A friend of mine asked me this question a few days ago. He wants to know the things that determine a good espresso machine. I did an article for this one a few months back. It was about what should be in good espresso machine reviews. If you want to make a good choice, take note on a few things. A well-known manufacturer should make the machine.

First and foremost, it should have quality and relevant design. Moreover, the machine should be easy to use and the heating boiler should be quick. In fact, a good espresso machine should have a double boiler system.

This features will make the brewing faster. Another thing that you should consider is the machine should be easy to clean. Furthermore, it should be durable and have replaceable parts. These are among the things that determine a good espresso machine, though, no machine is perfect. In addition, going through reviews can help you to make the right choice. In the end, you will be able to find the best one for yourself.

So, these are the basic techniques to make a good shot of espresso. 

Basic Techniques 

"Before brewing, the machine and all its parts need to be warmed up. Every part that comes into contact with the coffee should be warm: the brew head of the machine, the coffee handle and portafilter, the cup, and even the tamper ideally! (Per your machine instructions, you are usually running 2 ounces of water through the head to prime the pump and boiler, and you should prime the pump every time you turn the machine on! But at this point, the water isn't hot yet). After the machine is warm, I always run 2 ounces of water through the brew head (with the coffee handle attached) to further warm things up. The first shot is oftentimes a throwaway among purists ... its a test run to see if everything is running right, if the grind is set right for the particular coffee and "degree of roast" that you are using, and to get everything warmed up. Heat up the machine with the coffee handle in the brew head to heat it up, and run a little water through it. Thick porcelain cups (like the Sorrento and Amalfi) that are preheated, or double wall pre-heated stainless steel cups are best. You can put hot water into cups to help preheat them, but dry them out before brewing espresso into them..."