The Convergent journal
All Coffee & Espresso Guides
Your next machine. A better brew. An answer to that coffee question.
Showing 76 guides
Automatic Espresso Machines Compared: 5 Models
Five fully automatic espresso machines compared, how they differ from semi-automatics and which features matter for the price.
Read the guide →
Best espresso machines under $500: 4 compared by specs
Compare the Bambino, Bambino Plus, Stilosa and Dedica DeLuxe by heating, basket, pump, tank, width and milk controls.
Read the guide →
Breville Bambino Plus: Specs, Milk System & Setup
Explore the Bambino Plus’s automatic milk texturing, compact workflow and separate-grinder trade-off before choosing your espresso setup.
Read the guide →
Cappuccino Makers Compared: 5 Models
Five cappuccino makers compared side by side, what sets each apart and what to check before buying a machine for milk drinks.
Read the guide →
Cappuccino vs. Coffee: Key Differences
Cappuccino vs. regular coffee: how each is made, how they differ in taste and strength, and which suits your routine.
Read the guide →
Cappuccino vs. Latte: Differences Explained
Cappuccino vs. latte: origins, how the milk and foam differ, and how both compare with a straight espresso.
Read the guide →
Coffee Makers Compared: 8 JURA & 2 Technivorm Models
Ten coffee makers compared in one table: eight JURA fully automatic machines and two Technivorm drip brewers, plus whether to choose a glass or thermal carafe.
Read the guide →
Coffee Pods Compared: 8 Options
Eight coffee pods compared side by side, how to get a better cup from pods and whether premium pods are worth the price.
Read the guide →
Compostable Coffee Pods Compared
Five compostable coffee pods compared, which machines take them and how to compost or recycle used K-cups.
Read the guide →
Espresso Drinks Explained: Types & How to Make Them
The different espresso drinks explained, how their flavors differ and how to make them at home.
Read the guide →
Espresso Machines Under $1,000 Compared
Espresso machines under $1,000 compared side by side, with what to look for when choosing a machine at this budget.
Read the guide →
Espresso Machines: A Buying Guide
Six home espresso machines compared, from fully automatic to semi-automatic models, plus the factors that matter most when choosing one.
Read the guide →
Espresso vs. Coffee: What's the Difference?
Espresso vs. drip coffee: how each is brewed, how they differ in taste and strength, and when to choose which.
Read the guide →
How to Make Coffee: With and Without a Coffee Maker
Brew coffee with a modern coffee maker or without one, step by step, plus a simple cold-brew ratio to start from.
Read the guide →
Italian Espresso Machine Brands & 8 Machines Compared
The main Italian espresso machine brands, what defines an Italian espresso maker, and eight home machines compared, from Gaggia and Rancilio to Breville.
Read the guide →Jura E8: is the fifth generation worth it?
US JURA E8 15777 versus 15648: what changes, what stays, and how milk cleaning, optional Wi-Fi and daily ownership affect the buying decision.
Read the guide →
Latte Machines Compared: 4 JURA Models
Four JURA latte machines compared side by side, plus how a latte maker differs from a regular espresso machine.
Read the guide →
Moccamaster vs. Bonavita: which drip brewer fits your kitchen?
Moccamaster KBGV Select and KBGT vs. Bonavita Connoisseur and Enthusiast: capacity, carafe, warranty, size and price compared from manufacturer data.
Read the guide →
Nespresso Vertuo vs. Original: Differences
Nespresso Vertuo vs. Original: how the two systems, machines and pods differ – and whether Vertuo machines can use Original pods.
Read the guide →
Nespresso vs Keurig: Which Coffee Routine Suits You?
Compare Nespresso and Keurig by drink style, capsule choice and everyday workflow, with the model details to check before buying.
Read the guide →
Percolator vs. Drip Coffee Maker: Differences
Percolator vs. drip coffee maker: how each one brews, how the coffee differs and how to clean a percolator.
Read the guide →
Pour-Over vs. French Press: Differences
Pour-over vs. French press: how each method brews, how the coffee tastes different and how both compare with drip coffee.
Read the guide →
Small Coffee Makers Compared: 10 Models
Ten compact coffee makers compared for small kitchens, plus whether a 2-cup coffee maker is worth it.
Read the guide →
Starbucks Coffee Beans Compared: 7 Blends
Seven Starbucks coffees compared, the blends worth knowing and what to look for before you buy a bag.
Read the guide →
Café au Lait: Recipe & Variations
How to make café au lait, including the New Orleans-style version, plus where the drink comes from.
Read the guide →
Can you eat coffee beans?
Yes, you can eat roasted coffee beans. How much caffeine they contain, how that adds up against the FDA guideline, and how to make chocolate-covered espresso beans.
