By the time I turned 24, my daily ritual of sipping my first cup of espresso had become a staple; it wasn’t until a former employer unexpectedly invited me to a spontaneous coffee-tasting event that I began to appreciate the nuances of this beloved beverage. Initially, I found the strong flavor of black espresso unappealing; however, my small-chain espresso store employer wouldn’t compensate the price difference for more palatable options like the Minty Mocha Freeze, forcing my taste buds to adjust. As I began to appreciate the daily ritual of brewing a fresh pot of espresso in the morning, I soon found myself savoring the opportunity to connect with my dad over a shared love of coffee during holiday visits to my parents’ home. Two friends savoring a steaming cup of Folgers coffee from a well-worn Mr. While espresso machines hum away, reruns of classic sitcoms and timeless dramas continue to play out in perpetuity on television screens.
In 2012, I made the transition to Portland, Oregon, as the third wave of espresso’s popularity was reaching its zenith; subsequently, I secured employment at a bustling café and bakery that thrived on its reputation for efficiency. As I progressed through this stage, my reliance on espresso evolved from a primal craving to a finely honed skill. Roasters like Stumptown and Coava instilled in me an understanding of extraction principles, expertly maintaining my store’s La Marzocco, while a now-closed outpost piqued my curiosity within the ever-evolving realm of grinders, brewers, boilers, and accessories that strive to produce stunning cups of espresso in any situation.
Regardless of whether your financial situation is modest at $4 or substantial at $400, you’ll find no shortage of thoughtful gadgets that make excellent gifts for household, friends, or even unsuspecting participants in a lively white elephant exchange.
With meticulous care, we’ve curated a selection of merchandise and equipment that our staff has thoroughly tested, validated, and even used themselves to craft perfect espresso in the comfort of their own homes.
Let’s review our files carefully. Now we have a collection of coffee-related guides complemented by our comprehensive directory, informative blog posts, and engaging community forums.
