7
Guide to the Perfect Espresso
Water
• Make sure to use clean, cold water when filling the removable water tank.
Water Flow
• If you are making an espresso, ensure that the water flows through the espresso filter at
the correct speed. If it is too slow, the espresso will be over extracted – too dark and
bitter, with a blotchy and uneven crema on top. If it flows too quickly, the espresso will
be under-extracted – the proper flavor won’t have had time to develop and there may
not be a crema or it will be thin and only around the edges.
• You can alter the water flow by adjusting the strength of your tamp or by changing the
coarseness of your grind. If the flow is too fast, press down firmly, or choose a finer
grind. If the flow is too slow, ease the pressure of your tamp or choose a coarser grind.
Coffee
• Grinding beans just before use will generate the optimum flavor. They can keep for
a very long time provided they are stored in an airtight container kept out of sunlight,
in a cool, dry spot.
Grind
• If using pre-ground espresso, make sure that you select a grind specifically
for espresso/cappuccino machines.
• If grinding the beans at home, make sure that you select a fine espresso grind.
