News Articles by Ben Bicknell
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Grinding at home
Choosing a grinder for home is not easy when you consider there is such a price difference between many household brands and the smaller compact models manufactured by commercial brands for the domestic market. In this month’s article, Ben Bicknell, our Coffee Quality Specialist, provides a bit of insight into the different burr types to help you make an informed decision.
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Why Isomac will fulfil all your espresso dreams!
After receiving what must have been our 50th enquiry to the tune of ‘what home espresso machine should I buy’ we thought it was time to put you out of your misery and lay down the facts. To put it simply, an Isomac will equip you with the best tools to make some kick ass coffee, just the way you like it, at home.
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WBC: A Barista's Eye View
My pilgrimage started in Paris, on a cold, cold summer’s morning at Port de Clichy where I met up with some other French coffee fanatics and colleagues from Alto Café — owners Aleaume and Tom, my manager Adrianna and me (the coffee nerd of the trip).
The journey entailed around 1,500km of driving across France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany before finally arriving in Denmark, in good time for the Saturday heats of the World Barista Championship (WBC).
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Aussies take Copenhagen by Storm
After a lead up in over 50 countries, the 8th World Barista Championship has just wrapped up in Copenhagen, Denmark. Along with the Barista Championship were the World Latte Art Championship and the World Cup Tasting Championship; each of which had an Australian representative.
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What makes you buzz?
Stumbling out of bed in the morning, the first thing many people do is drag themselves to their plunger, drip filter or espresso machine and make themselves a steamin’ cup-o-joe. With what feels like the elixir of life flowing through their veins, they’re suddenly ready to face the world. Now whether it’s just part of your waking up ritual, you’re savouring the unique flavours of your latest single origin or actively seeking whatever stimulant you can lay your hands on, usually this morning beverage will contain some caffeine.
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Pouring your first Rosetta
Over the past several months, Ben Bicknell from the WA Barista Academy has delved into the differences between home espresso machines, preparing your espresso shots and milk texturing but whether you’re a budding home enthusiast or a veteran barista, everybody wants to try Latte Art! The Rosetta, a fern or leaf shaped pattern, is the most well known and often the most difficult design to master. This month Ben explains the process step by step, so you can try it at home.
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Café in your kitchen — part 2
Ok … so we’ve gone through setting up your machine, and some pointers on what to look for when preparing your espresso shots. Now, everyone at some point is going to need to texture great milk, whether it be everyday for your morning flat white, occasionally for a group of friends who come round to ‘let you practice’ or the moment you snap and decide to prove to the world that you can pour latte art as good as the next barista.
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Café in your kitchen — part 1
You’ve just arrived home with your first ever home espresso machine. Having been a long time coffee drinker, you decided to take the leap and bring that café experience home. From setting up your coffee station to make your first morning cappuccino, here are some tips …
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Start your elements
So, you’ve finally had enough! Your local cafes aren’t up to your standards and none of them are located a handful of meters from your lounge room — it’s time to get serious: time to buy your own espresso machine for home!