How to choose coffee beans for your home espresso machine

Espresso isn’t just a fancy word for a shot of coffee. It actually means ‘pressed out’ and refers to the quick-and-intense brewing method that involves forcing a small amount of near-boiling water through finely ground coffee under pressure. That's what creates the deliciously strong 30 ml of coffee that’s the basis for your favourite espresso-based drinks, from Ristrettoto Cortado.

Whether you have a fully-automatic or semi-automatic espresso machine, the brewing method is the same. It just depends on whether you want to do it yourself, or have the machine take care of it for you. The coffee beans are ground to a fine consistency, then put into a portafilter and ‘tamped’ down, before water is forced through under the correct pressure and heat. If you love the idea of being hands-on, it's really rewarding to do this ritual yourself. With KitchenAid's choice of Fully automatic espresso machines or Semi automatic express machine, you’ll get a great result - whichever road you go down.

How to choose your perfect coffee - be in the know

Whole or pre-ground? To grind or not to grind

You can buy whole coffee beans or pre-ground. If you have a KitchenAid espresso machine, then it will take care of the precise art of grinding and dosing, so you have the option to use either.

WHOLE BEANS are always the first choice. Those precious beans are potent and bursting with flavour from the oils which are still inside. The second they’re ground up, they start to lose that intensity, which is why it’s always best to grind right before brewing. Espresso machines with integrated grinders will grind the beans to precisely the right consistency that’s needed for your espresso.

Tip: You can experiment with the grind size on the Semi automatic espresso machine with burr. It has an integrated steel burr grinder with 15 grind sizes and 7 fine adjustment settings. That means you can find the precise grind for a uniform consistency that gets a fantastic flavour from the beans.

PRE-GROUND COFFEE is convenient and there’s always the option to pour this directly into your espresso machine too. If you go for pre-ground, then you’ll need to look for finely ground coffee that’s labelled ‘espresso’. This means it will be fine enough for proper extraction and a nice flavour.

Keep in mind that the fresher the grind, the better your coffee tastes! So, look for a recent grind date on the package. Within a few weeks, ground coffee will lose a lot of its flavour. Even intact coffee eventually loses its flavour, but you can slow the process by knowing how to store coffee smartly.

Light or dark? Choose your roast

Light roast coffee, as the name suggests, has been heated for a shorter time. Those fresh, green beans are lightly roasted until what’s known as ‘the first crack’, when the beans split open. This means that they hold on to a lot of the flavours of their origin, like bright, fruity and floral notes.

Darker roasts have been roasted for longer and developed a rich, smoky flavour. They can be sweeter with tasty chocolate notes, although the delicacies of their original flavour have been roasted out.

Buying coffee from a local roaster means they’re going to be super fresh and flavourful, stamped with a recent roasting date. These beans are at their peak, plus you can feel good about supporting a local business too.

As you become more of a connoisseur, you may want to consider different beans for different drinks. Pretty advanced, right? Here’s some advice:

• For espressos and ristrettos, you have the chance to really taste the flavours inherent in the coffee. This is a great opportunity to try a complex light roast, for a bright and acidic taste.

• For Americanos, medium to dark roasts can be a good option, as these roasts maintain their flavour profile even when diluted with hot water.

• For milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, medium to dark roasts often work best. These roasts complement the richness of the milk, resulting in a well-balanced drink.

Tip: Light roast coffee thrives at higher temperatures, while medium and darker roasts shine at lower temperatures. You can experiment with the water temperature on KitchenAid's new range of espresso machines, with temperature control technology to find the ideal heat for your roasts.

Wanderlust! Travel the world of coffee beans

We could debate forever which beans are best for espresso, and there are zillions of varieties and blends to try. Brazil is the top coffee producer, but you’ll also find options from Indonesia, India, Uganda and more. It’s worth knowing that espressos are traditionally made with a blend, rather than a single origin, to get a balanced result. You can explore single origins if you enjoy a particular hit, and like tinkering around with grind size and tamping pressure to extract the best flavour.

How to make perfect espresso at home

Espresso is for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re a budding barista intrigued by the science of it, or just want to press a few buttons. KitchenAid's range of Fully automatic espresso machines take care of the process of making the perfect cup. With up to 40+ pre-set drinks options, you simply scroll to make your choice and hit the button. In just a few seconds, you’ll be heading back to your desk or couch with a high quality espresso even the hippest barista would be proud of. If you’re leaning more towards the sensory ritual of making that espresso step by step, then a Semi-automatic espresso machine with burr grinder is the answer. There’s plenty of guidance to help you take control of your espresso making, so that it’s a joy to explore without the guesswork.

Whichever coffee you try next, why not savour your espresso without even having to put your shoes on? No queues, no cold weather, no waiting for a seat. Just you, and an exceptional tasting cup.