Buying Guides
Independent guides to choosing home coffee equipment: what matters, what doesn't, and the trade-offs.
Learn the Basics
How to Dial In Espresso: A Simple Method for Beginners
Keep the recipe fixed and change only the grind. A simple, repeatable way to dial in espresso, with a taste-and-adjust table for sour or bitter shots.
54 mm vs 58 mm Portafilter: Which Accessories Fit Your Machine?
Breville's Bambino Plus and Barista Express use a 54 mm portafilter, so most espresso accessories won't fit. Which tools fit which machine, and how to check.
How to Use a French Press: Step-by-Step Guide
The French press is the simplest way to make full-bodied coffee at home. The ratio, grind and timing to use, step by step, and how to avoid a muddy cup.
How to Make Pour-Over Coffee: A Simple V60 Recipe
A simple pour-over recipe (15 g coffee to 250 g water), the gear you need, and how to fix a sour or bitter cup by adjusting the grind.