This website is all about espresso. We have a lot of tutorials, technical writings, how to, and product reviews. Are you looking for information on brewed espresso, or how to brew espresso? They are two different things, check the two articles if you want to learn more.
If you have a coffee question, ask our AI Barista. I bet you will be impressed with its knowledge. I challenge you to challenge it. Coffee questions only, though.
ESPRESSO MACHINE BUYING GUIDE
There is a lot of thought that goes into buying an espresso machine. Home espresso brewing can be as simple as buying a capsule based espresso machine, or at the other extreme, the lever operated manual espresso maker. It all depends on what you want.
There is nothing worse than buying an espresso machine and realizing that the budget was too low, and we need to purchase another machine.
Yes, as a beginner, you should aim to minimize your costs, and start with an inexpensive espresso maker.
At the same time, spending money on features that we don’t need is just a waste of money. Learn in this article how to choose an espresso machine for your needs.
Learn How to Make Espresso
You can learn to make espresso and espresso drinks, and skip the line at the local coffee shop. Get the amazing flavor of an espresso by brewing it at home, and you probably pull better espresso shots than the barista made ones..
Save time and money, Learn how to brew espresso at home, and save time and money. Once you have the skills, you can start making espresso drinks, an they will be better than the ones at the coffee shop. We have tutorials for Lungo, Ristretto, or Americano, which are variants of the neat espresso. But we also have recipes for steamed milk espresso drinks, such as latte, cappuccino, flat white, cortado, or mocha. For cheap espresso alternatives, check our page on brewed espresso.
WHAT IS ESPRESSO
In a very few words, espresso is a coffee beverage, and a brewing method.
Many people think of it as a strong and concentrated coffee. While espresso is that, it is so much more than just that. The brewing method involves using a powerful pump, which changes everything about it. No, espresso is not a type of coffee bean, and is not a roast. For a comprehensive explanation, check our article: What Is Espresso?.
MORE RESOURCES
An introduction on the espresso machine design, and how various features can help you make better espresso at home. You can also look at this guide on “How Espresso Machines Work“. It will help you know your machine better.
We put together a list with some of our favorite espresso machines, but it’s just a starting point for you.
We also have some great recommendations for demitasses, and some for cappuccino cups, and even for latte cups.
What Is Milk Texturing – An Introduction to Texturing Milk for Coffee Drinks
Milk texturing is crucial in creating coffee beverages like cappuccinos and lattes. First appearing in the late 19th century, milk texturing gained greater popularity later, with latte art. Milk texturing alters the coffee’s mouthfeel, flavor, and visual appeal through techniques like steaming for a velvety texture or frothing for a lighter feel. This article delves into the history, roles, and science of milk texturing, and its role in the coffee industry.
Read More What Is Milk Texturing – An Introduction to Texturing Milk for Coffee Drinks
What Is a Manual Espresso Machine
Manual espresso machines, often underrated, offer benefits like portability and control over the brewing process. The lever-operated machines, the precursor to semi-automatics, require skill but provide control over pressure. Portable manual machines, like hand pump espresso makers, cater to on-the-go enthusiasts. Hobbyist machines, like lever-operated ones, demand dedication but deliver exceptional shots.
Gaggia Babila Review – Super Automatic Espresso Machine
I’ve spent a ton of time behind the counter at coffee shops, slinging espressos and getting that perfect foam on lattes. It’s pretty cool, but let’s be real—not…
Read More Gaggia Babila Review – Super Automatic Espresso Machine
Jura X8 Review
As someone who’s spent years behind the counter of coffee shops, I’ve had my hands on all kinds of espresso machines. While I have a soft spot for…
What is a Super-Automatic Espresso Machine? Buying Guide
Super-automatic espresso machines provide coffee lovers convenience, consistency, and customizability with the push of a button. They automate the entire process from grinding to extraction and often milk frothing. Features like integrated grinders, precise temperature control, and programmable settings make them popular for home and commercial use. Yet, they may offer less control over brewing for coffee aficionados, have a higher cost, and require meticulous maintenance. Ultimately, the choice between super-automatic and other espresso machines depends on individual needs for convenience, control, and budget considerations.
Read More What is a Super-Automatic Espresso Machine? Buying Guide
Brewed Espresso – What Is It and How Can You Make it at Home?
