Espresso Stove Top Steam Infusion Method

Making stove top espresso at home is easy and tastes wonderful. It is a great way to entertain friends and family. You will notice a different taste between espresso machines espresso and the stove top espresso pot has a distinct taste. For me, I like stronger tasting espresso and this is why I like using the stove top better. I use a Moka pot. You can go on-line to target.com and they sell them for less than $50. Once you buy one, you won't be able to put it down.

How does a stove top espresso work?

Water is placed in the lower container, approximately 3-oz. per cup. Also in the lower container, is a basket that holds the finely ground espresso coffee, approximately 1-2 full rounded teaspoon of ground espresso coffee for each cup. If you like your espresso stronger, add more coffee. The lid or upper pot is tightly screwed in place to form a seal and the top container, the pot, is inserted in place. On models we currently sell, the lid for the lower chamber is also the base of the upper pot.

The combined unit is then placed on the stove over a low to medium heat setting. When the water in the lower container heats, steam is produced. Because steam occupies more space than water, it builds pressure and forces the hot water up through the coffee and a filter to the pot above. In a couple of minutes you have espresso!

It takes practice to make espresso, but you get the hang of it in no time. Once you become a pro at making espresso, next it is time to learn how to froth milk. I have had my Moka pot for a couple of months and already I am making breve's, lattes and café au laits. You don't need a fancy machine; milk can be frothed on the stove or in the microwave. When I am preparing the milk, I bring it to a boil for a minute or two. In between that time, I stir it. If you let it sit too long, it will not only boil over, but you will also get this thin skin on top. If that happens, you can just use a spoon to remove it. I like to pour the milk into a cup and use a battery-powered frother like the Aerolatte Frother to froth milk. I usually leave it on for a minute or two. You can go to amazon.com and a Aerolatte Frother for under $20. I like it not only because it is cheap, but it is also easy to clean. Just a quick rinse under water and you're done. Once frothed, pour espresso and presto, you are done!