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Category: Espresso

ECM Synchronika
EspressoGear
June 3, 2022 Post a Comment

ECM Synchronika – German Built By Italian Heritage

Over my time as a home barista... there are a handful of machines that get brought up in nearly every espresso conversation, and one of them is the ECM Synchronika. This makes sense because on paper it's a needle in a haystack. It comes with dual boilers, PID for consistent temperature control, the legendary (but divisive)...

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Gaggia Classic Pro
EspressoGear
April 15, 2022 Post a Comment

Gaggia Classic Pro – Small But Mighty Home Espresso

Getting into home espresso... can be an intimidating experience. There are thousands of options that range in everything from price to performance. Going online in search of answers can can only make the choice harder. Scrolling through forums and blog posts can give you an even mix of horror stories and happy endings, but there is...

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Espresso Distribution
EducationEspresso
April 8, 2022 Post a Comment

Espresso Anatomy – Which Distribution Tool Is Most Effective?

When it comes to espresso... there is one variable that I think is undeniable in its importance, and that is an even distribution. Having a puck of coffee grinds that is not only uniform in depth but also in density ensures that when the water pressure is applied the flow rate is equal as it travels...

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El Rocio Zarre V2
EspressoNew Products
April 1, 2022 Post a Comment

El Rocio Zarre V2 – Two Pump Chump Or Champ?

If you've never heard of... the El Rocio Zarre V2 you wouldn't be alone, its a brand and machine I've only recently been seeing over the past couple months. The main reason for this is El Rocio is a Korean made machine and up until their partnership with Prima Coffee Equipment wasn't available for the US...

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Espresso Tools
EducationEspresso
March 11, 2022 Post a Comment

Top Three – Must Have Espresso Tools (2022)

If this title looks familiar... its not just your imagination, its not deja vu, I did a video of the exact same title almost exactly three years ago.  In that time not only has my espresso game evolved, but so has the whole industry along with most of baristas (home and cafe) use on a daily...

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Tamping
EducationEspresso
March 4, 2022 Post a Comment

Espresso Anatomy – Does Tamping Matter?

In the world of espresso... there are very few things that the majority of baristas agree is a necessity, but one of those things I thought we could was tamping, or at the very least adding pressure to your grinds in one way or another. But after a short video of mine exploring one of the...

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Water For Espresso
EducationEspresso
January 21, 2022 Post a Comment

Coffee Science – The Best Water For Espresso

I'm sure you have heard... how important water quality can be to your coffee, and unless you're new here you've most likely you've heard it at least a few times from me. Now its something that I understood on a very surface level. For example, too many minerals can create a bitter cup, and too few...

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Linea Mini Ownership
EspressoGear
January 7, 2022 1 Comment

La Marzocco – The Truth About Linea Mini Ownership

On a cold January day in 2017... much like this one, I brought home my brand new La Marzocco Linea Mini. This was almost exactly five years ago, and at the time I was just a new coffee enthusiast looking to learn the craft, but little did I know that it would take me where I...

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PorcuPress
EspressoNew Products
December 31, 2021 Post a Comment

PorcuPress – The Most Dangerous Espresso Tool

I've said it before... and I'm going to say it again; espresso is a finicky beast.  Anyone who's made it, even just once, has experienced how many variables are in play. Even though getting a tasty shot is based almost entirely on personal preferences, there are still some golden rules to process, and one of them...

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Americano
EspressoOpinion
December 3, 2021 Post a Comment

Coffee Opinion – The Americano Must Be Stopped

Espresso drinks aren't all that complicated... and even though there is so many you could fill a small book with them, they are made up of two ingredients, espresso and milk or water. In this case I'm talking about the latter, more specifically the Americano, and by association the long black. Now, these two have very...

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Latte Art Tips
EspressoTutorial
November 19, 2021 Post a Comment

Top Three – Latte Art Tips To Improve Instantly

Latte art was my first love... when it came to getting into coffee. There's something so appealing and calming to the process, but it is indeed a process. Learning how to consistently steam silky, wet paint-like textured milk was the first step, and that took me years to master. From there a barista's work isn't over....

