Lead Coffee Expert & Equipment Specialist

Updated October 14, 2026

Michael Anderson

Michael Anderson is the Lead Coffee Expert & Equipment Specialist at The Coffee Locator, with 17 years in specialty coffee. Michael covers espresso machines, coffee makers, grind & brew systems.

17+ years experience
55 product reviews
27 guides published
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About Michael Anderson

Role, experience, credentials and the areas covered.

Role: Lead Coffee Expert & Equipment Specialist
Experience: 17 years in specialty coffee
Credentials: SCA Coffee Skills Programme — Level 2 (Specialty Coffee Association, 2015)
Certified Coffee Expert — Coffee Quality Institute
Professional Barista Trainer Certificate — SCA Education (2013)
On this site: 55 reviews, 27 guides
Peer review: Work is peer-reviewed by Sarah Chen before publication.

What Michael reviews

Espresso MachinesCoffee MakersGrind & Brew SystemsExtraction ScienceEquipment TestingBrewing Technique

See how products are tested and our editorial guidelines.

Product Reviews by Michael Anderson (55)

Equipment reviews, with the star rating on each card.

4.8
AeroPress
AeroPress Original Coffee Maker
A fast, forgiving manual brewer that produces smooth, low-acid coffee for one or two cups, with plenty of room to experiment with technique.
4.6
Bialetti
Bialetti Moka Express
A classic aluminium stovetop brewer that delivers rich, espresso-strength coffee for roughly $50-$99 once you get the technique down.
3.9
BLACK+DECKER
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
A no-frills, programmable 12-cup drip maker for everyday pre-ground coffee — reliable rather than specialty-grade.
4.5
Breville
Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker
A bean-to-cup drip maker with bloom time and 8 strength settings — fresh grounds without a separate grinder.
4.4
BUNN
BUNN GRB Velocity Brew 10-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer
A high-volume programmable brewer with a thermal carafe, built for households brewing 10+ cups a day rather than solo drinkers.
4.3
Chemex
Chemex Ottomatic
An automated take on the Chemex ritual, keeping the same clean, bright cup character but without the standing-over-a-kettle routine.
4.4
Cuisinart
Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
A practical, programmable large-batch drip maker for households of two to six who want convenience over specialty-grade precision.
3.8
Cuisinart
Cuisinart Grind & Brew Coffee Maker
A budget bean-to-cup drip maker with fresh-ground convenience, though it runs cooler than SCA-recommended brew temps.
4.3
De'Longhi
De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine
A combo machine with real 15-bar espresso and a full 10-cup drip pot — good for mixed households, not a dedicated setup.
4.3
De'Longhi
De'Longhi TrueBrew Automatic Coffee Maker
A bean-to-cup drip maker that grinds fresh for every pot with one-button convenience, though it doesn't produce true espresso pressure.
4.4
Gevi
Gevi 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker
An SCA-range drip maker with real automation at a budget price — brew-only, with no built-in grinder.
4.3
Keurig
Keurig K-Elite Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
A capable single-serve pod machine with five brew sizes and a dedicated iced-coffee mode, though pod extraction has limits.
4.2
Keurig
Keurig K-Express
A no-frills single-serve K-Cup machine with fast heat-up and three cup sizes — a solid entry point rather than a cup-quality showcase.
3.9
Keurig
Keurig K-Mini Mate Plus Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
A compact single-serve pod machine built for solo drinkers and small spaces who prioritize speed and zero cleanup over brew quality.
4.3
KitchenAid
KitchenAid 38 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker
A glass cold brew carafe that looks as good on the counter as it performs in the fridge, favoring odor-neutral flavor purity over budget.
4.1
Nespresso
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker
The entry point into Nespresso's Vertuo lineup — one-button, capsule-recognizing convenience with real crema and zero learning curve.
4.4
Ninja
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker
An all-in-one drip maker that also makes lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffee — versatile, though not true 9-bar espresso.
4.5
OXO
OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker
A drip maker engineered to mimic hands-on pour-over technique automatically — best paired with a decent burr grinder you already own.
4.3
Smeg
Smeg DCF02CRUS Drip Coffee Maker
A retro-styled drip maker with a 24-hour programmable timer, built for kitchens where design matters as much as the coffee itself.
4.4
Takeya
Takeya Tritan Cold Brew Coffee Maker
A simple, budget-friendly cold brew pitcher for anyone who's found more complex immersion systems intimidating.
4.7
Technivorm
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select
A hand-built Dutch drip maker with SCA-certified temps and a reputation for lasting a decade or more.
3.9
Bosch
Bosch 300 Series VeroCafe
A reliable automatic machine for one-touch cappuccino and latte macchiato without learning wand technique.
4.7
Breville
Breville Bambino Plus
