Using an espresso coffee machine involves a few key steps:
Grind beans: Grind your coffee beans to a fine grind, ensuring they are consistent in size.
Fill portafilter: Fill the portafilter with the ground coffee, using a tamper to distribute the grounds evenly and press them down firmly.
Attach portafilter: Lock the portafilter into the espresso machine.
Start brewing: Turn on the machine and start the brewing process. The espresso should extract within a specific timeframe, typically around 25-30 seconds.
Create milk foam (optional): If you're making a Latte or Cappuccino, steam milk to create foam.
Pour espresso and milk: Pour the espresso into a cup and add the steamed milk, creating a Latte or Cappuccino.