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Espresso equipment seems to fall into 3 categories with some areas that cross over.   The beginner home user, the prosumer home user, and professional shop.  The Compak E8 is definitely designed for a professional shop or a serious home user with a bit of $$$ and wants an amazing statement piece next to their espresso machine on a bar without overhead cabinets.  Unboxing this grinder, very simple packaging.  The top has a box with the hopper, instruction manual, and a fe

This graph was created using a combination of a poll as well as our sales and inquiry data. For brands with zero percent, we don't have any data on this, but there are certainly some businesses that use those brands. This table has a break down of the brands along with the percentage for each.  Brand Percent Nuova Simonelli 35.25% La Marzocco 17.63% La Spaziale 7.12% Rancilio 5.76% La Pavoni 5.76% Unic 5.42% La Cimbali

For most people, if you are even considering purchasing a coffee roaster, you are probably really into the hobby.  Maybe not? but for most it is the next logical step.   First the espresso machine or other fancy brew equipment, then the grinder, tons of accessories like bottomless portafilters, tampers, knock boxes, mats, distribution tools... the list goes on and on.  The next step... the coffee roaster.   I have always been intrigued with roasting coffee.   Probab

Approximate Time Owned4 years Rating Overall 5/5 Reliability Rating 5/5 Value for the Price 5/5 Usability Rating 5/5 Aesthetics Rating 5/5 Detailed Review The Rocket R 58 is a sweet machine. It’s one of the more popular semi-automatic commercial machines as it provides you with a café quality espresso. It has a dual boiler, steam pressure consistency, you can plumb it or use the reservoir, and it’s quiet. For these reasons, I assume it was designed for

Approximate Time Owned2 years Rating Overall 5/5 Reliability Rating 5/5 Value for the Price 5/5 Usability Rating 4/5 Aesthetics Rating 5/5 Detailed Review I switched to the first gen F4E Nano from a four year old Baratza Vario that was on its third repair in 6 months. The F4E is built incredibly well and looks beautiful. There is some clumping of the grinds, but not much. There is retention, 2-3 grams at least, which one can live with. Adjusting the grin

Approximate Time Owned3 years & 15 years Rating Overall 5/5 Reliability Rating 5/5 Value for the Price 5/5 Usability Rating 5/5 Aesthetics Rating 5/5 Detailed Review We purchased our first Vivaldi II 15 years ago and another 3 years ago for a different location. The Vivaldi II has separate brew & steam boilers. This allows for steaming milk and drawing espresso at the same time and more importantly at the correct temperature for each. Our newer Vival

Approximate Time Owned6 months Rating Overall 4/5 Reliability Rating 4/5 Value for the Price 4/5 Usability Rating 4/5 Aesthetics Rating 4/5 Detailed Review This is my first espresso purposed grinder and I have loved it so far. The ease of use from setting your 3 pre programmed timers, dialing in your grind and disassembly for cleaning make this grinder great for someone just starting their espresso journey or a seasoned vet. I personally single does each time

Approximate Time Owned6 years Rating Overall 5/5 Reliability Rating 5/5 Value for the Price 5/5 Usability Rating 4/5 Aesthetics Rating 4/5 Detailed Review Rancilio Silvia is a very reliable machine and has a strong following online. You can get all your questions answered easily with a little research. The machine does require an excellent grinder and a thorough understanding of espresso dosing, distribution, tamping, and temperature. The machine’s therm

NameAlbert Acosta Exact Product Brand & Model Name Ceado E6P V2 Approximate Time Owned 1 1/2 yrs Rating Overall 5/5 Reliability Rating 5/5 Value for the Price 5/5 Usability Rating 5/5 Aesthetics Rating 4/5 Detailed ReviewBought this for my Conti Prestina, and now using it for my Profitec Pro 800. The flavors I now get from my machines have been noticeably enhanced with this grinder. On the plus side: 1) Gives me great tasting espress

NameCody Kuhnline Product Brand & Model Name Rancilio Rocky Approximate Time Owned 2 Years Rating Overall 4/5 Reliability Rating 5/5 Value for the Price 5/5 Usability Rating 4/5 Aesthetics Rating 4/5 Detailed Review We've owned this grinder for 2 years and it's great. I bought it used and don't know how long the prior owner had it or used it, but it's still running strong. I got a great deal on it and a La Pavoni espresso machine. Wh

According to a poll we did of coffee shop owners that have successfully run a coffee shop for at least a year, 94.6% used an espresso machine with at least two groups. Of the 5.4% that used a single group machine, the majority used a large single group machine with 220 volt connection. Most suggested that they were planning on getting a two group soon or wished they had gotten a two group machine. There was only one coffee shop owner that used a 15 amp single group machine and that was in a

