What makes European coffee different from American coffee? [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot on Oct 30, 2009 - 31 answers

My espresso maker just gave up the ghost, after 15 years of great coffee and service. What's a really dependable, good new machine to purchase? [more inside]
posted by zenpop on Sep 26, 2009 - 23 answers

Where can I find chairs like the ones at Aroma Espresso Bar in Toronto (pic). They're really comfortable and I want some for my apartment. Need not be an exact match, the cheaper the better.
posted by JPDD on Aug 22, 2009 - 6 answers

Where is to be had the best espresso in San Francisco? [more inside]
posted by Darth Fedor on Aug 11, 2009 - 17 answers

I drink an espresso a day and two or three cappuccinos a week. I want to get a new coffee machine. [more inside]
posted by insouciant on Jul 8, 2009 - 15 answers

When I use my stove-top espresso maker on a propane stove, it doesn't work well, but when I use it on a natural gas stove it works great. [more inside]
posted by shothotbot on Jul 1, 2009 - 10 answers

Chocolate espresso - impossible? I want to make espresso hot chocolate, but after reading up it seems as though it's not doable. At all. Am I right? [more inside]
posted by goo on Jun 6, 2009 - 23 answers

I have a Francis Francis! X5 espresso machine that I would like to sell. The problem is that it's the one referred to in this question, meaning it doesn't work. What's the best way to proceed? [more inside]
posted by veggieboy on Apr 24, 2009 - 7 answers

Help me become a kick ass Barista. [more inside]
posted by toni_jean on Apr 22, 2009 - 23 answers

Is there a cheaper alternative to the manufacturer-recommended descale solutions used to decalcify coffee/espresso machines???? [more inside]
posted by monkeybutt on Jan 4, 2009 - 12 answers

How much water do I put in my Delonghi Ec5 Espresso machine? [more inside]
posted by arcticwoman on Dec 13, 2008 - 3 answers

Good/great espresso on the cheap... possible? [more inside]
posted by wongcorgi on Sep 16, 2008 - 15 answers

Where Can I Buy A $80-$120 Espresso Machine in San Francisco (I live in SOMA) Tomorrow? [more inside]
posted by Spurious on Jul 10, 2008 - 8 answers

Help! I am a barista and my elbow hurts! What should I do? [more inside]
posted by waltzing astronomers on Jun 11, 2008 - 24 answers

What's a good whole bean coffee I can buy in bulk online on a college student budget? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim on Jun 1, 2008 - 18 answers

I'm anxious to give up the Java, or switch to decaf. For health reasons. Give me hints on how to do this effectively. [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott on May 9, 2008 - 14 answers

What are the best barista training programs/schools around? [more inside]
posted by Texasjake987 on Apr 9, 2008 - 2 answers

My FrancisFrancis X5 espresso machine has water coming out everywhere except where it's supposed to. [more inside]
posted by veggieboy on Apr 6, 2008 - 6 answers

Need help removing my beloved Bialetti's gasket that is stuck. [more inside]
posted by fijiwriter on Apr 2, 2008 - 5 answers

How do I avoid burning coffee with a stovetop espresso maker? [more inside]
posted by Blazecock Pileon on Feb 5, 2008 - 14 answers

What are good espresso-based drinks beyond the typical lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim on Jan 20, 2008 - 28 answers

Coffee beans behave like busses apparently. I went with preground for a year, and then I got a 5lb bag and a 1lb bag of roasted coffee beans and a grinder today for Christmas. How should I store them, accounting for my specific situation? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim on Dec 25, 2007 - 13 answers

Due to budgetary constraints, I've cut back on my daily quad-shot 16 oz. latte and am brewing coffee to take to work in the morning. I've noticed a difference in my moods and energy levels, but, more importantly, brewed coffee does not bring out the poop like the espresso drink does. [more inside]
posted by strangeleftydoublethink on Oct 17, 2007 - 17 answers

