The Coffee maker

A portafilter espresso machine is a device for making espresso, consisting of a boiler, a portafilter, and a pump to create high pressure.

Espresso is a complex and interesting drink that requires careful attention to bean selection, equipment cleanliness, water pressure and temperature, coffee dosage, tamping, and extraction time.

Step-by-step process:

1. Turn on the machine and let it warm up for 15-20 minutes to ensure stable temperature.
2. Grind the beans to a fine powder resembling salt. This is crucial for proper pressure and extraction.
3. Use a scale for precise measurement. Typically, 18-20 grams of ground coffee is used per serving.
4. Place the ground coffee into the portafilter and distribute it evenly by lightly shaking.
5. Tamp the coffee in the portafilter using a tamper to create a dense coffee puck. This is important for even extraction.
6. Run hot water through the group head before inserting the portafilter to clean and preheat it.
7. Insert the prepared portafilter into the machine’s group head and tighten it securely.
8. Begin the extraction process, which should take about 25-30 seconds for a single shot of espresso. The coffee should flow in a thin, continuous stream.
9. Proper espresso has a thick, golden crema. If the extraction is too fast, grind finer or use more coffee. If too slow, grind coarser or use less coffee.
10. After brewing, remove the portafilter, discard the used coffee grounds, rinse the portafilter with hot water, and wipe it dry.

If the espresso tastes too bitter or acidic, adjust the grind size, coffee dosage, or temperature. Experiment with settings to find the perfect balance.

Recommended Beans:

• Use espresso blends or single-origin beans with medium to dark roasts for balanced flavor.
• Regularly clean the espresso machine and grinder to maintain flavor quality.
• Optimal pressure is 8.2-9 bars; it’s important to monitor this.
• Standard brewing temperature for espresso is 93°C (199.4°F), but it may vary depending on the coffee type.

By following these steps and adjusting variables as needed, you can brew a perfect espresso shot.