How to prepare espresso correctly – step by step

A good espresso is more than just a drink – it's a craft. With the right technique, temperature, and patience, you can make it perfectly at home. This guide will walk you through all the important steps – from warming up your machine to achieving the perfect crema.

1. Preheat the machine

Turn on your espresso machine and let it heat up for about 15 minutes so that the brew group, portafilter and pipes reach the optimal temperature.

2. Preheat cup

Preheat the espresso cup with hot water or steam. This will keep the espresso hot longer and the crema more stable. Caution: Be careful not to burn yourself if the hot water splashes out of the cup!

3. Heat up the portafilter

Run some hot water through the empty portafilter to temper it. This ensures even heat during brewing.

4. Dose the coffee grounds

Fill the portafilter with freshly ground coffee – about 7 g per cup. The beans should be finely ground so that the espresso builds up enough pressure.

5. Press down (tape)

Press the coffee grounds evenly and firmly. Clean the edges of the portafilter before inserting it into the brew group.

6. Extract the espresso

Start the brewing process and stop the coffee dispensing when the cup is about full. is two-thirds full.
The ideal extraction time is 20–30 seconds, and the brewing temperature is around 93 °C.
Temperatures that are too high (over 96 °C) lead to bitterness, temperatures that are too low lead to a sour taste.

7. Serve or process further

Enjoy the espresso straight or use it as a base for classics like cappuccino or latte macchiato.

8. Cleaning

After brewing, let the portafilter cool for about 15 seconds, then tap it out and clean it. This prevents coffee residue from baking onto the portafilter.

9. Prepare for the next cup

Place the clean portafilter back into the brew group – this keeps everything warm and ready for the next espresso.