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Espresso Guides & Tips

Espresso how-to guides and tips — extraction, brew methods, tasting, maintenance and techniques to brew better coffee at home.

25+ Reviews
Updated daily
Espresso Shot Glass Measuring Review

Espresso Shot Glass Measuring Review

A shot glass sounds like the least exciting espresso accessory you could buy — until you've pulled a dozen shots trying to figure out why your espresso tastes different every morning, and then realized you've been eyeballing your yield. Pre

Marco Brewer May 6, 2026
Quick Picks: Best Double-Wall Espresso Shot Glasses

Quick Picks: Best Double-Wall Espresso Shot Glasses

Espresso deserves better than a mug. Served correctly in a proper vessel, a well-pulled shot displays its crema in all its amber-tinted glory, retains heat for the right amount of time, and delivers the tactile experience that elevates espr

Marco Brewer May 5, 2026
Espresso Pressure Gauge

Espresso Pressure Gauge

TL;DR: An espresso pressure gauge tells you exactly what is happening inside your group head during extraction. Nine bars is the target — reading above or below that number tells you whether your grind, dose, or tamp needs adjustment before

Marco Brewer May 4, 2026
Espresso Shot Glass: How to Choose and Use One for Better…

Espresso Shot Glass: How to Choose and Use One for Better…

TL;DR: An espresso shot glass with volume markings lets you confirm yield by volume — useful as a visual check alongside a scale. Look for clear borosilicate glass, accurate ml/oz markings at 30ml and 60ml, and a spout for clean pouring. Es

Marco Brewer May 4, 2026
Pour Over Kettle Temperature Control

Pour Over Kettle Temperature Control

TL;DR: Pour over kettle temperature directly determines extraction quality. The sweet spot is 195–205°F (90–96°C). A gooseneck kettle with a built-in thermometer or digital temp control removes the guesswork and transforms your brew from fl

Marco Brewer May 4, 2026
Espresso Ratio Recipe Guide

Espresso Ratio Recipe Guide

TL;DR: The golden espresso ratio is 1:2 (dose:yield) — 18g in, 36g out in 25–30 seconds. Ristretto runs 1:1.5; lungo runs 1:3. Dial your grinder, not your dose, to fix under- or over-extraction. Get this ratio right and every espresso, latt

Marco Brewer May 4, 2026
Hario V60 vs Chemex: The Pour-Over Showdown for Home…

Hario V60 vs Chemex: The Pour-Over Showdown for Home…

TL;DR: The Hario V60 produces a brighter, more nuanced cup with greater barista control. The Chemex delivers a cleaner, smoother brew thanks to its thicker filters. V60 rewards technique; Chemex rewards patience. Both are exceptional for si

Marco Brewer May 4, 2026
Espresso vs Lungo vs Ristretto

Espresso vs Lungo vs Ristretto

TL;DR: Espresso, lungo, and ristretto are the same coffee, same machine, same grind — different brew ratios and extraction volumes. Ristretto is shorter and sweeter. Espresso is the standard. Lungo is longer and more bitter. Knowing the dif

Marco Brewer May 4, 2026
Rancilio Silvia vs Gaggia Classic Pro 2026

Rancilio Silvia vs Gaggia Classic Pro 2026

The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro ($499) wins on value — factory PID, commercial 58mm portafilter, 15-year longevity. The Rancilio Silvia ($995) wins on build quality and grouphead thermal mass, but you'd need to add a PID (~$150) to close the tem

Marco Brewer May 4, 2026
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Review 2026

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Review 2026

After 12 months and roughly 1,800 shots, the Breville BES870XL Barista Express remains the best all-in-one home espresso setup under $700. Integrated burr grinder eliminates the biggest beginner barrier. Thermocoil heating hits brew temp in

Marco Brewer May 4, 2026