What Is a Manual Espresso Machine

la pavoni lever operated 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.

Semi Automatic Espresso Machines

Faema E61 Legend semi-automatic espresso machine

One of the most sold types of espresso machines is the semiautomatic espresso machine. This is the perfect choice for espresso enthusiasts who aim to learn and experiment with coffee – it allows them to play with different recipes to create their favorite popular espresso drinks. There is also the inexpensive semiautomatic, which is the … Read more

What Is Espresso Channeling and How to Avoid it?

pulling espresso shot with naked portafilter

You just pulled your espresso and the taste is not quite right. The shot is “missing flavors“, doesn’t have body, and you some sourness and bitterness that shouldn’t be there? This is likely because of the channeling.  Channeling happens more often than you think, when brewing espresso. Most of the time the shot is passable, … Read more

DeLonghi Esam-3300 Magnifica Review

delonghi magnifica esam 3300 review

The DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 is a super-automatic espresso machine, that is affordable, reliable, and easy to work with. Any DeLonghi Magnifica will turn you into a home barista without the skills and knowledge you need if you buy a semiautomatic. This Delonghi Magnifica might not have the bells and whistles of the more expensive machines, … Read more

How to Tamp Espresso – The Perfect Espresso Tamping

barista tamping espresso in portafilter

Espresso is one of those drinks that people love to hate. If done properly, it’s a delicious treat; if done badly, it’s bitter, burnt, and tastes awful. There are many factors involved in pulling a great espresso shot, including grind size, temperature, quality of the espresso machine, and many other. In this article we are … Read more

What Is So Great about Espresso?

espresso shot on espresso machine

You probably tried an espresso shot and wasn’t impressed. Or maybe you heard your coffee snob friend passionately talking about his latest triple ristretto that he pulled. He would rank that as a “God Shot”. Now you are thinking “What Is So great about Espresso?” If you tasted it and didn’t like it, it’s a … Read more

How to Make Espresso With an Espresso Machine – A Definitive Guide

Freshly brewed espresso shot

Everyone loves espresso coffee. No matter what we do to make our cup of joe at home, nothing seems to compare to a beautiful, strong, crema-topped espresso, which we get in our favorite coffee shop. But wouldn’t it be lovely to be able to recreate this at home?  The process for how to make espresso … Read more