A small-footprint espresso machine with 3-second heat-up and automatic microfoam that rivals hand-steamed milk.
4.5
Breville
Breville Barista Express BES870XL
An all-in-one grinder-plus-machine that delivers a complete espresso station in a single purchase — ideal for a first serious home setup.
4.5
Breville
Breville Barista Express Impress
A beginner-friendly semi-automatic that removes manual tamping from the equation, trading some hands-on control for consistency.
4.4
Breville
Breville Barista Pro
A tidy all-in-one machine with near-instant heat-up and real-time extraction data, for baristas comfortable with manual tamping.
4.6
Breville
Breville Barista Touch Impress
A touchscreen machine with one-touch lattes and cappuccinos, built for households making several milk drinks a day.
4.0
Breville
Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma
An entry-level, traditionally styled machine for first-timers moving on from pod machines, priced around $249–$299.
4.6
Breville
Breville Oracle Espresso Machine
A dual-boiler machine with automated grinding, dosing, tamping, and milk texturing — commercial-quality results, no training needed.
4.0
Capresso
Capresso EC100
A budget-friendly pump machine for pod-machine refugees getting their first taste of real espresso pressure.
4.0
De'Longhi
De'Longhi Classic Signature Espresso Machine, Adjustable Milk Frother
An adjustable-frother machine for pod-machine graduates learning real espresso craft without Bambino Plus pricing.
3.9
De'Longhi
De'Longhi Dedica EC680M
A space-saving machine for learning manual milk steaming without stepping up to Gaggia Classic Pro money.
3.8
DeLonghi
DeLonghi Dedica EC685
An ultra-slim machine built for tight counters and a budget entry point into home espresso, with real trade-offs in temperature stability.
4.2
De'Longhi
De'Longhi Dinamica Plus ECAM370.95.T
A bean-to-cup super-automatic with 16 one-touch drink recipes and saved profiles — real convenience, not a craft project.
3.8
DeLonghi
DeLonghi EC155
A true entry-level machine, ESE pod-compatible, for casual drinkers testing home espresso interest before investing further.
4.3
De'Longhi
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte
A semi-automatic with a Smart Tamping Station that consistently eliminates channeling — training wheels that work for espresso beginners.
4.6
DeLonghi
DeLonghi La Specialista Opera EC9555
A machine built for simultaneous brewing and steaming, aimed at serious home baristas making several drinks a day.
4.7
DeLonghi
DeLonghi La Specialista Prestigio
A sensor-driven machine offering professional-level automation with minimal manual intervention required.
4.1
De'Longhi
De'Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM290.21.B
A bean-to-cup super-automatic that delivers consistently good espresso without any of the semi-automatic learning curve.
3.7
DeLonghi
DeLonghi Stilosa EC260
A true budget starter machine at $79-$149 for testing interest in home espresso.
4.7
Gaggia
Gaggia Classic Pro
A commercial-style manual machine with a 58mm portafilter, popular with the modding community for reaching well above its price point.
4.5
Jura
Jura E8 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
A super-automatic delivering consistently excellent espresso drinks at the push of a button — zero skill required, at a premium.
3.5
Krups
Krups XP444C50
A tight-budget entry point for first-time espresso owners making one or two drinks a day.
3.8
MiiCoffee
MiiCoffee Eon
A self-heating, battery-powered 51mm travel espresso maker that shines with kettle-hot water.
3.8
Mr. Coffee
Mr. Coffee Café Barista
A budget beginner machine under $200 for occasional drinkers who want one-button milk drink convenience.
3.3
Neretva
Neretva Espresso Machine
A sub-$120 starter machine for first-timers and renters wanting a pod-machine replacement without a big commitment.
4.2
Nespresso
Nespresso Vertuo Next
A one-button capsule machine with a 30-second heat-up, aimed at absolute beginners who want good results with zero learning curve.
4.3
Nespresso
Nespresso VertuoPlus
A single-button capsule machine delivering café-style consistency with no learning curve, at a per-cup capsule cost worth budgeting for.
4.2
Ninja
Ninja Luxe Café Pro
A 4-in-1 machine covering espresso, drip, cold brew, and hot water, built around a weight-based grinder for beginners.
4.3
Philips
Philips 3200 LatteGo
A convenience-focused super-automatic with a fast-heating LatteGo milk system, built for daily lattes and cappuccinos.
4.4
Philips
Philips 5500 Series
A bean-to-cup machine for busy households and office kitchens making several espresso drinks a day without barista training.
4.3
Rancilio
Rancilio Silvia
A commercial-component manual machine built to last 15–20+ years, for enthusiasts willing to learn temperature-surfing technique.
4.2
Terra Kaffe
Terra Kaffe TK-02 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
A super-automatic with full smartphone-app brew customization, letting multiple users save and recall their own recipes.
4.2
KRUPS
KRUPS Precision Burr Coffee Grinder
An entry-level conical burr grinder offering a real step up from blade grinding for drip, French press, or pour-over under $100.
4.3
OXO
OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
A budget conical burr grinder for drip and pour-over brewers upgrading from a blade grinder, about $82-$120.

