Question 1

Do I need an expensive machine to make good espresso?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. While commercial machines cost thousands, excellent starter machines like the Breville Bambino or Gaggia Classic Pro can pull café-quality shots if paired with a good burr grinder.

Question 2

Why does my espresso taste sour?

Accepted Answer

A sour taste usually means your shot is under-extracted. This happens when the water passes through the coffee too quickly. Try grinding your beans finer to slow down the extraction time to the 25-30 second range.

Question 3

Can I use regular coffee beans for espresso?

Accepted Answer

Yes, espresso beans are just regular coffee beans, usually roasted darker. You can use any bean, but medium to dark roasts generally work best. The most important factor is freshness—use beans within 3-6 weeks of roasting.

Question 4

Is a burr grinder really necessary for espresso?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is non-negotiable. Blade grinders chop beans unevenly, leading to inconsistent flavor. A burr grinder crushes beans into a uniform size, which is critical for creating the resistance needed for espresso pressure.

Question 5

How much caffeine is in a shot of espresso?

Accepted Answer

A single shot of espresso (1 oz) contains about 63mg of caffeine. While it is more concentrated than drip coffee, a full cup of drip coffee (8 oz) actually has more total caffeine (about 95mg) due to the larger volume.