7 Mistakes People Make With Their Espresso Machines

Many coffee lovers find that their homemade espresso or shots from portable machines don't taste as good as café coffee. Why? It's often because of common mistakes people make. These errors can happen with both home espresso machines and portable ones you might take camping. From not cleaning the machine to using the wrong water, these mistakes can make your coffee taste bad. By learning about these common problems, you can avoid them and make better espresso. Let's look at these mistakes so you can enjoy great coffee, whether you're in your kitchen or out in nature with a portable espresso maker.

Mistake #1: Using Old Coffee Beans

Using old coffee beans is a common mistake that can ruin your espresso. Fresh beans make your coffee taste better, smell nicer, and look more appealing with a golden foam on top (crema).

When you use old beans, your espresso often tastes flat or bitter. You'll also notice less crema on top, and the coffee won't have that rich smell you expect from a good espresso.

To keep your beans fresh, start by checking the roast date when you buy them. Look for beans roasted within the last two weeks. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, but not in the fridge or freezer. It's best to buy whole beans and grind them just before you make coffee. Also, only buy small amounts - get what you'll use in 2-3 weeks.

Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Coffee Grind

How you grind your coffee is really important for making good espresso. Many people don't know that using the wrong size of coffee grounds can make their coffee taste bad, even if they're using good beans.

If your coffee grounds are too big, water goes through them too fast. This makes your espresso taste weak and sour. If the grounds are too small, water can't get through easily. This makes your coffee taste bitter.

Start by grinding your coffee to about the size of table salt. Then, change it based on how your coffee tastes:

• If it's sour or weak, make the grind finer
• If it's bitter or takes too long to make, make the grind a bit bigger

The right grind can be different for different machines and types of coffee. It's okay to try different grinds until you find what works best.

It's also important to use a grinder that makes all the coffee pieces the same size. If some pieces are big and some are small, your coffee won't taste good. If you can, buy a good burr grinder. It will help make your coffee taste much better.

Mistake #3: Forgetting to Clean Your Espresso Machine

Many people don't clean their espresso machines often enough. This is a big mistake. A clean espesso machine makes better coffee and lasts longer. When you don't clean your machine, your coffee can start to taste bitter or strange. The machine might not work as well, and parts can break sooner than they should.

Over time, coffee oils and minerals from water build up in your machine. This makes it harder for water to flow through properly. When this happens, your espresso won't taste as good. The machine has to work harder, which can lead to problems.

To keep your machine in good shape, clean it regularly. Every day, wipe down the outside and clean the parts that hold the coffee. Once a week, clean the drip tray and run a cleaning cycle if your machine has one. Every month, do a deep clean of all parts you can remove. Also, descale the machine to get rid of mineral buildup.

Mistake #4: Tamping Your Coffee Incorrectly

Many people don't realize how important tamping is when making espresso. Tamping means pressing down on the coffee grounds in your portafilter. If you don't tamp correctly, your espresso won't taste as good as it should.

When you tamp unevenly or with the wrong pressure, water doesn't flow through the coffee evenly. This can make parts of your coffee over-extracted and bitter, while other parts are under-extracted and sour. The result is an unbalanced, less tasty espresso.

To tamp correctly, follow these steps:

• Make sure the coffee grounds are level in the portafilter before you start.
• Hold the tamper like you're holding a doorknob.
• Keep your arm straight and push down evenly with about 30 pounds of pressure.
• Try to keep the tamper level as you press down.
• Give a light polish (a small twist) at the end to smooth the surface.

It might take some practice to get it right. You can use a bathroom scale to get a feel for 30 pounds of pressure. With time, you'll develop muscle memory and be able to tamp consistently.

Mistake #5: Not Preheating Your Machine and Cups

Many people turn on their espresso machines and start brewing right away. This is a mistake. Preheating your machine and cups is crucial for making good espresso. When everything is warm, your coffee will taste better and stay hot longer.

If your machine or cups are cold, they'll cool down your espresso quickly. This can make your coffee taste sour or weak. Cold equipment can also prevent the full flavors of the coffee from developing properly during brewing.

Here's how to preheat your equipment:

• For your machine:

Turn it on at least 15-20 minutes before you plan to make coffee. This allows all the parts to warm up. Run a blank shot (just water, no coffee) through the machine to heat up the group head and portafilter.

• For your cups:

While your machine is heating up, fill your espresso cups with hot water. Let them sit until you're ready to brew. Empty the water just before you make your espresso.

If you're using a portable espresso maker, you can preheat it by running hot water through it before adding coffee.

Mistake #6: Using the Wrong Kind of Water

Many people don't think about the water they use in their espresso coffee machine. They just use tap water. This can be a big mistake. The type of water you use affects both how your coffee tastes and how well your machine works.

If your water is too hard (has too many minerals), it can make your coffee taste bitter. It can also cause mineral buildup in your machine, which can damage it over time. If the water is too soft, your coffee might taste flat or sour.

Here's how to use good water for your espresso:

• Don't use distilled or softened water. These lack the minerals needed for good coffee flavor.
• If your tap water tastes good, it's probably okay to use. But if it has a strong taste or smell, don't use it for coffee.
• Consider using filtered water. A simple carbon filter can remove bad tastes and some harmful chemicals.
• You can also buy special water made for coffee. This has the right balance of minerals.
• If you're not sure about your water quality, you can get it tested.

For portable espresso makers, try to use good quality bottled water when you're traveling.

Mistake #7: Messing Up the Milk Frothing

Many people focus only on the espresso part of drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. But how you froth the milk is just as important. Bad milk frothing can ruin an otherwise good coffee drink.

If you don't froth milk correctly, your drinks can have several problems. You might end up with big bubbles that make the drink feel rough in your mouth. The milk could be too hot and taste burnt, or not hot enough, leaving your drink lukewarm. Sometimes, the foam might be too thick or thin for the type of drink you're making.

To froth milk correctly, start with cold milk and don't overfill the pitcher - about one-third full is good. Position the steam wand just below the milk's surface. You should hear a gentle hissing sound. Keep the tip near the side of the pitcher to create a whirlpool effect. Stop when the pitcher feels warm to the touch, aiming for about 150°F (65°C) for most drinks. After frothing, tap the pitcher on the counter and swirl it to get rid of big bubbles.

Improve Your Espresso Game Today

By avoiding these seven mistakes, you can make much better espresso at home or with a portable machine. Use fresh beans and grind them right. Keep your machine clean. Tamp your coffee evenly and preheat your equipment. Use good water and learn to froth milk well. These small steps can make your coffee taste much better. It might take some practice, but soon you'll be making great espresso. Keep trying, and you'll be surprised how good your homemade coffee can be.