By: Barrett EllisSo I have been using the Rocket Fausto since last March. Prior to receiving, I was asking several questions online since it was still relatively new to the market. A bunch of people replied “its made by Atom”, or “just buy an Atom….” but did not have much else to say. I had been searching for a grinder upgrade for a few years, wanting and wishing for several different brands and models. I had played with and experienced much nicer grinders but was stuck with one that was

According to our sales data and a poll of visitors, the following shows the popularity of espresso machine brands.  Here is a table showing the brands and percentages.  Brand Percent Rocket 20.33% La Pavoni 14.84% Quick Mill 12.09% Rancilio 11.54% La Spaziale 9.89% ECM 8.79% Bezzera 4.95% Lelit 4.40% Nuova Simonelli 3.85% Izzo 2.20% Elektra 1.65% Ascaso 1.65% La Cimbali 1.10% Faema 1.10%

What Is Chaga Mushroom Coffee? Chaga coffee is simply a blend of Chaga Mushrooms and coffee. Chaga mushrooms are a superfood that have a lot of health benefits and have been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Chaga mushroom coffee simply combines the benefits of this outstanding superfood with your coffee. It’s a great way to get superfood benefits with your daily cup(s). If you get the right blend of coffee mixed with superior quality mushrooms, you can have the benef

Photos from Nuova Simonelli Facebook updates. Photos of Nuova Simonelli espresso machines and grinders. #AureliaII at Coffee RepublicWaiting for a coffee with #AureliaII at Atmans Coffee in BarcelonaThe new week has started with #AppiaII#nuovasimonelliDid you know? In 2011 Nuova Simonelli presented the innovative T3 technology that grants maximum thermal stability through tridimensional temperature control (water, steam, group). #NuovaSimonelli#TechnologyThe one and only #AureliaWave w

BY GUEST WRITER Peter Rucht from Coffee MarketerWhen I first started my coffee business, online reviews became the single best ― and free ― way to drive traffic to my cafe.But getting online reviews isn’t so easy.It seems as if you have to fight for every review. Out of the 20 people requested, only one person usually actually followed through. But if customers have a disappointing experience, they will write a bad review in a heartbeat.Figuring out the best and easiest ways to recei

3 Signs that it’s Time to Clean your Espresso Machine (and why it’s important to do so!)There are many variables involved in creating the perfect shot of espresso, including coffee quality, water quality and equipment. Yet, something that’s often overlooked is the cleanliness factor. Here are 3 signs to watch out for that may indicate your machine is less clean than optimal: Your espresso is taking too long to extractYour espresso inexplicably starts to get a funky tasteYou have your grind se

Then on each side loosen the screws at the bottom.Align the wood panels with the screws and tighten to hold panels in place.

Have you been searching for the latest life extension technology? Look no further than your daily cup of coffee! Amazing new research is showing that drinking coffee on a regular basis can boost your chances at longevity, with benefits even extending to those who drink up to 8 cups a day! A recent study performed in the U.K. that analyzed around 500,000 British adults concluded that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of early death. In this brand new study published in the Journal of the American

So, we know that coffee has some awesome health benefits when we drink it, but did you know it also can have some great effects on your skin and complexion topically? Not only is coffee packed with antioxidants, but it also works as a natural vasodilator to firm up your skin. All this means that your favorite morning beverage can also reduce and prevent wrinkles, and protect your skin against free radical and sun damage. Now, it doesn’t make much sense to try and rinse your face with your leftov

When making espresso, there are so many variables to consider. All sorts of factors can impact your results including your water, grind texture, temperature, bean quality, and of course your measurements. Generally speaking, your standard double shot of espresso will be made with 17-18 grams of coffee. Of course, this may be adjusted depending on other variables and also to your personal taste. While you can use your portafilter to measure, it is best to use a kitchen scale for the best accuracy

Diabetes is huge problem worldwide with over 300 million people afflicted across the globe. If you are looking for even more reasons to drink that extra cup of coffee, studies are showing that habitual coffee consumption significantly lowers your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Amazingly, each cup of coffee consumed is associated with 7% reduced risk of the condition and those who drank the most coffee had the benefit of a 23%-67% reduction!Source: 1

While you may have heard rumors that coffee can increase your risk of heart disease, this assumption has been proven false by two studies (1, 2). Through these studies, both The American Heart Association and NMCD Journal conclude that there is no association between daily coffee consumption and coronary heart disease. Furthermore, there is even evidence to suggest that women who drink coffee regularly have a lower risk of developing heart disease. Interestingly, research from from Japan shows t

Along with all the other mind stimulating benefits coffee offers us, another one you can add to the list in increased short term and long term memory function. In a double blind study conducted at John Hopkins University, it was demonstrated that caffeine from coffee may help to strengthen memory and make you more resistant to forgetting. Throughout the study, it was also discovered that caffeine enhances memory consolidation, which is the process of strengthening memories and making them more p

