Below is a collection of this forum's most popular topics. To nominate a thread for inclusion in this list, please post a reply to this message. Remember to check the Resources page for other references.
The Newbie Introduction to Espresso series of videos was created specifically for those new to making espresso at home. In addition to watching these videos, I strongly urge newbies to spend an evening with the site's Recommended Reading outlined in the FAQs and Favorites Digest...
I bought a bag of Ethiopian coffee roasted by Bocca. In my opinion it's close to a medium roast.
In the beginning I managed to dial this in after 4 shots, on a new ECM I got myself. I was able to taste some distinctive notes, even though I'm usually bad at distinguishing. I...
For years I made espresso the same way, with little attention to detail. Results were inconsistent, but mostly drinkable, and often good. Within the past year my espresso became undrinkable: consistently bad tasting in a way that is new to me.
I just had to share my excitement about my new espresso adventure! So, I recently got myself a semi-automatic espresso machine from Walmart. It wasn't a high-end model, but it's a perfect starting point for me in less than USD300. It's amazing how a relatively cheap machine with...
Lately I've been trying to maximize my medium to dark roast espresso brewing, as someone who drinks 99% light roast espresso at home but is now working at a cafe with coffee a little darker than I prefer.
I've been experimenting with some gift beans and found that brewing...
I recently bought a Gaggia classic evo pro 2023 (the european version still with the standard OPV - not the 9bar american OPV).
I am using the standard filterbasket (the one without the black pin) with the included 2 way-drip portafilter. My grinder is the Commandate C40. I...
There are a ton of really experienced folks here on H-B, willing to share loads of information. I'm grateful for all of the things I'm learning from them. It seems like there are a good number of newbies arriving too, whether new to being a home-barista, period, or new to...
I will take up one entry with the coffee I have for this and my extractions of it over the duration of the bag. Maybe others will choose to test these highly extracting waters.
I am going to post about a coffee that should lend itself to...
Hello! I have read and learned a lot from this community, and I am hoping you can help me troubleshoot whether my espresso flow is normal or abnormal. Included is a video. Dark liquid starts flowing between 1-2 seconds after pulling the lever, and by 5 seconds there is 5 grams...