Guides by Michael Anderson (27)

Buying guides and how-tos written by this reviewer.

Compare
Buying7 min read
Espresso Machine Types: Which One Fits You?
Types of espresso machines compared: manual, semi-automatic, super-automatic and pod, by skill level, price and milk drinks.
How to
Espresso7 min read
How to Dial In Espresso: Beginner Method
Learn how to dial in espresso: a starting recipe, grind changes by shot time and taste, and fixes for sour or bitter shots.
How to
Espresso7 min read
How to Make Espresso at Home: Gear & Method
Make great espresso at home: the minimum gear, a repeatable 18 g in, 36 g out workflow, and fixes for sour or bitter shots.
Compare
Espresso6 min read
Barista Express vs Pro vs Impress: Which One?
Barista Express vs Barista Pro vs Express Impress: what each upgrade buys (speed and a timer, or assisted tamping) and which one suits how you make coffee.
How to
Maintenance6 min read
How to Descale a Breville Barista Express
Descale a Breville Barista Express step by step: entering descale mode, running the group, steam and hot water, rinsing, and what the Clean/Descale light means.
Explained
Espresso6 min read
Gaggia Classic Pro 9-Bar OPV Mod: Worth It?
Gaggia Classic Pro 9-bar OPV mod: what the spring swap changes, who should keep the stock spring, and how to do it safely in a few minutes.
Compare
Espresso6 min read
Gaggia Classic Pro vs Bambino Plus: Which Fits?
Gaggia Classic Pro vs Breville Bambino Plus: hands-on 58mm control versus fast heat-up and automatic milk, and which one fits how you drink coffee.
Compare
Espresso8 min read
Bambino Plus vs Barista Express: Which to Buy?
Bambino Plus vs Barista Express: auto-milk and a tiny footprint, or a built-in grinder and pressure gauge? Real setup costs and who should buy each one.
Explained
Espresso7 min read
Breville Barista Express Grind Settings Guide
Barista Express grind settings by roast, how to read the pressure gauge to fix sour or bitter shots, and when moving the inner burr finer actually helps.
How to
Maintenance6 min read
Best Coffee Machine Cleaning Tablets 2026
Best coffee machine cleaning tablets for espresso, bean-to-cup and drip machines: which to buy for yours and how to use them.
Fix a problem
Espresso5 min read
Espresso Channeling: Why It Happens & How to Fix
Learn how to spot and fix espresso channeling: uneven flow, sour-and-bitter shots, a holey puck. Ordered fixes from distribution to grinder.
How to
Maintenance6 min read
Espresso Machine Maintenance: Daily to Yearly
Espresso machine maintenance schedule: daily, weekly and monthly cleaning tasks, backflushing, gasket care and descaling by water hardness.
Fix a problem
Espresso4 min read
Espresso Shot Too Fast or Too Slow? Fix It Fast
Espresso pulling too fast (under 20 sec) or too slow (past 40)? Fix shot time by checking grind, dose, tamp, bean age and machine in order.
How to
Espresso6 min read
How Hard Should You Tamp Espresso? (Pressure)
How hard to tamp espresso: 15–30 lbs is enough, and a level tamp matters more than force. Calibrate espresso tamping pressure step by step.
Compare
Coffee Education6 min read
