Everyone loves coffee – but what is it that makes it so great? How can you tell the good from the bad? And how do you level up your daily coffee game? In our big DOWNTOWN Coffee Special, we’ll break down old ideas and build up new ones. Plus, we’ll explore which high-end products from the specialty coffee world are really worth the money. Join us and let’s become true coffee nerds together!
Do you know that feeling? Rather than suffering your way through a sad cup of flat white from your colleague’s cheap coffee maker, you smile politely and say, “Uh, today’s tea day for me” just to avoid regretting every sip later? If you can relate, you’re probably already deep into the coffee game. Whether you’ve been at it for ages or just started, the questions on your journey to the perfect brew at home are always the same: Which method suits me best – espresso machine, Bialetti, or filter coffee? Which beans are right for me – Fairtrade, organic, or from your local roaster? Why does my espresso taste so sour, as if someone poured vinegar into the water tank? And seriously, how do I nail that wonderfully creamy milk froth that baristas whip up in no time at my favourite café?
After countless brewing sessions, espressos, frothing attempts, and a pile of cash spent on a solid setup, some of us are ready to dive even deeper into the wonderful world of caffeine, and the questions get more refined: which high-end workshop can take my La Marzocco espresso machine to the next level, visually speaking? Does a € 3,000 grinder extract even more from my favorite beans from the local boutique roastery? Or is it all bollocks? Well, design is a matter of taste – literally. And dreams don’t always have to remain dreams.
As passionate coffee lovers – and you’re probably too, if you’re still reading – you’ve likely asked yourself one or two of these questions already. Is that right? Then it’s time to get excited: we’ve been on a quest for answers, hunting down the best coffee and the most intriguing products in the world of black gold. And we’ve discovered: not all coffee tastes the same, and latte art is far from the only artistic creation in this magical world. Most importantly, we’re eager to share our growing knowledge with you. Our big DOWNTOWN Coffee Special is packed with strong tips for beginners and enthusiasts alike, helping you get the most out of your coffee. No matter what level you’re at, we’re squeezing out a little more for you and diving in together. Even if your favourite café gets a bit jealous, we’ll give you inspiration for your “daily dose of caffeine,” sharing insights and secrets that are usually well kept behind closed café doors. Ready for your best coffee yet? Our collection of coffee stories, reviews, and tips & tricks is growing alongside our knowledge, so it’s definitely worth checking back in regularly. Let’s go…
DOWNTOWN Coffee Stories
Hot or Not? Rocket Espresso R Cinquantotto on Test
With the R Cinquantotto, Italian espresso machine specialist Rocket wants to make your barista dreams come true. A dual boiler, Faema E61 brew group, and a high-gloss stainless steel body bring a serious touch of Italian flair to your kitchen. But does this successor to the Rocket R58 impress in our review with its espresso quality, or is it just a shiny steam machine? To the article
Hot or Not? The Comandante X25 Trailmaster Coffee Grinder on Test
Everyday luxury in the wild – the Comandante X25 Trailmaster aims to be the perfect outdoor coffee grinder: robust, lightweight, and with the grind quality of their iconic C40 model. But is this downsized, plastic-clad C40 worth it? Can it handle the rigours of outdoor life, yet still match the grind quality of its premium sibling? To the article
How Roasteries like BlackBird Coffee Are Changing Our Views
The coffee bean often fades into the background, overshadowed by gleaming espresso machines, designer mugs, and lively conversations in trendy cafes and homes alike. But choosing the right bean is more important than most realize. At BlackBird Coffee, a boutique roastery for specialty coffee, we discovered why the bean deserves the spotlight. To the article
Hot or Not? The La Marzocco Linea Mini R on Test
The ultimate dream for baristas, latte artists, and design enthusiasts alike: Italian craftsmanship and perfect espresso, brought to you by La Marzocco. Does the La Marzocco Linea Mini R truly set the standard? And where does it fall short? We tested this almost–€ 5,000 portafilter machine and are here to tell you what really matters. To the article
A Coffee Wonderland – Customising Espresso Machines at rb.craft
Does gold make coffee taste better? And what about diamonds and olive wood? Let’s put it this way: why would anyone tune an expensive espresso machine like the “La Marzocco”? We met up with Robert from rb.crafts, who skyrocketed our caffeine levels and gave us a masterclass in grind settings, Ferrari paint jobs, and gold-plated steam wands. To the article
Hot or Not? The YETI French Press on Test
YETI are known for their awesome outdoor equipment – and now, awesome coffee too? With their new “incredibly robust” RAMBLER French Press, you can bring perfect coffee along with you, whether you’re out on an adventure or just going about your daily routine. We tested the € 125 YETI French Press to see whether it lives up to the price tag, or if it will leave a bitter taste in your mouth. To the article
The perfect Summit Coffee for Bikepacking and Hiking
You’ve reached the highest point of your tour, enjoying the spectacular views, only to wash it down with some lukewarm instant coffee from a plastic cup… no thanks. We want great coffee, no matter where we are! Here’s how you can enjoy the perfect coffee while bikepacking or hiking.
Hot or not? Nespresso Tuning With Reusable Capsules
Pod coffee: quick, convenient, and usually just about “okay.” But is the aluminium waste starting to get on your nerves? Or perhaps you’re dreaming of barista-quality specialty coffee but aren’t quite ready to invest in a portafilter machine. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get much more out of your Nespresso machine! To the article
Hot or Not? The No Normal Coffee Dark Roast Coffee Paste on Test
No Normal Coffee’s Dark Roast coffee paste promises hassle-free coffee pleasure on the go – up to 20 cups from a single tube. Whether you’re camping, practicing endurance sports, or hanging out at a festival, this water-soluble paste wants to be a practical companion. But can it outperform instant coffee in terms of taste and convenience? We put it to the test! To the article
How to Espresso: A Barista Course, Tried and Tested
“Forget everything you think you know about coffee – we’re starting from scratch.“ Is this the kind of sentence you want to hear at the start of a coffee-making course? Absolutely! In our coffee special, we bust myths and half-truths about coffee and keep surprising ourselves along the way. So, let’s dive into the highly caffeinated world of beans, grinders and espresso machines. To the article
Blind Tasting – How Does Good Coffee Taste?
Which coffee tastes best? Who can distinguish between good and bad coffee? And who can tell whether an espresso tastes like nutmeg or cloves? At Eurobike, we put a € 5,000 La Marzocco espresso machine up against a Nespresso and a Moccamaster coffee maker. The takeaway from our blind tasting? Taste is all in your head and involves all the senses. To the article
Espresso Tonic Plus 4 – The 5 Coolest Summer Coffee Drinks
Spectacularly brewed siphon coffee, or a refined espresso from La Marzocco – home baristas love getting the most out of their precious beans. But coffee isn’t just for hot drinks – served cold and with a touch of creativity, it opens up entirely new flavour dimensions. Here are our tips for the trendiest coffee drinks for hot days (and not only) – bet you haven’t tried them all yet! To the article
