About the Espresso Guy

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)

For roasting I use a Poppery II hot air popcorn popper.

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.

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!