according to the present invention , water is placed in a water reservoir constructed of plastic microwave - transparent , pressure - resistant material . a funnel positioned on the upper surface of filter compartment is supported on the upper edges of the water reservoir with the spout extending downwardly into the water reservoir . a lower filter is placed into the filter compartment , and coffee grounds or other espresso particulate substance is placed on upper surface of the lower filter . an upper filter is then positioned on the upper surface of filter compartment to restrain the coffee grounds or other particular substance during brewing . a filtrate reservoir is placed over the funnel , and twisted , thereby engaging threads to join the water reservoir and the filtrate reservoir . a filtrate splash cover is attached to the upper edges of the filtrate reservoir . the assembled espresso device is placed into a microwave oven . as water in the water reservoir begins to boil , steam is generated , and boiling water is displaced upwards through the funnel and grounds , forming espresso . the filtrate splash cover provides for both venting and fluid retention during brewing . a resilient gasket , in conjunction with a plurality of vent passages , provides an additional means for pressure relief . the espresso is automatically emptied into the filtrate reservoir , which is designed to function as a drinking cup for individually - sized portions .