Espresso… is synonymous with the pinnacle of coffee brewing, and holds a unique place in the world of coffee. Often misunderstood as a concept, and confused, espresso is…
Read More Brewed Espresso – What Is It and How Can You Make it at Home?
Oily Coffee Beans – Are They Good Or Bad?
I’ve heard different opinions on oily coffee beans throughout my love affair with coffee. Some people love their beans to look oily, some never buy beans that have…
Mantis Espresso WDT Tool Review
As an espresso geek, I’m always on the lookout for ways to make the perfect cup of coffee. The WDT tools I owned were okay, but I never…
Bottomless Portafilter – Why Do You Need One and Where To Buy It?
The pursuit of the perfect espresso shot is a non stop race. Professionals and enthusiasts alike try to improve the extraction down to the finest details. No wonder…
Read More Bottomless Portafilter – Why Do You Need One and Where To Buy It?
Decoding Espresso Roasts: Finding the Perfect Match
Making espresso is half science half art. You use science to guide your extraction, and use intuition to improvise, and create unique experiences, beyond the rigor of science.…
Read More Decoding Espresso Roasts: Finding the Perfect Match
Lavazza Dek Decaffeinato: A Complex and Affordable Decaffeinated Coffee Blend
Lavazza Dek Decaffeinato is one of the best decaffeinated coffee blends for those who look for a flavorful decaf option for their espresso shot. As a big roaster,…
Read More Lavazza Dek Decaffeinato: A Complex and Affordable Decaffeinated Coffee Blend
What Is Single Origin Coffee and Why Is It Better?
You may have heard the term “single origin” being used by your favorite barista while they’re whipping up your creamy cappuccino, and you might not have paid much…
Read More What Is Single Origin Coffee and Why Is It Better?
The Best WDT Tool on the Market
If you are looking to improve your espresso shot and get consistent results every time, you need a WDT tool. It’s not even a debate, there is concrete…
The Best Coffee Canisters for Coffee Storage
Storing coffee properly is one of the best things you can do to improve the taste of your espresso, or coffee. There is nothing worse than a flat…
How To Store Coffee Beans for Great Espresso Shots
Storing coffee is probably one of the least understood topics. Yet coffee storing is equally important, especially when we buy the stuff in 2 pounds bags. If roasting,…
Read More How To Store Coffee Beans for Great Espresso Shots
Espresso-Based Beverages – Affogato
Affogato is an Italian dessert prepared by pouring a shot of freshly brewed hot espresso over a scoop of vanilla gelato (ice cream). The result is a delicious,…
What Is Cold Brew Espresso? Is It Really Espresso?
Cold brew espresso is a method of brewing coffee that uses cold water to steep coffee grounds for an extended period of time. Coffee prepared this way is…
Read More What Is Cold Brew Espresso? Is It Really Espresso?
Weiss Distribution Technique: Improving Espresso Extraction
The Weiss Distribution Technique is one of the ways we can improve an espresso shot, beyond the run-of-the-mill shot. The technique uses one or more needles to stir…
Read More Weiss Distribution Technique: Improving Espresso Extraction
The Best Home Cappuccino Maker – How to Choose a Cappuccino Machine
Learn how to choose your home cappuccino maker. We review the best home cappuccino machines, De’Longhi, Mr. Coffee, Nespresso and Breville from all price ranges. I enjoy from…
Read More The Best Home Cappuccino Maker – How to Choose a Cappuccino Machine
Best Home Espresso Grinder – Rancilio Rocky Vs Baratza Vario Vs Eureka Mignon
Best Home Coffee Grinders Compared Choosing a home espresso grinder for your daily espresso coffee brewing needs is not that complicated. If your budget is flexible, and you are…
Read More Best Home Espresso Grinder – Rancilio Rocky Vs Baratza Vario Vs Eureka Mignon
How Espresso Machines Work
Espresso machines are a popular choice among coffee lovers due to their ability to produce rich, flavorful coffee in less than a minute. But how exactly do these…
Note, that we might mention other brewing methods such as drip coffee, moka pot, cold brew, or AeroPress, but as a comparison term only, and our focus remains espresso, the best of all coffee preparation methods.