What do I Need to Operate My Espresso Machine?

When you have an espresso machine in your home, office, or coffee shop, there are a number of items that will be required to properly use it. Most espresso machines are not the ultra automatic variety that does everything for you at the touch of a button, so chances are your machine will require some kind of manual interaction from you. Most machines though, even the semi-automatic varieties, are not as labor intensive as the lever operated varieties and many people learn to use them fairly quickly. So if you are among the vast majority of espresso machine users, it’s likely that you will need some specialty equipment for proper operation and the best espresso.

Extracting the Espresso

Your first step will generally be to grind the coffee beans and put them in the filter. This requires you to use a tamper to pack the grounds tightly so that optimal extraction can be achieved. An espresso tamper is one of those items that are pretty much required for proper espresso making. If you make several drinks at a time, it’s also helpful to have a special bin to dump the grounds from the filter after use, or before you make your next drink if you are serving them in immediate succession.

Steaming the Milk

Many espresso drinks, like lattes and cappuccinos need steamed or frothed milk. This means that it’s going to be a very good idea to have frothing pitchers for this purpose. A thermometer that clips to the pitcher is also a very good idea if you want to be able to properly judge the temperature of the milk while it is steaming or frothing. A long handled spoon is another great item to have for managing your frothed and steam milk in such a way that it goes into your serving cup quickly and neatly.

Finishing Up

Finally, you will want the proper serving and cleaning implements. A great coffee service will include special cups that maximize the visual appeal and flavor of the different styles of drink. There are even special spoons to be used for the proper presentation of a cappuccino or demitasse. After your drink is served, cleaning your machine thoroughly is needed to keep it in good operation. You’ll want the right tools for this job as your machine can get clogged with leftover milk or coffee grounds pretty easily if not properly maintained.

The Coffee Brewers is dedicated to offering the highest quality equipment and accessories for the making of great espresso drinks!

We strive to be your one-stop shop for everything espresso and make it a point to know almost everything there is to know about the items that we sell. We would be happy to assist you in any way, whether you are a novice just starting out, or an experienced coffee lover looking for the best equipment for your home or business. Visit us at our store online or give us a call at 1-888-665-7262 to place your order or get more information about the products that we sell!