Espresso
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
What Makes an Espresso Machine Different?
Espresso machines uniquely produce thick crema and steamed milk. Learn which features set them apart and why home results differ from cafés.
How to Judge Espresso Crema and Extract It Correctly
Learn how to assess espresso quality by flow rate, color, and crema. Ideal extraction takes 22–28 seconds for balanced flavor.
How Espresso Extraction Affects Crema and Flavor
Learn how espresso extraction influences crema thickness, aroma, and taste—and how to properly assess a shot’s quality.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Espresso Machine Daily
Keep your espresso shots clean and crema-rich by following this daily, weekly, and quarterly cleaning checklist for your home or shop machine.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Espresso Machine Daily
Learn the essential daily, weekly, and quarterly steps to clean your espresso machine and avoid coffee grounds in your cup.
Illy Launches New Francis Y1 Capsule Espresso Machine
Illy’s new Francis Y1 capsule machine uses 19-bar pressure for stronger espresso flavor. Priced at $125, it features a minimalist design and patented extraction tech.
Nespresso Citiz Capsule Coffee Machines with Milk Frothers
The Nespresso Citiz series includes stylish capsule machines with built-in milk frothers, delivering rich crema and fine microfoam. Prices range from $130 to $240.
How illy Makes Its Iconic Espresso Blend
Discover how illy crafts its globally sold espresso blend, from bean selection to roasting, with strict quality control and ISO certification.
What Does Over-Extracted Espresso Taste Like?
Over-extracted espresso tastes bitter, flat, and burnt due to excessive dissolved solids. Learn the key flavor flaws and how to spot them.
Why Your Espresso Has Bubbles and What It Means
Freshly roasted beans and improper pouring can create bubbles in espresso crema, affecting both taste and appearance. Here’s what causes it.
Why Your Double Espresso Streams Unevenly and What It Means
Uneven flow in double espresso shots often stems from uneven tamping or an unlevel machine. Here’s how to spot and fix the issue.
Why Is My Espresso Flow Slow? How to Fix It
Slow espresso flow is usually caused by too-fine grind, overfilled portafilter, or overly fresh beans. Here’s how to adjust and fix it.
The Origins and Evolution of the Faema Commercial Espresso Machine
Learn how Faema revolutionized commercial espresso machines, from the 1945 origins to the iconic E61 and beyond.
Yemeni Mocha Coffee and How to Make an Espresso Mocha
Learn what makes Mocha coffee unique, its Yemeni roots, and how to make a classic hot or iced espresso mocha at home.
WACACO Minipresso: Portable Espresso Maker for Travel
Make true espresso anywhere with the WACACO Minipresso—no electricity, just hot water and ground coffee in under a minute.
The Complete Guide to Espresso Coffee Types
Learn the true classifications of espresso drinks, from ristretto to flat white, and how to taste each style like a pro.
What Is Illy Coffee? Italy’s Iconic Espresso Blend Explained
Illycaffè uses only 100% Arabica beans, ISO 9001-certified quality control, and serves 6 million cups daily worldwide. Discover its blend, packaging, and market share.
How to Steam Milk for Espresso: The Right Way to Make Milk Foam
Learn how to steam milk properly for espresso drinks like cappuccino and latte, including ideal temperatures, techniques, and tools for perfect microfoam.
Al’s Rule: The Espresso Sweet Spot Formula
Learn Al Critzer’s proven espresso formula: for every 5cc change in shot volume, adjust time by 1 second to hit your ideal extraction.
What Determines the Quality of Espresso? Barista Skill
The biggest factor in great espresso isn’t the machine—it’s the barista. Fresh beans, proper equipment, and skilled technique matter most.