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BoB Espresso Basket
EspressoNew Products
November 12, 2021 Post a Comment

BoB Espresso Basket – Can This Cheap Upgrade Make Sweeter Shots?

I think it's pretty clear... that there is no shortage of accessories on the espresso aftermarket. Each one claiming better taste here and more extraction there, and I've tried my fair share of these accessories and shared my tests and thoughts. It should be no surprise that not all of them can be winners, but that...

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staccato
EducationEspresso
October 22, 2021 Post a Comment

Espresso Anatomy – The Staccato Shot

Just when you thought espresso... can’t get any more intricate and labor intensive something else crawls out of the depths of coffee forums, so today let’s talk about the staccato shot. The word staccato translates from Italian to English as "detached". Which in this case means each grind size are detached, or in other words separated...

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Turbo Shot
EducationEspresso
September 10, 2021 Post a Comment

Espresso Anatomy – The Turbo Shot

As you may already know... espresso comes in many different shapes and sizes. Its an ever-changing, ever-evolving beverage, and now things that were once considered mistakes have become something we aim for. In the not so distant past a fifteen second shot of espresso would go right down the drain, but today we call it the...

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Planning A Home Espresso Bar
EducationEspresso
August 27, 2021 Post a Comment

Top Three – Mistakes In Planning A Home Espresso Bar

Are you ready to take the plunge... into the world of espresso at home? Well, incase you haven't noticed I've done that myself, and I get a lot of questions from folks looking to do that exact same thing. I personally made some mistakes myself, and since then I've talked many friends and viewers through the...

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Allonge Espresso
EducationEspresso
August 13, 2021 Post a Comment

Espresso Anatomy – Scott Rao’s Allongé Shot

Thinking about espresso... is what I do with a good amount of my time, and if you're reading this its fair to say it may be something you spend time doing as well. There is a wide array of espresso options out there, and in my espresso anatomy series I've covered a lot of them. The...

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precision basket
EducationEspresso
July 23, 2021 Post a Comment

Espresso Anatomy – Do Precision Baskets Matter?

When it comes to espresso... experimentation is half of the fun, at least to me it is, and since you're here reading about some seriously nerdy coffee stuff you likely feel the same way. So in the spirit of experimentation and my own personal curiosity I decided to test something I've been wondering about for awhile....

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The Xbar
EspressoNew Products
June 18, 2021 Post a Comment

The Xbar – Is It A Home Espresso Unicorn?

Home espresso machines... are a growing market, and one of the newest additions is the chic and modern looking Kickstarter funded Xbar. As of this writing its campaign has been funded nearly twenty times over, and still has about a week left to pick up some early bird deals. Like most, if not all, espresso machines...

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Espresso Rules
EducationEspresso
June 11, 2021 Post a Comment

Top Three – Espresso Rules You Should Be Breaking

The internet is full of... articles, blog posts and videos talking about all the espresso rules you should follow for the best possible shots, but I'm here to tell you; the rules were made to be broken.  In the world of espresso, and all of specialty coffee for that matter, there are very few rules that...

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Puck Screens
EspressoGear
June 4, 2021 1 Comment

Espresso Anatomy – Do Puck Screens Work?

As if there weren't... enough tools and accessories out there for pulling shots, it's time to look at yet another advertised as your fast pass to better extractions; the Bplus espresso puck screens. Of course, many of us espresso nerds have heard all of this before, many times over. So I'm sure you could understand my...

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Shower Screens
EducationEspresso
May 7, 2021 1 Comment

Espresso Anatomy – Do Shower Screens Matter?

Now well into the... fourth year of this humble coffee blog we're really starting to dig into the minutia of brewing, and in terms of espresso talking about shower screens is really getting into the weeds. Otherwise known as dispersion screens, these little discs of metal and mesh play a surprisingly vital role in the espresso...

