1 - Backflushing - Backflushing is a method to clear inaccessible areas of the brewing path of coffee debris and oils. Here are step-by step instructions on how to accomplish this.
2 - Brew-Temperature Control - Small, single boiler machines have poor control over the brew temperature because of the thermostats that are used. Here is a work-around that gives better control.
3 - Rocky Doser Modification - The Rocky doser can leave a mess. Here is a simple modification that helps a lot.
4 - Your First Roast - Thinking about roasting coffee? Here's what to watch and listen for so that even your first roast can be successful. Educational, even if you do not intend to roast.
5 - Changing the Portafilter Gasket - A portafilter gasket can be difficult to remove if left to long before being changed. Here are some tips to help get it out.
6 - Permanent Filter Replacement for Hottop - I prefer to avoid disposable items when I can, and so I came up with this method to create a permanent main filter replacement that fits all the KN-8828 models.
7 - Brew-Temperature Check - Don't know what the temperature is when making espresso with your machine? here is a simple way to estimate the brewing temperature.
8 - Descaling Espresso Machine Boilers - If you use tap water, minerals will build up in your espresso machine. here are the instructions to descale a single-boiler machine.
9 - Add Bean Temperature Monitoring to the Hottop - Some like to roast to a specific bean temperature. Here is a relatively easy way to add a thermocouple probe to the Hottop coffee roasters.
10 - Stretching Milk and Pouring Latte Art - I am getting better at this, but it takes practice. Here are some tips I learned along the way that might help you out.
11 - Disassembling Rocky for Cleaning - Disassembling the Rocky gives access to areas deep in the grinding chamber and allows inspection of the burrs. Here's how to do just that.
12 - HOME BARISTA'S GUIDE TO MAKING QUALITY ESPRESSO - If you are beginning to make espresso, this guide will be invaluable in helping to avoid many pitfalls and will help build good habits right from the start. If you are having problems with your espresso, the solution is probably in this very complete guide to making espresso.
13 - How to Remove and Replace an E-61 Shower Screen and Group Gasket - E-61 brewheads are different from other brewheads. The shower screen has no screw in the center and cannot be removed without also removing the brewhead gasket. Here are detailed instructions on how to do that.