The Coffee Journal
Practical notes on decaf espresso, dialing in, and gear that survives daily use.
Swiss Water vs Sugarcane (EA) vs CO2 Decaf: Which Process Is Best for Espresso?
Swiss Water, sugarcane EA, and CO2 decaf all pull excellent espresso — but they taste different. Here's how each process works and which to pick for your flavor goals.
How Much Caffeine Is in Decaf Espresso? (Real Numbers)
Decaf espresso isn't caffeine free, but it's close. We break down the published numbers, compare a decaf shot to a regular one, and show how to cut the caffeine even further.
Gaggia Classic Pro Decaf Settings: Dose, Grind & Temp Guide
Decaf runs fast and punishes sloppy temperature on a single-boiler machine. Here are our exact Gaggia Classic Pro decaf settings: dose, yield, grind direction, and a temp-surfing routine that actually repeats.
Breville Bambino Decaf Settings: Dose, Grind & Shot Guide
The exact dose, grind, and shot settings we use to pull sweet decaf espresso on the Breville Bambino Plus, plus a step-by-step dial-in walkthrough.
WDT and Puck Prep: Are They Worth It?
Marcus Vane dives into the world of puck prep—from Weiss Distribution Technique (WDT) to precision tampers. Are these tools worth the investment?
How to Dial In Decaf Espresso: The Definitive Guide
Decaf beans grind, flow, and extract differently from regular coffee. This complete guide walks you through dialing in decaf espresso on any machine, step by step.
Niche Zero vs DF64 Gen 2: Which Grinder Should You Buy?
Niche Zero is the cleaner daily workflow grinder; DF64 Gen 2 is the better value for flat-burr clarity and future upgrades. Here is how to choose.
Bambino Plus vs Gaggia Classic Pro
Two of the most popular starter machines compared head-to-head. Which is better for your first espresso setup: the Bambino Plus or the Gaggia Classic Pro?
5 Best Espresso Machines for Beginners (2026)
New to espresso? We tested dozens of machines to find the 5 best for beginners in 2026, from budget-friendly to feature-packed.
Best Espresso Grinders Under $500
You don't need to spend $1,000 on a grinder. We review the 4 best espresso grinders under $500 that deliver cafe-quality grounds.
Rancilio Silvia Pro X Review (2026)
Marcus Vane dives deep into the Rancilio Silvia Pro X. With dual boilers and soft-infusion, is this the ultimate home espresso machine?
Niche Zero Review (2026): Still the Single-Dosing Benchmark for Decaf Espresso
The Niche Zero redefined the home grinder market. Marcus Vane reviews the 63mm conical single-doser to see why it remains our top pick for decaf drinkers in 2026.
Gaggia Classic Pro Review (2026)
An Italian icon updated for 2026. Marcus Vane reviews the Gaggia Classic Pro (RI9380/47) to see why it remains the favorite of the enthusiast community.
Breville Barista Touch Review (2026)
We spent 500+ hours testing the Breville Barista Touch (BES880BSS). Is the touchscreen workflow worth the premium price for serious home baristas?
Breville Bambino Plus Review (2026): The Best Small Machine for Decaf Espresso?
Marcus Vane puts the compact Breville Bambino Plus through a decaf-first test. Is the 3-second heat-up the killer feature for evening decaf drinkers?
Best Decaf Espresso Beans: 7 Ranked Picks for 2026
We ranked the 7 decaf espresso beans that actually pull like specialty coffee, led by Sightglass Hunky Dory, with process labels, tasting notes, and starting recipes for each.
Philips 4400 Series Review (2026)
With 12 presets and new SilentBrew technology, the Philips 4400 aims to conquer the mid-range super-auto market. How does it stack up?
Normcore V4 Tamper Review
Initial testing notes on tamp consistency, ergonomics, and value of the Normcore V4.
NanoFoamer Pro Review for Latte Art
Testing NanoFoamer Pro milk texture consistency and practical usability for home baristas.
Hario V60 Guide for Clean Cups
A practical V60 setup guide with grind, ratio, and pour control notes for consistent extraction.
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro Review (2026): The Decaf Drinker's Workhorse
The Evo Pro keeps everything we loved about the Classic Pro and swaps in a stainless steel boiler. Here's how it handles brittle, fast-running decaf — and whether you should mod it.
DF64 Gen 2 Review (2026): The Value Flat Burr for Decaf Drinkers
The DF64 Gen 2 fixes the original's popcorning and clumping problems and delivers serious 64mm flat-burr clarity for the money. For decaf single-dosers, it might be the smartest grinder under $500.
De'Longhi Magnifica Start Review
We tested the De'Longhi Magnifica Start for espresso quality, grinder behavior, milk texture, cleaning, noise, and value against Philips super-automatic rivals.
Best Decaf Espresso Trends for 2026
A practical look at the techniques, gear shifts, and roast developments shaping decaf espresso this year.
Chemex Brewing Guide and Setup
How to dial in Chemex brewing for clarity, sweetness, and predictable daily workflow.
Breville Barista Express Review (2026)
The Barista Express has dominated the home espresso market for a decade. Does it still hold up in 2026?
AMZCHEF 20-Bar Espresso Machine Review
Is a sub-$150 espresso machine worth your time? We put the AMZCHEF 20-Bar to the test — including how it handles decaf.
AeroPress Review for Daily Brewing
Hands-on notes on AeroPress workflow, cup quality, and long-term value for home brewers.
Acaia Lunar Review for Espresso
Our early verdict on Acaia Lunar responsiveness, durability, and workflow impact for espresso.