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. Includes link to printable cutting pattern.
10 - Stretching Milk and Pouring Latte Art - I am getting better at this, but it takes practice. Here are detailed instructions with photos and lots of tips I learned along the way that will help you out. Completely rewritten 2/2009.
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 - EASY GUIDE TO BETTER ESPRESSO AT HOME -[updated 2/22/2013] - 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.
14 - How to Profile a Roast With the Hottop KN-8828B Coffee Roaster - If you are interested in the best possible coffee, there is a lot more to roasting than "heat and beans." This "How To" documents, step-by-step, how I control my KN-8828B for the best possible coffee.
15 - Placing your Espresso Machine on a Timer - Having your espresso machine hot and waiting every morning is enticing, but not for every machine nor every situation. This article will help you decide if a timer is a good choice for you.
16 - The Four M's of Espresso - Understanding the Factors that Affect the Espresso - Shopping to avoid disappointment - This article centers on you, your coffee, your espresso machine, and your grinder. It is aimed at new home baristas shopping for their first espresso setup. Beginning to shop? Having problems making drinkable espresso? Is it you or your equipment? Here is a good place to begin figuring it out.
17 - Kony and Other Commercial Mazzer Grinder Modifications - I was asked to document all that I have done to turn my "commercial" Mazzer Kony grinder into a more firendly "Home Kony." Here it is, all in one place.
18 - Simple Lubrication of the E-61 Group - When all you need is a quick lubrication of the E-61 cam due to a stiff or squeaky lever, here is the simple, step-by-step, illustrated procedure.
19 - Overhauling and Lubricating the E-61 Group - When your E-61 group neeeds more than a simple lube, this How-To covers complete disassembly, lubrication, and repair of the E-61 from top to bottom, and all points in between. Everything but removing the group from the machine is covered here. Includes valve seal replacement. All done step-by-step with plenty of photos.