alaska airlines stumptown coffee roasters

From Clouds to Countertops: The World’s Best Airline Coffee — and How to Brew It at Home

The Coffee Guy

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.

Lelit Mara X next to a DF64 Gen 2 in a bright kitchen

Cliff Notes: One Coffee Lover’s Upgrade Journey

Cliff NotesThe Coffee Guy

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.

coffee grinder spread

How to Choose the Right Espresso Grinder for Your Machine

The Coffee Guy

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.

lucca solo espresso machine on wooden table

Single Boiler vs Dual Boiler Espresso Machines: A Complete Comparison

The Coffee Guy

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.

flow control on a lelit bianca v3 espresso machine

Pressure Profiling in Espresso Machines: What It Is & Why It Matters

The Coffee Guy

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.

la marzocco linea mini espresso machine in a lit kitchen

What to Look For in a $2,000+ Espresso Machine

The Coffee Guy

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.

light roast coffee beans in a colorful spoon

Best Espresso Machines for Light Roast Coffee: Our Top Picks for 2025

The Coffee Guy

Light roast coffee is delicious—but difficult. In this guide, we break down why it’s so tricky to pull as espresso and which machines are best equipped for the challenge in 2025. From pressure profiling to thermal stability, we cover it all.

rocket appartamento serie nera in a dark kitchen

Rocket Appartamento in 2025: Still Iconic, Now Smarter

The Coffee Guy

Once the king of compact heat exchangers, the Rocket Appartamento has returned in 2025 with smarter tech and the same iconic style. Learn what’s new with the TCA model, how it compares to top rivals like the Mara X, and whether it’s still the right machine for your espresso journey.

4th of july themed coffee spread

Stars, Stripes, and Sips: Celebrate America with Every Cup

The Coffee Guy

This 4th of July, we’re raising a mug to freedom — and flavor. Discover festive coffee drinks, DIY brew bar ideas, and why espresso is the ultimate American dream.

pid on a rocket espresso machine

Understanding PID Temperature Control in Espresso Machines

The Coffee Guy

PID controllers have become a must-have in modern espresso machines—but what do they actually do? In this post, we break down how PID works, why it matters, and how it helps you brew better, more consistent espresso every time.

lelit espresso machine in kitchen with barista

Espresso Machine Warm-Up Time: Why It Matters & How to Speed It Up

The Coffee Guy

Think your machine is ready when the light turns on? Think again. Warm-up time plays a huge role in espresso quality—this guide explains why, and how to get brewing faster without sacrificing flavor.

rocket espresso appartamento espresso machine

Heat Exchanger vs Dual Boiler Espresso Machines: What’s Right for You?

The Coffee Guy

Choosing between a heat exchanger and a dual boiler espresso machine can make or break your home barista experience. This guide breaks down the differences, benefits, and which machine type is best for you in 2025.

espresso machine with an e61 group head

Why the E61 Group Head Still Reigns Supreme in 2025

The Coffee Guy

Trusted for over 60 years, the E61 group head continues to dominate the espresso world with its thermal stability, durability, and upgrade potential. In this post, we explore why it’s still the go-to choice for serious home baristas in 2025.

lelit bianca v3 pulling a shot of espresso

Is a Dual Boiler Espresso Machine Worth It?

The Coffee Guy

Curious if a dual boiler is really worth the investment? We break down the pros, cons, and who should make the leap.

eureka oro mignon single dose

The Best Espresso Grinders for Single Dosing [Under $1,000]

The Coffee Guy

Looking to perfect your single dose workflow without breaking the bank? Discover the top grinders under $1,000 that deliver precision and consistency.

lelit bianca v3 making espresso

Lelit Bianca V3 vs Profitec Pro 700: Which Dual Boiler Should You Choose?

The Coffee Guy

Torn between the artisanal charm of the Lelit Bianca V3 and the refined performance of the Profitec Pro 700? We compare build quality, heat-up times, and shot consistency so you can decide which dual boiler truly fits your espresso style.

lucca a53 mini espresso machine on kitchen countertop

The Best Espresso Machines for Beginners [2025 Edition]

The Coffee Guy
The Best Espresso Machines for Beginners [2025 Edition] If you're just getting into the world of espresso, welcome. You're about to discover a d...
coffee grinder grinding into a portafilter

Beginner’s Guide to Dialing In Espresso at Home

The Coffee Guy
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

The Coffee Guy
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...
used espresso machine in box

Open Box vs. New: When It’s Worth Saving 20% on an Espresso Machine

The Coffee Guy
Introduction: The Espresso Machine Dilemma You’ve finally narrowed it down — the espresso machine of your dreams. But then, right below the “Add to...
 breville bambino plus

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine Review: Is This the Best Compact Espresso Machine of 2025?

The Coffee Guy
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine Review: Is This the Best Compact Espresso Machine of 2025? Introduction If you’re in the market for a co...
acaia lunar coffee scale lineup

Why Every Home Barista Should Be Using a Scale for Espresso

The Coffee Guy
If you're serious about making better espresso at home, there’s one simple tool that can dramatically improve your consistency and elevate your cof...
breville espresso machine in kitchen

How to Know When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Espresso Gear

The Coffee Guy
Making espresso at home is a journey, and like any journey, sometimes your gear needs to evolve with you. Whether you started with an entry-level s...
lelit victoria lifestyle

Affordable Espresso Setups That Don’t Compromise on Quality

The Coffee Guy
Great espresso at home doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars. At Cliff & Pebble, we believe you can build an impressive espresso setup with...
easter coffee spread

Hop Into Spring: 5 Easter-Inspired Coffee Creations to Try at Home

The Coffee Guy
Easter is all about fresh starts, blooming flavors, and quality time with family—and for many of us, that means coffee in hand. Whether you’re host...
best espresso grinder under 500

The Best Espresso Grinders Under $500

The Coffee Guy
Our Picks For The Best Espresso Grinders Under $500 If you're on the hunt for a high-quality espresso grinde...
honey cinnamon oat milk latte

The Best Honey Cinnamon Oat Milk Latte

The Coffee Guy
Warm Up This Winter with a Honey Cinnamon Oat Milk Latte January calls for cozy moments and comforti...
turin coffee grinder comparison

Turin Coffee Grinder Comparison - Which Is Right For Me?

The Coffee Guy
"Life happens, coffee helps, and the perfect grind makes it extraordinary." ...
lelit elizabeth espresso machine

The Lelit Elizabeth V3 Is Back in Stock: Your Gateway to Perfect Espresso

The Coffee Guy
The Lelit Elizabeth V3 is Back! Attention espresso lovers and coffee aficionados! After much anticipation, t...
fireside coffee cocktail

Frosted Fireside Coffee: The Ultimate Winter Coffee Cocktail to Warm Your Soul

The Coffee Guy
Frosted Fireside Coffee ...