9 bars of pressure has long been the benchmark for perfect espresso — but why? In this guide, we break down the science, history, and technique behind espresso pressure, explaining how it shapes flavor, crema, and balance — and when lowering or raising it can actually make your coffee taste even better.
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Espresso Machines
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Best For: Total Control
Lelit Bianca V3
Handcrafted, dual-boiler espresso machine with flow control that empowers you to craft café-quality drinks at home with unmatched precision, style, and control.
from $2,999.95

Best For: Classic Design
R58 Cinquantotto
A beautifully engineered dual-boiler machine with precise PID control and classic Italian design, delivering professional-grade performance and elegance right in your kitchen.
from $3,500

Best For: Small Spaces
Lelit Mara X V2
Combines the compact footprint of a heat-exchanger machine with smart temperature stability technology, giving you effortless café-quality espresso at home without the learning curve.
from $1,699.95

Best For: Value & Consistency
Turin DF64 Gen 2.5
The Turin DF64 Gen 2.5 is a powerful single-dose flat burr grinder with stepless adjustment and low retention, designed to unlock maximum flavor clarity and consistency in every espresso shot.
from $359

Best For: Ease of Use
Eureka Mignon Specialita
The Eureka Mignon Specialita is a sleek, quiet, stepless grinder with large flat burrs and touchscreen controls, delivering barista-level precision and consistency in a compact, stylish design.
from $699

Best For: Speed & Retention
Eureka Mignon Oro XL
The Eureka Mignon Oro XL is a premium single-dose grinder with 65mm Diamond Inside burrs, ultra-low retention, and powerful speed, crafted to deliver professional-grade espresso grinding at home.
from $899
Coffee Grinders
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Why Most High-End Espresso Machines Aren’t on Amazon (and When Buying There Makes Sense)
Amazon is great for paper towels — but not for $3,000 espresso machines. Here’s why most high-end brands don’t sell on Amazon, when buying there makes sense, and why specialty retailers like Cliff & Pebble provide the service and protection you actually need.

Single Boiler vs Dual Boiler Espresso Machines: The Complete Buyer’s Guide (2025)
Confused about single boiler vs dual boiler espresso machines? This 2025 guide breaks down pros, cons, warm-up times, energy use, and real-world scenarios. Whether you love straight espresso, daily lattes, or entertaining guests, learn which machine type fits your workflow best.