All Categories
Setup & Dialing In
How to Steam Milk for Espresso Drinks
Steamed milk is half of every latte and cappuccino. Here's how to get the texture right every time.
Read articleEspresso Brew Ratios Explained
A brew ratio is the relationship between the coffee you put in and the espresso you get out. It's one of the most useful concepts for brewing espresso at home.
Read articleHow to Dial In Your Espresso Grind Size
Grind size is the most powerful variable in espresso. Here's how to find the right setting and know when to adjust.
Read articleHow to Tamp Espresso Correctly
Tamping is one of the simplest steps in pulling a shot, but doing it consistently is what separates good espresso from great espresso. Here's the technique that actually matters.
Read articleWorking with Light Roast Espresso
Light roasts are harder to extract than darker coffees, but the flavors they reveal are worth the work. Here's how to dial them in at home.
Read articleWhat Is Pre-Infusion and Does It Matter?
Pre-infusion is one of those features that shows up on prosumer machines and gets discussed constantly in coffee forums. Here's what it actually does.
Read articleHow to Pull Consistent Espresso Shots
Pulling one good espresso shot is a milestone. Pulling the same shot reliably every morning is the real skill — here's how to get there.
Read articlePuck Prep & WDT: What They Are and Why They Matter
Distribution before tamping is one of the biggest leaps in shot quality for home baristas. Here's what puck prep means, what WDT does, and why it works.
Read articleThe Espresso Workflow: A Repeatable Sequence
Consistency is the foundation of good espresso. The fastest way to get consistent shots is to do every step in the same order every time.
Read articleChoosing the Right Portafilter Basket
The portafilter basket is where extraction actually happens. Here's how to choose the right one for how you brew.
Read article