Great coffee drinks are easy when you follow our simple guide on how to use your espresso machine. This is a general guide for all espresso machines. As with any product, refer to your product manual for specific information.
Are Espresso Machines Worth It?
Need to Know Espresso Terms
Using an Espresso Machine - Terms
A Barista is someone who makes coffee beverages, usually as a job. Much like a bartender, the drinks (and skill level required!) can be very simple to very complex.
A Breve is a latte made with cream rather than milk. These are quite rich!
Dirty refers to adding a shot of espresso to a traditional non-espresso drink. For example, adding espresso to a tea latte, ie: “Dirty London Fog”
Dirty may also mean you need to clean your espresso machine!
A Doppio is a double shot of espresso. To a new user, it’s a surprise that the standard shot pulled from most machines is a doppio.
Dry references steamed milk that is more than half foam. It is often used to refer to a dry cappuccino.
A Lungo shot is espresso that is from a longer pull. This creates more espresso, and is sharper than a traditionally timed pull.
Opposite of a Lungo, a Ristretto shot has a shorter pull. While you produce less espresso, the resulting shot is shorter and sweeter than regular espresso.
Different sizes of drinks from somewhere else. Your guess is as good as ours. At Cupper’s, we make 12 oz., 16 oz., or 20 oz. drinks. These are also called small, medium, or large. We’re pretty down to earth about enjoying our coffee!
Skinny means you want your latte made with sugar-free syrup and/or skim milk.
A Solo is a single shot of espresso. Most drinks come with two shots, so if you only want one shot, you need to ask for that.
Wet refers to steamed milk that has less foam. Often this is in reference to a wet cappuccino.
Want to learn more espresso terms? We have many more common and uncommon terms and definitions in your How To Use An Espresso Machine e-book.
How to Get Your Free E-Book
Step 1: Provide Your E-mail Address
The first step to getting your hands on this amazing e-book is to enter your e-mail address. This signs you up for our weekly Cupper’s newsletter, and then gives you access to the Guide. (We promise to NEVER, EVER sell or give out your email. That’s a 100% guarantee!)
Step 2: Enjoy Cupper's Newsletter
Our newsletter is not your average boring junk-in-your-mailbox. It’s a hilarious and informative read that will only hit your inbox once a week. So, say goodbye to spammy newsletters. Say hello to a new source of entertainment and coffee knowledge.
Step 3: Reap the Benefits
By signing up for the newsletter, you’ll also receive a $10 coupon on your birthday. That’s right, a birthday coupon for being a part of our coffee community! You can use it in-store during your birthday month on a pound of any of our regular coffees or a box of tea. Happy birthday to you!
Step 4: Download the Guide
Once you’ve signed up, download the e-book with one click. The guide covers everything you need to know about using an espresso machine. By the end of it, you’ll be off and running as a home barista in no time!
Step 5: Get Brewing!
It’s time to start brewing! The guide gives you all the tools you need to make delicious espresso drinks right at home. Having trouble pulling consistent shots? We’ve got answers. Don’t like how your milk is turning out when you steam it? Check out our possible solutions. What are you waiting for? Start your coffee journey today!
Download our guide on using an espresso machine and become a pro barista in no time! Not only will you have access to your free e-book, you’ll also receive our weekly newsletter. It’s filled with hilarious and informative content. And as a bonus, on your birthday you’ll receive a $10 coupon to treat yourself to something special. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join the ranks of elite home baristas. Start brewing your best coffee ever!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can come in and browse our HUGE selection of coffee brewers and espresso machines. We especially love our Rocket Appartamento for the do-it-yourself folks. But if you’d like to be babied and taken care of, our Jura Espresso Machines are simply amazing. Check them all out online. (Hint… we have more at Cupper’s than shows online, too!)
Honest, it may actually be cheaper to have an espresso machine at home. If you often hit drive-throughs for lattes or cappuccinos, the costs add up. This is extra-true if there’s more than one person buying coffee drinks in a household!
You can’t make a drip coffee with an espresso machine, but you can make an Americano. This is only one of many amazing drinks you can make though. Download our guide on How To Use An Espresso Machine for more info.
YES! You can use any of your favourite coffee beans to make espresso. BUT you have to make sure it’s the right grind for your machine! If instead you’re talking about using drip grind in your espresso machine, that won’t work. Remember, espresso is a style of making coffee, not the actual beans or roast or grind! For more on how coffee is roasted, check out The Ultimate Guide To Coffee Roasting.
Technically, no. But there are many smaller espresso-style coffee brewers available. While not true espresso, they still help in making similar drinks. Check out our Definitive Guide to Coffee Brewers for more info.
Not only does it exist, but it can be amazing. Of course, you always want fresh roasted coffee for any espresso machine, even when it’s decaf. So avoid old, stale coffee from the grocery shelves. Shop our full line of fresh, local roasted decaf coffees online.