Been forgetting to take your daily multivitamin? Well fortunately for you, you can still receive some essential nutrients from your daily coffee. Just one cup of coffee contains the following : 11% of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)6% of the recommended daily amount Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)3% of the recommended daily amount of Manganese and Potassium2% of the recommended daily amount of Niacin Magnesium (Vitamin B3)Of Course, the more cups you drink, the more of the

While some of us might be concerned about how coffee affects our pearly whites, you might be surprised to find out that coffee actually has teeth protecting abilities. In a 2002 study, Coffee was found to provide antibacterial support against certain microorganisms including the Streptococcus Mutan (or S. Mutan), which is one of the biggest causes of dental cavities. Scientists at two Italian Universities concluded that certain coffee molecules prevent S. Mutan organisms from sticking to tooth e

Gout is a kind of arthritis that is caused when uric acid crystals buildup within the joints. It’s can be a debilitating condition that usually affects the feet and legs and it is commonly triggered by the foods we eat. In 2007, a 12 year study performed by the American College of Rheumatology exclusively on men, concluded that long term coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of gout. While drinking fewer than 5 cups of coffee a day saw only a 10% reduction in risk, drinking 6 or mo

So you know that coffee can give help give you an extra boost of energy for your workout, but did you know that coffee will also keep helping you even after your workout is over? Interestingly, research shows that coffee can lower your perceived soreness during, and up to 3 days after you exercise! Some studies show that this is due to certain proteins in coffee, known as peptides, that have a similar effect on the body as morphine. So, if you are struggling with post workout muscle pain, try ad

Having trouble finding the energy or motivation to get through your morning workout? Try a cup of coffee before hitting the gym. When you drink caffeinated coffee, Epinephrine (better known as adrenaline) is released into your bloodstream, which gives you an extra boost. Caffeine is also known to speed up metabolism when taken before exercise, providing you with even more fat burning, energy enhancing benefits. Additionally, caffeine also helps break down body fat into free fatty acids so they

This fact should be no surprise to you since you have probably experienced it if you are coffee drinker. Because coffee mildly stimulates your central nervous system, it proves to boost alertness and attention. This can be very beneficial for those who work and drive at night and need increased wakefulness. Studies also show that coffee is effective in improving performance in those who are jet-lagged or suffering from a sleep disorder. Research done by the European Food Safety Authority conclud

Although we have seen findings that show coffee decreases blood flow in the brain, studies are actually showing that drinking coffee can increase blood flow within the body. In one study that analyzed 27 adults, age 22-30 who did not regularly drink coffee, it was found that drinking just one cup of coffee significantly increased blood flow within their fingers. Measuring the blood flow within the fingers in indicative of how well the body’s smaller vessels are pumping blood. When caffeinated co

Believe it or not, if you eat a traditional western diet, coffee might be the healthiest thing you are consuming. Antioxidants play a crucial role in keeping our cells healthy and coffee contains massive amount of them. Antioxidants protect our bodies by purging our cells of free radicals, which prevents cell damage and further reduces our risk of developing cell related diseases like cancer. Coffee is packed with powerful antioxidants like hydroxycinnamic acids and polyphenols, and surprisingly

It was reported by the CDC that approximately 26 million Americans were diagnosed with some sort of cancer in 2014, about 8 percent of the US population. While we all look for effective methods of prevention, studies are showing that regular coffee consumption can help to further reduce your risk of developing certain cancers. Some studies are showing that those who drink at least two cups of coffee per day can slash their risk of developing liver cancer by 43% and those who drink 4-5 cups can r

So, you’ve heard about all the various ways coffee can improve your health, but did you know your daily cup could actually add years to your life? A recent study out of Stanford University School of Medicine found that properties in caffeine may reduce the inflammatory process linked to cardiovascular disease and aging. With a majority of noncommunicable diseases related to chronic inflammation, this is great news for coffee drinkers. Researchers from Stanford discovered that caffeine directly c

The liver is vitally essential to our body. It filters our blood, detoxifies us from chemicals and metabolizes fats, along with performing a myriad of other important functions. Unfortunately, a lifetime of poor dietary choices, drinking alcohol, certain medications and a variety of health conditions can take a toll on the liver, but now studies are showing that coffee can have some amazing, beneficial effects for this crucial organ. A recent study cited in the Journal of Hepatology found that

Since they can be such a debilitating diseases and there is currently no cure, everyone is looking for methods of prevention against dementia and Alzheimer’s. Through research, many experts and studies have concluded that regularly consuming coffee can decrease your risk of developing these neurodegenerative diseases. Amazingly, one study even found that drinking 3-5 cups of coffee a day can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia by 65%. Like with other conditions, it seems that caffeine i

