What Machine Do You Use?
Cappuccino is a type of coffee with an espresso base and frothed milk. Usually, you pour a double espresso into the bottom of the cup. Then, you add the steamed and frothed milk of a similar amount. You can prepare the milk by heating it and then texturing it with the espresso machine’s steam wand.
As you have picked up already, you can make your perfect cup of cappuccino with an espresso machine. Here is how you can do it:
How Do You Use an Espresso Machine?
Espresso machines are great appliances for coffee lovers. With them, you can make a variety of coffee drinks at home. When making a cup of cappuccino, you will use the espresso machine for three main functions:
- To make the double espresso as your base
- To froth the milk
- Mixing
Step 1: How to Make Your Espresso Base
As you learn more about how to use a cappuccino machine, you will notice that the process is simple. This attributes to the best espresso machines being user-friendly and straightforward.
By following these steps, you can make your espresso base in just a few minutes:
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Fill the Reservoir
The reservoir is the part of the cappuccino machine that holds water. The best cappuccino machines have a label with lines indicating different capacities. The marks will guide you on what level to use for single and double shot espressos.
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Turn on the Machine
Next, you should find the power button on the machine. By pressing it, you will notice a series of indicators coming on. If you are unfamiliar with the device, the user’s guide will be helpful to you.
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Insert the Shot Basket
In espresso machines, the portable filter at the machine’s spout has a shot basket. You fill the filter with the size of espresso you want, either a single or double-shot basket. A mismatch could result in poorly made coffee.
Now, it is time for some coffee
Find your favorite ground coffee. Using a spoon, fill the portable filter with coffee to the brim. Next, wipe off any extra particles on the side of the filter. If you do not have ready coffee, you can also find the best budget espresso machine from popular vendors with an in-built grinder. These espresso grounds are finer than coffee grounds.
Remember, you can only enjoy the espresso if hot water forces its way through fine particles.
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Press Down the Coffee
The next step in learning how to use a cappuccino machine is using the tamper. A tamper is a small handheld device that pushes down coffee into the portable filter.
The compression of coffee particles gives your coffee a strong taste. So, make sure you push down the coffee until the grounds are compact.
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Lock the Filter into the Head
Return the filter at the machine’s spout. Usually, you insert and twist to fasten it in place. You will also hear a clicking noise to show that the filter is in place.
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Get Your Espresso
Finally, you can collect your espresso by placing a cup under the faucet. Ensure that the cup is big enough to collect the espresso from both sides of the espresso and contain the whole amount.
Press the shot button and proceed to froth your milk.
Step 2: Frothing Milk
This is the integral step when learning how to use a cappuccino machine. In addition, the step differentiates a cappuccino from an espresso. When you buy a cappuccino machine, it comes with a steam wand and a stainless steel pitcher.
When you shop for the best espresso machine, you might find one that comes with a built-in steam wand. You can control its operation from the machine’s panel.
- Fill the pitcher a 1/3 way full with milk
- Place an inch or two of the steam wand into the milk
- Make sure the milk is on one side of the pitcher to give room for the foam to form
- Turn on the steam wand until you have a natural whirlpool in your pitcher
- Let the milk swirl until you have almost double the amount, with a foamy texture.
- If the milk is not foaming, you can swirl it clockwise to give it a head start.
Step 3: Mixing
The final step in making a cappuccino is mixing the espresso with the frothed milk. To do so:
- Place your single or double shot espresso in a cup until it is an inch or two under the brim
- Add the steamed milk into the cup
- Finish off by pouring some of the frothed milk on top of your coffee.
You can learn some cool coffee art to try out with your cappuccino as you become more familiar with the device.
As you have seen, making a cappuccino is not hard at all. However, be careful since the products from the machine can be hot. When steaming the milk, make sure you cover your hand to avoid accidents. As you continue to learn how to use a cappuccino machine, you will discover some tricks to make your coffee taste better.