Adjusting Coffee Strength in an Espresso Machine

The Complete Guide to Brewing the Perfect Espresso

Coffee comes in many varieties, each developing its own distinct flavor profile depending on the brewing method, extraction level, and coffee strength settings. Among these, espresso stands out as a concentrated, aromatic, and energizing beverage that enjoys widespread popularity around the world. It has become one of the most frequently consumed coffee styles globally.
One of the key reasons for espresso’s popularity is its quick preparation time and the ability to precisely adjust its strength according to individual preference. This beverage is brewed in a short amount of time with carefully controlled concentration, delivering a noticeable boost in energy and focus. Today, the most common way to prepare espresso is by using an espresso machine. In this article, we provide a comprehensive and practical guide to adjusting coffee strength in an espresso machine.

What Is Espresso?

Espresso is actually a type of strong coffee, and its history and origin trace back to Italy. Espresso was created at a time when coffee consumption had reached its peak, but many people did not have enough time to wait for regular coffee to brew. As a result, espresso, prepared using a quick brewing method, replaced traditional coffee. Espresso should not be considered a type of coffee bean; rather, it is a method of preparing coffee. In this method, near-boiling water is forced under high pressure through finely ground coffee to make espresso.

Espresso is a concentrated, aromatic beverage with a rich and distinctive flavor profile. It also serves as the foundation for many popular coffee drinks, including cappuccino, Americano, latte, and macchiato.
Due to its concentrated nature, espresso contains a significantly higher caffeine content compared to most other brewed coffee methods. This elevated caffeine concentration is precisely why espresso is typically served in small-volume portions. Despite its compact size, it delivers a powerful and stimulating effect.
Based on measured data, a 60-milliliter serving of espresso contains approximately 80 to 150 milligrams of caffeine. In comparison to regular brewed coffee of the same volume, this amount is roughly double, underscoring espresso’s intensity both in flavor and physiological impact.

As mentioned earlier, coffee varieties can be categorized based on their brewing methods. Turkish coffee is one such type, prepared using what is commonly known as the Middle Eastern brewing method. To make Turkish coffee, the beans must be ground to an extremely fine consistency. It is traditionally brewed using a special pot called a cezve (also known as an ibrik).
Espresso, likewise, is defined by its preparation method rather than the type of bean used. It also requires finely ground coffee; however, unlike Turkish coffee, it is made by forcing near-boiling water under high pressure through the compacted coffee grounds. This pressurized extraction process results in a concentrated shot with a bold flavor and rich body.