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| Coffees | Grinders | ||
Favorite Espresso Blends 2012
For the site's first five years, the reviews focused on espresso machines and grinders. Recognizing that coffee is the most important contributor to exceptional espresso, HB has expanded the popular Second Look review format to include peer evaluations of espresso blends. This year's'' theme is favorites nominated by the site membership. More... |
Mazzer Mini / Mini E, Macap M4, Cimbali Junior
One of the most important selections of your equipment ensemble is the coffee grinder. It's tempting to overlook the grinder and focus on the espresso machine. Don't fall into this trap. This review covers six popular espresso grinders among aficionados: Mazzer Mini, Mazzer Mini Electronic Doserless - Type A & B, Cimbali Junior, Macap M4, and Macap M4 Stepless. More... |
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| Espresso Machine Reviews | |||
Quickmill Silvano Review
Along the continuum of espresso machine choices, the Quick Mill Silvano is not easily categorized. It's priced less than other espresso machines capable of brewing and steaming at the same time, thanks to its innovative design. For the first-time buyer, it may well solve the dilemma for those who want to prepare espresso and cappuccinos back-to-back, but aren't willing to stretch their budget to a semi-commercial choice. More... |
Rancilio Silvia Review
Over the last 10+ years, Silvia is unquestionably the most heavily documented home espresso machine on the Internet. Perhaps counter-intuitively, that's precisely why skipping it would seem like an error of omission. This review isn't a rehash the already formidable collection of information on the Internet, but instead it highlights the best tips, especially those tips geared towards the Rancilio Silvia's target demographic, first-time buyers. More... |
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| Espresso Machine Detailed Reviews | |||
Buyer's Guide to the Expobar Brewtus III
If you were looking for a double boiler espresso machine for home use a few years ago, there would have been pretty slim pickings. In late 2004, WholeLatteLove introduced the Expobar Brewtus and the double boiler espresso machine home market took off. Ian Stewart updates the original buyer's guide to include the upgrades and options that have been introduced since the Brewtus' original introduction, including a new plumb-in rotary pump model. More... |
FAQs and Favorites Digest
Before investing time in reading reviews, it helps to know the basic terminology of espresso making and espresso equipment. This article has a few must-read introductions and how-tos are also recommended. To help you navigate to topics that interest you, it also contains links to the best topics all in one place, categorized by forum and subject area. More... |
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Buyer's Guide to the Ponte Vecchio Lusso
Lever espresso machines as a class are frequently labeled as finicky beasts that demand months of focused attention to master. The Ponte Vecchio Lusso, in sharp contrast, is exceptionally forgiving, making it an ideal candidate for an "espresso newbie" shortlist. Ponte Vecchio Lusso has remarkable temperature predictability and represents an espresso machine that grows with the skills of the barista. More... |
Buyer's Guide to the La Spaziale Vivaldi II
Over the years, Chris' Coffee Service has worked closely with La Spaziale to refine the product line based on feedback from consumers. These incremental changes in conjunction with the recent additions of programmable preinfusion and programmable temperature offset differential prompted us to update the buyer's guide with a fresh look at the La Spaziale Vivaldi II. More... |
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Buyer's Guide to the Vibiemme Domobar Super
Beginning with the specifications, the standout features of the Vibiemme Domobar Super include original E61 grouphead, choice of semi-automatic and electronic (automatic) volumetric dosing, three position power switch, and 2.7 liter boiler and a huge 3.8 liter water reservoir. That's a lot of steaming power! This review will look closely at the characteristics that separate the E61-based competitors to help you decide if the Vibiemme Domobor Super is right for you. More... |
Buyer's Guide to the Quickmill Alexia
Based on the time-tested design of the E61 brew group, the Alexia is forgiving of minor errors in barista technique. As a single boiler espresso machine, it also offers simple brew temperature management. With an optional electronic brew temperature control, it can reliably and easily pinpoint the desired brew temperature over a range. Is it the choice for the espresso purist? A beginner? Or latte lover? Let's find out. More... |
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Buyer's Guide to the Quick Mill Vetrano
Shhh-h! Did you hear that? Yes, that is the sound of greater tranquility in the morning—the sound of the new whisper-quiet rotary pump E61 espresso machine by Quick Mill (alas, if only grinders could be so quiet). In addition to accepting a water hookup, its driptray optionally converts to direct-drain with minimum hassle. Once you've become accustom to the convenience and quiet of a plumbed-in espresso machine, you'll never go back to filling water reservoirs again! More... |
Buyer's Guide to the Elektra Microcasa Semiautomatica
Over twenty years after its introduction, the Semiautomatica has remained unique. As the market for home espresso matured, other companies also produced home heat exchanger machines, but these were derived from small catering machines and looked far more conventional than the Elektra. If one imagines espresso machines as cars, they would range from subcompact little home machines to Mack truck four groupers. The Elektra Semiautomatica doesn't fit anywhere along this continuum, because it's the motorcycle of espresso machines. More... |
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Buyer's Guide to the Elektra A3
Functionally, the model A3 is a no-nonsense heat exchanger espresso machine destined for small cafés. But the Elektra Sixties model A3 espresso machine's distinct styling is an attention magnet to anyone who enters the room. Is this machine a little over the top for your average espresso lover? You bet! For that reason alone, the idea of reviewing Elektra's one-group offering was enticing and nicely consistent with the site's motto, "Your Guide to Exceptional Espresso." So began the Elektra A3 espresso machine's intensive review process. More... |
Fiorenzato Bricoletta - A Pro's Perspective
This is an "old school" espresso machine; stylistically, it is modeled on the classic Art Deco Faema and Gaggia machines of the late '40s and early '50s. The enormous exposed E61 group dominates its front profile. The Bricoletta also features a rotary vane pump and direct plumbing option. Chris Tacy takes it through the paces in his second Pro's Perspective review, commenting that he continues to be impressed by the state of the home espresso market, and in particular the Fiorenzato Bricoletta. More... |
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Past ReviewsBuyer's Guide to the Andreja Premium |
Retired ReviewsLa Marzocco GS/3 Prototype - Pro's Perspective |
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