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, and since there is currently no cure, prevention is key. Parkinson’s disease is caused from the loss of dopamine-generating neurons in the brain, and studies show that those who regularly consume coffee have their risk of developing Parkinson’s significantly reduced with reduction levels ranging from 30% to 60% depending on other factors.It’s been widely reported that just one cup a day can decrease your risk by 31%, while

Ok, so this point is most likely not news to you. In fact, this is probably the main reason we all drink coffee, especially when we need the extra perk up in the morning. But, why does caffeinated coffee have this effect on us?As it turns out, caffeine induces something called brain hypoperfusion, which in basic terms means it increases the energy metabolism throughout the brain while also decreasing blood flow. It also activates noradrenaline neurons and affects the release of dopamine, a chemi

Did you know coffee can help you burn fat? According to a couple studies (links below) caffeine in coffee increase metabolic rate by 3 to 11%. A higher metabolism means you can eat more without it converting to fat. Another way that it helps burn fat is it breaks fat cells into free fatty acids which the body uses for energy.Ofcourse if you add sugar to your coffee or drink milk based drinks that won't help with burning fat!https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7486839https://watermark.silverchair

While some people might not think twice about the water they are using to make their coffee, it can actually make quite a difference when it comes to flavor. Elements like mineral content, chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and water hardness all play a role in the flavor results you get from your brew. Because of all the variables in our drinking water, the Specialty Coffee Association or SCA, developed a list of water guidelines that are supposed to ensure the best possible extraction and flavor for sp

Arguably, the most universal form of coffee is espresso. Not only does it have a rich history, but it’s still an immensely popular drink on its own and it’s used in various milk based beverages like, the latte, cappuccino, macchiato and flat white. So, how did espresso come to be? When it comes down to it, people were simply looking for a faster way to brew their coffee and get their caffeine fix. With efficiency in mind, they began brewing coffee with steam instead of water, and came up with

As a coffee shop or cafe owner, you want your business to be a refuge. A safe place for people to come together a bond over their favorite drinks and a place of comfort for someone to retreat to. While charming decor, comfy furniture, and cool music certainly help, the most important element is attitude. Taking just a few steps to build friendly relationships with you patrons can go a long way in contributing to the atmosphere and overall success of your shop. Make it a priority for you and you

Let’s be honest, nobody really likes a pushy salesperson. There’s a reason we hide when we see one approaching our home, and there’s a reason we joke about “used car salesmen”. Nobody wants to feel like something is being pushed on them, but at the same time you still need to sell your product. While this is true, instead of trying to actively sell, put your attention and focus on customer service. Developing a positive and relaxed business space along with cultivating friendly relationships wit

The French press is a brewing method as well as a device that is also occasionally known as a press pot or plunger pot. This is a very simple and very time efficient way to make a great cup of coffee.Simply put, a French press is basically just a container with a plunger attached to a metal filter. When the plunger is depressed, the filter separates the grounds from the brewed coffee. In this instance, metal is a superior filter material over something like paper because it allows more of the n

Not to be confused with iced coffee, which can be made with some ice cubes in about 15 minutes, cold brew coffee is a slightly more complicated process and is usually prepared by introducing cold water immediately to the coffee grounds, or through a slow, continuous drip. These two methods extract the delicate flavors from the grounds and leave behind the more bitter compounds, resulting in a mellow, smooth and sweet flavor. Impressively, even though cold brew is very low in acidity, it has abou

We've had a number of coffee start ups asking if they should purchase preground coffee so they don't have to purchase grinders. Our answer - we don't ever advise that you purchase preground coffee. We also don't recommend that you pregrind ahead of time and use that throughout the day. We recommend grinding immediately prior to pulling an espresso shot or brewing the coffee. The main reason is that grinding coffee makes it go stale much quicker than with whole bean coffee. So if you purchase pre

A lot of coffee start ups want to have an average coffee shop so they get average equipment, average coffee, average employees, etc. The problem with this is you are competing with other businesses, like Starbucks which has average coffee, but above average processes, turn around time, equipment, environment, etc. To compete with this, you need to be well above average - your product, service, etc have to be outstanding. Do this and you'll be successful, don't do this and your business will be o

We love getting photos from customers. This is a photo from the Toole's that just got their La Spaziale Dream machine. Looks great guys! Wood side panels look great.

Do things like:> Always keep things clean, bathrooms, floors, etc. Wipe tables regularly - it's easy to forget during a busy day, but no one wants to sit at a dirty table. > Welcome every guest when the come in. When customers leave thank them for coming.> Learn customer names and greet them by their name when they come in.> Make eye contact and smile> Try to interact with customers... Stop by their table and ask how their drinks are, bring samples around, etc.> If a customer d