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Setup & Dialing In
How to Dial In AeroPress Coffee
The AeroPress gives you direct control over steep time, temperature, and pressure. Here's a baseline recipe and how to adjust each variable from taste.
Read articlePlumbing In an Espresso Machine: What You Need to Know
Plumbing in an espresso machine means two separate jobs: the water supply and the drain. Here's how to plan both before you start.
Read articleTemperature Surfing on Single Boiler Espresso Machines
Single boiler machines swing through a temperature range. Temperature surfing is the routine that lets you start every shot at the same point.
Read articleWhy Use a Bottomless Portafilter?
A bottomless portafilter is the cheapest diagnostic tool on a brew bar. Here is what it shows you and how to act on it.
Read articleHow to Dial In Pour Over Coffee
Pour over has five variables you actually control. Here is what each one does and how to adjust them one at a time to fix the cup.
Read articleHow 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.
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