January 2026

The Brew Lab (Guides)

Headspace Explained: How Much Coffee Should Fit in Your Basket?

Is your espresso bitter or channeling? The issue might be headspace. Learn how to calculate the perfect gap between your…

Espresso Machines

Saturated Groupheads vs. E61: The Ultimate Battle for Thermal Stability

Saturated grouphead or E61? We explain the differences in thermal stability, warm-up time, and price to help you choose the…

Espresso Machines

Top 5 Entry-Level Espresso Machines Under $500: Brew Like a Pro on a Budget

Looking for the best entry-level espresso machine under $500? We compare top picks like the Breville Bambino, Gaggia Classic, and…

Espresso Machines

Rotary vs. Vibratory Pumps: Noise, Pressure, and Performance

Rotary vs. Vibratory pumps: Which is best for home espresso? We compare noise levels, pressure profiles, plumbing options, and durability…

Coffee Grinders

Hand Grinders vs. Electric: Is Manual Grinding Worth the Flavor Payoff?

Espresso Machines

Prosumer Machines: 5 Signs You Are Ready to Upgrade from Appliance Grade

Espresso Machines

Italian vs. German Engineering: Espresso Machine Philosophies Compared

Espresso Machines

Plumbed-In vs. Reservoir: Is Direct Water Connection Worth the Hassle?

► Necessary Cookies Standard

Necessary cookies enable essential site features like secure log-ins and consent preference adjustments. They do not store personal data.

None

► Functional Cookies Remark

Functional cookies support features like content sharing on social media, collecting feedback, and enabling third-party tools.

None

► Analytical Cookies Remark

Analytical cookies track visitor interactions, providing insights on metrics like visitor count, bounce rate, and traffic sources.

None

► Advertisement Cookies Remark

Advertisement cookies deliver personalized ads based on your previous visits and analyze the effectiveness of ad campaigns.

None