What Water Should You Use in Your Coffee Machine?
Learn why water matters as much as beans, why distilled water damages espresso machines, and how to choose between tap, filtered, and bottled water for the best-tasting coffee.
espresso
How to Clean a Steam Wand (And Why You Must Daily)
Learn to clean your espresso machine’s steam wand after every pour with a simple purge-and-wipe routine, plus weekly deep-soak steps to prevent clogs.
How to Clean a Portafilter (Daily & Deep Clean)
Learn the daily wipe-down and weekly deep-clean routine that keeps portafilter baskets free of rancid oils and clogged holes, plus when to replace worn parts.
How to Backflush an Espresso Machine
We’ll walk you through backflushing a 3-way solenoid espresso machine using a blind basket and Cafiza, so your shots stay clean and your machine runs smoothly.
How to Clean an Espresso Machine (Daily, Weekly, Monthly)
Learn the exact daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routine for any semi-automatic espresso machine — including backflushing, group head maintenance, and steam wand care.
How to Descale a De’Longhi Espresso Machine
Learn how to descale De’Longhi Magnifica, Stilosa, Dedica, and La Specialista machines using EcoDecalk solution, with filter reset and frequency by water hardness.
How to Descale a Breville Espresso Machine
Learn how to descale your Breville espresso machine, adjust water hardness settings, and reset the descale light for consistently sweet, balanced shots every time.
Coffee Maker under $200 Buyer’s Guide 2026: Top 7 Picks
Seven coffee makers, one budget. Sarah breaks down the best options under $200 in 2026 — from a dual-system brewer that handles K-Cups and grounds to the iconic Chemex and the ever-reliable AeroPress.