How to Use an Espresso Machine (6 Easy Steps For Beginners)

Have you ever stared at an espresso machine and wondered, “How am I supposed to use this thing?” Gosh, I remember the first time I bought my espresso machine, a shiny Breville Barista Express. I was so excited, imagining all the lattes and cappuccinos I’d make at home.

But when I unboxed it, the excitement quickly turned into panic. There were all these parts, such as portafilters, steam wands, and a pressure gauge. I had no clue where to start.

I even tried to wing it at first (not my best idea). Let’s just say my first espresso shot was more of a disaster than anything drinkable.

But hey, after some trial and error (and plenty of bad shots), I figured it out! And you know what? It wasn’t nearly as hard as it looked.

Once you get the hang of it, using an espresso machine feels like second nature and honestly, it’s become one of my favorite parts of the day.

In this guide, I’ll break it all down for you step by step. From preheating to frothing milk, you’ll be ready to pull café-quality espresso at home. So let’s start brewing!

Why Learn to Use an Espresso Machine?

Well, it isn’t just about getting our caffeine fix, but it’s the fun of crafting a drink that feels custom-made.

I still remember my first successful attempt; the crema was smooth, the flavor was bold, and I thought, “Why did I ever pay $5 for this at a café?” Learning to use an espresso machine is not only fun, but it’s also surprisingly cost-effective.

Long Term Investment

Sure, there’s an upfront investment for the machine, but think about how quickly it pays off. If you’re someone who swings by a coffee shop daily, that expense adds up fast.

Brewing at home not only saves money but also lets you skip the line and enjoy your drink in your favorite mug (without spelling your name wrong, might I add).

Full Control

You’re in full control. Whether you want a strong, concentrated shot or a milder latte, you get to decide. You can experiment with different beans, grind sizes, and brewing times to create a flavor profile that’s totally you.

Plus, when friends or family visit, being able to whip up café-quality drinks is a pretty cool skill to have.

Once you start mastering the basics, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without your espresso machine.

Basic Parts of an Espresso Machine

Getting to know your espresso machine is like learning the tools of a new craft. However, once you understand the key parts, everything else becomes so much easier (and less intimidating).

Portafilter

This is the handheld basket where you pack your ground coffee. It locks into the machine’s group head and is crucial for creating the right pressure during brewing. For this, you should tamp your grounds evenly to get a good shot.

Steam Wand

The steam wand lets you froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other creamy coffee drinks. With a little practice, it can help you create silky microfoam or those café-style latte art swirls. Just don’t forget to wipe it down after each use, or you’ll end up with crusty milk residue.

Water Reservoir

This is where your machine pulls water for brewing and steaming. It’s usually removable, making it easy to refill and clean.

Always use fresh, filtered water if you want your espresso to taste its best and keep your machine running smoothly.

Pressure Gauge

Not all machines have this, but when they do, it’s a helpful tool. It shows whether the machine is building enough pressure to brew your espresso properly (9 bars is the sweet spot). If the needle isn’t where it should be, it might be time to adjust your grind size or tamping pressure.

Types of Espresso Machines

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to espresso machines. Each type has its perks, quirks, and required level of involvement. For instance:

Manual Espresso Machines

This one is for the true coffee purists who want complete control over the brewing process. You manually control the water pressure using a lever, making every shot feel like a work of art.

They can be a bit tricky to master, but it’s pretty rewarding if you’re patient. An example is the La Pavoni Europiccola, a classic favorite for serious enthusiasts.

Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

Semi-automatic machines strike a balance between control and convenience. You grind, dose, and tamp the coffee, but the machine takes care of the water pressure.

These are great if you want to refine your barista skills without going full manual. The Breville Barista Express is a popular choice that comes with an integrated grinder.

Fully Automatic Espresso Machines

If you like easiness, then fully automatic machines are the way to go. With just the push of a button, these machines handle everything from grinding the beans to brewing your coffee.

