Espresso
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
How to Blend Single-Origin Beans for Espresso
Learn which single-origin beans work well in espresso blends, safe ratios like Brazil + Mandheling 1:1, and how to adjust post-roast.
Espresso Grinding and Extraction: Key Tips for Better Shots
Learn how fine espresso grind settings and high-pressure extraction impact shot quality—and why professional equipment is essential.
The Basics of Blending Espresso Coffee
Learn why and how quality espresso blends are made, including the ideal number of beans, roast levels, and blending goals.
What Defines a Proper Espresso Shot?
Espresso standards include 25–35ml volume, 90.5–96°C water, 8.5–9.5 bar pressure, 20–30s extraction, and a 60–90ml demitasse cup.
How to Adjust Coffee Grind Size and Tamping Pressure for Better Espresso
Learn how to choose the right grind size and tamping pressure for your coffee beans, and why these factors matter more than machine settings alone.
12 Factors That Affect Your Espresso Quality
Discover the 12 key variables that determine espresso flavor, from grind size to machine cleanliness, and how to control them for better shots.
Rome’s Historic Coffee Shops: Design, Art & Espresso
Explore five iconic Roman cafes, from 18th-century Antico Caffè Greco to the lost Caffè Notegen, with art, architecture and espresso heritage.
How Does an Espresso Machine Actually Work?
Learn how espresso machines extract rich, high-crema shots using fine grind, boiler pressure, and precise water flow.
How Grind Size, Dose, and Tamping Affect Your Espresso
Learn how grind size, coffee dose, and tamping pressure affect espresso extraction — with real numbers, tips, and adjustments for consistency.
How to Operate the Mazzer Mini Espresso Grinder
The Mazzer Mini is a professional 58mm flat burr grinder with a 0.6kg bean hopper. Learn its specs, setup, and ideal settings for espresso.
How the E61 Group Head Works in Commercial Espresso Machines
Learn why the E61 group head remains a classic in commercial espresso machines, with its heat exchange and pre-infusion design explained.
Why You Should Avoid Using Boiler Water from Your Espresso Machine
Avoid using water from your espresso machine’s boiler—it’s often over-boiled and can damage your machine and health. Here’s why.
Beijing’s Hey Coffee: Self-Serve Espresso & Specialty Bean Shop
Find Beijing’s first self-serve smart coffee machine, global gear, and daily-roasted beans at Hey Coffee in Chaoyang — plus weekly coffee classes.
How to Blend Single-Origin Coffee for Espresso Blends
Explore three tested espresso blend recipes using Brazilian, Colombian, Kenyan, and Harar beans, with ratios, roast levels, and flavor profiles.
How to Adjust Espresso Grind Size Properly
Learn how to adjust your espresso grind size based on bean freshness, humidity, and roast level. Includes tips on adjusting tamp pressure too.
How Grind Size Affects Espresso Extraction and Flavor
Espresso requires a fine, precise grind—changes as small as 0.1 affect extraction time, flow rate, and taste. Here’s why grind size matters.
Espresso Tamping Pressure: How Hard Should You Press?
Learn how tamping pressure affects espresso extraction and why neither too light nor too hard is ideal. Adjust based on grind size.
How to Tamp Espresso: Key Steps and Common Mistakes
Learn how to tamp espresso correctly in two steps—first light, then firm—with tapping and proper wrist pressure for an even shot.
How to Adjust Espresso Tamping Based on Grind, Dose & Roast
Learn how grind size, dose, and roast level affect espresso tamping pressure, extraction time, and crema quality in daily barista practice.
How Long Should Espresso Take? Extraction Time & Technique Explained
Learn why a 25-second, 30cc espresso shot with stable flow matters — and how to fix common extraction mistakes for balanced flavor.