Find Good Coffee for Espresso At Home

Any coffee can be brewed as espresso, but some make it much easier to pull a shot you'll love. Here's what to look for when you browse the coffees above.

Start with medium or medium-dark

Medium and medium-dark roasts are the most forgiving on a home machine. They extract easily and bring out the chocolate, caramel and nutty flavors most people expect in espresso and milk drinks. Lighter roasts can taste amazing as espresso, but they usually need a finer grind, a hotter shot and more dialing in.

Blend or single origin?

Espresso blends are built for balance and consistency, so they taste good shot after shot and hold up well in lattes and cappuccinos. Single origins are more distinctive, often fruitier or more floral, and better suited to straight shots once you're comfortable dialing in.

Buy fresh, whole bean

Look for a recent roast date and grind right before you pull your shot. Many roasters suggest letting espresso beans rest for several days after roasting, then using them within a few weeks, when they tend to taste their best.

Match the beans to your drink

If you mostly drink lattes and flat whites, a chocolatey, full-bodied coffee will cut through the milk. If you drink straight espresso, try something sweeter and brighter. Use the flavor filters above to narrow things down.

Want the full breakdown? Read our guide to the best beans for espresso, see our picks for the best high-end espresso machines, or learn whether dark roast really has more caffeine.

Frequently asked questions