If you’ve ever stood in front of a shiny espresso machine, wondering what exactly goes inside, you’re not alone. The answer might seem obvious, but getting it right is essential for brewing rich, flavorful espresso—and for keeping your machine running smoothly.
In this article, we’ll demystify what belongs in your espresso machine, walk you through simple steps, and share useful tips to help you enjoy a perfect shot every time.
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What Do You Put in an Espresso Machine? The Complete Guide
Espresso machines have transformed home coffee culture, giving anyone the opportunity to enjoy café-quality drinks right from their own kitchen. But if you’re new to using one, you may wonder: What exactly do you put in an espresso machine? Let’s break it down in simple, practical terms, and walk you through what you need—and what you shouldn’t ever add.
The Quick Answer
You put two main things in an espresso machine:
- Fresh, clean water.
- Finely ground, dark-roasted coffee beans specifically meant for espresso.
It’s as simple as that! However, for the best-tasting espresso and the longevity of your machine, there are important details to consider about both the water and the coffee. Let’s explore these step by step.
Step 1: Loading the Water
Why is Water Quality Important?
Water makes up over 95% of your espresso shot, so its quality dramatically affects both the taste of your drink and the health of your machine.
Best Practices for Adding Water
- Always use clean, cold, and preferably filtered water. Tap water often contains minerals or chemicals that can alter the flavor of your espresso or cause build-up inside your machine.
- Never put milk, syrups, or any other liquid in the water tank. Doing so can damage your machine and void most warranties.
- Fill water up to the designated line or reservoir. Don’t overfill.
Water to Avoid
- Distilled water: While free of minerals, it can be too “pure” for some espresso machines, which rely on a certain mineral content to trigger water sensors.
- Hard water (high mineral content): Can cause scale buildup inside your espresso machine, leading to costly repairs.
Tip: If you have particularly hard tap water, invest in a water filter or use bottled spring water for the best results.
Step 2: Adding Espresso Coffee
The Right Coffee for Espresso
While an espresso machine only takes ground coffee and water, the details matter.
What Kind of Coffee?
- Dark roast beans: Traditionally, espresso is brewed from dark-roasted coffee beans, which create a bold, rich, and smooth shot.
- Freshly ground: Grind your own beans just before brewing for the freshest flavor. If you buy pre-ground, choose options labeled “espresso grind” or as fine as table salt.
Grind Size Matters
- Espresso requires a fine grind. Too coarse, and your espresso will be weak and watery. Too fine, and it may clog your machine.
- Never use whole beans directly. Always grind first!
- Single or double shots: Most machines use 7-9 grams for a single and 14-18 grams for a double shot.
How to Add the Coffee
- Measure the right amount: Use the scoop provided or a digital scale, especially if you want consistency.
- Fill the portafilter (the handled basket): Level the grounds for even extraction.
- Tamp down the grounds: Press the coffee evenly and firmly with a tamper (usually supplied with your machine).
What Not to Put in an Espresso Machine
To keep your espresso machine working perfectly for years:
- Never put flavored beans with sugary coatings. Sugar melts and sticks, causing clogs.
- Don’t use pre-ground coffee designed for drip brewers. The grind is usually too coarse.
- Never add instant coffee, coffee pods not designed for your machine, or tea leaves.
- No milk, cream, or alternatives in the water tank. Froth milk only in the designated steam wand or frothing jug.
Extra Ingredients for Enjoyment (But Not for the Machine!)
While the machine itself only gets water and coffee, here’s what you can add afterwards:
- Milk or plant-based alternatives: Froth separately to make lattes or cappuccinos.
- Sugar, syrups, or spices: Add to your cup after brewing for your preferred flavor.
- Whipped cream or chocolate shavings: For decadent treats.
Remember: These should go in your cup, never inside the machine or its reservoir!
Step-by-Step Overview: Making the Perfect Espresso
- Fill the water tank with filtered water up to the indicated level.
- Turn on and preheat the machine if needed (wait until it’s ready).
- Grind your coffee beans finely, or use pre-ground espresso coffee.
- Add the ground coffee to the portafilter and tamp down evenly.
- Lock the portafilter into the group head.
- Start the brewing process—watch and stop once the desired amount is reached (usually 25–30 seconds for a shot).
- Serve and enjoy.
Key tip: Clean your portafilter promptly after use—old coffee grounds can quickly affect taste.
Benefits of Using the Right Ingredients
- Better flavor and crema (the golden foam on top of a perfect shot)
- Longer lifespan for your machine
- More consistent and satisfying results
- Fewer maintenance issues and easier cleaning
Common Challenges and How to Prevent Them
Challenge: Bitter or Sour Espresso
- Solution: Check the freshness of your beans and the grind size. Too fine can lead to bitterness; too coarse, sourness.
Challenge: Machine Clogs
- Solution: Use only freshly ground coffee for espresso, tamp gently and evenly, and clean your machine regularly.
Challenge: Weak Coffee
- Solution: Use the proper dose of coffee, a fine grind, and good-quality beans.
Practical Tips & Advice
- Invest in a burr grinder: Blade grinders can make uneven grounds, but burr grinders create consistent texture.
- Practice your tamping technique: Even pressing ensures even extraction and balanced flavor.
- Descale your machine regularly: Especially if you use tap water, to prevent mineral buildup.
- Store beans in an airtight, dark container: Oxygen, light, and moisture are the enemies of fresh coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use regular ground coffee in my espresso machine?
You can use pre-ground coffee labeled for espresso, but coffee for drip machines is usually too coarse. For the best results, always use freshly ground, fine espresso coffee.
2. Is it safe to put milk in the espresso machine instead of water?
No, never put milk in the water tank or brew group. Milk should only be frothed using the steam wand or a separate frother to prevent damage and avoid bacteria growth inside the machine.
3. Do I have to use filtered water?
Filtered water is recommended because it reduces mineral buildup and improves the taste of your espresso. However, clean tap water is acceptable if it’s not too hard or chemically treated.
4. What happens if I use oily or flavored beans?
Oily or sugary beans can clog your grinder and machine, affecting taste and function. Stick to dry, medium-to-dark roasted beans for espresso brewing.
5. How do I clean out old coffee grounds from my machine?
After every use, remove the portafilter, knock out the coffee puck, and rinse the basket. Regularly backflush and descale according to your machine’s instructions to keep it running smoothly.
Conclusion
An espresso machine is a fantastic addition to your kitchen, but its magic begins with just two things: water and finely ground espresso coffee. Always focus on quality, cleanliness, and correct procedures. Avoid putting anything else inside the machine itself to ensure delicious, consistent espresso and long-lasting performance. With a little practice and attention to detail, you’ll be making barista-level espresso at home in no time!