Fill water resevoir with cold water - if you have a standard espresso grind tamp as hard as you can with the back of a spoon (firm) - screw tight
I heat over a low gas flame and watch carefully - once the brew has run for about 10-15 seconds, I take it off the flame and let the residual heat drive the percolation - I find that it keeps it more crema-like
Stovetop method for me
Fill water resevoir with cold water - if you have a standard espresso grind tamp as hard as you can with the back of a spoon (firm) - screw tight
I heat over a low gas flame and watch carefully - once the brew has run for about 10-15 seconds, I take it off the flame and let the residual heat drive the percolation - I find that it keeps it more crema-like