Dorian Bodnariuc

Dorian Bodnariuc is a coffee lover and a former barista, who's passion for coffee began in the 1990s in his hometown of Bucharest, Romania. As a young barista at a local café, he became fascinated with the nuances of the various brewing methods and enjoyed experimenting with techniques to craft the perfect cup. After spending seven formative years behind the bar, Dorian shifted careers into IT, eventually moving to Canada. But his love for coffee never faded. In 2014, he combined his professional expertise with his personal passion to launch Coffee-Brewing-Methods.com, a website dedicated to sharing coffee brewing techniques. Eager to continue building his authority as a coffee expert, Dorian created additional sites like Brew Espresso Coffee, where he provides detailed reviews of equipment and technical advice for making exceptional espresso. He also contributes frequently to specialty coffee publications. Through his writing, Dorian strives to educate enthusiasts around the world on the intricacies of coffee brewing. For Dorian, coffee is not just a beverage - it is a craft, a science, and a lifelong passion.

Rancilio Silvia vs Gaggia Classic Pro – A Classic Review Comparison

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rancilio silvia vs gaggia classic pro

Compare Rancilio Silvia vs Gaggia Classic Pro espresso machines. Learn specs, features, and which is best for home brewing. Includes group head and PID

What Is a Manual Espresso Machine: Complete Guide with Expert Tips

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la pavoni lever operated manual espresso machine

Manual espresso machines, often underrated, offer benefits like portability and control over the brewing process. The lever-operated machines, the precursor to semi-automatics, require skill but provide control over pressure. Portable manual machines, like hand pump espresso makers, cater to on-the-go enthusiasts. Hobbyist machines, like lever-operated ones, demand dedication but deliver exceptional shots.

Gaggia Babila Review – Super Automatic Espresso Machine

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gaggia babila review

I’ve spent years behind the counter at specialty coffee shops, dialing in espresso extractions and texturing microfoam to the Specialty Coffee Association’s standards for latte art. It’s rewarding work, but let’s be real—not everyone has the time or inclination to master manual espresso preparation with a semi-automatic machine. That’s where the Gaggia Babila comes in. … Read more

Jura X8 Review

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jura x8 review 2

As someone who’s spent years behind the counter of specialty coffee shops, I’ve had my hands on all kinds of espresso machines. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) While I have a soft spot for semi-automatics, I get it—not everyone has the time to make espresso a full-blown hobby. That’s where super-automatic machines like the Jura … Read more

What is a Super-Automatic Espresso Machine? Buying Guide

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various superautomatic espresso machines

Super-automatic espresso machines provide coffee lovers convenience, consistency, and customizability with the push of a button. They automate the entire process from grinding to extraction and often milk frothing. Features like integrated grinders, precise temperature control, and programmable settings make them popular for home and commercial use. Yet, they may offer less control over brewing for coffee aficionados, have a higher cost, and require meticulous maintenance. Ultimately, the choice between super-automatic and other espresso machines depends on individual needs for convenience, control, and budget considerations.

The Best Home Cappuccino Makers – How to Choose a Cappuccino Machine

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cappuccino

Learn how to choose your home cappuccino maker. We review the best home cappuccino machines, De’Longhi, Mr. Coffee, Nespresso and Breville from all price ranges. I enjoy from time to time a frothy cappuccino, even though my daily habitual coffee is a neat espresso with a tiny bit of sugar. I prepare my cappuccino using … Read more

How Espresso Machines Work

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schematics how espresso machines work

Espresso machines are a favored choice among coffee enthusiasts because they can produce rich, flavorful coffee in under a minute, adhering to the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition. But how do these machines operate? What makes them so special, and why can’t we use a regular coffee maker to brew espresso? In this article, we will … Read more

Delonghi EC155 Espresso Machine Review – The Cheapest Great Espresso Machine

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delonghi ecc155 espresso machine

Whenever home brewed espresso is mentioned, the De’Longhi espresso machines are typically what spring to mind. De’Longhi is one of the most established domestic espresso manufacturers on the market, and for good reason. They deliver user-friendly, pump-driven machines that produce consistent, repeatable espresso with proper extraction and temperature stability. The Delonghi espresso machine EC155 is … Read more

Delonghi EC9335 La Specialista – Espresso Machine Review

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delonghi la specialista espresso machine review

The De’Longhi La Specialista EC9335 is a semiautomatic espresso machine that bridges the gap between manual and super-automatic models, offering streamlined workflow and SCA-standard 9-bar pressure for consistent shots.

