About the Espresso Guy

My name is Eric and I’m the “Espresso Guy.” For more about me and this site, read on.

Why did you make this site?

I’m trying to educate the budding barista about making espresso at home. There are a lot of websites out there for pros only. I set out to make a site to educate the beginner, and that a more experienced barista could perhaps learn a bit from as well. And I figured if it managed to be entertaining too, that couldn’t hurt.

How did you learn about espresso?
I’ve read a number of books on the subject, though all real knowledge comes from practice. It takes some dedication to be able to make a good shot of espresso. And even then, nobody can make a perfect shot every time. Making good espresso is — unquestionably — more difficult to learn than bowling.

But I don’t claim to know everything about espresso (nobody does, it’s a science) so please, if you see something on this site you think may be incorrect contact me (unless you’re a rabid bowling fan.)

What equipment do you use?

  • Rancilio Silvia modified to use a PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) temperature controller instead of the stock thermostat
  • Rancilio Rocky grinder
  • EspressoParts Stainless Steel ProTamp (convex)

I roast with a Nesco Coffee Roaster.

What equipment have you used in the past?

Espresso machines:

  • Estro Vapore (now known as the Starbucks Barista)
  • Krups Novo
  • Krups steam machine
  • DeLonghi steam machine

For a long time I used a huge grocery-store sized Grindmaster grinder that was given to me by Other Avenues, a local health food store.

For roasting I previously used a Poppery II hot air popcorn popper.

How did you get into espresso?

My high school cafeteria served espresso, and I grew up in a town filled with cafes. It was inevitable!