How to Use an Espresso Machine, Step by Step

On this page (10 sections)

1. What to have ready before the first shot
2. Prime the machine and fill the water tank
3. Grind and dose the coffee
4. Tamp the grounds level and lock in
5. Pull the shot and read the flow
6. Steam milk without burning yourself
7. Clean up after each session
8. Descale on the schedule in your manual
9. Your first week with an espresso machine
10. How to use an espresso machine, the short version

This guide shows how to use an espresso machine in a simple loop: prime it, grind, dose, tamp, brew and clean. Once you know the loop, a new machine feels much less confusing.

It walks through each step, from the first fill to the first shot, so you can use any semi-automatic machine with more confidence.

Your manual sets the exact buttons and lights for your model. Use this guide for the general path, and the manual for the details that differ from one machine to the next.

What to have ready before the first shot

You need the machine, fresh coffee beans or ground coffee, a way to grind fine, a tamper and a cup. A scale helps you repeat the dose, and a milk jug is needed if you plan to steam milk.

Weigh the coffee to the dose your basket calls for, and check that the basket is clean and dry.

Prime the machine and fill the water tank

Fill the water tank with fresh, cold water, and place a cup under the spout. Switch the machine on and let it heat up fully before you start.

Many machines need a short prime or a first-use flush before the first drink. Follow the steps in your manual, since each model handles it a little differently.

How to use an espresso machine for the first time

Run the first-use steps in the manual before you make a drink. These usually clear the lines and the boiler, so the first shot tastes clean.

Check that the portafilter is dry and the basket is seated. A dry portafilter helps the grounds stay in the basket during the shot.

Grind and dose the coffee

Grind the beans fine for espresso, finer than you'd use for drip coffee. Use a grinder that gives a steady grind, and grind just before you brew so the coffee stays fresh.

Fill the basket to the dose it's marked for, and use a scale if you have one. A steady dose makes it easier to tell what the grind is doing.

Tamp the grounds level and lock in

Spread the grounds with your finger or a distribution tool, so the bed is flat. Then tamp straight down with even pressure, and keep the tamper level so the coffee sits flat in the basket.

A tamper that fits the basket makes this step quicker. A 54 mm tamper suits the baskets on many Breville machines.

Lock the portafilter into the group head until it stops. Turn it firmly, then check that it sits straight before you start the shot.

Pull the shot and read the flow

Start the shot with the single or double button, and watch the flow. A common starting point is a shot that pulls in about 25 to 30 seconds from the first drip.

Stop the shot when the cup holds the amount you want, and taste it. Note the grind, the dose and the time, so you can change one thing at a time on the next shot.

If the shot runs too fast, move the grind one step finer. If it barely drips, the grind may be too fine, so move one step coarser.

How to tell a shot is right

A good shot pours in a steady stream and has a thin layer of crema on top. The first drops should come out fairly quickly, and the flow should look even rather than split into thin streams.

Taste the shot for balance. A sour, thin taste points to under-extraction, and a bitter, harsh taste points to over-extraction.

Steam milk without burning yourself

Purge the steam wand briefly before you steam, to clear any water from the tip. Start with cold milk in the jug, and keep your hands clear of the steam and the wand.

Place the wand tip just under the surface of the milk, and move the jug slowly to build a swirl. Stop when the jug feels hot to the touch, and wipe the wand while it's still warm.

Clean up after each session

Knock out the used puck, rinse the portafilter and basket, and wipe the steam wand after each session. Empty the drip tray when it fills, and keep the bean hopper closed when you're not brewing.

Regular cleaning keeps the shot tasting clean and the milk wand clear. It also makes the next session quicker, since the basket and the portafilter are ready to use.

Descale on the schedule in your manual

Descale the machine on the schedule in your manual, and sooner if your water is hard. Mineral buildup in the water path slows the flow and affects the taste, so don't wait for the machine to slow down before you act.

Descaler is a chemical, so keep it out of reach of children and pets. For the steps, see our descaling guide.

Your first week with an espresso machine

In the first week, make the same drink three or four times. Change one setting at a time, such as the grind, and note what changed in the cup.

That habit builds faster than trying a new setting every shot. You'll learn the machine's rhythm sooner, and your notes will show you what to change next.

How to use an espresso machine, the short version

Prime the machine, grind and dose the coffee, tamp it level, lock the portafilter in and pull the shot. Steam the milk with the wand kept clear of your hands, then clean the basket and wand before you stop.

For model-specific steps, read how to set up and use the Barista Express or how to use a De'Longhi espresso machine. The grind size guide shows how to tune the grind, and the home espresso machine guide covers the wider choice of machines.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an espresso machine take to heat up?

It depends on the model, and some machines are ready in seconds while others take a few minutes. Wait for the machine's ready signal before you pull a shot, since water that isn't hot enough makes a weak, sour shot.

Why does my espresso shot run too fast?

A fast shot usually means the grind is too coarse for the dose. Move the grind one step finer and pull another shot, changing only one setting at a time.

How much coffee should I put in the portafilter?

Use the dose your basket is marked for, which is often around 18 to 20 grams for a double shot in a 54 mm basket. Weigh the coffee on a scale if you can, and keep the dose the same while you adjust the grind.

How do I steam milk without burning myself?

Keep your hands clear of the steam and the wand, and hold the jug by the handle. Purge the wand before you steam, and wipe it right after use, while it's still warm.