Use a Scale

Always measure ground coffee for your espresso shots using a precise digital scale. Keep in mind that professional baristas use grams to be accurate and that’s the best way to get consistently good coffee every single time

Get The Right Equipment

The espresso machines can get expensive, but it’s not the only thing you need to buy. Even the priciest machine is not complete without a cleaning solution and a brush. A tamping mat, even the most basic one, will protect your counter and your tamper.

Always Use Fresh Beans

Make it a habit to always use fresh beans as they impact the taste of coffee the most. Once roasted, beans are considered fresh for several days, and you can extend this slightly by using vacuum containers to store them. If you store them properly, they can stay fresh for up to a month, but it’s a good idea to get smaller quantities that you’ll drink faster.

The post 3 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Espresso Machine appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Any serious coffee aficionado probably has at least one of the following in his or her home, but in order to be a real coffee buff, you should really have all three! Here they are, and here’s why you should invest in each of them.

Moka Pot

A Moka Pot, the most common coffee-making device in much of Europe and Latin America, provides a quick and easy espresso option requiring little talent or effort. While it isn’t quite as strong as that coming from a “real” espresso machine, a Moka pot is versatile and a great option.

Espresso Machine

Well, if you really want to step up your coffee game and use a device that will allow you to make strong, flavorful coffee and also create all kinds of drinks, this is your best bet. Most come with a built-in milk steamer, allowing you to craft concoctions like lattes and cappuccinos.

French Press

French presses are another wonderful coffee-making option, as they require only hot water and coffee grounds. This silky, slightly weaker coffee is a great option if you’re wanting a full cup of joe in the morning without losing any flavor.

The post All Coffee Fanatics Should Have These Machines at Home appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

However, becoming a credible barista is a little harder than it seems. Making lattes and other fancy drinks is one thing, but the first skill you must acquire is how to make a good coffee using an espresso machine. Be sure to avoid these three mistakes while attempting it!

Forgetting to Press the Coffee

It is absolutely crucial to use a gadget to press the ground coffee that you put inside of an espresso maker to produce the finished product. A loose mound of coffee will produce grimy, watery coffee that simply doesn’t taste good. Pack it in, and be sure it’s compact!

Using the Wrong Grind

Espresso makers require a different sort of ground coffee than a filter or drip coffee maker. The thinner, smaller grind used when making espresso-style coffee allows for the water to filter through the grounds more easily. So, be sure to either grind your beans more finely or buy a special espresso ground coffee.

Neglecting Regular Cleaning

It might be tempting to ignore the need to clean your espresso maker regularly, but it is absolutely essential if you want your coffee’s flavor to continue to shine. Cleaning removes calcium deposits and unpleasant oils that can settle in the machine and create bitter-tasting coffee.

The post Mistakes to Avoid While Using an Espresso Maker appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Use a Scale

Always measure ground coffee for your espresso shots using a precise digital scale. Keep in mind that professional baristas use grams to be accurate and that’s the best way to get consistently good coffee every single time

Get The Right Equipment

The espresso machines can get expensive, but it’s not the only thing you need to buy. Even the priciest machine is not complete without a cleaning solution and a brush. A tamping mat, even the most basic one, will protect your counter and your tamper.

Always Use Fresh Beans

Make it a habit to always use fresh beans as they impact the taste of coffee the most. Once roasted, beans are considered fresh for several days, and you can extend this slightly by using vacuum containers to store them. If you store them properly, they can stay fresh for up to a month, but it’s a good idea to get smaller quantities that you’ll drink faster.

The post 3 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Espresso Machine appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Any serious coffee aficionado probably has at least one of the following in his or her home, but in order to be a real coffee buff, you should really have all three! Here they are, and here’s why you should invest in each of them.

Moka Pot

A Moka Pot, the most common coffee-making device in much of Europe and Latin America, provides a quick and easy espresso option requiring little talent or effort. While it isn’t quite as strong as that coming from a “real” espresso machine, a Moka pot is versatile and a great option.

Espresso Machine

Well, if you really want to step up your coffee game and use a device that will allow you to make strong, flavorful coffee and also create all kinds of drinks, this is your best bet. Most come with a built-in milk steamer, allowing you to craft concoctions like lattes and cappuccinos.

French Press

French presses are another wonderful coffee-making option, as they require only hot water and coffee grounds. This silky, slightly weaker coffee is a great option if you’re wanting a full cup of joe in the morning without losing any flavor.

The post All Coffee Fanatics Should Have These Machines at Home appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

However, becoming a credible barista is a little harder than it seems. Making lattes and other fancy drinks is one thing, but the first skill you must acquire is how to make a good coffee using an espresso machine. Be sure to avoid these three mistakes while attempting it!

Forgetting to Press the Coffee

It is absolutely crucial to use a gadget to press the ground coffee that you put inside of an espresso maker to produce the finished product. A loose mound of coffee will produce grimy, watery coffee that simply doesn’t taste good. Pack it in, and be sure it’s compact!

Using the Wrong Grind

Espresso makers require a different sort of ground coffee than a filter or drip coffee maker. The thinner, smaller grind used when making espresso-style coffee allows for the water to filter through the grounds more easily. So, be sure to either grind your beans more finely or buy a special espresso ground coffee.

Neglecting Regular Cleaning

It might be tempting to ignore the need to clean your espresso maker regularly, but it is absolutely essential if you want your coffee’s flavor to continue to shine. Cleaning removes calcium deposits and unpleasant oils that can settle in the machine and create bitter-tasting coffee.

The post Mistakes to Avoid While Using an Espresso Maker appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.