Top 5: Best espresso accessories for an aspiring home barista
Looking to buy a gift for an aspiring home barista? Or maybe it’s time to treat yourself with a low cost upgrade to your own…
Espresso
Home espresso machine reviews, tips, and comparisons. Featuring super-automatics and semi-automatics from Jura, Rocket Espresso, Gaggia, Rancilio, Philips, Miele, and more for aspiring home baristas.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop is the one to get
Nespresso has a wind range of models, but its latest one might be just the best yet. The new Vertuo Pop is a relatively compact…
Here’s a few accessories I’ve found useful for improving espresso workflow
Time flies when you’re having fun as they say. And such was the case when I realized my Heat Exchanger (HX) had turned 18 years…
How to make better latte art
Here’s 7 quick tips and some video resources that will help you make latte art or make better latte art if you’re looking to refine…
Tested: Can a dosing funnel improve your espresso workflow?
A simple solution for reducing grind waste
Review: Normcore Espresso Tamping Mat
Sometimes it's the little things.
Home Espresso: A Cortado in a Gibraltar glass is pure luxury
Today we’re looking at the iconic Cortado espresso drink served up in a gorgeous Libbey Gibraltar glass. Tired of your daily coffee or espresso routine?…
Espresso Machine Showdown: Profitec GO vs. Ascaso Steel Uno
For today’s Stark Insider espresso machine showdown it’s the Profitec GO vs. the Ascaso Steel Uno. Or simply: GO vs. Uno! My 18 year-old Pasquini/Bezzera…
Are ESE espresso pods worth it? We test Illy pods on a Gaggia Classic Pro to find out
Easy Serve Espresso (ESE) pods are the espresso world’s equivalent of Nespresso or Keurig. They enable you to simply pop one into your machine to…
Jura Z10 Review: The absolute best super-automatic espresso machine for home or office
Last updated: July 2025 Stark Insider reviews the flagship Jura Z10 super-automatic espresso machine. What’s it like having a personal barista available 7/24 in your…