On a chilly February afternoon, I stood at my kitchen counter packing precisely measured ground coffee into a $3,000 Lelit Bianca, hoping to master the art—and science—of making impeccable little cups ...

Espresso and coffee are distinct beverages. Espresso is bold, creamy, and intensely concentrated. Coffee is lighter and often served in much larger quantities.

If you can’t start the day without a piping hot cup of coffee, you probably visit your favorite local coffee house pretty regularly. With all of its fancy equipment, it can make impressive — and ...