Senior Coffee Reviewer & Grinder Specialist

Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is the Senior Coffee Reviewer & Grinder Specialist at The Coffee Locator, with 13 years in specialty coffee. Sarah covers coffee grinders, grinder technology, sensory evaluation.

Sarah Chen – Senior Coffee Reviewer & Grinder Specialist
  • 13+ years experience
  • 31 product reviews
  • 36 guides published
  • Updated October 8, 2026

About Sarah Chen

Role, experience and the areas covered.

Sarah Chen is the Senior Coffee Reviewer & Grinder Specialist at The Coffee Locator, with 13 years in specialty coffee. Sarah covers coffee grinders, grinder technology, sensory evaluation.

Role
Senior Coffee Reviewer & Grinder Specialist
Experience
13 years in specialty coffee
On this site
31 reviews, 36 guides

Sarah Chen's work is peer-reviewed by Michael Anderson before publication. See how products are tested and our editorial guidelines.

Coffee GrindersGrinder TechnologySensory EvaluationBrew Method OptimizationBean SelectionFlavor Analysis

Product Reviews by Sarah Chen (31)

Equipment reviews, with the star rating on each card.

Blue Bottle Coffee Blue Bottle Coffee Three Africas
Blue Bottle Coffee

Blue Bottle Coffee Three Africas

4.2 out of 5Read the review
illy illy Classico
illy

illy Classico

4.4 out of 5Read the review
Intelligentsia Intelligentsia Black Cat Classic
Intelligentsia

Intelligentsia Black Cat Classic

4.6 out of 5Read the review
Lavazza Lavazza Super Crema
Lavazza

Lavazza Super Crema

4.2 out of 5Read the review
Onyx Coffee Lab Onyx Coffee Lab Geometry
Onyx Coffee Lab

Onyx Coffee Lab Geometry

4.5 out of 5Read the review
Peet's Coffee Peet's Coffee Dark Roast Whole Bean
Peet's Coffee

Peet's Coffee Dark Roast Whole Bean

4.4 out of 5Read the review
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Stumptown Holler Mountain
Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Stumptown Holler Mountain

4.3 out of 5Read the review
aarke aarke Coffee Maker
aarke

aarke Coffee Maker

4.2 out of 5Read the review
BALMUDA BALMUDA The Brew
BALMUDA

BALMUDA The Brew

4.1 out of 5Read the review
Fellow Fellow Aiden
Fellow

Fellow Aiden

4.3 out of 5Read the review
Keurig Keurig Smart Brewer
Keurig

Keurig Smart Brewer

4.1 out of 5Read the review
Miele Miele CM 5310 Silence
Miele

Miele CM 5310 Silence

4.4 out of 5Read the review
Mr. Coffee Mr. Coffee 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker Stainless Steel
Mr. Coffee

Mr. Coffee 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker Stainless Steel

3.9 out of 5Read the review
Outin Outin Mino
Outin

Outin Mino

4.1 out of 5Read the review
OXO OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker 32 oz
OXO

OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker 32 oz

4.4 out of 5Read the review
VINCI VINCI Express Cold Brew Coffee Maker
VINCI

VINCI Express Cold Brew Coffee Maker

4.2 out of 5Read the review
1Zpresso 1Zpresso K-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder
1Zpresso

1Zpresso K-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder

4.7 out of 5Read the review
Baratza Baratza Encore ESP
Baratza

Baratza Encore ESP

4.6 out of 5Read the review
Baratza Baratza Virtuoso+
Baratza

Baratza Virtuoso+

4.5 out of 5Read the review
Breville Breville Smart Grinder Pro
Breville

Breville Smart Grinder Pro

4.4 out of 5Read the review
Capresso Capresso Infinity Plus Conical Burr Grinder
Capresso

