The Announcements above the forum listing frequently contains "quotable quotes" nominated by Team HB and the membership. Entries in the announcements are limited to recent quotable quotes; below is the unabridged collection with links to their source in the forums. We hope these nuggets of wisdom and amusing quips will lead you to a deeper understanding of the art of espresso.

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 Don't cover your check engine light

"Hiding the problem with a paper filter makes the [bottomless portafilter] useless. It's a bit like putting a smiley-face sticker over top a check-engine warning light on your dash - 'All better now'." --Jake Groseclos, Naked portafilter mess

 Success through persistence

" If one insists on their daily coffee and never exactly repeats their process, I assert they're doomed to find success." --Gary (GDM528), Help with Grinder/Espresso Machine

 You're having fun, right?

"Both espresso machines will make excellent coffee. But which will bring you joy in the process is what the hobby is all about." --Dustin, Decent vs La Marzocco Linea Micra (or Mini)

 Barista, know thyself

"The choice is based on looking at yourself, not at the espresso machines." --Jim Schulman, Comments on La Marzocco Linea Micra Espresso Machine Review

 The 80/20 rule is a rule for a reason

"It's been my observation in life that no matter what you do, someone will complain. My rule of thumb: If 80% of the people are pleased, you're doing great." --Dan Kehn, Bigger default fonts

 Common wisdom isn't always right

"There's been a lot of 'armchair science' around coffee and espresso, much of which has proven to be wrong." --Jeff Kletsky, Why are 25 gram baskets not popular?

 Nobody is loved by everybody

"The idea that popular products don't receive criticism is simply not true. Maybe it's the minority and maybe that's because a product is a very good one. But the Niche Zero has certainly not escaped criticism." --John (jpender), Niche Zero: One year in review

 Entry level by another name

"If you end up wanting to pursue espresso as a hobby, [entry level espresso equipment] will limit you at some point, depending on which ways you decide to explore. Those are sort of the Toyota Corollas of the espresso world." --Jeff Kletsky, Advice on espresso machine/grinder for a newbie

 Happy Birthday, Angelo Moriondo

"Today, Moriondo is considered as the father of the express machine and consequently the starting point of the history of espresso." --Sebastien Delprat, In search of Moriondo's espresso machine

 Recalibration of expectations

"Expectations are just that. I'm on the list, and I greatly appreciate an honest list over aggressive marketing masquerading as transparency." --Jeff Kletsky, Delay for Argos lever espresso machine

 Great grinder → happier barista

"The TL;DR is: invest in the grinder. More than you would now feel comfortable. It'll pay off in the form of much better coffee and a happier, less frustrated you." --Osku, Rocket Appartamento - help, heavy channeling

 This is supposed to be fun, remember?

"But you know what? I get pretty damn good coffee with my simple recipes, simpleton devices and 10-15 minutes of concentration. I cherish the fact that I know where and how to improve, but I resist on the fomo and upgraditis." --Dustin Holloway, Reviving the coffee Zen?

More quotable quotes...