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Featured Review · Grinders

Best Coffee Grinders for Home Brewing (2026)

For home filter brewing, the Baratza Encore is Cafe & Crema's current top pick because its 40-setting M3 burr platform is simple to use and backed by an unusually deep replacement-parts and…

By Cafe & Crema Editorial Team · Updated October 12, 2026

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DF54 vs Baratza Encore ESP: Which Espresso Grinder Should You Buy?

Compare the MiiCoffee DF54 and Baratza Encore ESP on espresso adjustment, burr architecture, single-dose versus hopper w…

What Is a Burr Coffee Grinder? Conical vs Flat & Stepped vs Stepless

A burr coffee grinder controls grind size by passing beans through an adjustable gap between two burr surfaces. Learn co…

How to Make Pour-Over Coffee: Ratio, Grind, Bloom & Pouring (2026)

A current pour-over coffee guide covering coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, bloom, water temperature, pour pattern and…

AeroPress Inverted Method vs Standard & Bypass (2026)

The AeroPress inverted method stops drip-through but AeroPress now strongly discourages it because of burn risk. Compare…

Coffee Water Hardness vs Alkalinity: Brew Water & Espresso Machine Safety (2026)

Coffee-water hardness, alkalinity and TDS are different measurements. Compare the World Brewers Cup brew-water reference…

How Long Does Coffee Stay Fresh? Roast Dates, Storage & Freezing (2026)

Coffee freshness is not one fixed window. Learn what roast dates tell you, how degassing differs from staling, why oxyge…

Cold Brew Coffee Ratio & Concentrate Dilution Guide (2026)

Cold brew ratios make more sense when you separate the brew ratio from the serving dilution. Compare current OXO and Tod…

How Often Should You Descale a Coffee Machine? Water & Maintenance Guide (2026)

How often you should descale depends on the exact coffee machine, water hardness, filter setup and usage. Learn how Brev…

Espresso Dial-In Guide & Chart: Grind, Dose, Yield and Time (2026)

Dial in espresso with a decision-first chart for grind, dose, yield, time and puck preparation. Use 18 g in / 36 g out a…

Latte vs Cappuccino vs Flat White vs Cortado: What’s the Difference? (2026)

Latte, cappuccino, flat white and cortado all combine espresso and milk, but the milk amount, microfoam and serving form…

Espresso Machine Maintenance: Backflushing, Cleaning & Gaskets

Evidence-based home espresso maintenance: when to backflush, how cleaning differs from descaling, what to inspect on gas…

AeroPress vs Moka Pot vs French Press (2026)

Compare AeroPress, moka pot and French press by brew method, filtration, capacity, cleaning, grind requirements and milk…

French Press Coffee Ratio, Grind Size & Steep Time (2026)

A current French press brewing guide covering coffee-to-water ratio, coarse grind, steep time, water temperature, plungi…

How to Make Better Drip Coffee: Ratio, Grind, Bloom & Batch Size (2026)

Make better drip coffee by fixing the variables your brewer actually controls: coffee-to-water ratio, grind, batch size,…

Home Espresso Setup Guide: What You Need & What to Buy First (2026)

Build a home espresso setup in the right order: choose integrated vs separate grinder architecture, match the grinder to…

How to Steam Milk for Latte Art: Microfoam, Temperature & Wand Position (2026)

Learn a repeatable steam-wand workflow for silky microfoam: purge first, position the tip just below the surface and off…

Moka Pot Technique: Grind Size, Heat & Hot-Water Method (2026)

A moka pot is simple, but technique still matters. Start from Bialetti's official cold-water, no-tamp method, then compa…

Coffee Pods vs Capsules: Nespresso Original vs Vertuo vs K-Cup (2026)

Coffee pod and capsule systems are not interchangeable. Compare Nespresso Original, Nespresso Vertuo and Keurig K-Cup by…

Flat-Bottom vs Cone Pour-Over Drippers: V60, Kalita Wave & Chemex (2026)

Compare flat-bottom and cone pour-over drippers using current Hario V60, Kalita Wave, Chemex and Hario Switch documentat…

Espresso Puck Prep Guide: WDT, Distribution, Tamping & Channeling (2026)

A current espresso puck-prep guide covering WDT, distribution, dose, tamping, headspace and channeling. Uses current Bre…

SCA Certified Coffee Makers: What Certification Means (2026)

What does SCA Certified mean on a coffee maker? Learn how the current Specialty Coffee Association home-equipment progra…

How to Steam Oat, Almond & Soy Milk for Coffee (2026)

Steam oat, almond and soy milk with a milk-specific workflow instead of one universal plant-milk rule. Use current Brevi…

Baratza Sette 270 Troubleshooting: Won’t Start, Fast Shots, Shims, Clogs & Noise

Troubleshoot the Baratza Sette 270 ZCG1270 for no-start faults, display countdown with no burr movement, fast espresso,…

Breville Barista Touch Impress Review: Is the BES881 Worth the Automation?

