How to Make the Best Home Espresso!

Making espresso at home can be done in a few different ways, and a traditional moka pot can be a good option! However, the true espresso experience comes down to the brewing process and the pressure applied.   We will even see whether the moka pots are really fit for making a true espresso…

1. Traditional Espresso Machine (Best Method)

  • How it works: Uses finely ground coffee and pressurized water (typically 9 bars of pressure) to extract a rich, concentrated shot in about 25-30 seconds.

  • Why it’s the best: The high pressure produces the characteristic crema (the golden-brown foam on top of a proper espresso). The flavour is bold, rich, and complex.

Tips for making perfect espresso:

  • Grind: Use freshly ground, fine coffee (not too fine to prevent clogging).

  • Tamping: Tamp the grounds firmly but evenly in the portafilter (around 30 lbs of pressure).

  • Extraction Time: Aim for 25-30 seconds for a 1 oz shot.

  • Water Temperature: Ideally between 195°F-205°F (90°C-96°C).

  • Beans: Use espresso-roasted beans (medium-dark roast) for the best results.

2. Moka Pot (Great Alternative, Especially for Home Use)

  • How it works: A moka pot uses steam pressure (about 1.5 bars) to force hot water through ground coffee. It doesn’t reach the same pressure as an espresso machine, but it produces strong, bold coffee that’s very similar to espresso.

  • Why it’s a good option: It’s affordable, easy to use, and creates rich coffee with similar intensity to espresso.

How to use a moka pot:

  1. Fill the base chamber with water up to the safety valve.

  2. Add ground coffee to the filter basket (medium-fine grind). Do not tamp it down—just level it off.

  3. Assemble the pot and place it on medium heat.

  4. Once the top chamber is filled with coffee and you hear a gurgling sound, remove the pot from heat.

  5. Pour immediately to avoid over-extraction.

Pros:

  • Produces strong, concentrated coffee.

  • Affordable and doesn’t require electricity.
    Cons:

  • Limited to No crema (because it doesn’t reach 9 bars of pressure).

  • The flavour may be slightly more bitter or less balanced than a true espresso.

3. Other Popular Alternatives

  • Manual Espresso Machines (Lever Press):

    • These require you to manually create the pressure (up to 9 bars) using a lever. They can produce great espresso, but they require skill and practice.

  • AeroPress (Espresso-Like Drink):

    • While not a true espresso maker, you can use an AeroPress with fine coffee grounds and high pressure to make a concentrated coffee similar to espresso. It’s a good, portable option.

Verdict:

  • For true espresso: A proper espresso machine is the best option if you want the full experience (including crema).

  • For moka pot fans: While it’s not technically espresso, moka pot coffee is a fantastic alternative for strong, bold coffee at home. Many Italians swear by their moka pots, so it’s a perfectly valid way to enjoy espresso-style coffee!

Whichever method you choose, don’t scrimp on the coffee you choose.  Espresso type roasts like our Organic Medium Roast The Drive Espresso or our Dark Roast The East Village Espresso – both by East Vancouver’s Commercial Drive Coffee Company – are great options for you to consider!

100% Canadian Owned and Operated. Coffee roasted and packaged in Canada.

Kenny Vannucci