Espresso
A small, concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under pressure.
Espresso is brewed by pushing water at around 9 bar of pressure through a compacted bed of finely ground coffee, usually in 25–35 seconds. The result is a small, intense shot with a layer of crema on top.
It is the base for milk drinks such as flat whites, lattes and cappuccinos, as well as longer drinks like the americano.
Why it matters for small spaces
Espresso setups can be the most space-hungry, so understanding what espresso needs helps you decide whether a compact machine, a manual brewer or a moka pot suits your kitchen.