Thinking About an Espresso Machine?

If you’re thinking about buying an espresso machine, or you unwrapped one last Christmas, you’ve probably realized that espresso is a little different from other ways of brewing coffee.
The machine matters, but so do the beans, the grind, and how you care for the equipment.

This guide focuses only on espresso machines. We’re not here to tell you which brand or model to buy, or what style of machine to choose. Instead, we’ll cover what actually makes a difference at home: picking the right coffee, understanding grinders, setting realistic expectations, and keeping your machine in good shape.

A Quick Word on Espresso

Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under pressure. That pressure extracts flavour quickly and produces a small, concentrated shot.

Because of how espresso is brewed, small changes like: grind size, dose, or coffee choice, can noticeably affect the cup. That’s normal and part of learning your machine.

Choosing Coffee

You don’t need a special coffee variety, but coffees roasted for espresso usually work best.

Espresso blends (medium to medium-dark) tend to deliver:

  • A smooth, rounded texture
  • Natural sweetness
  • A balanced cup that brews consistently at home

Espresso also benefits from a 2-3 day resting period after roasting. That's how fresh coffee you can get right here, at The Roasterie.

If you’re new to espresso, starting with an espresso blend makes learning your machine easier.

Can You Use Other Coffees?

Yes. Espresso machines can brew many different coffees. Some may need more adjustments in grind or dose, but experimenting is part of the fun.

For daily use, coffees roasted for espresso usually give the most consistent results with the least fuss.

What to Expect from a Home Espresso Machine

Home machines are capable. With the right setup, they can brew espresso with a good body, balance, and crema.

They do well at:

  • Maintaining steady brewing pressure
  • Holding a stable temperature
  • Making café-style espresso at home

They won’t automatically correct grind, and they won’t match the speed or volume of a commercial café machine.

Consistency comes from repetition, not perfection.

Built-In Grinder or Separate Grinder?

One of the biggest decisions is whether to get a machine with a built-in grinder or a separate grinder.

Machines with Built-In Grinders

These machines are convenient: fewer steps, less clutter, everything in one place.

But on a practical note: if the grinder breaks, the entire machine may need servicing. Repairs are usually possible, but they can be more expensive, and you’re without your coffee maker and grinder until it’s fixed.

They work well for convenience and consistent results, but know the trade-offs.

Separate Grinder and Espresso Machine

A standalone grinder gives more control over grind size and makes switching between coffees easier.

It's easier to clean, but takes up some space and might cost more upfront, but repairs are simpler and you can upgrade one piece at a time.

Steaming Milk at Home

If your machine has a steam wand, you can make smooth, café-style milk at home.

A light hissing sound at the start means you’re letting a small amount of air into the milk.  This happens only briefly at the beginning.

How to Steam Milk

  • Start with cold milk in a metal pitcher
  • Hold the pitcher at a slight angle
  • Position the steam tip just at or slightly below the surface, but not touching the bottom of the pitcher, which can scorch the milk

The milk should begin to rotate around the wand and rise slowly. Let the hissing happen just to start this rotation, not longer.

Once the milk is moving:

  • Lower the wand slightly into the milk and let continue the rotation of the milk
  • For lattes, keep the milk spinning to create tight, silky microfoam
  • For cappuccinos, let the milk rise more by lowering the pitcher while keeping the wand near the surface, producing light, fluffy, cloudy, yummy foam

The milk should move smoothly around the pitcher, not splash. This rotation breaks down large bubbles and gives even texture.

When finished, the milk should look glossy and smooth, ready to pour.

Looking After Your Espresso Machine

Regular care keeps your machine running and your coffee tasting great:

  • Rinse the portafilter and group head after use
  • Wipe and purge the steam wand after steaming milk
  • Backflush if your machine supports it
  • Descale according to your water and usage

Clean grinders perform better and last longer. Well-maintained equipment makes espresso more consistent and enjoyable.

Espresso Glossary

  • Espresso: Coffee brewed under pressure through finely ground coffee.
  • Crema: The light layer on top of an espresso shot.
  • Burr Grinder: Produces consistent coffee particles by crushing beans between burrs.
  • Dose: The amount of coffee used per shot.
  • Tamp: Pressing coffee evenly into the portafilter before brewing.
  • Microfoam: Smooth, fine-textured steamed milk for espresso drinks.
  • Descaling: Removing mineral buildup to keep the machine working properly.

Final Shot

Enjoy experimenting with your favourite beans on your new espresso machine.
If you have a machine but don’t have a grinder yet, no problem! We’re happy to grind the coffee for you at purchase, so it’s ready to brew at home.

Traditional, our signature - Italian espresso coffee beans.

theroasterie.com

Italian Espresso

$22.00 CAD
$22.00 CAD
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