The barista journal
Guides, techniques and stories
Size guides, brewing techniques and the story of Metallurgica Motta, from the Motta USA team.
Espresso Tamper Size Guide: Which Tamper Fits Your Machine?
A machine-by-machine chart for choosing the right espresso tamper size, from 51 mm for De'Longhi to 54 mm for Breville and 58 mm for prosumer machines, plus how to measure your basket.
Read the article →-
Milk Pitcher Size Guide: Which Frothing Pitcher Size Do You Need?
A quick chart and the fill-line rule for choosing the right milk frothing pitcher size, from 8.5 oz for cortados to 50 oz for café batch steaming.
-
Made in Italy Since 1967: Why Motta Only Works in Stainless Steel
Pick up a Motta frothing pitcher and the first thing you notice is the weight. Not heavy, exactly, but present. It sits in the hand the way a good tool should, and...
-
How to Tamp Espresso Properly — Why a Level Puck Beats Brute Force
Published: August 2026 | Category: Barista Techniques | Read time: 7 min Ask ten home baristas how hard to press when tamping and you'll get ten different answers — 30 pounds,...
-
How to Froth Milk Like a Barista — and Why the Right Pitcher Changes Everything
Learn the two-phase barista method for silky microfoam: cold milk, aeration, vortex, and stopping at 140°F. Plus why the Motta Europa pitcher's spout design makes latte art easier.
-
BEST TIPS FROM ELITE BARMANS
The key is never stop learning, whether you’re a pro behind the bar or just exploring how to become a bartender, these bartending tips can help you deliver great results. Always buy...
-
5 TIPS FOR AN EXCELLENT CUP OF COFFEE
There are lots of different recipes and instructions across the internet, but there are some basic things you can do that can lead to great cup of coffee. Here are our top...
-
THE PERFECT ESPRESSO RECIPE
There are three main things that you want to measure when making an espresso: dose, yield and brew time. Those three measurements you should, as a barista, check daily and some might...
-
SPOOKY IDEAS FOR HALLOWEEN BARISTAS
Pumpkin spice hot chocolate Are you interested in cooking the perfect beverage for this Halloween season? Here is the recipe to impress all your guests. What are you going to need? Steamed...
