Espresso is the only type of coffee that many people drink.
It's difficult to believe since we are blessed with so many options nowadays, most of us want to have a different type of coffee at different times of the day. However, try asking an Italian if they like espresso or drip coffee and see what they say.
If you like espresso and don't have a machine, it's definitely time to get one. They are inexpensive, fast, and simple to operate. However, machines are not the only option.
So, we've decided to go over how to make espresso without a machine.
What Can't You Use to Make Espresso, and Why?
There are various items on the market that are falsely advertised as being capable of brewing espresso. Manufacturers can misuse the term "espresso," preying on our ignorance of what it takes to produce an authentic espresso.
Espresso Instant Coffee
Espresso instant coffee is a great example. Making espresso by putting some powder into a cup of hot water is impossible. This is due to the fact that espresso requires pressure to force the water through the coffee grounds. That is the goal, and without it, you have drip or immersion coffee.
In other words, how can a bag of instant coffee create pressure?
The French Press
Another common error is buying a French press to make espresso. A French press is a fantastic tool for making deliciously strong coffee, but it functions differently than other coffee makers.
Coffee is prepared in a French press by soaking the grinds in hot water for a few minutes, with no pressure applied. Because it is an immersion brewing machine, it will never produce espresso.
The Two Most Effective Methods
Now that we know what doesn't work, let's have a look at the two best coffee machine options for making a real and tasty espresso at home.
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The Moka Pot
The most conventional method of brewing espresso without a machine is with a moka pot. It was created in 1933 in Italy by Alfonso Bialetti, who was searching for a household alternative to commercial espresso machines. The moka pot has swiftly become a culinary necessity in every Italian home. Even now, many people prefer this method over any of the latest pod coffee machines.
How Does a Moka Pot Work?
A Moka pot is a stovetop espresso maker made up of three parts: the bottom boiler, which must be filled with water, the funnel tank, which holds the coffee, and the kettle, which is where the coffee is brewed. When water is boiled, it creates steam, which is driven through the coffee grind by pressure and eventually condenses into the kettle.
People believe that because the pressure is not as high as in a commercial machine, the espresso tastes different. While this is correct, there is no set amount of pressure required to brew espresso.
Furthermore, the coffee it creates is quite similar to an espresso made from a machine. It's a strong coffee with a deep, dark flavor and a high caffeine level.
Moka pots are less expensive than coffee makers. They come in various sizes, but the smaller ones make superior coffee. If you want to give it a shot, something like the Zulay Kitchen Espresso Maker is ideal.
Nanopresso
The Nanopresso is a portable espresso maker that allows you to prepare a cup of espresso anytime and anywhere you choose. That is, if you have hot water and, of course, coffee. It is part of Wacaco's second generation of portable coffee machines, and it has been on the market since 2017.
The Nanopresso has an in-built pump that must be manually operated to provide enough pressure to brew an espresso. It may appear to be complex. However, once you've made your first cup of coffee, you'll realize that the process is actually simple and quick. The concept is similar to that of a bike hand pump, just prettier and smaller.
An Excellent Choice
The Nanopresso works with both ground coffee and coffee pods. In the second case, however, an adapter must be purchased separately.
Although there are many different brands of portable coffee makers on the market today, Wacaco was one of the first to launch them, and Nanopresso is, in our opinion, more handy and easier to use than other products.
Espresso-Based Drinks You Can Make Without Using a Machine
Your favorite espresso-based drink is only one step away once you can prepare espresso without a machine. But what are the similarities between cappuccino, latte, flat white, and macchiato?
They require foam milk, which is impossible to produce without the use of a machine or a milk frother. Or is it?
All you need to do is fill a jar halfway with warm milk. Then, securely seal the lid and shake it for 30 to 60 seconds. Your foam will not be as flawless as the one at your local coffee shop, but it will still taste delicious.
Last Words
We've found two excellent alternatives to a coffee machine for making your favorite espresso drink at home, as well as a portable tool that you can use anywhere.
When we need to know the best way to make espresso without a machine, we don't have many options. A Moka pot is by far the best solution, but a Nanopresso or comparable gadget is an excellent alternative for on-the-go.
Enjoy your espresso!