You’ll find them great for busy mornings or if you prefer a cup of espresso without much effort. The De’Longhi Dinamica Plus is an excellent example, offering customizable drink options and a built-in milk frother.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using an Espresso Machine

I made plenty of mistakes along the way like overly bitter shots or weak, watery espresso. However, those blunders taught me how to improve. So, here are some common problems:

1 – Grinding Beans Too Fine or Too Coarse

If your grind is too fine, the water struggles to pass through, resulting in an over-extracted shot that tastes bitter and unpleasant.

On the flip side, a grind that’s too coarse will let water flow too quickly, leaving you with a weak and sour cup. To get it just right, you want a texture similar to table salt for espresso. So don’t be afraid to experiment with grind sizes until you find the sweet spot.

2 – Tamping Too Hard or Unevenly

Tamping seems simple, but it’s a sneaky place where things can go wrong. For instance, press too hard, and you’ll choke the machine, resulting in a painfully slow extraction.

Go too light or uneven, and the water will channel through, creating a patchy, weak shot. I learned the hard way that 30 pounds of even pressure is the sweet spot.

Pro tip: practice with a bathroom scale to feel what 30 pounds of pressure is like!

3 – Using the Wrong Water Temperature

I used to think as long as the machine was hot, I was good to go. Nope. If the water is too hot (above 205°F), it scorches the coffee grounds, giving your espresso a burnt taste.

Too cold(below 195°F), and you end up with under-extracted, sour flavors. Though most espresso machines regulate temperature for you, it’s always worth checking if your shots taste off.

I suggest letting your machine preheat fully, and avoid using water straight from the tap if it’s inconsistent in quality or temperature.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

If you’re serious about your espresso game (and avoiding bitter, funky flavors), regular cleaning is non-negotiable.

For more detailed steps, check out my other blog post, The Ultimate Guide to Espresso Machine Cleaning. Meanwhile, here’s a quick rundown to help you stay on top of things.

Maintenance Task	Frequency	What to Do
Empty Portafilter	After each use	Dump used coffee grounds and rinse the basket to prevent buildup.
Wipe Steam Wand	After steaming milk	Clean with a damp cloth and purge steam to avoid clogs and crusty milk.
Rinse Machine	Daily	Run water through the machine to clear residual coffee oils.
Backflush Machine	Weekly	Use a cleaning solution to clear coffee oils from internal parts.
Descale	Every 1-3 months	Use a descaling solution to remove mineral deposits and keep water flowing.

Note: A clean espresso machine prevents clogs, ensures even extraction, and keeps your coffee tasting fresh. Plus, it can save you from costly repairs down the line.

Espresso Recipes to Try at Home

If you’ve mastered pulling an espresso shot and frothing milk, it’s time to have some fun experimenting with coffee drinks!

I’m going to share some basic recipes to get you started, but don’t forget to check out more creative ideas over at Coffee Voilà for inspiration.

Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy or bold, there’s a recipe here for everyone.

Espresso Shot

This one’s a no-brainer. The espresso shot is where it all begins—pure, concentrated coffee goodness. You brew a single or double shot (depending on how much kick you need), and enjoy it as is for an intense, bold flavor that packs a punch.

Latte

A latte is the ultimate comfort drink. You simply add steamed milk to your espresso and top it with a touch of foam for that signature creamy texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, stir in a flavored syrup like vanilla or caramel.

Cappuccino

Cappuccinos are all about balance—equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. The result is a lighter, frothier drink than a latte, with an enjoyable creaminess that doesn’t overpower the espresso’s bold taste.

Macchiato

If you’re in the mood for something smaller but still flavorful, a macchiato is perfect. It’s a shot of espresso “stained” with just a dollop of milk foam. Basically, it’s an espresso shot with just a hint of creaminess.

Note: These recipes are just the beginning! Play around with milk ratios, flavors, and even toppings to create your unique drink. At least for me, half of the fun is experimenting with new stuff!

Last Thoughts

So have you tried making espresso at home? Share your favorite tips, recipes, or even your funniest coffee fails in the comments below. I’d love to hear all about them!