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How to Make Espresso Machine Coffee
Espresso machines can produce delicious cups, however they require more maintenance and setup than a typical coffee maker. It also requires that you grind and make your own coffee.
The key to making espresso is pressure. Here's how an espresso maker operates: a heater warms water to the perfect temperature before forcing it through the grounds before pouring out the spouts.
Temperature
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Espresso is made when hot water is forced under pressure through finely ground coffee. The temperature of the water is essential to the final shot. Low temperatures result in an under extraction of the essential flavor compounds. The high temperatures can cause excessive extraction, which could cause bitter or burned taste.
The ideal temperature range for espresso is 195-205degF. This temperature can be achieved by using a grouphead designed to maintain an unchanging temperature and stability throughout the brewing process. The E61 is the most well-known group head because it offers temperature stability, pre-infusion capabilities and lever control.
When adjusting the espresso machine for different roasts and brew ratios it is crucial to take into consideration the impact of temperature on extraction yield as well as crema. The ideal temperature will depend on the particular roast and beans, but the general rule is that lighter roasts and greater ratios of brew require higher temperatures than dark roasts and lower brew ratios. In addition, a good quality thermocouple will be essential to ensure a constant temperature.
Pressure
During the brewing procedure espresso machine coffee is pushed under pressure through finely ground coffee grounds that have been stamped. This causes chemical reactions which extract flavors, oils, and other soluble components. The resulting drink is usually more flavorful and richer than regular coffee.
The ideal espresso machine pressure should be nine bar equivalent to atmospheric pressure at sea-level. The soluble components in the coffee bean are best extracted at this pressure.
However certain espresso machines advertise 15 or 20 bars of pressure. These machines could reach these pressure levels, but they might not maintain them throughout the extraction.
To put that into  
coffeee  In terms of pressure, one bar equals 32 pounds per square inch, or PSI, of a car tire. It's also more than four times the amount of pressure a professional cyclist uses when pumping up their bike tires. Every serious home barista needs to be able manage the pressure of their espresso machine, and also produce consistent espressos.
Water
Water is the most important ingredient in a great cup of espresso. The correct water can help your beans reach their maximum potential. However the wrong water can cause problems like clogging pipes or even damage to your expensive machine.
The best option is natural spring water that is rich in minerals to ensure optimum espresso extraction. This water will elevate the flavor of your coffee without the chalky mineral traces that come from tap or bottled water. This is a great alternative to reverse osmosis, which could be too purified and cause flavor problems.
It is not recommended to utilize a water filtration device that removes too much mineral content from your tap water. This can cause flavor and extraction problems. A great option is to purchase an instrument for testing water, that will tell you your local average water hardness. This information can be used in determining the right filtration system for your espresso machine.
Beans
Most coffee aficionados tend to become very involved in the whole process of making espresso. They are obsessed with a range of variables, such as temperature, pressure of water, beans, milk, viscosity, and other factors. If one of the variables is slighty off, the entire shot could taste bad.
The beans used are the most important element when it comes to espresso. People generally believe that only certain types of beans are suited for espresso. While certain beans are suitable for specific purposes however, any coffee bean that has been roasted can be used to make espresso. Espresso beans are roasted longer than regular coffee beans, and tipycally beyond the second crack. This makes them appear darker and makes them more water-soluble.
Dark or medium roasted beans are best for espresso because they give the shots a richness and a boldness. But, it's possible to make excellent espresso using light-roasted beans, particularly when the beans are ground prior to grinding (for convenience in the espresso machine).
Milk
Espresso and milk are a classic pairing. Not only does the coffee boost energy levels, but the steaming milk helps balance the bitterness of the espresso and provides a delicious creamy flavor. This is among the most delicious culinary pairings!
If you decide to get an espresso machine that can also make latte or cappuccino take a examine how easy it is to use. Many of the top espresso machines feature a jug that can be filled with hot or cold milk as well as a steam wand, and an espresso portafilter to pull the shot. Some models also have a built-in grinder, tamper and frother.
The steam wand needs to be purged before using it for the first time every day (or after every cup of espresso) to get rid of any condensed water. The process takes only 30 seconds, but is vital to ensure that your machine stays running smoothly. Failure to cleanse could result in a bitter taste or build-up of bacteria which can alter the flavor and smell of your drinks. It's simple to perform and should be part of your routine maintenance routine.