You can do this. Even before your first coffee.

1. Give your machine a moment

Fill the tank and warm up the machine as instructed by the manufacturer. A preheated cup helps keep your espresso warm. Follow the water recommendations in the manual.

2. One pod, neatly in place

Unwrap the pod, lay it flat in the ESE holder and close it according to the instructions. Use an undamaged pod and never force the mechanism.

3. Small cup, big pleasure

Start brewing. Follow the recommendations for your coffee and machine: as an example, illy suggests around 25 ml in 20–25 seconds for its ESE espresso. This is a starting point, not a universal setting for every pod. Use each pod once.

4. Finished? Take the pod out

Remove the used pod when safe and clean the holder according to the manual. Empty the drip tray and descale as instructed. Even an easy machine likes a little attention.

Not quite your cup of coffee?

Watery? Check the pod position and brew a smaller cup. Too bitter? Try another blend or a shorter extraction. Lukewarm? Let the machine and cup warm up properly. If problems persist, follow the manufacturer’s troubleshooting guidance.