Espresso & Coffee
How to Use a Pressurized Portafilter Basket for Espresso
How to use a pressurized portafilter basket: the grind, dose, tamp and shot time that work, how to spot one, and how to clean it so shots stay clean.
Bistro Bounty
Restaurant-grade cooking, at home
In-depth guides to the gear serious home cooks use to eat like they're at their favorite bistro: espresso, pizza, knives, cookware, baking and wine.
Featured guide
Why Is My Espresso Watery? 6 Causes and Quick Fixes
Why is my espresso watery? Six causes, from a coarse grind to a low dose, plus the grind, dose and shot-time fixes that bring body and crema back.
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Espresso & CoffeeEspresso machines, grinders and the accessories that actually improve the shot.4 guides →
Pizza Ovens & ToolsIndoor and outdoor pizza ovens, steels, peels and dough gear for pizzeria-level pies.7 guides →
BakingStand mixers, bread gear and pastry tools for bakery-quality results.7 guides →
Wine & Home BarWine fridges, preservation systems, decanters and home bar equipment.30 guides →
Latest guides
Espresso & Coffee
Best Espresso Machine Under $500: 4 Budget Machines Compared
The best espresso machine under $500 is the Gaggia Classic E24. Four budget machines compared on pressure, steam wand, size and what owners report.
Espresso & Coffee
Gaggia vs Breville: Classic E24 vs Bambino Compared
Gaggia vs Breville for an espresso machine under $500: the Classic E24's 58mm portafilter and steam wand against the Bambino's 3-second heat-up and PID.
Wine & Home Bar
How Many Bottles Are in a Case of Wine? Box Sizes and Glasses
How many bottles are in a case of wine? A standard case holds 12 bottles, 9 liters, with weight, half cases, magnums and fridge room explained.
Wine & Home Bar
Kalamera Wine Fridge Review: Dual Zone and 12-Inch Cooler Picks
Kalamera wine fridge review: four models compared on size, zones and bottle claims, plus what owners report on noise, cooling and support.
Wine & Home Bar
Replace Cabinet With Wine Fridge: Install Steps and Fit
How to replace cabinet with wine fridge: check the base cabinet, measure the opening, remove the box, prep the outlet and fit a built-in cooler.
Wine & Home Bar
How Long Does a Wine Cooler Take to Get Cold? Times by Type
How long does a wine cooler take to get cold? A compressor unit needs about 1-2 hours empty, thermoelectric 2-4, and a full load 6-24. Times and fixes.
Wine & Home Bar
15 Inch vs 24 Inch Wine Fridge: Which Fits Your Cabinet?
15 inch vs 24 inch wine fridge: 15-inch models claim about 30 bottles, 24-inch models 47-52. Cutout width, height, depth, vents and zones compared.
Wine & Home Bar
How Much Electricity Does a Wine Cooler Use? Watts and Cost
How much electricity does a wine cooler use? Typically 120-400 kWh a year, a few dollars a month. See the watts and kWh math for thermoelectric and compressor.