The Brew Log

Espresso grind size: how to find and maintain the sweet spot

Master espresso grind size. Learn how grind affects extraction, how to adjust for different beans and roasts and how to keep your grinder calibrated.

28/02/2026Read →

How-To6 min read

What to track in your espresso journal (and why it matters)

Learn what data to log for every espresso shot and how tracking your brews helps you dial in faster, waste less coffee and make better espresso at home.

20/02/2026Read →

Best espresso grinders for home: a buyer's guide

Compare the best espresso grinders for home baristas. From entry-level to prosumer, find the right grinder for your budget and brewing style. Updated April 2026.

14/02/2026Read →

Coffee bean origins and processing: how they affect espresso

Learn how coffee origin, altitude, variety and processing method shape the flavour of your espresso. A practical guide for home baristas choosing beans.

07/02/2026Read →

How-To10 min read

Espresso glossary: 50+ terms every home barista should know

A complete glossary of espresso and coffee terms. From channelling to crema, extraction to puck prep, learn the language of espresso.

30/01/2026Read →

How to steam milk for latte art: a beginner's guide

Learn how to steam milk for espresso drinks and latte art. From stretching to texturing, master the technique for silky microfoam every time.

22/01/2026Read →

Espresso puck prep: WDT, distribution and tamping explained

Master espresso puck prep. Learn WDT, distribution techniques and tamping to eliminate channelling and pull consistent shots every time.

15/01/2026Read →

How-To7 min read

How to clean your espresso machine: a complete guide

Keep your espresso machine in top shape. Learn daily, weekly and monthly cleaning routines including backflushing, descaling and group head maintenance.

08/01/2026Read →

Guide10 min read

Best espresso machines for home: a buyer's guide

Compare the best espresso machines for home baristas. From entry-level to prosumer, find the right machine for your budget and skill level. Updated April 2026.

01/01/2026Read →

Troubleshooting5 min read

How to choose coffee beans by origin

A practical guide to choosing coffee beans by origin. Learn how African, Central American, South American and Asian coffees taste different and which origins suit your favourite drink style.

16/03/2026Read →

Why does my espresso have no crema?

Thin, pale or missing crema? Here are the most common causes and what you can actually do about it, without chasing crema for its own sake.

16/03/2026Read →

Troubleshooting6 min read

Espresso channelling: how to spot it and fix it

Channelling ruins extraction and makes your espresso taste inconsistent. Learn what causes it, how to diagnose it, and the puck prep techniques that actually help.

15/03/2026Read →

Water quality for espresso: why it matters more than you think

Your espresso is 90% water. Hard water causes scale, soft water tastes flat. Learn what makes good espresso water and how to get it right without overcomplicating things.

13/03/2026Read →

How to choose an espresso tracking app: what actually matters

Not all espresso apps are equal. Learn what features to look for in a coffee tracking app, from shot logging and bean management to AI coaching and data export.

Caffeine in Espresso: How Much Is in Your Cup?

How much caffeine is really in a shot of espresso? Learn about caffeine content per shot, how roast level affects it, daily limits and how to track your intake.

Freezing Coffee Beans: Does It Actually Work?

Can you freeze coffee beans without ruining them? The science behind freezing, best practices for storage and how frozen beans affect espresso extraction.

Espresso Extraction Time: What's the Right Range?

What is the ideal espresso extraction time? Learn why time is a result not a target, what affects it and how to use timing to diagnose and improve your shots.

Espresso temperature guide: how hot should your water be?

Learn how brew temperature affects espresso extraction. Covers the ideal range, roast level adjustments, PID controllers, temperature surfing and how to dial in temperature for taste.

Espresso pressure explained: what does 9 bars mean?

Understand why 9 bars became the standard for espresso, what pressure does during extraction, how pressure profiling works and when to adjust pressure on your machine.

How to taste espresso: a beginner's sensory guide

Learn how to taste espresso like a pro. Covers the five key dimensions of flavour, how to identify tasting notes, building your palate and tracking sensory impressions over time.

Espresso vs coffee: what's actually different?

Understand the real differences between espresso and regular coffee. Covers brewing method, grind size, caffeine content, flavour profiles, crema and common misconceptions.

Light roast espresso: how to dial it in

Light roast espresso is notoriously tricky to dial in. Learn why light roasts behave differently and how to adjust your recipe for bright, complex shots.

Single origin vs blend for espresso: which is better?

Should you use single origin or blend beans for espresso? Learn the differences in flavour, consistency and when each type works best.

Espresso dose and yield: finding your sweet spot

Understand how espresso dose and yield affect your shot. Learn standard ranges, the relationship between input and output, and how to find the ratio that works for you.

Tips7 min read

WDT tool and espresso distribution: better puck prep

Learn how the WDT (Weiss Distribution Technique) and other distribution methods improve your espresso by preventing channelling and creating even extraction.

Coffee freshness for espresso: when are beans at their best?

Learn when coffee beans hit peak freshness for espresso, how degassing works, why roast level affects timing, and how to store beans for maximum shelf life.

Bottomless portafilter: why every home barista should use one

Learn what a bottomless (naked) portafilter reveals about your espresso puck prep, how to read the extraction visually, and how to fix common problems it exposes.

23/03/2026Read →

Espresso drinks explained: from ristretto to flat white and everything in between

A guide to every major espresso-based drink, how they differ, what makes each one unique, and how your espresso recipe should change depending on what you are making.

23/03/2026Read →

Coffee journal: what to track and why (and how to actually stick with it)

A coffee journal is the fastest way to get better at espresso. Here is what to log, why each field matters, how to pick between paper, spreadsheet and app, and how to make the habit stick past week two.

20/04/2026Read →