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For Xmas I've been given a stove espresso maker to use on my log burner.
I'm not normally an espresso drinker, I know that the beans are ground to almost powder but could I grind my usual beans right down and use them in it or should it be used just for espresso beans?
Any tips on using them muchly appreciated
cheers
You can use any ground coffee, either grind your own beans or just use ground coffee from the supermarket that you would use in a filter machine or cafetiere. I use one of these whenever I'm camping
Usual coffee ground fine enough would be good, although don't go too fine, those makers don't have the pressure of an espresso machine. My other tips would be:
If possible pre-boil/heat water before it goes into the espresso maker. This can tricky though as it's metal and transfers heat. I use a tea towel to screw the base on
Don't leave maker on stove to die a spluttering death, remove before this stage, ie before the last dregs of water come through. I've found the last dregs can taste quite bitter and burnt
Watch you don't cover the blow off valve when you fill the base with water. Sometimes the valve is needed, eg if you put too fine a grind in
Best tip is to experiment!