Coffee Makers & Gear | Acquired Coffee

How Does a Lever Espresso Machine Work?

Lever espresso machines allow you to literally “pull” shots, just as baristas did during the early- and mid-1900s. No other way of making espresso is more hands-on.

A manual machine is not for everyone. If you just want convenience, a different kind of espresso maker would be better. But if you want to get hands-on with your espresso making, if you want to learn and enjoy the nuances, a lever machine may be right for you. We’ll explain what a lever espresso machine is, the two distinct types – manual lever and spring, as well as suggest some specific models to take a look at.

In this article I’ll examine the similarities and differences between two popular immersion coffee drippers: the Hario Switch and the Clever Dripper. Both are similar devices and make similarly good cups of coffee. We’ll get into the details to help you make your decision.

Overall, I feel that the Hario Switch will be preferred by more experienced coffee aficionados, while the Clever Dripper is better suited for beginners. But both will give you satisfying results.

The Gaggia Classic Pro and the Breville Barista Express are two popular semiautomatic home espresso machines, but they differ in the capabilities and experience that they offer. Here’s a breakdown of the different features that might lead you to choose either the Gaggia Classic Pro or Breville Barista Express.

You can make great pour-over coffee at home with a wee bit of experience and a good coffee dripper. Both the Hario V60 and the Cafec Flower Dripper are excellent choices for a home dripper, but they aren’t exactly the same. Let’s discuss the differences and which of these two is better for you.

Siphons and pour overs are two of the most elegant slow coffee-brewing methods, and both are capable of brewing delicious coffee once you master the technique. Each has a place in the home barista’s kitchen (or dining room). When you have to choose between one or the other, however, here are some of the differences that might make you prefer either one.

Rocket Appartamento vs La Marzocco Linea Mini

The Rocket Appartamento and La Marzocco Linea Mini are both compact and capable home espresso machines, but they differ significantly in price and quality. While you’ll be happy with either, there are good reasons to upgrade with the La Marzocco Mini if it’s within your budget.

The Hario V60 is one of the most dominant manual pour-overs, commonly found in kitchens, cafes and brewing competitions. It’s the brewer that has won the most World Brewers Cup (2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021), yet is also a favorite of home baristas.

With so many professional baristas using the Hario V60, a number of different ways to brew with the pour-over have been developed. Here are some of the most popular (and most flavorful) pour-over brewing methods and recipes for the Hario V60.

Portafilters and filter baskets are essential for making espresso. While they might seem simple and all similar, there are major and minor details that can make a difference in your at-home coffee experience.

If you have recently purchased an espresso machine or are looking to upgrade one, here’s what you should know about portafilters and filter baskets.

Bottomless portafilters look exotic when brewing espresso, and have a cult following among baristas. There also are practical reasons to use these. If you have a home espresso machine, here’s why you might want one of these among your accessories.

Portafilters come in many sizes, shapes and styles. The aesthetics can vary (e.g. handle wood/color, single spout/double spout), and so too can the functional design (e.g. size, basket/naked). One of the most fundamental differences in portafilters is whether they’re pressurized or non-pressurized. How Espresso is Made At its most basic, espresso is brewed by extracting …

How Does a Lever Espresso Machine Work?

Hario Switch vs. Clever Dripper

Gaggia Classic Pro vs Breville Barista Express

Cafec Flower Dripper vs Hario V60

Siphon Coffee vs. Pour Over

Rocket Appartamento vs La Marzocco Linea Mini

Hario V60 Pour Over Brewing Method and Recipes

Portafilters and Filter Baskets (All the Details!)

Bottomless (Naked) Portafilters

Pressurized vs. Non-Pressurized Portafilters