Capresso Infinity Plus Conical Burr Grinder

4.1 out of 5Read the review
Comandante Comandante C40
Comandante

Comandante C40

4.4 out of 5Read the review
Turin Turin DF64 Gen 2
Turin

Turin DF64 Gen 2

4.8 out of 5Read the review
Eureka Eureka Mignon Specialita
Eureka

Eureka Mignon Specialita

4.5 out of 5Read the review
Fellow Fellow Ode Gen 2
Fellow

Fellow Ode Gen 2

4.8 out of 5Read the review
Fellow Fellow Opus
Fellow

Fellow Opus

4.5 out of 5Read the review
Hamilton Beach Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind Electric Coffee Grinder
Hamilton Beach

Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind Electric Coffee Grinder

3.6 out of 5Read the review
KINGrinder KINGrinder K6
KINGrinder

KINGrinder K6

4.0 out of 5Read the review
Mavo Mavo Phantox Pro
Mavo

Mavo Phantox Pro

4.3 out of 5Read the review
Timemore Timemore Chestnut C3
Timemore

Timemore Chestnut C3

4.5 out of 5Read the review
Turin Turin DF64 V5
Turin

Turin DF64 V5

4.5 out of 5Read the review

Guides by Sarah Chen (36)

Buying guides and how-tos written by this reviewer.

Coffee Education

7 Latte Alternatives Worth Trying Next

Looking for a latte alternative? Compare 7 espresso drinks, from cortado to con panna, by milk, strength, sweetness and calories.

Read the guide
Coffee Education

Americano vs Espresso: Which Is Stronger?

Americano vs espresso: same caffeine per shot, very different strength and taste. See the differences and which to order.

Read the guide
Espresso Guides

Are Puck Screens Worth It? Who Should Buy One

Are puck screens worth it? They keep your group head cleaner but won't fix channeling. See who should buy one and which size fits.

Read the guide
Grinder Guides

Burr vs Blade Grinder: Which Is Better?

Whether a burr grinder is worth it over a blade grinder, and at what budget it pays off

Read the guide
Coffee Education

Latte vs Cappuccino vs Mocha: Key Differences

Coffee drinks explained: how lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites and cortados differ by milk, strength and caffeine, and how to order one.

Read the guide
Grinder Guides

Coffee Grind Size Chart for Every Brew Method

Coffee grind size chart with micron ranges for espresso, moka pot, AeroPress, pour over, French press and cold brew, plus how to adjust.

Read the guide
Maintenance Guides

Coffee Maker Leaking Water? Causes & Quick Fixes

Coffee maker leaking water from the bottom, filter basket or carafe? Match the leak to its cause, fix it step by step, or know when to replace.

Read the guide
Coffee Education

Coffee Roast Levels Chart & Flavors

Coffee roast levels chart comparing light, medium and dark roast by flavor, acidity, body and brew method, plus the caffeine myth.

Read the guide
Brewing Guides

Drip vs Pour Over: Which Makes Better Coffee?

Drip vs pour over coffee compared on taste, temperature, effort and cost, with a simple rule for which brewer fits your routine.

Read the guide
Coffee Education

Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Cortado Explained

Flat white vs cappuccino vs cortado: milk ratio, foam, size and taste compared, plus which to order or make at home.

Read the guide
Grinder Guides

How to Choose a Burr Grinder: What Matters

How to choose a burr grinder: conical vs flat burrs, features worth paying for, and the best grinder by brew method and budget.

Read the guide
Brewing Guides

How to Make a Latte at Home: Ratio & Steps

How to make a latte at home: the espresso-to-milk ratio, steam-wand technique and pour method for a cafe-style drink.

Read the guide
Brewing Guides

How to Make an Americano: The 1:4 Ratio

Ratio, pour order and fixes for a better Americano

Read the guide
Brewing Guides

How to Make Cold Brew: Ratio & Easy Method

Ratio, steep time and fixes for cold brew at home

Read the guide
Brewing Guides

How to Make an Iced Latte at Home

Ratio, pour order and milk choice for a strong iced latte

Read the guide
Buying Guides

How to Choose Espresso Beans: Roast & Blend

How to pick espresso beans that suit your taste and brewing style

Read the guide
Brewing Guides

How to Use a Moka Pot for Smooth, Rich Coffee

How to use a moka pot: grind, heat and timing for smooth stovetop coffee.

