lucca espresso machine pressure gauge

Espresso Pressure: How 9 Bars Became the Gold Standard (and When to Break the Rules)

Technique

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.



coffee grinder grinding into a portafilter

Beginner’s Guide to Dialing In Espresso at Home

Technique
Beginner’s Guide to Dialing In Espresso at Home If you’ve just bought your first espresso machine and grinder, welcome to the most rewarding (and ...
espresso with a shadow

Why Is My Espresso Bitter? Common Mistakes and Fixes

Technique
Why Is My Espresso Bitter? Common Mistakes and Fixes Bitter espresso can ruin even the best coffee beans, and it’s one of the most common complaint...
bright vibrant cafe setting

The Ultimate Guide to Brewing the Perfect Cup of Coffee for Coffee Shops: Unleash the Best Flavors and Boost Customer Satisfaction!

Technique
The Ultimate Guide to Brewing the Perfect Cup of Coffee for Coffee Shops: Unleash the Best Flavors and Boost Customer Satisfaction! Are you a cof...
espresso shot on wood plate

The Science Behind Espresso Extraction

Technique

Sour means grind finer, bitter means grind coarser, both at once means the puck isn't even. The rest is detail.

coffee grounds in basket

What Grind Size for Espresso: Unlocking the Perfect Brew

Technique
Introduction: Why Grind Size Matters For Espresso When it comes to brewing the perfect espresso, one of the most critical factors is the grind size...
wet espresso puck

Why Your Espresso Puck Is Wet (And When It Doesn't Matter)

Technique

A wet puck is often completely normal. Whether it means anything depends on whether your machine has a three-way valve.

French Press Is Historically a Popular Brew Method

French Press vs. Moka Pot: Which One Should You Buy

Technique

French press for a big heavy mug. Moka pot for a small intense cup. Neither one is espresso — here's why, and what the grind should be.

the art of espresso

From Ristretto to Lungo to Long Shot: The Art of Espresso Brewing

Technique
Mastering the Art of Espresso Brewing: From Ristretto to Lungo to Long Shot Espresso brewing is an art form that requires precision, technique, a...
The Best Milk for Frothing and Steaming

The Best Milk for Frothing and Steaming

Technique

Protein builds the foam, fat makes it taste good, and anything past 160°F ruins both.

how many bars of pressure for espresso

Espresso 101: The Importance of Pressure and How to Get it Right

Technique
The Ultimate Guide to Espresso Brewing: How Many Bars of Pressure are Ideal? For coffee lovers, there's nothing quite like a rich and flavorful e...
How Many Ounces Are In a Shot of Espresso?

How many ounces is a shot of espresso vs. how much caffeine in a shot of espresso?

Technique
How many ounces are in a shot of espresso? As a retailer of prosumer espresso machines and grinders, we're constantly asked by customers how many o...