<p>Some people add the fifth M, referring to "Maintenance" (keeping equipment clean, espresso machine descaled, having burrs in the grinder regularly replaced etc.)</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-10-30T00:10:11.993Z
Mostly, I count the (quality & blend of) beans and the roast as separate. But never thought of this. Nice point.
MTSan
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-10-29T18:14:08.507Z
2016-10-29T18:14:08.507Z
Travelling Particle
<p><strong>4M</strong> is a term mainly used among Italians for espresso. It is a placeholder for four words that start with "M" in Italian that affects espresso preparation. <a href="http://www.brewed-coffee.com/coffee/the-4ms-of-espresso/">Some information can be found here</a>.</p>

<p>These M's are:</p>

<ul>
<li><strong>Miscela</strong>: The coffee-blend; it covers the selection and blending of the beans as well as proper roasting.</li>
<li><strong>Macinazione</strong>: The grinder; proper grinding of the given blend and its usage when its still fresh.</li>
<li><strong>Macchina</strong>: The espresso-machine; usage of the given grounds with a proper espresso-machine.</li>
<li><strong>Mano</strong>: Skill of the barista; usage of all above with skill.</li>
</ul>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-10-22T08:39:05.080Z
2016-10-22T08:39:05.080Z
MTSan
<p>"4M" is something that I have been heard of as a requirement set for tasty espresso.</p>

<p>What are these four important quality factors that affect the flavor of final espresso cup?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-10-22T13:02:24.583Z
Working on the knowledge base of the site and getting a generic answer out? Well done!
Stephie
<espresso><flavor><espresso-machine><grinder><barista>
What are the 4M's of espresso?
MTSan
# What are the 4M's of espresso?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-10-22)

"4M" is something that I have been heard of as a requirement set for tasty espresso.

What are these four important quality factors that affect the flavor of final espresso cup?

**Tags:** espresso, flavor, espresso-machine, grinder, barista

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Working on the knowledge base of the site and getting a generic answer out? Well done!  

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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_0 on 2016-10-22. Score: 12

**4M** is a term mainly used among Italians for espresso. It is a placeholder for four words that start with "M" in Italian that affects espresso preparation. [Some information can be found here](http://www.brewed-coffee.com/coffee/the-4ms-of-espresso/).

These M's are:

* **Miscela**: The coffee-blend; it covers the selection and blending of the beans as well as proper roasting.
* **Macinazione**: The grinder; proper grinding of the given blend and its usage when its still fresh.
* **Macchina**: The espresso-machine; usage of the given grounds with a proper espresso-machine.
* **Mano**: Skill of the barista; usage of all above with skill.


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### Answer by username_2 on 2016-10-29. Score: 3

Some people add the fifth M, referring to "Maintenance" (keeping equipment clean, espresso machine descaled, having burrs in the grinder regularly replaced etc.)

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Mostly, I count the (quality & blend of) beans and the roast as separate. But never thought of this. Nice point.  

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