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ASMR
EspressoVlog
April 23, 2021 1 Comment

ASMR – An Espresso From Roast To Cup

If there is one thing... I look forward to every day, its a quiet morning coffee and today I'm sharing that experience with you. There's clearly a group of folks out there who love these kinds of videos, and you may be asking what kind of video. Well, this is my first, and very possibly final,...

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double shot
EducationEspresso
March 12, 2021 1 Comment

Espresso Anatomy – The Double Shot

When it comes to espresso... and my series of videos taking deep dives into the many forms of this beloved beverage, I feel like one very important option is missing. Whether you call it the double, the normale, or embrace your inner Italian and call it a doppio, it's time I dive into the most common...

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The Dead Shot
EducationEspresso
February 12, 2021 Post a Comment

Coffee Opinion – The Dead Shot Must Be Stopped

If you've worked in a cafe... you've likely heard the term "dying" or "dead shot" in reference to a pull of espresso that sits on the bar for a certain period of time. It's rumored that this trend came from Starbucks training, who gives a shot only 10 seconds after its completion before it's considered dead. Other...

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Flat White
EducationEspresso
January 15, 2021 1 Comment

Espresso Anatomy – The Flat White

If you're a coffee lover... you're also likely a lover of arguing the semantics and definitions of certain coffee drinks. One of those hotly debated espresso based beverages is the globally popular flat white. Some claim it is all about the addition of the legendary ristretto shot of espresso. Others say it is just a basic...

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Duomo The Eight
EspressoGear
December 11, 2020 Post a Comment

Duomo The Eight – Distribution On Pins & Needles

I promise you... this will be the last distribution tool review I'll do for awhile. It just seems like when it rains it pours, and recently a Duomo The Eight poured into my possession thanks to a lovely local espresso lover named Josh who was willing to part with it while I made a review. At...

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layers of espresso
EducationEspresso
November 27, 2020 Post a Comment

Espresso Anatomy – The Three Layers of Espresso

Many of us enjoy... a nice shot or two of espresso on a daily basis, and spend a lot of our time and hard earned money trying to get the good shots. Yet, how many us can name and break down each of the three layers of espresso?  We all already know a shot is pulled...

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Cafelat Robot
EspressoGear
November 20, 2020 1 Comment

Cafelat Robot – Handmade & Hand Pressed

In a world... and industry that is increasingly becoming more and more automated, the market for hand-pressed espresso machines is still only growing in popularity. In that market the Cafelat Robot is one of the premium players, and having paid nearly $500 for it also costs a premium. It's unique vintage 1950's sci-fi movie robot styling...

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Nanofoamer
EspressoNew Products
November 6, 2020 Post a Comment

Nanofoamer – Microfoam Bliss Or Latte Art Miss

I've said it before... and I'll say it again, consistently steaming glossy, smooth, microfoam is one of the hardest parts about being a barista. Even I have my off steams, but now there is a new product that claims to help you get that treasured latte art capable foam and it fits in the palm of...

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The God Shot
EspressoOpinion
October 30, 2020 Post a Comment

Coffee Opinion – The God Shot Must Be Stopped

If you haven't noticed... specialty coffee culture has a dump-truck sized notebook full of colorful lingo, and one of the most popular terms you'll likely hear is the "god shot". This blanket term is used to describe a shot of espresso so perfect, and so delicious that is it is basically an enlightening experience. The term...

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Dialing In A Light Roast
EducationEspresso
September 25, 2020 Post a Comment

Five Tips – For Dialing In A Light Roast

With the ever growing popularity... around the world of specialty and third wave coffee, light roasts are becoming more and more common in cafes and kitchens. With lighter roasts  come not only more unique flavors that can really showcase the coffee's origin and the roaster's skill, but they can also be somewhat tricky to brew well. Not...

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Joepresso
EspressoNew Products
September 11, 2020 1 Comment

The Joepresso – True Espresso From The Aeropress?

