Coffee. Sounds so simple, right? But coffee is more like wine, in that it comes in many forms and pairs with different palates in a unique, exciting way. It also means that the origin of this well-loved beverage matters just as much as its preparation, especially when using an espresso machine.
It’s no secret: we love a good cup of coffee, and we want as many people as possible to enjoy the very best this gorgeous drink has to offer. So, consider this your guide to finding the right coffee to use in your espresso machine. Whether our Linea Micra is gracing your countertop or you’ve just brought the Linea Mini home – or any other espresso machine you have on the market – this breakdown will help you select the ideal coffee with confidence.
Why is coffee selection important for espresso machines?
First, let’s talk espresso machines. Namely, how can your coffee selection impact what comes out of them?
An espresso machine is a high-pressure, precision apparatus that condenses coffee and flushes hot water through it at a certain rate, all in the name of extracting the perfect flavours and crema.
If we return to our wine metaphor, the espresso machine is both the crusher and the barrels in which the wine will age, all condensed into a single speedy machine. And just like with wine – which depends so heavily on the quality of the grapes used – your coffee’s final result depends heavily on the quality, origin, grind, and flavour profile of the espresso you choose. Your machine – such as the Linea Micra or the Linea Mini – condenses and extracts the flavours of the coffee. Just as a high-quality coffee will make itself known in your cup, a low-quality coffee or a jarring taste will be amplified by that extraction. This is why selection is so important, but don’t let that intimidate you! All you need are a few simple principles to guide your hand in the aisle.
How to Pick Coffee for Espresso Machines
1. Whole beans over pre-ground, always.
If you take one thing away from this guide, make it this: always start with whole beans.
Even though pre-ground coffee is stored in foil to preserve freshness, the grinds will still lose their flavour quickly due to oxygen exposure. By the time the grinds from the bag hit your portafilter, most of the subtle oils and aroma that make espresso so delicious will have disappeared. In that case, it doesn’t matter if you have a Linea Micra or Linea Mini performing the extraction; your coffee will likely turn out a bit more dull. By contrast, whole espresso beans stay fresher for much longer, and freshly-ground coffee blooms much more beautifully during extraction. This is why it’s usually worthwhile investing in a high-quality coffee grinder for your at-home setup.
2. Medium to dark roast for a classic flavour.
Any great cup of espresso relies on the depth of flavour to draw the drinker in. Chocolatey, nutty, caramel-like flavours that sit heavy and warm on the tongue. And in this case, it’s always the medium-to-dark roasts that bring out those flavours the best.
Light roasts can still work, but they tend to highlight acidity more than depth of flavour. If you love that, go light! But if you’re after that classic espresso hit from your Linea Micra each morning, stick to the middle or darker end of the spectrum.
3. Keep them fresh.
Fresh beans will always be best for an espresso machine. This is the real secret, and one that can level up your coffee instantly.
When buying coffee beans in a grocery store, look for a roast date instead of a ‘best before’, as these indicate two entirely different things. The ‘roast date’ indicates how long ago the coffee was roasted, and you should use the coffee within 7 to 30 days after that date.
That’s when flavour peaks, so try to pick up your favourite coffee variety in that early window. After that, the oils dry out and the crema – that gorgeous, golden layer on top of the extracted espresso – starts to fade. Once you’ve got your beans, store them in an airtight container in a dark, cool spot (but don’t freeze them, moisture is a killer of flavour!).
4. Optional: Try a local roaster.
If you truly want the best coffee for your espresso machine, look no further than your local roaster. Not only will you have access to single-origin coffee or carefully curated blends, but you’ll also be able to purchase beans that are specifically roasted for pressure extraction, with clear batch dates.
Local roasters in Australia are some of the best in the world, so you’re spoiled for choice! Try to find one in your neighbourhood, or search online for larger coffee roasters in the broader area. Our Linea Mini and Linea Micra will both help you bring out the very best in these carefully roasted beans.
With that, you’re all set. Things can get more complex than this, but if you’ve just invested in an espresso machine and you’re seeking out the best coffee for it, these are the principles to guide your hand.
Remember to stick with medium-to-dark roast whole beans, keep them as fresh as possible, and try out your local roasters for more reliable batch dates and varieties. You’ll be making mind-blowing coffee in no time.
Make the most out of your coffee with our home espresso machines.
Whether it’s the café-quality Linea Micra or the companionship of the Linea Mini, our espresso machines are all informed by a long line of Italian espresso-making and craftsmanship.
Browse the La Marzocco range of espresso machines to find your perfect match today.
