Ever feel overwhelmed trying to pick the right commercial espresso machine for your café? I’ve got two friends who own coffee shops. One runs a cozy, slower-paced spot with a loyal morning crowd, and the other? He’s pulling shots non-stop from open to close. We sat down over coffee (naturally), and they both shared what…
Ever wonder why your espresso shots suddenly start tasting off? Even when the beans are fresh? I don’t own a coffee shop myself (as I’ve mentioned over on Coffee Voilà), but I’ve got a handful of close friends who do. Over countless late-night chats and behind-the-bar hangs, they’ve generously shared their real-world cleaning routines. The…
Ever feel like your coffee betrays you instead of boosting you? I’ve been a coffee lover for as long as I can remember. But man caffeine has given me a rough ride sometimes. There were nights I’d toss and turn in bed, staring at the ceiling like it owed me answers, all because I had…
Ever looked at your espresso machine and thought, “What are all these parts actually doing? Yeah same here. When I first got my Barista Express, I was pumped to pull my own shots at home. But once I unboxed it and took a look at everything: the portafilter, the basket, the group head. I realized…
If you’re getting into home brewing, chances are you’ve asked yourself this: Do I really need an espresso machine, or can my pour-over setup do the job? It’s a question I hear all the time, especially from coffee lovers who already have a V60, Chemex, or French press. After all, if you’re happy with your…
Have you ever tried espresso with chocolate and orange? One of my all-time favorite flavor combos has to be dark chocolate and orange. There’s something about that bittersweet richness mixed with bright citrus that just works. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve bought a bar, telling myself I’d just have one piece. Only…
Ever feel like your espresso shots have a mind of their own? When I first got my Barista Express, I was convinced I had everything I needed to pull perfect shots. But let me tell you: my espresso was all over the place. Some shots were too fast, others painfully slow, and a few tasted…
Is there a better milk coffee than a cappuccino? I always thought cappuccino was the king of milk-based coffee. For years, it was my favorite. But one day, a barista friend of mine, who happens to be an expert in French coffee drinks, introduced me to something new. He handed me a cup and said,…
Do you really need an espresso tamper mat? Here’s why… When I first started making espresso at home, I thought all I needed was a decent machine, a tamper, and some good beans. I didn’t even think about a tamper mat. In fact, it was the last thing I bought. I figured, why spend extra…
Can you really make a regular coffee with a Nespresso Machine? Though I can brew a solid cup of regular coffee with my OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker, I’ve lost count of how many times my friends have asked me the same question—“Can I make regular coffee with my Nespresso machine?” I guess that’s what…