Rancilio Silvia Pro X Dual Boiler Review

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rancilio silvia pro x

The Rancilio Silvia Pro X is the dream of any home barista aiming for café-quality espresso. (recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)) It is a true prosumer espresso machine, and the price tag on the unit makes it accessible for those with a generous budget. Silvia Pro X is an upgrade of Rancilio’s domestic … Read more

Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso Machine Review

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MrCoffee Cafe Barista pulling shots

The Mr. Coffee Café Barista ECMP1000 is an automatic espresso machine with an integrated milk frother, designed for budget-conscious home baristas. This review evaluates its extraction consistency and build quality against SCA standards.

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine Review

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breville bes980xl oracle review

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express espresso machine is one of the most impressive devices in the semiautomatic class. With an overwhelming feature set, with a modern look, and a great reliability, the BES870XL is a great choice for any serious espresso enthusiast If you are on the market for a new semi automatic espresso machine, … Read more

Espresso Machine Buying Guide – How to Buy an Espresso Machine for Home

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Mastrena semiautomatic espresso machine

When you are buying your first espresso machine, you are faced with a big problem: choice. There are so many choices that even if it is your second machine, selecting the right one can prove difficult. With so many types of espresso machines and fierce competition in the market, it is easy to feel overwhelmed … Read more

Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine Review

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Rancilio Silvia espresso machine

Rancilio Silvia is one of those espresso machines that stirs up heated discussions. The machine is a collection of high-quality components that you only see in more expensive machines, yet some home baristas are reluctant to buy it. Our reviews aim to inform you and make you confident in your coffee machine purchase. We want you to make the right decision with the help of our articles and our Espresso Machine buying Guide.

This review will show you what makes the Silvia special, and what are the little annoyances that home baristas wish Rancilio would fix.

Rancilio HSD Silvia, targets the home brewing sector, the espresso enthusiasts that love to tweak their espresso to perfection.

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DeLonghi Esam-3300 Magnifica Review

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delonghi magnifica esam 3300 review

The DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 is a super-automatic espresso machine, that is affordable, reliable, and easy to work with. Any DeLonghi Magnifica will turn you into a home barista without the skills and knowledge you need if you buy a semiautomatic. This Delonghi Magnifica might not have the bells and whistles of the more expensive machines, … Read more

Best Coffee Beans for Espresso

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arabic coffee

Would you believe me if I said I’ve discovered the finest beans for espresso? (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) Perhaps not, and rightly so. While I can suggest some exceptional espresso blends, choosing between them can be challenging given the variety available. Each blend offers unique characteristics, ensuring you’ll find several that suit your palate. … Read more

Best Cheap Espresso Machines

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For a coffee enthusiast on a budget, purchasing an espresso machine can be daunting. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) As a novice barista, your knowledge in this area may be limited. How do you select the best affordable espresso machine? (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) What criteria distinguish a quality espresso maker from a subpar … Read more

Best Cheap PID Espresso Machines

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Lelit PL41 TEM espresso machine with PID

So you decided to step up your espresso game and buy a PID espresso machine. However, when you look at the prices they don’t really match your budget. This is a review of the best cheap espresso machines with a PID. The list include machines from Breville, Ascaso, Lelit, and Quick Mill. Learn what are … Read more

Gaggia Brera Espresso Machine Review

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Gaggia Brera Espresso Machine

When it comes to espresso machines, it’s fairly difficult to pick something if you don’t have any brewing experience. Most semi-automated espresso machines need personal adjustments, which makes it difficult if you don’t have the knowledge. This applies especially in the mornings when your brain is still half asleep and can’t process reality – let … Read more

Getting The Best Espresso Machine

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Gaggia Brera Espresso Machine

A traditional cup of coffee is the familiar dark liquid, typically milder and without extras. An espresso, however, is more concentrated, aromatic, and topped with a layer of crema. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) If you’re interested in purchasing an espresso machine to craft various espresso drinks and become a home barista, this page provides all the information you need.

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