Espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage, which is brewed by forcing very hot water under high pressure through the coffee. The coffee is usually ground into a very fine, almost powder like consistency, and the brew process creates a very bold tasting coffee that is added to many beverages. The most popular way to make espresso is by using an espresso machine, but they can be very expensive and difficult to use. Learning how to use an Ilsa Stovetop Espresso Maker is a great way to make espresso from home, and it tastes just as great as espresso made in a huge machine.
Ilsa Stovetop Espresso Maker Basics
Most Ilsa Stovetop Espresso Makers are three chambered pots, and can hold either three or six cups. The bottom chamber holds the fresh water and contains a valve, which leads up to the middle chamber. The middle chamber is actually a perforated coffee basket or funnel, and holds the finely ground coffee in a lightly packed manner. The top chamber starts off empty, but then fills up as the espresso is made.
Making Your First Batch
Because Ilsa Stovetop Espresso Makers are commonly made out of stainless steel or another type of metal, it is important to clean them out before the first use. You will fill the bottom chamber up with clean water, and load used or unwanted coffee grounds into the filter. You make a regular batch of espresso using the unwanted grounds, and then rinse out any residue left over from the coffee. This first batch is meant to clean out any oils within the Espresso Maker, since they can actually change the taste of the espresso if not removed.
Making an Amazing Espresso
Once you have cleaned it out, it is time to learn how to use an Ilsa Stovetop Espresso Maker. You start out by filling up the bottom chamber with fresh water, and it should be completely filled up to the valve. This is essential, since the water must be pushed through the valve with the built up pressure, or else your espresso will not come out tasting as bold as it should.
The next step is loading the coffee grounds, which should be finely ground coffee beans that are almost a powder. They can be loaded directly into the coffee basket in the second chamber, and you can adjust the amount based on how strong you would like your espresso to taste.
It is best to use cold water to start, since it makes it easier for the pressure to build up and push the brewed coffee through the valve. It should be placed on the stove top and set on medium heat, since the water needs to heat up but not come to a boil. Once the water has flushed through the valve, a gurgle sound will signify that it is ready to drink. It usually takes about four to five minutes depending on the heat source, and it can then be poured from the top chamber into an espresso glass or added to your favorite drink.
Conclusion
Making amazing espresso doesn’t always have to involve a pricey machine, since it can be easy to learn how to use an Ilsa Stovetop Espresso Maker. You can make a serving of espresso in only a matter of minutes, and it will taste just as amazing as espresso made out of a machine costing hundreds of dollars. It is great for making Espresso shots or mixed coffee drinks like macchiato, and costs only a fraction of the price of a regular espresso machine.
I am having trouble with the exact machine shown on web site. I bought it in Italy. It take forever to boil and I can hear it boiling in the pot but it won’t go through the coffee chamber. Once it does, the coffee comes to the third chamber and it smells and tastes burnt. Can you help me solve this problelm with advice? Thank you
sounds like the coffee is too fine a grind
try a coarser grind
I have an Ilsa torino made of aluminum and my coffee doesn’t get strong enough because when it comes to a boil the steam doesn’t fully brew the coffee due to the water boils out of the pour spout!!!!! How can I fix this? thank you