Making a passable espresso on the Aeropress... is one of those horizons many have attempted, but no one has yet to really nail it. Even coffee industry heavy hitters, Fellow Products, took a swing at it with their Prismo attachment.  Now, fast forward to today and the Joepresso is newest contender to enter into that arena...

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Macchiato
EducationEspresso
August 28, 2020 Post a Comment

Espresso Anatomy – The Macchiato

Long before the days of caramel and whip... the macchiato was a mainstay on espresso bars around the world, and in most cases it still is.  Yet like many drinks in the world of specialty coffee there are multiple ways to make it, and of course some debate. This small but mighty espresso based drink not only carries...

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Lungo Espresso
EducationEspresso
July 24, 2020 Post a Comment

Espresso Anatomy – The Lungo Shot

When it comes to espresso... there is one brew type that tends to be forgotten.  The lungo espresso garners very little interest over the standard shot, and the notorious ristretto. Personally I rarely if ever see it on a menu, and when I asked about them on an Instagram poll many people mentioned having never had...

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Starbucks Undertow
EducationEspresso
July 3, 2020 Post a Comment

Coffee Recipes – The Starbucks Undertow

There are few words... that strike as much anger, post traumatic stress, and caffeinated rants in specialty coffee circles as Starbucks.  It brings up a lot of feelings. For some its memories of our first barista job while being berated by angry Karens. For others it's the frustration of explaining to someone that a macchiato is actually...

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Cold Press Espresso
EducationEspresso
June 19, 2020 Post a Comment

Cold Press Espresso – Brewing The Contradiction

Cold press espresso... sounds nice in theory. As the weather warms up the idea of an iced drink for espresso lovers sounds pretty amazing.  I've heard whispers about a thing called cold press espresso, and it sounds like the perfect option.  But is it really possible? The answer to that is actually a bit more complicated...

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Single Shot Espresso
EducationEspresso
June 12, 2020 Post a Comment

Espresso Anatomy – The Single Shot

The single shot of espresso is one of the rarest... if not the rarest espresso drink in all of modern coffee and cafe culture.  Ever since I began learning about and working in the specialty coffee industry (which is a paltry five years) a single shot has been a split double. That basically means you're likely...

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Espresso Myths
EducationEspresso
June 5, 2020 Post a Comment

Top Three – Espresso Myths Busted

Espresso myths are made to be busted... and that's what I'm going to do in this video.  Of course there are far more than three myths about espresso.  Yet the myths I decided to bust in this video are the ones that are pretty persistent and should really be put to rest once and for all....

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Ristretto Shot
EducationEspresso
May 15, 2020 6 Comments

Espresso Anatomy – The Ristretto Shot

The ristretto shot has had a wild ride... over the past ten to twenty years in the specialty coffee industry.  In the early 2000's it was called the future of espresso.  You'd find it in many cafes, and some who were even pushing the envelope and innovating in the industry. Espresso Vivace is the first that...

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Morning Routine
EducationEspresso
April 24, 2020 4 Comments

Coffee Time – My Morning Routine

Since it's quarantine season... and I'm spending 99.9% of my time at home. So I figured there is no better time to do a video that's been highly requested, for some reason I don't fully understand. Yet, here I am and I'll be going over my morning routine.  As a bonus, not only will I be...

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Traditional Cappuccino
EducationEspresso
April 10, 2020 Post a Comment

Espresso Anatomy – The Traditional Cappuccino

The traditional cappuccino... tends to have a bad reputation in specialty coffee.  For the life of me I don't really understand why.  Maybe its the distinct lack of latte art.  Or maybe its the perception that it doesn't take much skill to make one.  Well, today I'm going to set the record straight on this espresso...

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Wave Heart
EspressoTutorial
March 13, 2020 Post a Comment

Damn Fine Tutorial – The Wave Heart

The wave heart... is most definitely one of those little known, little seen latte art pours.  Personally, I don't think I've ever seen, or been served a drink with the wave heart in it.  Nor does it get much love on all of those latte art focused Instagram accounts, which generally post everything from hearts to...

