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!

Watch, skip, repeat and enjoy!

Part 1

0m 10secs

Part 2

0m 10secs

Part 3

0m 11secs

The Essentials

Here's what you need before you get brewing.

Espresso machine

Coffee Grinder

Scale

Timer

Tamper & Tampingmat

Knockbox

Brush

3 Cloths

1 for portafilter, 1 for driptray, 1 for countertop

Cups/glasses, saucers & spoons

Coffee

Espresso

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.

Espresso

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.

Espresso

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