How to Make Espresso Without a Machine

Don’t have a fancy espresso machine? No problem. Here are the best ways to make espresso without a machine!

Want an espresso but don’t have a fancy espresso machine? No problem. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to have a great espresso at home! An espresso machine produces top quality espresso with the best smooth taste and a frothy crema on top. However, there are several inexpensive tools you can craft to try and get closer to flavor. Here’s what you need to know to make an espresso without a machine!

Method 1: Portable espresso machine

The best way to make espresso without a machine? A portable espresso machine. This small device allows you to manually force water through the coffee into the cup. It’s small, portable and easy to take with you on the go or to the office!

The taste isn’t as aromatic as a machine espresso, and the crema isn’t as rich and full. But the taste is surprisingly decent, and at $65 it’s a steal! It’s also small, making it easy to hide in closets or take with you when you travel.

How do you make espresso with a portable espresso machine? Follow the instructions that come with the espresso machine you bought. Here is the manufacturer we use.

Method 2: Espresso to French Press

The best way to make espresso without a machine? A French press. The French Press is a great way to make an espresso: and it’s perfect if you already have one on hand! This is our top choice for making espresso without any espresso-specific tool, as the taste is comparable to the real thing.

The French Press cannot achieve a frothy crema like the first two methods of making espresso and you will end up with deposits in your cup. But for a brewed coffee method, it tastes pretty close to real espresso. This is ideal for preparing espresso for coffee drinks or an affogato.

How do you make espresso with a French press?

See French Press Espresso for more details and the full method.

1. To grind coffee: Grind ½ cup dark roast coffee beans to a medium-fine grind.
2. heat water: Heat ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons of hot but not boiling water (200-205°F).
3. Add the coffee and wait 4 minutes: Put the medium finely ground espresso coffee into the French Press. Cover with hot water and stir. Set a timer and wait 4 minutes.
4. Dive: Place the lid on the French Press and slowly push the plunger all the way down.

Method 3: Espresso in a moka pot

The moka pot is a great way to get dark, flavorful coffee. It’s not exactly espresso, but it tastes similar enough that you can use it as a substitute for espresso drinks. More of an Americano than an espresso. The Moka Pot is also known under the brand name Bialetti. It is a cooking method of making strong coffee by forcing steam through the coffee grounds. It makes a deliciously rich pot of coffee and is popular in Europe and the United States.

The flavor you can get out of a moka pot is amazing. It’s more like a strong dark roast coffee: it doesn’t achieve any crema and lacks some of the fullness of flavor. It makes a 5 ounce cup, while a single shot of espresso is 1 ounce and a double shot is 2 ounces. But it works well as an espresso drink option! At $35 a glass, it’s a steal.

How to make espresso style coffee in a moka pot

See Moka Pot Coffee for more details and full method.

1. To grind coffee: Finely grind 20 grams (¼ cup) of dark roast coffee: espresso grind or slightly coarser.
2. Add water: Add 330 grams (1 ⅜ cups) of cold filtered water to the bottom half of the pot until it reaches the valve.
3. Add the coffee and assemble: Fill the funnel to the top with coffee grounds, but do not tamp the grounds. Insert the funnel into the bottom of the jar. Screw the top onto the base until it is just finger tight.
4. Set to medium heat: Place the pan on the stove over medium-high heat. On a gas stove, make sure the gas flame is smaller than the width of the pot.
5. Wait for the coffee to brew (about 5-7 minutes): The water boils through the coffee and fills the top of the pot. You will hear the coffee start to bubble after about 3-5 minutes. About 2 minutes later, you’ll hear it boiling rapidly: Then hear the sound of the boiling increase in volume and frequency. As soon as the sound has disappeared into the air and you hear a loud gurgle, the coffee is ready. turn off the fire
6. Check the coffee: Once you’ve removed the heat, lift the top of the pan and aim inside. The room must be full of coffee. If not, return the pan to the stove and continue heating until the coffee is ready.

Method 4: Espresso Aeropress

You can make espresso with an Aeropress, but it’s not our top pick for taste. Only use it if it’s the only option available to you! An Aeropress is a plastic cylinder used to brew a single cup of coffee. It’s portable, inexpensive, and easy to clean, making it an accessible way to brew coffee.

The Aeropress is very cheap at $30. But this method involves great sacrifices on taste. The Aeropress espresso tastes more bitter and flat than the other methods and lacks a distinctive crema. Only use this method if it is your last resort.

How to prepare an Aeropress espresso

1. heat water: In an electric teapot, heat the water to 200-205°F.
2. To grind coffee: Grind 3 tablespoons (18 grams) of espresso beans to a fine grind (but not superfine or it will be too heavy for dipping).
3. Add the filter: Place the disc filter in the Aeropress basket and wet until completely wet. Screw the basket onto the end of the Aeropress.
4. Add coffee grounds: Pour the coffee grounds into the Aeropress and lightly tap the grounds with a cocktail pestle. Place it over an empty mug.
5. Add water and immerse: Pour 85 grams of water into the Aeropress (marks 1 and ½). Wait 45 seconds. Insert the piston into the top of the Aeropress. Gently push down until the plunger is pushed all the way down; You will hear a hiss of escaping air (this process takes about 30 seconds; it’s a bit harder to brew than regular Aeropress coffee).
6. Delete pattern: Remove the Aeropress, unscrew the basket and hold it over a compost bin or trash can. Squeeze the plunger to release the filter and powder. Rinse the Aeropress so it is ready for future use.

More espresso drinks

Once you have your espresso, there are so many coffees to brew! Here are some of our favorite espresso drinks: