PID temperature control is the secret to consistent, café-quality espresso at home. By stabilizing brew water within 1–2 degrees, PID eliminates guesswork, makes temperature surfing unnecessary, and helps you dial in flavor by roast type. Whether you use a single boiler, HX, or dual boiler, this guide shows why PID is a must-have feature for serious espresso lovers.

Jamie loved coffee but struggled with inconsistent shots and weak steam from her starter setup. In this Cliff Notes, we explore her upgrade path—what they wanted, what they researched, and the espresso machine and grinder combos we recommended to bring café-quality drinks home.

From chocolate-rich blends at 35,000 feet to single-origin elegance in premium cabins, airlines are stepping up their coffee game. Discover the world’s best in-flight brews—and how to recreate them at home with a prosumer espresso setup from Cliff & Pebble.

In our first edition of Cliff Notes, we talk to Alex — a young professional and Breville owner — about his path to better home espresso and what he’s eyeing next.

The espresso grinder you choose plays a critical role in extraction quality, flavor clarity, and shot consistency. In this guide, we’ll explain how to pick the best espresso grinder based on burr type, motor power, dosing preference, and which models work best with machines like the Lelit Bianca, Mara X, and more.

Not sure whether to choose a single boiler or dual boiler espresso machine? This in-depth comparison breaks down cost, temperature stability, workflow speed, and more — so you can confidently pick the machine that fits your lifestyle and skill level.

Discover the difference between true pressure profiling and flow control in espresso machines. Learn how machines like the Lelit Bianca V3 allow you to experiment with pressure-like extraction for better flavor, clarity, and consistency — even without a programmable pressure system.

Ready to invest in a high-end espresso machine? This guide breaks down the must-have features and specs you should expect from a $2,000+ machine.