Espresso vs Coffee: Caffeine, Strength & Taste
Espresso vs coffee: how strength, caffeine, taste and brewing differ, and which suits your routine, budget and beans.
How to
Maintenance6 min read
How to Clean an Espresso Machine (Step by Step)
How to clean an espresso machine: daily, weekly and monthly steps for the portafilter, group head, steam wand and backflush.
How to
Maintenance6 min read
How to Descale Coffee Makers, Keurig, Nespresso
How to descale a coffee machine: drip, Nespresso, Keurig or espresso steps, vinegar vs descaler, and how often to descale.
Fix a problem
Espresso4 min read
Bitter Espresso? 6 Fixes That Actually Work
Learn how to fix bitter espresso fast: check grind, temperature, yield, channeling, dirty gear and stale beans, one change at a time.
Fix a problem
Espresso4 min read
How to Get More Crema on Espresso: 6 Fixes
Learn how to increase espresso crema: fix bean freshness, grind, dose, pressure and temperature in order of impact.
How to
Brewing6 min read
How to Make a Cappuccino at Home Like a Barista
How to make a cappuccino at home: the 1:1:1 ratio, dry vs wet style, how to steam thick foam, and no-machine options.
How to
Espresso6 min read
How to Tamp Espresso: Step-by-Step Technique
Learn how to tamp espresso: pick the right tamper size, distribute with WDT, press level and fix channeling with a simple routine.
Compare
Brewing6 min read
Moka Pot vs Espresso Machine
Moka pot vs espresso machine: compare pressure, taste, milk drinks and cost to choose the right brewer for black coffee or lattes.
Compare
Buying6 min read
Nespresso Vertuo vs Original: Which to Buy?
Nespresso Vertuo vs Original compared on espresso quality, mug sizes, capsule range and cost per cup, so you pick the right system.
Fix a problem
Espresso5 min read
Steam Wand Not Frothing Milk? 5 Fixes to Try
Steam wand not frothing milk? Run the plain-water test, then fix clogs, technique, low heat, scale or worn seals in likelihood order.
Explained
Espresso6 min read
Espresso Extraction Explained: Ratio, Time, Taste
Espresso extraction explained: how brew ratio, grind size and time shape taste, plus how to fix sour or bitter shots.
Fix a problem
Espresso4 min read
Why Is My Espresso Puck Wet? 5 Fixes in Order
Why is my espresso puck wet? Check dose, grind, shower screen, 3-way valve and gasket in order, with one-change-at-a-time fixes.
Fix a problem
Espresso4 min read
Why Is My Espresso Sour? 6 Fixes, Likeliest First
Sour, thin espresso is usually under-extraction. Work through grind, dose, water temperature, bean age and ratio, one change at a time.

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Why Trust Michael Anderson?

How this reviewer's work is produced and checked.

Reviews are based on hands-on testing; each review states its own testing period and counts.
17 years in specialty coffee.
Products are bought with the site's own funds, with no free samples or sponsored placements. The site does earn affiliate commissions on some links.
Reviews are peer-reviewed by Sarah Chen before publication.

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