While it is commonly made using a special espresso machine that can be quite expensive and can also hog limited counter space, there are other ways to make espresso.
Aero Press
Espresso is a strong coffee that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a drink. It’s popular in coffee shops and cafes, but it can also be made at home with a bit of creativity. While an espresso machine will produce the best results, there are other options to make this type of brew without expensive equipment.
The most simple way to make espresso is by using a manual device called the AeroPress. This brewing tool looks similar to a French press and works by creating pressure with a plunger. While this device can’t generate the high levels of pressure needed for espresso (9 bars, or 130.5 pounds per square inch) like a machine can, it will still give you a taste that is similar to espresso.
You can use a regular coffee grinder to prepare your beans for this method, but it is important to grind them to a fine consistency. This will help to ensure that the grounds are able to pass through the filter and that the extraction is as complete as possible. You’ll also want to use a high-quality coffee bean, as well as to measure and weigh your ingredients accurately.
Another easy and affordable option to make espresso is with a stovetop percolator, also known as a Moka pot. While this device doesn’t create as much pressure as an espresso machine, it does offer a rich and intense flavor.
French Press
If you want to make espresso at home, but don’t have an expensive machine, a French Press is an excellent choice. The pressing method produces a concentrated, rich drink that is very similar to true espresso.
Start by grinding your coffee beans to a fine consistency. It takes longer to brew than other methods, but the intense flavor makes it worth it. Then, preheat your French Press and cups with hot water (use the hottest that your tap will give you). This helps maintain the ideal coffee brewing temperature.
Add your grounds to the bottom of the French Press, stir, and wait a minute or so. This is called the bloom, and it allows the grounds to release their essential oils and begin extracting the espresso-like liquid. If you skip this step, your finished product will be weak and flavorless.
Next, fill the lower chamber of your French Press with hot water up to the safety valve. Add your ground coffee, and set a timer for 4 minutes. Don’t let the coffee steep for longer, or it will taste bitter.
Finally, slowly plunge the French Press. If you push down too hard, you could break your French Press or shoot hot coffee out of the top of the pot. Then, strain the brewed espresso into your desired cup and enjoy.
Moka Pot
A moka pot is another option for those looking to brew espresso without a machine. This Italian-designed device is easy to use and inexpensive compared to an espresso machine, making it perfect for those who want to make a few cups at home. It works by forcing water through a bed of ground coffee using steam pressure.
The moka pot consists of three parts: the bottom section that holds the water, a metal filter basket that sits inside the bottom part and a funnel-shaped top that contains the spout. Fill the bottom section with water, being careful not to overfill it. Add your grounds to the basket, which should be finer than an espresso grind but a bit coarser than drip coffee. Screw the top portion of the moka pot over and place it on a stove burner at medium heat.
When the water begins to boil, you’ll hear a gurgling sound that indicates the pressure is building and the liquid is starting to travel up through the grounds. When you see foam forming at the spout, it’s time to remove the moka pot from the heat.
Be sure to let the moka pot cool down before attempting to disassemble it. This will help prevent burnt grounds and ensure the metal isn’t too hot to handle. Once it’s cooled, you can dump out the grounds and clean the brewer with warm water. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly and dry completely before reassembling.
Lever Machine
A manual lever espresso machine is a beautiful piece of equipment that takes a lot of skill to master, but once you do it can be the best way to get an espresso. These machines use a spring to generate the pressure needed to pull an espresso, which allows the barista full control over the process and results of the extraction. For this reason, many espresso aficionados prefer this style of machine over any other type of espresso maker.
To make an espresso, almost boiling water is forced under pressure through a puck of ground coffee that’s been tamped down so it’s very compact. To do this, the lever is pulled down, creating nine bars of pressure (nine times the pressure of Earth’s atmosphere at sea level). The amount of pressure used determines the flavor and strength of the espresso.
If you decide to get a lever machine, you’ll also want a burr grinder and a set of utensils like a portafilter and stamps. You’ll need to be able to maintain these pieces of equipment, so it’s good to have some spare parts.
In addition, a tamper is required to apply a uniform pressure against the grounds. These can be purchased, or you can build your own. A tamper is simple to make and can be turned from wood or metal. It consists of a base that’s usually machined from bar stock or thick plate, and the handle can be made out of wood or welded steel.