Espresso Steps

Contrary to my own advice, a few months ago I went and bought an espresso machine and grinder. The espresso machine was almost 50% off and, due to both environmental and genetic factors, I am simply unable to resist a bargain. Now that I am able to pull consistently good shots, and steam consistently silky milk, I am amazed at how time consuming the whole process is. For any of you interested in making espresso at home, here are the steps involved, at least with my machine.

1. Ensure machine has enough filtered water, fill if not
2. Press in espresso machine’s power button
3. Get two mugs
4. Remove coffee beans from cupboard
5. Grind beans
6. When espresso machine ready light appears, release an inch of water from wand into cup to prime machine and heat cup
7. When light appears again, pour empty shot into other cup to simultaneously heat portafilter and cup
8. Fill basket full with freshly ground coffee, tamp and mount
9. Place mug under portafilter
10. Press in steam button, wait ten seconds to increase heat
11. Press out steam button and then press in brew button
12. Brew for 22 seconds max
13. Press out brew button, put mugs aside
14. Press in steam button
15. Get a heavy glass
16. When light appears, open wand to release wet steam into glass with towel on top until light turns off
17. Get pitcher from freezer, attach thermometer, fill 1/2 way with milk (below spout dimple)
18. Submerge wand into milk, open wand fully, remain just under surface to hear slight sizzle sound, steam milk until it reaches 160° and turn steam off before removing wand to avoid mess.
19. Bang down pitcher to remove big bubbles, swirl 10 times
20. Pour milk into mugs
21. With towel on heat-proof glass, turn off machine and release remaining steam into heavy glass until near silent. Shut off, enjoy coffee.

Parts

1. Water fill cover
2. Steam valve knob
3. ON/OFF button
4. Brew head
5. Steam wand
6. Water tank with Max Line
7. Power cord
8. Drip tray grate
9. Drip tray
10. Accessory Drawer
11. Tray Base Drawer
12. Ground coffee basket
13. Pod coffee basket
14. Pod coffee pressure insert
15. Starbucks Rapporto filter
16. Brew head cleaner
17. Measuring spoon
18. STEAM button
19. Ready light
20. BREW button