The Coffee Journal
Practical notes on decaf espresso, dialing in, and gear that survives daily use.
Is a 20 Bar Espresso Machine Good?
Espresso extracts at about 9 bars at the puck, so what does a 20-bar rating actually buy you? Here is what the number really measures, why marketing loves it, and what to look at instead.
Breville Bambino Plus Review (2026): The Best Small Machine for Decaf Espresso?
A decaf-first look at the compact Breville Bambino Plus: why the 3-second heat-up makes it the best small espresso machine for evening decaf drinkers.
Why Is Decaf Coffee So Expensive Now? (2026)
Decaf now costs as much as the good stuff, and bags keep shrinking. Four structural causes explain it, none of them are your roaster gouging you, and one is easing in 2027.
Is Decaf Coffee Safe? The Methylene Chloride Question in 2026
The FDA closed comments on the decaf solvent petition on 29 June 2026 and has not ruled. Here is what is actually true about methylene chloride, and how to buy decaf that never touches it.
Decaf Espresso With No Crema? Here Is Why (And the Fix)
Your decaf shot gushes in 12 seconds with thin, pale crema. Nothing is broken. Decaffeination changes the bean's structure, and here is exactly how to compensate.
Best Espresso Machine for Decaf (2026)
Decaf is the hardest bean type to dial in. We ranked the espresso machines that make it easy, and explain the three features that actually matter for decaf.
Bambino Plus vs Barista Express: Which Breville for Decaf?
The Barista Express bundles a grinder. That is its biggest selling point and, if you drink decaf and regular, its biggest liability. Here is the honest comparison.
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 to 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 ranked the 5 best beginner espresso machines for 2026, from budget picks to all-in-one setups, and explain who each one suits.
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)
Our Breville Barista Touch (BES880BSS) review: touchscreen workflow, ThermoJet speed, and whether the premium price is worth it for home baristas.
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 Review (2026): Worth It?
The Philips 4400 is the mid-range super-auto to buy for effortless milk drinks and painless cleanup — as long as barista-level straight espresso is not the goal. Here is the full picture.
Normcore V4 Tamper Review
The Normcore V4's calibrated spring and self-leveling base remove the two biggest tamping errors for around $45. Who it helps, and who can skip it.
NanoFoamer Pro Review for Latte Art
Does the Subminimal NanoFoamer Pro really make latte-art microfoam without a steam wand? Our verdict on texture, milk types, battery life, and cleanup.
Hario V60 Guide for Clean Cups
A practical V60 setup guide with grind, ratio, and pour control notes for consistent extraction — including a dedicated decaf V60 recipe with adjusted grind, temperature, and bloom.
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? A full breakdown of the AMZCHEF 20-Bar — shot quality, steam wand, maintenance, and how it handles decaf.
AeroPress Review for Daily Brewing
Our AeroPress Original verdict: why it remains the most practical coffee maker ever designed, with cup quality, durability, and travel value covered.
Acaia Lunar Review for Espresso
Our verdict on the Acaia Lunar for espresso: response speed, waterproofing, battery life, and whether it beats the Timemore Black Mirror for the price.