How to Make Espresso at Home for Beginners (Without a Fancy Machine)

How to Make Espresso at Home for Beginners (Without a Fancy Machine)

What Is Espresso?

Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground beans under pressure. It's the base for many drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos — and it's also delicious on its own.

Don’t have a $1,000 machine? No problem. We’ll show you a few ways to make espresso-style coffee at home, even without fancy gear.

🛠️ What You’ll Need

Here are a few common tools you can use to make espresso at home:

Option 1: Espresso Machine (ideal)

  • Espresso machine (manual or automatic)

  • Fresh, finely ground espresso beans

  • Tamper & portafilter

Option 2: Moka Pot (budget-friendly)

  • Stovetop Moka pot (aka Italian espresso maker)

  • Medium-fine ground coffee

  • Water & stove

Option 3: AeroPress (versatile & compact)

  • AeroPress + filter

  • Fine grind coffee

  • Kettle

🔢 How to Make Espresso With an Espresso Machine

  1. Grind your beans fine (texture should be like table salt)

  2. Fill portafilter with 16–18g of ground coffee

  3. Tamp evenly with firm pressure

  4. Lock portafilter, start the shot

  5. Brew time should be 25–30 seconds for a 1–2 oz shot

  6. Enjoy a rich, golden crema on top

🔢 How to Make Espresso With a Moka Pot

  1. Fill the bottom chamber with water (up to the valve line)

  2. Add medium-fine coffee to the filter basket (don’t tamp!)

  3. Assemble the pot and place it on medium heat

  4. Coffee will slowly rise into the top chamber

  5. Once bubbling slows, remove from the heat

  6. Serve immediately — rich and strong!

🔢 How to Make Espresso With an AeroPress (Espresso-Style)

  1. Insert the filter & pre-wet it (important)

  2. Add 17g of finely ground coffee

  3. Pour 50–60ml hot water (200°F)

  4. Stir and wait 30 seconds

  5. Press down firmly for about 30 seconds

  6. Voilà — your quick espresso-style shot

💡 Tips for Better Espresso at Home

  • Use fresh specialty coffee beans — try our “Just for Today” blend for a bold, chocolatey profile

  • Grind just before brewing for the best flavor

  • If using a machine, keep it clean and well-calibrated

  • No crema? Try adjusting grind size or tamp pressure

✨ MoFlo Espresso Pairings

Our “Adventure” Guatemalan Light/Medium Roast makes a vibrant espresso with notes of orange zest and black cherry. For a smoother sip, try “Serenity” — a low-acid Brazilian roast that shines in a Moka pot.

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