Technique

Brew the perfect espresso

Short, dark and handsome. Find out how to brew the perfect espresso every time. Busy, busy but got a few seconds to spare? Take a look at the quick and instant version. Want to take it slower? Check out the step by step scenes and we'll take you through it one expert move at a time. Watch, skip, repeat, go brew!

The Essentials

Ingredients

Coffee

Equipment

Espresso machine
Coffee Grinder
Scale
Timer
Tamper & Tampingmat
Knockbox
Brush
3 Cloths
Cups/glasses, saucers & spoons

The method: in 3 simple steps

Step 1

Remove the portafilter from the group and wipe filter basket clean and dry with a cloth.
Grind the desired amount of coffee.
Distribute the coffee evenly and tamp.
Clean the rim of the filter basket.

Step 2

Flush the group head and wipe dry the drip tray.
Lock the portafilter into the group head, position the cups and immediately start the extraction.

Step 3

Stop the extraction at the desired amount of espresso and check the extraction time.

Espresso

"The perfect espresso should have just the right balance of acidity, bitterness and sweetness."

Merijn Gijsbers

Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Barista Notes

Purging doesn’t just clean the grouphead (very important). It also makes sure there’s no drop in temperature when the water starts to come through. As little as a couple of degrees too low can lead to under-extraction and affect the flavour of the coffee.

Ideas