We are often asked what makes a perfect espresso? There is no simple answer, as this is subjective and different people have different criteria when choosing an espresso shot.
Category: Brewing
When choosing a pod coffee maker there are so many to choose from. We would recommend taking a look at the various types of pods on offer and then choosing a machine based on that. Personally we will always choose a ground coffee maker as there is more choice and you have great control over […]
Being able to pull perfect espresso shots is a skill every barista needs, but in order to pull such shots, one must perfect the art of tamping ground coffee in the portafilter. Note that this article is mainly for those not using super-automatic espresso machines that do the grinding, tamping, and pulling, all in one […]
While many coffee aficionados tend to stay away from instant coffee, it make up around 13% of all coffee consumed. And with there being over 100 million daily coffee drinkers in the United States alone, that 13% is quite substantial. Though, when comparing instant coffee to freshly ground and brewed coffee, there are tons of […]
First invented in the 1770’s in Britain, instant coffee wasn’t able to easily be produced in mass quantities until much later in 1910, when the instant coffee business started to really take off. There are two main ways that instant coffee is produced, the first uses dry hot air to absorb the moisture in the […]
Brewing coffee nowadays is about as easy it gets, with machines able to brew and pull espresso shots just by inserting a pod and pushing a button. But how do these pod espresso machines compare to more traditional espresso machines, in which the user grinds and tamps the coffee beans? Pod espresso machines, as the […]
When shopping for an espresso machine, among the millions of features advertised is the bar pressure rating of the machine, meaning how much pressure is used to force the water through the coffee grounds in the portafilter. What you need to avoid is bitter or sour tasting coffee, which we discuss here, but the bar […]
A Complete Guide To Pour Over Coffee As a coffee lover or expert brewer, you might have noticed the increasing buzz over pour over coffee, and you have probably been wondering what it is. I remember watching in awe as my barista slowly poured water from a strange looking kettle with a long spout, into […]
When comparing the French press and a Chemex, one of the only similarities between the two is the fact they both brew coffee. While their differences are substantial, their impact on the coffee world is just as much so. Invented in the early 1900’s, the French press takes advantage of a full immersion style of […]
With all of the massive improvements in technology in the past 30 years, it’s bound to happen that some of this new technology would wind up in the coffee world. Coffee nowadays is easier to brew that it ever has been, with users able to get coffee within a few moments of pushing a single […]
When looking for a home or commercial espresso machine, it’s best to find one that suits your needs. And while a lot of the features that espresso machines offer can seem like complete jargon, understanding that jargon can be the difference between buying what you need and want, and buying something not suited for you. […]
For anyone looking to up their espresso without spending a ton of money, a bottomless or naked portafilter is one of the best ways to do so. A bottomless portafilter is essentially a normal portafilter, but without spouts, leaving the brew basket completely exposed. While it might not seem very different, the lack of spouts […]
Camping coffee – cowboy coffee brewing! Making coffee yourself while traveling, especially while camping, is no easy feat. Either you have to travel light to avoid paying extra fees at the airport, or you lack the electricity to use a standard coffee pot. In any situation, here are a few ways you can make coffee […]
Making Indian coffee Indian filter coffee, as it is known, is the traditional coffee beverage of India. This beverage is great for relaxing after a long day, and unsurprisingly popular when you taste how smooth the final coffee is. It is wonderfully simple to make and produces a very nice smooth tasting drink.
When shopping for a home espresso machine, it is easy to feel bombarded by the numerous brands, functions, and styles of machines. Here are a few things to keep in mind while shopping! For me, one of the main features I prefer is a manual/traditional steam wand, meaning that technique is needed to properly steam […]
Making Indonesian Kopi Tubruk In Indonesia, a drink called Kopi Tubruk is among one of the most consumed coffee beverages. This drink is similar to Turkish coffee, in the sense that the coffee grounds are left in the cup after the brewing process has been completed.
Italian Moka pot Coffee maker In 1933, an Italian man named Alfonso Bialetti designed the first stovetop espresso machine, dubbed the Bialetti Moka Express. During this time period, people in Italy only had one choice when it came to getting delicious espresso, and that was to go to a cafe. The Moka pot revolutionized the […]
Have you ever been traveling or camping, and you crave the sweet flavor of espresso, but there is no cafe in sight? The Wacaco Minipresso just might be the product for you. This portable and hand held espresso machine is simple to use, and produces very drinkable espresso shots.
What is Turkish coffee. Turkish coffee, sometimes known as Greek coffee, has quite the history. The Turkish coffee brewing method is unlike any other, not only is it a full immersion brewing method, but the coffee grounds stay in the cup you drink from. There is an old saying that describes Turkish coffee, saying it […]
If your coffee has a very sour or bitter taste it could be down to the following factors. So if you are struggling to work out why your coffee tastes bitter or sour, read on and take note. However if you prefer lemons, vinegar, bitter greens and sour sweets then you can use this information […]
We often get asked how to make a good coffee. There is a wide variation on opinion as to what a good coffee actually is. However there are some priorities that you should pay attention to if you are serious about the quality of your coffee. For good coffee we recommend you focus on the […]
Espresso machines are the heart and soul of the professional and home cafe world, and are required to make high quality espresso based beverages from a standard latte or cappuccino, all the way to drinks similar to a mocha or an undertow.
Being invented in 2005 by Alan Adler, the AeroPress has made a large impact on the world of coffee. This small coffee brewing device soars high in the ranks amongst the French press when it comes to making amazing coffee with ease.
First made in the 1940’s, the vacuum, or siphon, coffee maker looks like it came straight from a chemistry set, and they pretty much are. Siphon coffee makers come in several shapes and forms, but they are all fundamentally the same thing, and can range greatly in price, and aesthetic.
The French press (cafetiere) coffee maker has been around since the late 1950’s, and is touted as one of the best ways to get an extremely flavorful cup of coffee without any complicated steps. Coffee connoisseurs across the globe declare the French press as their preferred method to brew coffee when they are doing tastings.