
5 Tips To Make BETTER Espresso At Home
In this video, barista Morgan shares five essential tips for beginners starting their espresso journey, demonstrated on the Flare 58 Plus 2 manual espresso machine.
1. Weigh Everything – Input and Output
- Use a scale to measure both coffee grounds (e.g., 20 g) and the resulting espresso (e.g., 40 g at a 1:2 ratio).
- This ensures you can follow recipes precisely and replicate your perfect shot.
- Adjust the dose to your basket size (e.g., high-dose baskets hold 18–20 g).
2. Grind Fresh Every Time
- Pre-ground coffee from stores is often not fine enough for true espresso, especially with single-wall baskets.
- Freshly ground coffee lets you adjust the grind size to each bean, helping you hit the ideal pressure (7–9 bar).
- This pressure creates the creamy crema and rich texture characteristic of espresso.
3. Puck Preparation
- Distribute the coffee grounds evenly in the basket to ensure uniform extraction, avoiding over- or under-extracted bits.
- Simple method: Smooth out clumps and uneven areas with your finger or palm, then tamp firmly and evenly.
- Advanced method: Use a WDT tool (needles) to rake through the grounds for even consistency, then tamp.
4. Taste Everything You Pull
- Standard recipes (e.g., 1:2 ratio) are just starting points – experiment with ratios like 1:2.5 or 1:3.
- Even unusual numbers (e.g., 18 g in, 50 g out in 18 seconds) can taste amazing, especially with light, fruity coffees.
- Don’t discard a shot without tasting it – you might discover a new favorite.
5. Let Your Espresso Cool Slightly
- The myth that espresso dies immediately isn’t true – let it rest for 30–60 seconds.
- Lower temperatures reveal more sweetness and flavor nuances.
- Tip: Use a chilled cup or pull over a chilled spoon to speed up cooling without diluting.
Bonus: Flare 58 Plus 2 Features
- Manual lever espresso machine, requiring only hot water (no electricity, except optional preheating function).
- Plastic-free brewing channel.
- Integrated pressure gauge for precise control.
- Compact, ideal for small kitchens and full manual control.
Conclusion: With these five tips, you’re well-equipped to brew delicious espresso at home. Happy experimenting!






