How to Brew Espresso Like a Pro: A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide to Using the Cafelat Robot and Flair Espresso

If you’re new to espresso brewing, the world of manual espresso machines can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! Brewing espresso at home can be a highly rewarding experience, especially with manual machines like the Cafelat Robot and Flair Espresso. These machines give you full control over the brewing process, allowing you to fine-tune each shot and discover what works best for your taste.

Whether you’ve just purchased one of these machines or are considering it, this guide will walk you through the entire process, from grinding your beans to pulling your first perfect shot. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to start brewing like a professional.

Understanding the Cafelat Robot and Flair Espresso

Both the Cafelat Robot and Flair Espresso are fantastic options for beginners who want to experiment with manual espresso brewing. Let’s start by understanding what each machine offers.

1. Cafelat Robot:
   • The Cafelat Robot is a lever-driven espresso machine that operates without electricity. It’s simple, compact, and perfect for those who appreciate a hands-on brewing process. The lever press allows you to control the amount of pressure exerted on the coffee grounds, making it ideal for people who want to get deeply involved in the extraction process.
   • Best For: Coffee lovers who want to have full control over the espresso extraction without the complexity of electric machines.
2. Flair Espresso:
   • The Flair Espresso is another popular lever-driven espresso machine. Like the Cafelat Robot, it allows you to manually control the extraction process, but it’s slightly more feature-packed, with adjustable pressure and higher build quality. Flair offers several models, from basic to premium versions, to suit different skill levels.
   • Best For: Espresso enthusiasts who want precise control over their shot and are looking for more flexibility in terms of pressure control.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Before you start brewing with either the Cafelat Robot or Flair Espresso, make sure you have a clean, well-organized workspace. This will make the entire process smoother and more enjoyable.

• Clean Surface: Place the machine on a flat, stable surface, such as a kitchen counter or dedicated coffee station.
• Essential Tools: Have your coffee grinder, tamper, scale, kettle, and portafilter ready. If you’re using accessories like a WDT tool for distribution or a tamper handle for more control, make sure they’re within arm’s reach.

Step 2: Grind Your Coffee Beans

Freshly ground coffee is key to a good espresso shot. For both the Cafelat Robot and Flair Espresso, you’ll need a burr grinder to achieve consistent, uniform grounds.

• Grind Size: Espresso requires a very fine grind, similar to the texture of table salt. The grind should be fine enough to create enough resistance when you pull the lever, but not so fine that it causes over-extraction and bitterness.
• How Much Coffee: Start with 18-20 grams of coffee for a double shot. Adjust depending on your taste and the size of your portafilter.

Step 3: Prepare Your Portafilter

Now that your coffee is ground, it’s time to load the portafilter. Even distribution of coffee grounds is essential for even extraction.

1. Distribute the Coffee Grounds:
   • Use a WDT tool or your finger to evenly distribute the grounds in the portafilter basket. This helps break up any clumps and ensures that the water flows smoothly through the grounds.
   • Optional: Tap the portafilter gently to settle the grounds before tamping.
2. Tamp the Coffee:
   • Use a coffee tamper to apply a firm and even pressure to the grounds. Aim for a level tamp to avoid any uneven extraction.
   • Apply about 30 pounds of pressure for optimal compaction.

Step 4: Set Up the Espresso Machine

With your portafilter loaded and tamped, it’s time to prepare the Cafelat Robot or Flair Espresso.

1. Cafelat Robot Setup:
   • Insert the portafilter into the Cafelat Robot and lock it into place. Make sure it’s secure, so no water leaks during extraction.
   • Use the Cafelat Robot lever to control the pressure. Begin by slowly pulling the lever to start the extraction.
2. Flair Espresso Setup:
   • Place your portafilter into the Flair machine, ensuring it’s firmly locked.
   • Adjust the Flair pressure if your model allows for it, and use the lever to control the extraction.

Step 5: Pulling the Espresso Shot

Both the Cafelat Robot and Flair Espresso use manual levers to control the extraction process. While each machine has slight differences, the basic principles remain the same.

1. Start the Shot:
   • For both machines, pull the lever down slowly and steadily. The key here is consistency. The slower you pull, the more pressure you apply, which leads to a richer extraction.
2. Watch the Extraction:
   • You should see the espresso start to flow from the portafilter into your cup. The espresso should have a thick, golden-brown crema on top.
   • Aim for an extraction time of around 25-30 seconds. This is the sweet spot for most espresso shots.
   • If the shot is too fast, your grind may be too coarse. If it’s too slow, your grind may be too fine, or your tamping pressure may be too firm.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Espresso

Once your shot is pulled, take a moment to appreciate the crema and aroma of your espresso. Taste your shot and note the flavors—good espresso should have a balance of sweetness, bitterness, and acidity.

• Adjusting Your Technique: If your first shot doesn’t turn out as expected, don’t be discouraged! This process requires practice. Adjust your grind size, tamping pressure, or extraction time until you get the perfect shot.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best baristas face issues when starting out, and there are a few common problems you might encounter when brewing with manual machines like the Cafelat Robot or Flair Espresso.

1. Too Bitter:
   • Likely caused by over-extraction. Try using a coarser grind or tamping with less pressure.
2. Weak or Watery:
   • This is usually due to under-extraction. Try a finer grind or increase the tamping pressure.
3. No Crema:
   • Crema is essential for a well-pulled shot. If you’re not seeing crema, try using fresher coffee beans and ensure your grind size is correct.
4. Inconsistent Extraction:
   • Uneven tamping or uneven distribution of coffee grounds can cause this. Use a WDT tool and make sure your tamping pressure is consistent.

Recommended Accessories for Your Espresso Journey

To enhance your experience with either the Cafelat Robot or Flair Espresso, consider investing in the following accessories:

1. WDT Tool: Helps with even distribution of coffee grounds in the portafilter basket.
   • Planetary Gear Spirograph WDT Tool
2. Tamper: A well-designed tamper ensures consistent pressure when tamping your grounds.
   • Cafelat Robot Tamper Handle
3. Pressure Gauge: Helps you monitor and adjust the pressure during extraction for the best results.
   • Flair Espresso Pressure Gauge
4. Portafilter Handle: A comfortable, ergonomic handle makes pulling shots easier and more enjoyable.
   • Cafelat Robot Portafilter Handle

Conclusion

Brewing espresso with a manual machine like the Cafelat Robot or Flair Espresso is an art that takes time and patience to master. But with practice, you’ll soon be pulling shots that rival those from your favorite coffee shop. Remember, the key to great espresso is consistency, so keep experimenting with your grind, tamp, and extraction techniques to find your perfect shot.

For more tips and equipment, check out our full collection of espresso accessories here.