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Flat vs Conical Burrs
EducationEspresso
March 6, 2020 Post a Comment

Espresso Anatomy – Flat Vs Conical Burrs

There are many debates within the coffee industry... and one of those debates that has been raging for years is flat vs conical burrs.  The passion each group carries about their burr preference is up there with the Montagues and Capulets (yeah that's a Shakespeare reference, deal with it). Of course I have my preferences, and...

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Changes To Linea Mini
EspressoGear
February 28, 2020 Post a Comment

Top Three – Things I’d Change About The Linea Mini

It may be hard to imagine... the Linea Mini needing some changes.  It's true that it's a dream machine.  Waking up and making my morning cappuccino on it is part of my daily routine that never gets old.  But no matter how perfect it may seem, using it day in and day out for years you'll...

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Future of Espresso
EspressoOpinion
January 31, 2020 2 Comments

Coffee Science – The Future Of Espresso

The future of espresso... has never really been questioned like it has been this last week, although I have to ask.  Is anyone taking this whole study by Christopher Hendon and the University of Oregon seriously?  I've seen it making the rounds online, and even had some readers and viewers reach out and ask me my...

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Espresso Brew Temperature
EducationEspresso
January 10, 2020 Post a Comment

Espresso Anatomy – Espresso & Brew Temperature

Not all brew temperatures... are created equal.  I feel like this topic is something that isn't talked about very often, but it can be hugely beneficial to your final cup flavor.  For example, have you ever wondered why cold brew and hot coffee from the same beans taste so incredibly different?  Well, that's down to a...

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Peppermint Mocha
EspressoTutorial
December 24, 2019 1 Comment

Coffee Recipes – The Peppermint Mocha

It's officlally Peppermint Mocha... season so I figured it's time to break out this recipe.  It's by far my favorite seasonal coffee drink, and as I say on most of these recipe videos I don't drink flavored coffees often.  It's also one of the easiest as far as recipes go, especially specialty coffee quality wise.  Just...

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espresso machine misconceptions
EducationEspresso
December 20, 2019 Post a Comment

Top Three – Espresso Machine Misconceptions

It's time I clear up... all these rampant espresso machine misconceptions.  Okay, maybe rampant is a bit aggressive, but they are surprisingly common. I mean, there are a few things I see at cafes, in homes, and get questions about regularly that should be straightened out.  So with those things in mind I figured making a...

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PuqPress Q2
EspressoGear
December 6, 2019 1 Comment

The World’s Most Expensive Tamper – PuqPress Q2

The PuqPress Q2... is by far the most expensive tamper I've ever used.  It's $1,080 price tag sets it apart from my trusty Pullman Big Step at a measly $165.  Which is already pretty expensive for a tool used for such a simple task. But I never really sat down and thought that the tamper needs...

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Rippled Heart
EspressoTutorial
November 29, 2019 Post a Comment

Damn Fine Tutorial – The Rippled Heart

The rippled heart... is always a nice way to stay in touch with the basics, but adding a little style.  Personally, I prefer to do the slow style versus the quicker tighter wiggles because it's easier to focus on symmetry.  Plus, I just like the contrast between layers.  If you're into the quicker style, all you...

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Café Cubano & Cortadito
EspressoTutorial
November 15, 2019 Post a Comment

Coffee Recipes – Café Cubano & Cortadito

The Café Cubano & Cortadito... are a mix of all things tasty.  Think about mixing brown sugar, espresso, and half & half.  I know, I know, you put them all together and you're going to have a good time (as long as you aren't lactose intolerant or vegan).  In this video I'll go over how to...

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Flair VS Rok
EspressoGear
November 8, 2019 Post a Comment

The Flair Vs The Rok – Head to Head

It's time the Flair faces the Rok... in a head to head battle to see which hand pressed espresso machine will come out on top.  To keep things fair I was able to get a standard group head for my Flair to make it more of an even competition with the Rok.  I also crowed sourced...

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