Machines
Best Espresso Machines for Beginners (2026)
Our top picks for a first espresso machine, from the easy Breville Bambino Plus to budget and all-in-one options, and how to choose.
Home espresso, made simple
Café-quality espresso in your own kitchen
Honest buying guides, step-by-step technique and simple recipes for home baristas, from your first shot to latte art.
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Buy the right gear once
Plain-English buying guides for machines, grinders and milk tools at every budget.
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Pull a better shot
Dial-in, ratios, grind size and fixes for sour, bitter or watery espresso.
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Make café drinks at home
Lattes, cortados, seasonal recipes and ideas for your home coffee corner.
Latest guides
Machines
Breville Bambino Plus Review
The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact espresso machine that heats in about 3 seconds and textures milk automatically. It is one of the best values for beginners who make lattes and already have, or plan to buy, a good grinder.
Drinks
Peppermint Mocha Recipe
This peppermint mocha recipe combines espresso, chocolate, peppermint and steamed milk in about 10 minutes. It includes a homemade peppermint syrup, iced and dairy-free versions, and no-machine options.
Beans
Best Coffee Beans: Top Picks by Roast and Brew Method
The best coffee beans are freshly roasted whole beans matched to how you brew: light roasts for pour over, medium for drip, and medium-dark blends for espresso and milk drinks. Here are our picks by roast and brew method, plus how to choose.
Beans
Most Expensive Coffee in the World: Kopi Luwak and More
The most expensive coffee in the world by auction price is Panamanian Geisha, with a 2025 record of over $30,000 per kilogram. Kopi luwak and Black Ivory are famous for their unusual processing. Here is what makes each so costly and whether it is worth it.
Machines
CASABREWS Espresso Machine Review
The CASABREWS 5700Pro is an all-in-one espresso machine with a built-in conical burr grinder, a 58 mm portafilter and adjustable PID temperature, for roughly half the price of similar Breville models. Here is what it does well and where it cuts corners.
Beans
Decaf Espresso: How Much Caffeine and the Best Beans
Decaf espresso is espresso made from decaffeinated beans. A shot usually has only a few milligrams of caffeine. Here is how decaf is made, how to choose decaf espresso beans, and how to dial them in.
Drinks
Espresso vs Coffee: Caffeine, Taste and Brewing Differences
Espresso vs coffee: both come from the same beans, but espresso is brewed fast under pressure with a fine grind, making a small, concentrated shot. Regular coffee is brewed slowly with more water. Here is how they differ in caffeine, taste and brewing.
Coffee gear
Miele CM6110 Coffee System Review
The Miele CM6110 is a compact super-automatic coffee system that grinds, brews and froths milk at the touch of a button. Here is what it does well, where it falls short, and how it compares with newer Miele models.
Caffeine & health
Decaf Coffee During Pregnancy: Is It Safe?
Decaf coffee is generally considered OK during pregnancy because it contains only a few milligrams of caffeine per cup, far below the commonly advised 200 mg daily limit. Here is what the evidence and health bodies say.
Drinks
Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
A homemade pumpkin spice latte uses real pumpkin purée, warm spices and a little sugar heated with milk, then poured over espresso. Here is an easy recipe that takes about 10 minutes.