Getting the most from your espresso machine is not as simple as buying the best or most expensive espresso beans there is and hoping that your espresso will taste amazing simply because your machine cost more than your neighbours machine.

No, you need to follow a few basic rules, a few little minor details that are very important in getting the most from your espresso machine. Carry on reading for a few tips:

1. When you go to the store to buy your beans, and you should be buying beans and not grounds then why don't you take a look at the date on the pack. You should be aiming to buy the freshest beans there are. So compare the packs on the shelf and buy the newest ones available.

2. However, you can buy even fresher beans by buying them in from a specialist in your area. Perhaps a specialist that roasts all their beans on the day you buy them. There really is no better way to ensure better quality than this! If you want to take things to the ultimate level then why not consider roasting your own beans. You can buy machines that can do this in the home. Remember that beans only begin to lose their freshness after they've been roasted.

3. Once you take them out of the bag, why not keep them in a sealed plastic container instead of the bag. This will keep them fresher for far longer. Never freeze your beans also, it is a myth that this will keep them fresher, this will damage the quality of your espresso in a big way.

4. You should also be aiming to grind your own beans. Beans lose their freshness very quickly once they have been ground. This is due to the increased surface area on grounds over beans. Ideally, once they are ground they should be straight in the espresso machine. This is why I never recommend buying espresso grounds as there is no way they can be fresh when you come to using them. Purchase a good burr grinder to do your grinding. This will be a worthwhile investment and a good burr grinder will retain its resale value too.

5. If you really want a high quality espresso machine without compromising, then I suggest you go for a fully manual machine, they really are capable of creating superior espresso to automatic or semi-automatic machines.

6. Remember that your espresso will cool down very quickly once it hits your cold cup, this will impair the taste. If your espresso machine doesn't have a cup warmer built in, then why not boil some water and pour some in your cup to heat it up. Then tip out the water seconds before making your espresso.

Getting the most out of the best Italian espresso machines and grinders is about taking account of the finer details. It's not all about buying the most expensive machine and expecting the best results as i hope i've demonstrated!