Coffee Knowledge
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
What Is Pre-Infusion in Espresso Machines?
Pre-infusion is a short wetting phase before full espresso extraction. It wets the puck, releases CO₂, and helps build a stable shot—here’s how it works.
How SCAA Standard Cupping Is Done for Specialty Coffee
Learn the exact SCAA cupping protocol: roast level, grind size, brew ratio, water temp, and timing for professional coffee evaluation.
How to Drink Coffee While Cycling: The Practical Solution
A simple aluminum-and-rubber bike-mounted coffee holder in six colors solves the challenge of drinking coffee on a bicycle ride.
How Coffee and Chili Peppers Trick Your Brain
Why some people crave coffee and chili while others can't stand them — and how genetics, evolution, and taste receptors play a role.
Al’s Rule: The Espresso Extraction Formula Every Barista Should Know
Learn Al Critzer’s widely accepted espresso formula: 30ml in 30 seconds as a baseline, then adjust time based on yield with a simple 1-second rule per 5ml.
What You Should Know About Boiler Water in Espresso Machines
Using your espresso machine’s boiler water for tea or cleaning may seem handy—but it risks your health and shortens your machine’s life.
What Are Coffee Peaberries and How to Tell Them Apart
Coffee beans aren't male or female—but some are peaberries. Here's what causes them, how to spot them, and why they often cost more.
13 Unexpected Uses for Coffee Beyond Drinking
From headache relief to furniture repair, discover 13 practical, surprising ways coffee can be used outside your cup.
What Is Coffee Leaf Rust and Why It Matters
Learn how coffee leaf rust devastated Central American farms, slashing yields by 40% and driving global price hikes. Discover its history and impact.
How to Make Ice Drip Coffee at Home
Learn how to brew smooth, low-acid ice drip coffee with a step-by-step guide, ideal brew time, and why it’s called 'stomach-friendly' coffee.
How Espresso Machines Changed Coffee History
Learn how the first espresso machine in 1901 revolutionized coffee, and why equipment matters for great espresso.
6 Common Myths About Drinking Coffee Debunked
Find out whether coffee is addictive, causes insomnia, or dehydrates you — with evidence-based answers for specialty coffee drinkers.
How Coffee Is Extracted: Methods and Principles
All coffee brewing methods rely on the same three-step process: grind, soak, separate. Here’s how pressure and time define each technique.
What Is Pressure Profiling in Specialty Coffee Machines?
Learn how true pressure profiling works in espresso machines, which brands deliver real control, and why some popular machines aren’t truly variable.
The Coffee Taste Map: How We Really Taste Coffee
Learn how many basic tastes humans detect in coffee, why 'spicy' isn't one — and how Eastern and Western experts differ on taste perception.
How Coffee Beans Are Graded Around the World
Coffee quality grades vary by country. Learn how origin, altitude, bean size, defects, and processing define specialty coffee standards globally.
How Coffee Is Categorized: Black, Espresso, and Fancy Drinks
Learn how coffee is classified into black coffee, espresso-based drinks, and flavored or mixed styles — including what makes each type distinct.
Common Espresso Ratios Used in Cafés
Find out the typical espresso brew ratios used in cafés, including standard shots, ristrettos, and lungos, with practical numbers for baristas.
Caffeine and Calories in Common Coffee Drinks Compared
Regular brewed coffee has very low caffeine and calories—unless you add sugar, syrup, or cream. Learn the numbers.
How to Brew Coffee with a Siphon (Syphon) Maker
Learn how the siphon coffee maker works, what it does to flavor, and how to brew balanced coffee with precise time, temperature, and technique.