We’ve all heard of the classic café con leche, and many of us might even be regular consumers. But do we truly know the key steps to approach the elusive “perfect latte”? Let’s find out.
The Espresso Machine: The Heart of the Operation
Undoubtedly, the most crucial element is having an ideal espresso machine. The quality of the espresso sets the tone for the entire process. Therefore, it’s essential to have a machine with the right conditions for our goal.
It doesn’t have to be an overly expensive machine with countless features (although, for experts, more functions can enhance the process). The machine should deliver optimal pressure and temperature to create a creamy coffee and have the option to heat milk.
Among various options on the market, the Cecotec Cafetera Express Power Espresso 20 Matic Professionale stands out, meeting all the requirements for just €85.
- Cafetera express para café espresso y cappuccino de 850 W.
- Bomba italiana de presión con tecnología ForceAroma de 20 bares que consigue la mejor crema y el máximo aroma.
- Manómetro de control Pressure Pro para comprobar la presión en tiempo real. Incluye vaporizador orientable con protección para el uso, para espumar leche, emitir agua caliente para infusiones, calentar líquidos y preparar cappuccino.
- Brazo portafiltros con doble salida y dos filtros para preparar uno o dos cafés a la vez. Depósito de agua extraíble con 1,6 litros de capacidad.
- Con bandeja calientatazas de acero inoxidable. Incluye cucharilla dosificadora con prensador para el café.
Machine Calibration and Coffee Preparation
I won’t go into the step-by-step process of preparing coffee in an espresso machine, but I will highlight the “critical” points that can impact the flavor of our coffee.
First and foremost, before pouring the coffee, the portafilter must be completely clean and dry.
It’s a common mistake to wash the portafilter and immediately add the coffee.
This is not recommended as it can alter the taste of the final beverage.
The second point to consider is that preferably the coffee should be freshly ground.
While you can use pre-ground coffee or even commercial ground coffee, for perfection, it’s crucial to grind the coffee just before adding it to the portafilter.
Various affordable coffee grinders are available, such as the NWOUIIAY Electric Coffee Grinder 300W.
- Cafetera express para café espresso y cappuccino de 850 W.
- Bomba italiana de presión con tecnología ForceAroma de 20 bares que consigue la mejor crema y el máximo aroma.
- Manómetro de control Pressure Pro para comprobar la presión en tiempo real. Incluye vaporizador orientable con protección para el uso, para espumar leche, emitir agua caliente para infusiones, calentar líquidos y preparar cappuccino.
- Brazo portafiltros con doble salida y dos filtros para preparar uno o dos cafés a la vez. Depósito de agua extraíble con 1,6 litros de capacidad.
- Con bandeja calientatazas de acero inoxidable. Incluye cucharilla dosificadora con prensador para el café.
Now it’s time to fill the coffee portafilter. It’s straightforward; using a spoon, add the coffee without compacting it, occasionally tapping the sides to achieve an even distribution throughout the portafilter.
With this part ready, before placing the portafilter, you can purge your espresso machine. Essentially, this involves letting it dispense a bit of water to eliminate any that may be accumulated or condensed from previous uses (this step is not necessary if you’ve recently made coffee).
Now, it’s time for the extraction. This doesn’t have any critical points except for ensuring it’s not too watery. Each espresso machine has its own preparation time, although typically it’s around 30-40 seconds. While not a universal rule, it serves as a general guideline.
Now that our first part is ready, the espresso is prepared; let’s move on to the other ingredient.
Preparing the Milk
Now, we need to texture the milk, and there are critical points to consider here as well.
Firstly, preheat the jug where you will pour the milk. Not everyone does this, but it makes a noticeable difference.
Similar to preheating cups for coffee, preheating the milk jug is recommended. It’s straightforward; just pour a bit of hot water from the coffee machine into it, then empty it, and you have a warm jug.
The next step is simple; just pour the milk into the jug—nothing remarkable to mention.
Now, let’s move to another point that can make a difference, and that is purging the milk frother. This involves running it without having the milk jug in place. Running it in this manner helps eliminate any condensed water or milk from previous uses that might be inside.
The ideal temperature for milk is between 60 and 65 degrees Celsius, and it’s crucial not to exceed 70ºC.
We’ve reached the final step: mixing the milk with the espresso.
Hold each container with one hand, and before merging them, make a slight wrist movement with each container so that both liquids are mixed.
To pour the milk onto the espresso, do it gradually, pouring from the center outward, with the milk jug moving around the coffee cup.
To create designs (which require practice), bring the jug closer. This concentrates the milk in one area instead of dispersing it throughout the beverage.
Watch a tutorial on how to make a perfect latte (café con leche)
If it doesn’t turn out perfectly the first few times, don’t worry. Like any skill, it refines gradually.
I’m confident that following these instructions will lead to improvement.