I've only picked up this hobby about 5 years ago so maybe I'm missing something but who's buying $175 conventional tampers when you can get really good leveling tampers for under $50.

Is it like driving a manual car? It's more enjoyable if you're good at tamping straight?

Please let me know if you know more.

What are the two knobs on the water level gauge on the right used for?

Well, yes... it has... but I don't understand why...

I am doing a frame off restoration of an old Astoria 2 group machine and it has the normal dual pressure gauge. I am reassembling the machine, and ran it a bit to check for leaks and test the electronics. And I noticed that...

I have an Iroast 2 that the top has cracked, and the chaff collector body has cracked. I put aluminum duct tape over the cracks, and it's been holding for a year. Anyway, I bought a Iroast 1st generation for parts, then today I found and bought another Iroast 2 for $30 so I...

Looks like we're getting a refreshed Linea Mini today! Refreshed design (reminds of Micra) with a new drip tray, shot timer, new two valve pre-infusion system, extended shot time (99s) and apparently comes with Micra's new portafilter as well.

Starting at € 4.150,00 (VAT...

Hello,

I've just received my shiny new VBM Domobar Jr Hx Digital. Lovely machine, visually.

Pulled a few shots to get it basically dialed in, so far so good. I wonder, though, how to think about the brew temperature setting. Is this calibrated to the boiler or the group, does...

So before anything else I'd like to say that I'm not questioning the use of fresh roasted beans nor am I looking to switch to Italian bean blends to drink everyday. I do like more medium roast and traditional flavors and am generally not a fan of 3rd wave, light roasted modern...

29 minutes long;
- review of history for the first six minutes;
- 12:23-14:00 for why cone burrs should/must wobble, a.k.a., was James Hoffmann wrong in his Key review?

April 1, 2011 announcement of the Pharos: Pharos manual grinder by Orphan Espresso

I want to try to come up with a drum style full city roast for my fluid bed. Goal is to extend roast time to increase depth and decrease acidity without getting too much roast/scorch flavor. My fluid bed has little to no heat retention. How would you approach it? My thoughts...

A person is selling a linea mini and grinder for 4k. Too good to be true? Any tips or things to look out for? How if I go through with the purchase, what is the safest way to pay. Don't really want to have that much cash on me. Any knowledge is appreciated.