Stove-top espresso makers are a simple and affordable way to brew espresso coffee at home or on your travels.

• Fill water tank with water: Fill the water tank with water to just below the level of the pressure valve, or on some models to the line marked on the inside wall.
• Add coffee to filter basket: Fill the filter basket with fine ground (but not powdery) coffee until it is level with the top of the filter basket. Do not tamp (pack) the coffee as when it becomes wet it will want to expand.
• Put filter basket into the water tank: Carefully place the filter basket into the water tank, ensuring that no coffee grounds get on the rim or screw thread of the water tank.
• Tightly screw on upper part: Fasten the upper part to the water tank as tight as you can without using the upper part's handle for extra leverage.
• Place on a medium heat: Put the stove-top espresso maker on a medium heat source. If using gas, make sure the flames do not exceed the base of the water tank.

The brewing time should be approximately 5 minutes. If the coffee comes through quicker, try lowering the heat next time. If the coffee comes through slower, try raising the heat.

• Turn off heat: As soon as the coffee starts coming through turn off the heat source. Serve the coffee immediately.

If you prefer your coffee to be a little hotter then you can leave it in the stove-top espresso maker for longer. However do not leave it for too long or the coffee will get burnt and become bitter. You can also make your coffee hotter by preheating your coffee cup beforehand with warm water.