GiftFilter: Where can I buy high quality beans for an espresso lover in Silicon Valley? [more inside]
posted by spiderskull on Aug 29, 2007 - 11 answers

Why is my espresso nasty all of a sudden? [more inside]
posted by 235w103 on Jul 7, 2007 - 10 answers

Do I have to use instant espresso/coffee for baking? [more inside]
posted by spec80 on Jun 10, 2007 - 18 answers

What did my dishwasher do to my stovetop espresso maker?? [more inside]
posted by jefficator on May 19, 2007 - 14 answers

I'm looking into buying a Rancilio Silvia & Rocky combo... [more inside]
posted by dance on Feb 5, 2007 - 6 answers

Coffee Filter: I was given a small espresso machine for Christmas. How do I get rid of the "new machine" smell? [more inside]
posted by ninazer0 on Jan 25, 2007 - 6 answers

I've been fortunate to come into possession of an older La Pavoni Europiccola, but there's no manual. So I have three questions for anyone who's got experience using this kind of machine. [more inside]
posted by zadcat on Jan 19, 2007 - 13 answers

I just bought a Nespresso C100 expresso machine. I don't know much about espresso machines but find that the coffee tastes great and the machine, which uses pods, doesn't make a mess in my kitchen. I would like to know what people who know a lot about making espresso and love espresso think generally of the Nespresso system. In the few days I've had the machine it has produced reliable espresso with a beautiful crema and excellent taste.
posted by dclawyer on Nov 29, 2006 - 9 answers

Which of these 3 espresso machines is most likely to make both my partner and me happy? [more inside]
posted by mdion on Nov 27, 2006 - 22 answers

I looking to buy an espresso tamper and knock out "thing" in San Jose, CA today before noon. Anyone know where I can find one? I checked a few local Starbucks and looked online at Williams-Sonoma and Sur La Table. Any suggestions on local coffee shops and/or specialty retailers in the North San Jose Area that have a selection of the above items?
posted by mhm on Oct 20, 2006 - 6 answers

Is it my imagination, or is Starbucks espresso on a long road to suck? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott on Aug 7, 2006 - 15 answers

I am looking for actual science of coffee to improve my home espresso making. [more inside]
posted by mzurer on Jun 14, 2006 - 9 answers

Where does one find the best whole-bean espresso in Seattle? [more inside]
posted by Danelope on Apr 9, 2006 - 10 answers

Frugal, finicky, espresso! We are forming a creama cabal at work and would like to communally get a decent espresso machine. The problem is that not everyone is a coffee geek and the maximum budget we could agree on is around $200. So the question is, considering the monetary constraints, and the fact the machine is going to be somewhat high volume (10 people in an office environment), what is our best piece of gear?
posted by PissOnYourParade on Nov 10, 2005 - 15 answers

EspressoFilter: Help me find a commercial espresso machine for home use. [more inside]
posted by Sheppagus on Oct 3, 2005 - 22 answers

Complete coffee neophyte in search of French Canadian brewing technique... [more inside]
posted by AlexReynolds on Jun 8, 2005 - 12 answers

After years of unsatisfactory espressi at home via a Moka, I'm in the market for a good espresso machine. Not a milk frother - I can make my own decent caps if I have a good base. I'd welcome any unreserved recommendations from Mefi.
posted by Neiltupper on Mar 4, 2005 - 17 answers

Suggestions for a good and economical (non-aluminum!) home espresso machine? (Google and the 'Net have plenty-o-suggestions, but the volume is overwhelming, and I have come to trust the personal experience of AskMe members.) [more inside]
posted by Shane on May 23, 2004 - 24 answers

One for the home espresso people: do any of you know of a good way to clean out the grounds that get compacted in the holes of the portafilter basket? I've tried the dishwasher and extended soaking in hot, acidic water, but no luck.
posted by shoos on Jan 16, 2004 - 17 answers