Espresso Machines
Portable Espresso Maker Guide: Types, Specs and Pressure
A portable espresso maker builds pressure by hand, lever or battery pump. Compare types, maker specs and prices, travel tips and what makes it real espresso.
Espresso Machines: Types, Features and Comparisons
Espresso machine guides: how manual, semi-automatic and super-automatic machines work, what the specs mean and how to choose one for your kitchen.
18 guides
Espresso Machines
Dual Boiler Espresso Machine: How It Works and Who Needs One
A dual boiler espresso machine brews and steams at once from two boilers. See how it compares with single boiler, heat exchanger and thermoblock designs.
Espresso Machines
Gaggia Espresso Machines: The Current US Lineup Explained
Gaggia espresso machine guide: every current US model, semi-automatic vs super-automatic, Classic Pro E24 specs, prices from Gaggia's store and upkeep.
Espresso Machines
Rancilio Silvia: Specs, Temperature Surfing and the Pro X
The Rancilio Silvia explained: single boiler specs from Rancilio, temperature surfing, steaming and cleaning steps, the dual boiler Silvia Pro X and rivals.
Espresso Machines
Used Espresso Machines: How to Buy Used or Refurbished
Buying used espresso machines? Compare refurbished and private sales, check scale, gaskets and pump pressure, ask the right questions and replace wear parts.
Espresso Machines
Best Home Espresso Machines: How to Choose the Right Type
How to choose among the best home espresso machines: compare five machine types by skill, milk and budget, check key features and see maker-priced examples.
Espresso Machines
Espresso Machine With Grinder: How Built-In Models Compare
An espresso machine with grinder saves space and a second purchase but limits upgrades. See how built-in grinders work, what to check, and maker US prices.
Espresso Machines
Parts of an Espresso Machine: Names and What Each Part Does
Parts of an espresso machine with names and functions: group head, gasket, shower screen, portafilter, pump, boiler, steam wand and valves, plus which wear out.
Espresso Machines
High-End Espresso Machines: What You Actually Pay For
What makes a high end espresso machine worth it: dual boilers, PID, rotary pumps, saturated groups and plumb-in, plus what to check before you buy one.
Espresso Machines
Breville Barista Pro vs Express vs Touch: Key Differences
Breville Barista Pro vs Express: ThermoJet vs Thermocoil heating, 30 vs 16 grind settings, LCD vs pressure gauge, plus how the Touch and Impress models differ.
Espresso Machines
Italian-Made Espresso Machines: Brands and What to Know
Italian made espresso machine guide: what the label means, which makers build in Italy and where, the E61 group, and how to check a machine's real origin.
Espresso Machines
Lever Espresso Machines: How Spring and Direct Levers Work
A lever espresso machine brews with a piston you drive by hand or with a spring. See how each type works, how to pull a shot and how to care for the seals.
Espresso Machines
Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus: What's Actually Different?
Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus, spec by spec: automatic milk texturing, water tank, size, hot water, cleaning, box contents, warranty and who needs which.
Espresso Machines
Rocket Espresso Machines: Every Model and Where They're Made
Rocket espresso machine guide: every current Rocket coffee machine, where they are made, heat exchanger vs dual boiler, specs, pricing, plumbing and care.
Espresso Machines
Commercial Espresso Machine Guide: What Cafés Need to Know
Commercial espresso machine buying guide: group heads, boilers, volumetric vs automatic, power, plumbing, water filtration, NSF listing and upkeep.
Espresso Machines
Espresso Maker vs Espresso Machine: What's the Difference?
Espresso maker vs espresso machine: a moka pot or AeroPress brews strong coffee at low pressure; a pump machine makes true espresso at 9 bar. How to pick.
Espresso Machines
Manual Espresso Machines: How They Work and Who They Suit
Manual espresso machines explained: spring and direct levers, hand presses and portable pumps, how they build pressure by hand, pros, cons and who they suit.
Espresso Machines
Super-Automatic Espresso Machines Explained: Pros and Cons
Super automatic espresso machines grind, tamp and brew at the touch of a button. How they work, milk systems, upkeep, and how they compare with Nespresso.