Read the guide
Coffee Education

Latte vs Cortado: Which Is Stronger?

Same caffeine, very different strength: how milk ratio changes the drink.

Read the guide
Coffee Education

Macchiato vs Latte: Size, Strength & Taste

Macchiato vs latte: size, espresso share, strength and calories compared, with a quick pick for what to order or make at home.

Read the guide
Grinder Guides

Manual vs Electric Coffee Grinders

Manual vs electric grinders compared on speed, grind quality, noise and cost, with a clear pick for espresso, pour-over and travel.

Read the guide
Coffee Education

What Is a Cortado? Cortado vs Latte

What is a cortado? A 1:1 mix of 2 oz espresso and 2 oz steamed milk. See its taste, how to make one and how it differs from a latte.

Read the guide
Coffee Education

What Is a Flat White? How It Differs From a Latte

What is a flat white? A double espresso with silky microfoam. Learn how it differs from a latte, plus how to make one at home.

Read the guide
Espresso Guides

What Is a Lungo? The Long Espresso Explained

What is a lungo? Same dose, more water: brew ratio, taste, caffeine, lungo vs americano vs ristretto, and when the long shot makes sense.

Read the guide
Coffee Education

What Is a Macchiato? Espresso vs Latte Types

Espresso macchiato vs latte macchiato explained: what each one is, how it tastes, how it differs from a latte or cappuccino, and which to order.

Read the guide
Espresso Guides

What Is a Ristretto? Taste, Ratio & How-To

Ristretto explained: same dose, about half the water. Why it tastes sweeter, how to pull one, the grind adjustment that matters, and caffeine.

Read the guide
Coffee Education

What Is a Cappuccino? Ratio, Foam & Taste

Cappuccino explained: the 1:1:1 ratio, dry vs wet styles, how it differs from a latte or flat white, and how to order the real thing.

Read the guide
Coffee Education

What Is Coffee Bloom and Why Does It Matter?

What is coffee bloom? Why CO2 degassing matters, how to bloom coffee properly, and how bean freshness changes it.

Read the guide
Espresso Guides

What Is a Doppio? Double Espresso Explained

What is a doppio? The standard double espresso: how it differs from a single shot, its caffeine, the drinks it makes and how to pull one.

Read the guide
Espresso Guides

What Is Espresso Crema? And What It Tells You

What crema is, why it forms, and whether it matters for taste.

Read the guide
Espresso Guides

What Is Espresso? A Plain-English Beginner Guide

How espresso is made, what crema means and what gear you need.

Read the guide
Coffee Education

What Is a Moka Pot? How It Works & Who Needs One

How a moka pot brews, and how it differs from espresso.

Read the guide
Brewing Guides

What Is Pour Over Coffee? Method & Easy Recipe

What pour over coffee is and how the method works, plus grind size, water temperature and a recipe to dial in your best cup

Read the guide
Coffee Education

Single-Origin Coffee: What It Is, Is It Worth It?

What single-origin coffee means, how it differs from blends and specialty grade, and why traceability matters for flavor

Read the guide
Coffee Education

What Is Specialty Coffee? SCA Grading Explained

What specialty coffee is: the SCA 80+ point scale, how grading works and what separates specialty from commodity coffee

Read the guide
Espresso Guides

What Is WDT? Better Espresso With One Tool

WDT (Weiss Distribution Technique) breaks up clumps in your portafilter before tamping. What it fixes and whether a WDT tool is worth buying.

Read the guide
Espresso Guides

Why Does Coffee Taste Bitter? 5 Easy Fixes

Read the guide

How to Contact Sarah

Questions about a review, or a correction to suggest.

Use the contact page and name the review. The aim is to reply within 24-48 business hours. For a suspected error, include the article URL and the specific claim; the editorial guidelines explain how corrections are handled.

Why Trust Sarah Chen?

  • Reviews are based on hands-on testing; each review states its own testing period and counts.
  • 13 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 Michael Anderson before publication.

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