Brewing espresso at home can seem intimidating, but with the right equipment and technique, you can enjoy a rich and flavorful shot of espresso right in your own kitchen. This guide will walk you through the steps to create the perfect home espresso, ensuring you get the best out of your coffee beans.

TIME REQUIRED

Brewing a shot of espresso at home typically takes about 5-10 minutes, including preparation and extraction time.

COST OF BREWING

Brewing espresso at home involves an initial investment in an espresso machine, which can range from $100 to several thousand dollars. The primary ongoing cost is the coffee beans, and a 1kg coffee bean bag will yield many servings, making it a cost-effective option over time.

WHAT YOU NEED

• Espresso machine
• Freshly roasted coffee beans (specialty coffee beans or single origin coffee recommended). We recommend our single origin, Anatolian Black Bean for good mix of black and milk based coffee. 
• Grinder (if using whole coffee beans)
• Tamper
• Coffee Scale (optional but recommended)
• Timer
• Espresso cups 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERFECT HOME ESPRESSO

1. Select Your Beans
   Choose high-quality coffee beans. Specialty coffee beans or coffee blends work best for espresso, but you can experiment with different types of coffee beans to find your preferred flavor profile.
2. Grind the Beans 
   Grind your coffee beans to a fine consistency, similar to granulated sugar. For a double shot of espresso, you'll need about 18-20 grams of coffee, this will vary depending on the beans. Each bean will have it owns recipe. 
3. Prepare the Machine 
   Preheat your espresso machine, portafilter, and cup. Run a shot of hot water through the machine to ensure everything is heated. This is a very good practice, if not, the hot water will heat the other elements before the coffee grounds.
4. Dose and Tamp
   Add the ground coffee to the portafilter, distributing it evenly. Use a tamper to press the coffee down firmly and evenly. The goal is a level, compact puck of coffee.
5. Brew the Espresso
   Lock the portafilter into the espresso machine and start the extraction. A double shot should take about 25-30 seconds to brew, yielding around 60 ml of espresso. Again, this will vary depending on the coffee you are using. But for our recommended bean,  Anatolian Black Bean, we follow a time of 26-32 seconds. The coffee should flow smoothly, resembling warm honey.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Pour your freshly brewed espresso into a preheated cup and enjoy immediately. 

Bonus Tips:

• Experiment with Grind Size: Adjust the grind size to fine-tune the extraction time and flavor. A finer grind increases extraction time, while a coarser grind decreases it.
• Use Fresh Beans: Always use freshly roasted coffee beans from reputable coffee roasters for the best flavor.
• Grind Just Before Brewing: Grinding your coffee beans just before brewing ensures maximum freshness and flavor.
• Clean Regularly: Keep your espresso machine clean, especially the group head and portafilter, to maintain the quality of your brews.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Brewing espresso is an art and requires practice. Don't be discouraged by initial attempts; keep experimenting to find your perfect shot.

Brewing espresso at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy high-quality coffee anytime. Whether you're using a 1kg coffee bean bag or exploring different types of coffee beans, mastering home espresso will elevate your coffee game.