Espresso
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
Do Commercial Espresso Machines Really Need Pre-Infusion?
Pre-infusion isn’t essential for great espresso, but it helps. Learn how different machines achieve it—and whether your setup benefits.
How to Use a Commercial Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Learn how to operate a commercial semi-auto espresso machine to pull great shots and make drinks like Americanos and milk-based coffees.
How to Maintain Your Espresso Machine: Daily, Weekly, Monthly
Learn the essential steps to clean and maintain your espresso machine daily, weekly, and monthly for optimal performance and longevity.
How to Make Creative Espresso-Based Drinks: 7 Key Principles
Wondering how to create your own espresso-based drinks? Learn the 7 essential principles every barista follows before attempting specialty coffee cocktails.
How Baristas Make Great Espresso Shots
Learn how baristas craft espresso using 7g coffee, 92°C water, 9 bars pressure, and 25 seconds to pull a perfect 30ml shot with rich crema.
The Origins of the Commercial Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Explore the 19th-century patents and early 20th-century innovations that led to the first commercial espresso machines, culminating in the 1961 E61.
What’s on an Italian Espresso Menu? A Visual Guide
Learn the structure and components of classic Italian espresso drinks like espresso, cappuccino, and latte, with a breakdown of each style.
What Is Espresso and How Is It Extracted?
Learn what defines a proper espresso shot, how crema forms, why blend choice matters, and the exact steps to pull a balanced shot.
How Temperature Affects Espresso During Extraction
Espresso can lose up to 13.4°C if equipment isn’t preheated properly. See how handle and portafilter temps impact brew temperature.
What Is Espresso? Italian Espresso Explained
Learn how espresso is made: pressure, grind, timing, and coffee blend — plus how to pull a perfect shot with the right parameters.
What Is Espresso Crema and Why It Matters
Learn what espresso crema is, how it forms, what it reveals about your shot, and why it’s more than just foam.
How to Make a Con Panna Coffee with Espresso
Learn how to make classic Con Panna coffee using 120ml of espresso and topped with cold whipped cream. A simple Italian-style espresso dessert drink.
How to Steam Milk with an Espresso Machine
Learn the step-by-step technique for steaming milk with an espresso machine to get velvety microfoam perfect for latte art.
How to Make Roman Espresso with Lemon and Sugar
Learn how to make Espresso Romano: Italian-style espresso with lemon juice and sugar, balancing bitterness with acidity and sweetness.
How to Steam Milk with a Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Learn how to steam milk for latte art using a semi-auto like the E61-based Appia machine, with ideal temperature, foam texture, and step-by-step technique.
How to Tamp Espresso: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn the key espresso tamping steps that affect extraction. Discover proper pressure, flatness, and how grind size changes your tamp technique.
What Makes Good Latte Art Milk Foam in Espresso Drinks
A professional breakdown of the four measurable standards for high-quality latte art milk foam, plus common pitfalls to avoid.
How to Steam Milk and Pour Latte Art for Espresso
Learn the step-by-step method for steaming milk to 65–70°C, creating microfoam, and developing the right steam angle and vortex for latte art.
Retro Gaming Coffee Table Built for Espresso and Nostalgia
This retro-style coffee table doubles as a functional NES controller, combining woodworking with gaming nostalgia in a 42x18.25x18-inch design.
6 Types of Espresso Tamper Bases Explained for Baristas
Discover the differences between Euro Curve, Flat, Ripple, and 3 other tamper base shapes — with exact height specs for each.