Topic

Espresso

Espresso at home: machines for beginners, dialing in shots, milk frothing and stovetop alternatives.

6 articles

Reviews· 11 min read

Best Espresso Machines for Beginners 2026

The best home espresso machines for beginners in 2026 — from $400 semi-automatics to $1,200 dual-boilers. Reviewed, ranked, and compared.

Techniques· 14 min read

How to Dial In Espresso at Home: A Beginner's Guide for 2026

New to espresso and pulling sour, gushing shots? This step-by-step beginner's guide walks you through dialing in espresso at home in under 10 shots — grind, dose, yield and taste.

Guides· 12 min read

The Coffee Water Quality Guide: Why Your Water Might Be Ruining Your Cup

Coffee is 98% water — and the wrong water will flatten even the best beans. This 2026 guide covers TDS, hardness, filters, bottled options and the SCA target recipe.

Techniques· 10 min read

Moka Pot Guide: How to Brew Stovetop Espresso Like an Italian

The Moka pot makes rich, espresso-style coffee for less than $40. Here's how to use one properly — grind, heat, timing — plus the mistakes that cause bitter, burnt shots.

Techniques· 11 min read

How to Froth Milk at Home: Microfoam and Latte Art for Beginners

Silky café-quality microfoam is a technique, not a machine. Here's how to steam, froth and pour milk at home — with or without an espresso machine.

Reviews· 10 min read

Best Manual Hand Coffee Grinders 2026 — Tested and Ranked

Hand grinders now out-grind electric burr grinders costing three times as much. Here are the best manual coffee grinders of 2026 for pour over, espresso and travel.