A decision-first Breville Barista Touch Impress BES881 review covering the current 40mm/30-setting grinder, ThermoJet, I…

Breville Barista Touch Impress vs Oracle Jet: BES881 or BES985?

Compare Breville Barista Touch Impress BES881 with Oracle Jet BES985 on 54mm assisted tamp vs 58mm auto grind-dose-tamp,…

Eureka Mignon Specialità Troubleshooting: No Start, Fast Shots, Clogs & Touchscreen

Troubleshoot the standard Eureka Mignon Specialità for no-start faults, burrs that do not spin, fast shots, fine-range p…

MiiCoffee DF64V Gen 3 Troubleshooting: Stalls, Shutdowns, Static, Noise & Zero Point

Troubleshoot the current MiiCoffee DF64V V3.0 / Gen 3 for stalls, shutdowns, no output, chute clogs, static, retention c…

Profitec GO 2.0 Troubleshooting: No Water, Low Pressure, Weak Steam & Reset

Troubleshoot the current Profitec GO 2.0: no water, tank seating, loud pump, low pressure, weak steam, group leaks, time…

Baratza Sette 270 Review: Fast Espresso Workflow, Fine Control, and the Noise Tradeoff

A decision-first Baratza Sette 270 review covering ZCG1270 identity, 40mm S1 conical burrs, macro plus stepless micro ad…

MiiCoffee DF64V Gen 3 Review: Is Variable RPM Worth the Extra Control?

A decision-first MiiCoffee DF64V Gen 3 review covering the current V3.0 64mm flat-burr platform, 400W brushless variable…

Baratza Encore ESP Review: Is It Still the Best Beginner Espresso Grinder?

A decision-first Baratza Encore ESP review covering espresso adjustment, M2 burrs, hopper and measured-dose workflow, re…

Baratza Vario+ Troubleshooting: Lever Drift, Calibration, Clogs & Burr Contact

Troubleshoot the Baratza Vario+ for micro-lever drift, grind-range problems, calibration, burr contact, clogs, slow outp…

Breville Bambino Review: Is the BES450 Still Worth It?

A decision-first Breville Bambino BES450 review covering ThermoJet and PID brewing, manual milk texturing, 54mm workflow…

Breville Smart Grinder Pro Review: Is It Still Worth Buying for Home Espresso?

A decision-first Breville Smart Grinder Pro review covering the BCG820 platform, 60-step adjustment, Dosing IQ hopper wo…

Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820 Troubleshooting: No Grind, Jams, Hopper Lock & Burr Adjustment

Troubleshoot the Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820 for no-start problems, PLEASE LOCK HOPPER, blocked burrs or chute, lo…

DF54 vs DF64 Gen 2 (DF64 II): Which MiiCoffee Grinder Should You Buy?

Compare the MiiCoffee DF54 v1.5 and DF64 II V2.6 (DF64 Gen 2) on burr platform, motor power, espresso workflow, grind sp…

Eureka Mignon Specialità Review: Quiet Timed Espresso or Hopper Tradeoff?

A decision-first Eureka Mignon Specialità review covering the standard 55mm model, stepless espresso adjustment, touchsc…

Fellow Opus 2 Review: Is It the Best One-Grinder Setup for Espresso and Filter?

A decision-first Fellow Opus 2 review covering the current stepless 48mm platform, espresso and filter workflow, retenti…

Fellow Opus 2 Troubleshooting: Jams, Retention, Static, Calibration & Adjustment

Troubleshoot the Fellow Opus 2 for jam alerts, incomplete automatic stop, high retention, static, grind-range problems,…

Gaggia Classic UP Review: Factory PID Without the Mod Project?

A decision-first Gaggia Classic UP review covering dual PID control, adjustable pre-infusion, 58mm workflow, pressure mo…

MiiCoffee DF54 Review: Is It the Best Espresso Grinder for the Money?

A decision-first MiiCoffee DF54 review covering current v1.5 hardware, espresso workflow, retention evidence, owner-repo…

MiiCoffee DF64 II Review: Is the 64mm Gen 2 Grinder Worth It?

A decision-first MiiCoffee DF64 II V2.6 review covering the 64mm flat-burr platform, espresso workflow, grind-speed evid…

MiiCoffee DF64 II Troubleshooting: Clogs, Static, Retention, Burr Rub & True Zero

Troubleshoot the current MiiCoffee DF64 II V2.6 for chute clogs, no output, static, high retention, burr rub, true-zero…

Profitec GO 2.0 Review: Is the Updated 58mm PID Single Boiler Worth It?

Profitec GO 2.0 review covering the current June 2026 model, 58mm workflow, PID temperature control, programmable pre-in…

Breville Bambino Plus Review: Is It Still Worth It?

A decision-first Breville Bambino Plus review covering ThermoJet speed, PID brew control, automatic and manual milk text…

Breville Barista Express Review: Is the BES870 Still Worth It in 2026?

A decision-first Breville Barista Express BES870 review covering the 16-setting integrated grinder, pressure gauge, PID…

Breville Barista Pro Review: Is This All-in-One Espresso Machine Still Worth It?