Read the guide →
Coffee Temperature: Ideal Brewing & Serving Temps
The brewing and serving temperature ranges for coffee, what happens when coffee is boiled and why water temperature changes the taste.
Read the guide →
Gaggia Classic: Models, Features & Buying Checks
Compare Gaggia Classic generations, documented E24 features and the manual espresso routine. Know which model, accessories and care questions to check.
Read the guide →
How to Clean a Coffee Maker (With or Without Vinegar)
Clean a drip coffee maker with or without vinegar, step by step, and keep the carafe and machine in good shape.
Read the guide →
How to Clean and Descale a Keurig
How to clean a Keurig yourself, descale it and clean it with vinegar – step by step for routine care.
Read the guide →
How to Grind Coffee Beans Without a Grinder
Ways to grind coffee beans without a grinder, whether a food processor works and why grind size matters for your brew.
Read the guide →
How to Make a Cappuccino at Home
Make a cappuccino at home: the ingredients you need and a step-by-step recipe for espresso, steamed milk and foam.
Read the guide →
How to Make a Latte at Home
Make a latte at home with an espresso machine: a simple recipe, steamed milk basics and a few latte variations to try.
Read the guide →
How to Make a Lavender Latte
Make a lavender latte with coffee, warm milk and lavender. Follow the ingredient checklist and four preparation steps, then explore brewing equipment.
Read the guide →How to Make Espresso at Home: 5 Steps
Make espresso at home in five steps, recognize a good shot and try alternatives if you don't own an espresso machine.
Read the guide →
How to Make French Press Coffee: Ratio & Steps
Make French press coffee step by step: how much coffee to use, the ratio to start with and fixes for common French press problems.
Read the guide →
How to Roast Coffee Beans at Home
Roast green coffee beans at home in an oven or without one: preparation, roasting temperatures, storage and whether it saves money.
Read the guide →
How to Steam Milk (With or Without a Steamer)
Steam milk at home with an espresso machine's steam wand or without a steamer, step by step, for lattes and cappuccinos.
Read the guide →
How to Use a Cuisinart Coffee Maker: Brew, Clean, Timer
How to use a Cuisinart coffee maker step by step: brewing, cleaning and setting the timer.
Read the guide →
How to Use a Percolator (Stovetop & Electric)
Make coffee in a stovetop or electric percolator, step by step, and see what an electric percolator does differently.
Read the guide →
How to Use an Espresso Machine: Step by Step
Follow the espresso workflow from machine controls and grinding to tamping, pulling a shot and steaming milk, then explore the equipment guides.
Read the guide →
Keurig Troubleshooting: Common Problems & Fixes
Keurig won't turn on, won't dispense water or won't heat? Common Keurig problems and the steps to try before contacting support.
Read the guide →
Lungo Coffee: What It Is & How It Differs from Espresso
What a lungo is, what affects its taste, how it compares with a regular espresso and what Nespresso's Gran Lungo means.
Read the guide →
Mexican Coffee Recipe (With Cocktail Version)
How to make Mexican coffee at home – the classic sweet and spiced version and a cocktail variation – plus where the drink comes from.
Read the guide →
Nespresso Recipes to Make at Home
Easy drink ideas for Nespresso Original and Vertuo machines, from simple milk drinks to ideas from the Nespresso recipe book.
Read the guide →
Pour-Over Coffee: How to Brew It
How to make pour-over coffee, how it differs from machine drip coffee and how to use a manual drip coffee maker.
Read the guide →
Types of Coffee Beans: Arabica, Robusta & More
The main types of coffee beans, where they come from, how varieties get their names and how Arabica and Robusta compare in caffeine.
Read the guide →
Vanilla Latte Recipe
Make a vanilla latte at home: the ingredients and a simple step-by-step recipe for an easy first flavored latte.
Read the guide →
What Is a Dry Cappuccino? Wet vs. Dry Explained
What a dry cappuccino is, how to make a bone-dry cappuccino and how wet and dry cappuccinos differ in milk and foam.
Read the guide →
What Is Espresso Powder? How to Make & Use It
What espresso powder is, how to make instant espresso powder at home and why bakers use it in chocolate desserts.
Read the guide →
What Is Mocha? Flavor, Origin & How to Make It
What mocha means – the flavor, the drink and the coffee origin – how it differs from chocolate and how to make a mocha at home.
Read the guide →
What Is Nespresso? Machines & Pods Explained
What a Nespresso machine is, how the pod system works, its main advantages and how it compares with Keurig and other competitors.
Read the guide →
Why Does Coffee Taste Bitter? Causes & Fixes
The common reasons coffee tastes bitter and the simplest fixes to try first, from how you brew to the beans you buy.
Read the guide →No guides match just yet.
Try another phrase, or start with the complete journal.
Blog
The Good Stuff