Real talk: no matter what many of us do when preparing coffee, no matter how hard we try and how simple it seems, it just does not match the perfect coffee flavour we have received in cafes and even served from loved ones! Drinking approximately 98 million cups of coffee per day in the UK alone, why should we not prepare the perfect cup of coffee? Don’t worry, though; there are clear steps and tips to get the perfect coffee.
Here’s the only step-by-step guide you need on how to make perfect espresso coffee…
Step 1 – Beans for the perfect coffee

Fresh beans are the key. Using fresh coffee beans can automatically upgrade your cup of coffee. As they are fresher than pre-blended coffee, they get the most out of the mouth-watering flavours and aromas. To discover ready-to-go fresh and sustainably sourced coffee beans, look at our coffee types.
Experiment with different bean types to find the right coffee bean for your flavour preferences. This helps select the perfect espresso coffee as the drink will be customised to your taste buds.
Tip: When storing coffee beans, avoid exposure to light, oxygen, and moisture to ensure freshness.
Step 2 – Using the right equipment for the perfect coffee

Equipment can offer the premium coffee taste we all seek, automating processes such as brewing. By commercial coffee machines using technology to optimise pressures, temperatures and timings to a level of detail that humans cannot have, the act of getting the perfect coffee is within a press of a button – literally.
With expansive hot drink machine options, the right coffee machine for your needs, usage and practicalities is fully accessible to everyone. Look at our commercial coffee machines to make perfect coffee espresso machine choices!
Step 3 – Cleanliness

Did you know: Scale build-up affects coffee taste. Hence, equipment cleaning and descaling are processes not to overlook.
But do not worry, it does not have to be a difficult chore. Just ensure drip trays on machines are drained, ingredients trays emptied properly, and group handles washed; simply use warm soapy water for this. If using a kettle, frequently descale. Here’s a video to descale with ease.
When using our coffee machines, our service and maintenance packages help regulate thorough checks and cleans vital to enhance flavours and provide premium quality.
Step 4 – Perfecting the grind or selecting the perfect coffee grind

Depending on the equipment used, such as traditional or bean-to-cup espresso machines, you may be lucky enough for this to be fully automated for you. Alternatively, if you want to relieve the duty of the perfect coffee grind espresso opt for pre-ground coffee, perfect pod coffee and espresso accessories, or pre-made blends.
How to make perfect espresso ground coffee from your beans can often be a trial-and-error process for your individual needs. Step-by-step to do this…
- Measure the amount of beans needed for your brew.
- Choose your grind size (Fine for espresso). Tip: If too fine, a harsh and over-extracted coffee is produced.
- Use a grinder coffee machine or manually do it yourself using anything from a rolling pin to a pestle and mortar.
Step 5 – Measurements and amounts for the perfect coffee

The correct ratios of water and coffee will make or break the perfect coffee on all fronts. Experiment with ratios to find the right one for you, based on preferences of strength and flavour. If you like a stronger coffee, use higher quantities of coffee at a time.
Step 6 – Water quality

Water is in a coffee recipe for a reason! So why do we so often overlook this vital ingredient? Filtered water is often the key to the perfect coffee. Not only is it free from contamination and healthier to drink, but it also stops substances in water from affecting the coffee components, and thus the taste. Look at our water taps and solutions to help streamline pure water access in your space.
Step 7 – Water Temperature and Temperature as a whole

Are you one of the masses taking part in this potent coffee mistake? You should not use fully boiling water. The water temperature used in both the kettle and coffee vending machine should be just under boiling temperature (between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit). Too hot or boiling, and you risk ‘burning’ the coffee; too cold and the coffee will be under-extracted, lacking in taste and aroma.
If you are a milky coffee drinker or a latte lover, milk temperature is also something to keep in mind. Milk and cream components make the coffee cool faster; however, using warm frothed milk can help you keep your coffee hot for longer.
Step 8 – Brewing Time for the perfect coffee

Once again, the privilege of our beloved modern commercial coffee machines can stop us from needing to worry about this step and provide a brewed cup in seconds. However, if using a French Press coffee machine, then coffee and water contact time for brewing will be 2-4 minutes. Over-extracting can be caused by brewing too long, and vice versa for under-extraction.
Step 9 - Serving the perfect coffee

Once brewed, you can serve the perfect coffee. Tailor to your individual preference from a foamy Caramel Frappuccino with frothy milk to the powerful Double Espresso shot. You can either do everything by hand or use handheld coffee devices or coffee machines to fulfil every need for every perfect coffee.
You now have everything you need on how to make the perfect coffee with an espresso machine. Whether you use a commercial coffee machine or brew coffee by hand, next time you make coffee for yourself, a friend, or a work colleague, the disappointment will be a thing of the past. Now you can fully indulge in the drink we’re all obsessed with, so sip the perfect coffee with these effortless steps. Do not worry, you can thank us later!