A decision-first Breville Barista Pro review covering the current BES878 grinder revision, ThermoJet workflow, espresso…

Gaggia Classic Pro E24 Review: Is the Brass-Boiler Classic Still Worth It?

A decision-first Gaggia Classic Pro E24 review covering the brass-boiler update, 58mm workflow, 9-bar OPV, stock tempera…

Rancilio Silvia Review: Is This Serviceable Espresso Classic Still Worth It?

A decision-first Rancilio Silvia review covering the standard single-boiler platform, 58mm workflow, thermostat temperat…

Rancilio Silvia vs Profitec GO 2.0: Classic Simplicity or Factory PID?

Compare the stock Rancilio Silvia and current Profitec GO 2.0 on 58mm workflow, thermostat vs PID control, pre-infusion,…

Gaggia Classic UP vs Profitec GO 2.0: Which 58mm PID Single Boiler?

Compare the Gaggia Classic UP and current Profitec GO 2.0 on 58mm workflow, PID control, pre-infusion, pressure adjustme…

Gaggia Classic Pro E24 vs Rancilio Silvia: Which Should You Buy?

Compare the Gaggia Classic Pro E24 and Rancilio Silvia on 58mm workflow, brass boilers, temperature management, steaming…

Gaggia Classic UP Troubleshooting: Error Codes, No Coffee, Noisy Pump & Overheating

Troubleshoot the Gaggia Classic UP EG2500 using the current manual: error codes, clogged filter holder, noisy pump, cold…

Baratza Encore ESP Troubleshooting: Jams, Static, Retention, Shims & Grind Range

Troubleshoot the Baratza Encore ESP ZCG495 for jams, static, retention, clumping, espresso grind range, shims, ring burr…

MiiCoffee DF54 Troubleshooting: Clogs, Static, Burr Rub, True Zero & Stuck Dial

Troubleshoot a current MiiCoffee DF54 v1.5 for clogging, no output, static, retention, burr rub, true-zero mismatch, a s…

Rancilio Silvia Troubleshooting: No Flow, Weak Steam, Leaks & Temperature Problems

Troubleshoot the standard Rancilio Silvia: no group flow, pump symptoms, weak steam, wand and portafilter leaks, no heat…

De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus Troubleshooting: No Espresso, No Steam, Blinking Lights & Descaling

Troubleshoot De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus EC950M no-espresso, choking, Auto LatteArt, no-steam, blinking-light, leak, s…

Gaggia Classic Pro E24 Troubleshooting: No Flow, Steam Leaks, Fast Shots & Cold Coffee

Troubleshoot the Gaggia Classic Pro E24 using the current E24 manual: no brewing, noisy pump, fast shots, portafilter le…

De’Longhi Dedica Duo Troubleshooting: No Water, Steam Light, Slow Shots & Descaling

Troubleshoot De’Longhi Dedica Duo EC890M no-water, solid steam-light, slow-shot, weak-steam, Cold Brew, leak and descali…

De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Troubleshooting: No Water, Grinder, Lights & Cold Brew Fixes

Troubleshoot De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo no-water, grinder, portafilter, flashing-light, descaling, auto-off and C…

Baratza Encore ESP Pro Review: Is This Stepless Grinder Worth It?

A decision-first Baratza Encore ESP Pro review covering ZCG595 stepless espresso control, M2 burrs, single-dose and time…

Baratza Encore ESP vs Encore ESP Pro: Which Should You Buy?

Compare the Baratza Encore ESP and Encore ESP Pro on stepped versus stepless adjustment, M2 burrs, dosing modes, anti-st…

Breville Bambino Troubleshooting: BES450 Problems & Fixes

Troubleshoot Breville Bambino BES450 problems including no water, loud pump, slow or fast shots, weak steam, leaks, clea…

Breville Barista Express Troubleshooting: BES870 Problems & Fixes

Troubleshoot common Breville Barista Express BES870 problems: no water or hot water, dripping or fast shots, no steam, p…

Breville Barista Pro Troubleshooting: BES878 Problems & Fixes

Troubleshoot common Breville Barista Pro BES878 problems: no water or hot water, loud pump, dripping or fast shots, no s…

Breville Barista Touch Troubleshooting: BES880 Problems & Fixes

Troubleshoot common Breville Barista Touch BES880 problems: no steam, weak Auto MilQ, no water, loud pump, fast or dripp…

Breville Bambino Plus vs Barista Pro: Which Should You Buy?

Breville Bambino Plus vs Barista Pro compared: separate grinder vs integrated 30-setting grinder, automatic vs manual mi…

Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus: Which Should You Buy?

Breville's Bambino and Bambino Plus share the same core espresso architecture. The real buying decision is milk workflow…

Breville Barista Pro vs Barista Express: Which Should You Buy?

Breville Barista Pro vs Barista Express compared: ThermoJet vs Thermocoil, 30 vs 16 grind settings, LCD workflow vs pres…

Coffee Away From the Kitchen — Travel, Office and Camping

The three situations get lumped together and they have almost nothing in common. A hotel room has a kettle and no space,…