be reassuring.
Ensure you're closely following the process outlined by the manufacturer, which may involve a step to preheat the water before brewing. Ensuring that your espresso machine is clean is also essential for quality control, as regularly brushing grounds from the portafilter loading point and periodically flushing with hot water are crucial steps to maintain optimal performance.
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