How to Use a Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker

Espresso, a popular beverage in coffeehouses and restaurants, can be expensive to buy prepared if you drink it regularly. Manual espresso makers can be tricky, but electric versions like The Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker make it easy to prepare fresh espresso at home. The Mr. Coffee also has a steamer function for milk to turn shots of espresso into cappuccinos, just like in a real barista.

• 1

  Grind coffee beans just before making espresso, if possible. Spoon the desired amount of beans into the grinder and process until they become a fine ground with the texture of table salt.

• 2

  Fill the glass carafe to the line corresponding to the number of 2-ounce servings you're making. Use cold water only. Make sure the unit is switched off.

• 3

  Pour the water into the machine's reservoir: The reservoir is located under the cap at the top of the unit. Unscrew the cap and remove it, add measured water, and then replace the cap securely.

• 4

  Add coffee grounds to the brew basket. Put a filter in the basket, and spoon in coffee to the desired serving mark. Wipe the rim of the basket clean and gently press the coffee grounds flat before positioning it beneath the brew head.

• 5

  Push back the clip under the brew head and slide the brew basket into the notch, with the handle to the left. Turn to the right slowly, until it clicks in place.

• 6

  Cover the glass carafe and place it on the drip tray under the brew head. Turn on the unit. Espresso will drip into the carafe within a few minutes. Turn the unit off when it reaches the servings mark.

• 7

  Fill the steel pitcher that came with the unit with cold milk, if making a cappuccino. Hold the pitcher under the frothing tube so that the tip is in the milk. Turn the control to the "steam" symbol and move the pitcher gently as the steam bubbles into the milk for 30 seconds to one minute. The milk should double in volume.

• 8

  Pour the steamed milk and froth into a cup holding a serving of hot espresso, or simply drink the espresso plain.