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Profitec Go’s Double Dilemma: Should You Chase the Manual’s 60 mL?

Profitec Go’s Double Dilemma: Should You Chase the Manual’s 60 mL?

The Profitec Go’s owner’s manual says a double espresso is 60 mL. Is that your new target? A user on Reddit is grappling with this exact question, having dialed in their machine to pull 36g from 18g grounds in 25 seconds. The shot tastes good, but the higher yield of 60 mL feels like a missed opportunity. If you’ve ever wondered whether to follow the manual or trust your palate, this is your moment. The Profitec Go’s extraction window is narrower than many home machines, which means small adjustments in grind size or dose can tilt the balance. The user’s…
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GS3 vs. GS4: Should You Invest in La Marzocco’s Iconic Machine or Wait for the Next Big Thing?

GS3 vs. GS4: Should You Invest in La Marzocco’s Iconic Machine or Wait for the Next Big Thing?

Get ready to sip on this: The La Marzocco GS3 is a beast, but is it worth the $8000 price tag—or should you wait for the next big thing? If you’re eyeing an upgrade from a Profitec Pro 700, you’re likely chasing steam power, temperature stability, and volumetrics. The GS3 delivers all of that, but its 2008 design feels like a relic in a world of rapid innovation. The Linea Mini’s recent “R” update and the Strada X1’s $20k price tag have left many wondering: Is the GS3 a relic, or still the gold standard? The GS3’s appeal lies in…
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Why Your Bambino+ and Smart Grinder Pro Keep Choking—And How to Fix It

Why Your Bambino+ and Smart Grinder Pro Keep Choking—And How to Fix It

Pour yourself a cup for this one: Your Bambino+ and Smart Grinder Pro are choking on single-wall unpressurized baskets, and it’s frustrating. You’ve tweaked dosages, adjusted grind settings, even cleaned the machine—but the problem persists. It’s a puzzle, and the solution might not be what you expect. The root of the issue likely lies in a combination of burr alignment, dosage precision, and machine calibration. You’ve tried 14g to 15g dosages with outer burr settings at 5 and 6, yet the shots still choke. This suggests the grinds are too fine or uneven, creating a compacted puck that blocks water…
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The 64mm SSP MP Burrs That Redefined My Coffee Game

The 64mm SSP MP Burrs That Redefined My Coffee Game

There’s something brewing in the grind. After months of chasing reviews and second-guessing, I finally installed the 64mm SSP MP burrs—and my coffee just got better. This isn’t a scientific study, but a real-world test of how these burrs transformed my workflow. If you’re eyeing them, here’s what you need to know. My setup? A CF64v with a Lelit Victoria, and I’m a sweetness junkie. Whether it’s a light roast’s citrus zing or a dark roast’s molasses depth, I crave balance. I upgraded from a Eureka Mignon to the CF64v and already noticed a leap in extraction consistency. But the…
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Does the Steam Wand Angle Matter for Microfoam? Here’s the Truth

Does the Steam Wand Angle Matter for Microfoam? Here’s the Truth

Listen up: The steam wand angle is a hot topic in barista circles, and for good reason. Whether you’re chasing velvety microfoam or perfect latte art, the angle at which you position the wand can make or break your results. But here’s the catch—most baristas debate it like it’s the final round of a championship, when the real answer is simpler. You’ve probably seen videos showing every angle from 45 degrees to straight down, each claiming to be the holy grail. Yet, the science behind it? Less clear. The truth is, the steam wand angle isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s…
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Mastering the Cortado: Consistent Foam, Crisper Art

Mastering the Cortado: Consistent Foam, Crisper Art

Here’s something to stir your curiosity: the cortado’s magic lies in the balance between milk and espresso, but achieving that harmony feels like chasing a ghost—until you nail the routine. For those of us who prefer less milk, the Silvia’s precision can feel like a double-edged sword. It’s a machine that demands respect, and when you finally sync with its rhythm, the results? A cortado that’s creamy, crisp, and utterly satisfying. The Silvia’s strength is its pressure, but that same force can turn a simple froth into a mess if you’re not careful. The key? Temperature. Milk that’s too cold…
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The Minimalist Coffee Cart: How to Brew Intimate Gatherings Without Breaking the Bank

The Minimalist Coffee Cart: How to Brew Intimate Gatherings Without Breaking the Bank

Real talk: If you're dreaming of a coffee shop but can't afford the lease, here's a smarter play. A minimalist coffee cart—think pour-over setups, milk drinks, and no espresso machine—could be your secret weapon. It’s not about scaling up; it’s about scaling down, testing ideas, and building buzz without burning cash. The goal? Create a portable, intimate coffee experience for friends and family while keeping costs low and logistics tight. The setup hinges on simplicity. A pour-over set (maybe two or three for variety), an electric kettle, a hand grinder, and an aeropress are your core tools. The aeropress isn’t…
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Red Ink Coffee Schools You in the Coffee World Beyond the Cup

Red Ink Coffee Schools You in the Coffee World Beyond the Cup

Here’s what you need to know: Coffee education isn’t just about brewing or roasting anymore. Krzysztof Blinkiewicz, founder of Red Ink Coffee, is redefining how we teach the craft by weaving in climate, culture, and community. This isn’t just a shift in curriculum—it’s a radical reimagining of what it means to know coffee. At the heart of Red Ink’s model is a philosophy that questions why we teach coffee at all. “Too many courses teach technique without context,” Blinkiewicz says. His approach isn’t about mastering a skill set but about understanding the systems that shape coffee’s journey—from the farm to…
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Sailing Toward Sustainability: How Sail Transport is Reshaping Coffee’s Future

Sailing Toward Sustainability: How Sail Transport is Reshaping Coffee’s Future

If you're wondering how coffee roasters are slashing emissions without sacrificing flavor, look to the open sea. Decarbonized sail transport is rewriting the rules of sustainable coffee, blending history with innovation to cut carbon footprints and spark curiosity. For years, the industry has relied on oil-powered cargo ships, which spew 3% of global CO₂ and 20% of air pollutants. Now, wind-powered sailboats are challenging this status quo, offering a quieter, cleaner alternative that’s also reshaping the taste of coffee itself. Sail transport isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about reimagining the journey. Coffee shipped by sail spends weeks at sea, exposed…
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Sydney’s Coffee Tour: A City Unpacked in Cups

Sydney’s Coffee Tour: A City Unpacked in Cups

The verdict is in: Sydney’s Sunday mornings aren’t just about caffeine anymore. Shu Yeung has transformed the city’s coffee culture into a vibrant, educational experience where strangers become collaborators in a shared love of specialty coffee. At first glance, it’s a walking tour—until you realize it’s also a masterclass in storytelling, a bridge between industry jargon and everyday curiosity, and a testament to how coffee can connect people across continents and cultures. Shu’s journey began in Tokyo, where he mapped over 20 specialty cafés, walking with a cupping spoon in his pocket and a camera slung over his shoulder. The…
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