iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 13/05/2026

It's been a while since I busted out the awesomesauce Quest M3 coffee roaster, but did so today, doing three "tuning" roasts to re-familiarize myself with this fantastic device. A bit dark, but it was a tuning roast. 2nd and 3rd turned out better. Absolutely love it. The "Flair 58+ 2" of roasters.

Closeup of the bean viewing window in the Quest M3 Roaster

Finish roast of an Ethiopian coffee from the Quest M3 roaster. The beans are a light-medium roast (old school descriptor: City roast).

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 30/04/2026

Working on our blog introduction post for the xBloom Studio. I literally spent 30 minutes massaging the intro. (writers out there will totally get where I'm coming from on that). Had the idea, just couldn't make the words flow... Until they did.

xBloom Studio in Sage Green, on the counter, window behind it. Bag of coffee on the counter, flowers off to the right, and a Lagom Mini II grinder on the far right.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 24/04/2026

Stunning, and capable way to wake up in the morning. The xBloom Studio, in Sage Green. The definitive super auto for brew coffee. #coffeefeed #espressofeed

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 30/03/2026

Working on our Snapshot Review of the Flair 2GO travel espresso brewer. Some to love. Some to really not love. And with the influx of USB-C espresso brewers, is this now a bygone era product?

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 03/01/2026

Another beastie on the review bench for a Snapshot Review on CoffeeGeek: the Flair Wizard, the nifty milk steaming solution they have for their lever machines, that works on all sorts of heat sources, including some quirky Asian-sourced butane burners we bought for the task. Full Review coming soon!

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 03/01/2026

The Kruve Propel is the well deserved defacto standard when it comes to espresso cups for tasting and evaluation. But they are big, and fragile. Kinto of Japan has hit the market with several double walled glass cups that could bring the fight to Kruve. We're evaluating them for CoffeeGeek soon.

Kruve Propel next to the Kinto espresso cup.

Kinto cups in the espresso and tea (cappuccino) sizes.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 16/10/2025

This remains one of my favourite photos taken in 2025, at least where coffee gear is concerned. I spent a lot of time staging this too. It was "inspired" by a previous manual grinder photo I took for another review (Knock Aergrind, second pic). Photo was for coffeegeek.com/guides/featu...

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 13/10/2025

Yeah, I knew I had one of these buried deep in one of the coffee gear boxes in the basement. I bought this on eBay, probably 20 years ago now. Still has original spoons, cups and manual. Brews horrible espresso. @jameshoffmann.bsky.social would know. #coffeefeed #espressofeed

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 29/09/2025

Here's how the Lagom Casa (in black) visually stacks up to the Lagom Mini (the smallest electric coffee grinder you can buy today). Front view? Surprisingly close in terms of counter space. Side view is a radically different picture. Keep in mind, the Casa is a SMALL grinder. Mini is TINY!

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 24/09/2025

The NEW Option-O Lagom Mini II is in the CoffeeGeek Lab. So much awesomeness here. - USB-C powered (100W) - Comes with USB-C PD3.0 GaN charging brick with extra plugs! - Auto Off built in - Less static! Less retention! - Also sold w/o USB-C Charger under $300 (BYO). Much more on CoffeeGeek, soon.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 17/09/2025

A grinder that feels like it was honed from a single billet of solid aluminum by Jony Ive himself, in some ultra-secret underground coffee and espresso design lab. The Option-O Lagom Casa. - 65mm Mizen conical burrs - Low RPMs - Auto Off - Supreme particle distribution - Quiet. - One touch op.

Option O Lagom Casa Grinder, with blue background, seen on an angle

Option O Lagom Casa Grinder, with fire background, seen straight on.

Option O Lagom Casa Grinder, with green background, seen from the side.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 05/09/2025

A commentary about the current tariff situation in the United States, and the impact the Trump Taxes are now having on small makers and creators in the specialty coffee arena.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 04/09/2025

Posted the "hero" photograph we took and staged for the upcoming First Look at the MHW-3Bomber F74 Navigator to Flipboard yesterday, and several reactions talked about how it looked like something from Star Wars; in particular, something from the Empire. I get it :)

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 22/08/2025

John, flippin' Cena: actual CoffeeGeek. Who would have thought. I'm kinda like John, but where he judges cafes on their flat whites, I judge cafes on how they do americanos. #coffeefeed #espressofeed #flatwhite #espresso #johncena

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 20/08/2025

Here's the final recipe if you want a sneak peak:

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 20/08/2025

Got an Espro Bloom you gave up on? We did too. Turns out it's not a flawed brewer, just a misunderstood one that hates being treated like a V60. We're publishing a full no-bypass guide that makes it brew a fantastic, super-clean cup. Coming soon to CoffeeGeek. Time to rescue yours. #coffeefeed

$Looking down into an Espro Bloom, loaded with coffee. Manual grinder to the left, a refractometer to the right.$

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 13/08/2025

Hiya Blueskyers! Help me with a design decision. All our reviews have a "hero" image that sets the tone for the reviews we write. But for our next review, for the Made by Knock Aergrind, I cannot decide. Help! Which of these two photos do you prefer: the first, or second?

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 11/08/2025

I still think this is the best design of a notebook, ever. Jony Ive completely nailed it. I don't like the new "slab" design of the MacBook Air since '21. I don't think Ive likes it either. This 2020 model, with the retina screen and thin(ner) bezels, while maintaining the wedge and curves is bril.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 11/08/2025

#NCP Can I just say, All Tim Apple thoughts aside, $499CAD for this in "Renewed, Excellent condition" is a KILLER deal. I picked it up 2 weeks before Tim Apple's WH visit. The base 8gb/256gb, but it's like new, battery is at 94% health. A 4yr old Macbook Air M1 13". My new "focus writing" device.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 06/08/2025

Here's the intro, for a sneak peak! :)

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 05/08/2025

Is this the best manual grinder in the world right now, all things considered (price, build quality, output, range, multipurpose use, features, etc?) Find out what we think about the X-Ultra grinder from 1Zpresso, in a First Look, coming soon to CoffeeGeek. #coffeefeed #espressofeed

X-Ultra coffee grinder from 1Zpresso, with case.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 01/08/2025

I am very proud of myself for the paragraph on burr swapping, in this excerpt from my First Look draft on the MHW-3Bomber F74 Navigator grinder, that I continue to work on this evening. 😉 #coffeefeed #espressofeed #coffee

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 27/07/2025

A collection of glass coffee rods for siphon coffee brewing, with the Silex spring loaded glass rod on the right. That innovation lead to excellent filtration, no risk of "blowouts" (ground coffee getting into the bottom chamber), and super easy siphon brewer cleanup. #CoffeeFeed #Siphoncoffee

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 26/07/2025

All right and okay! Got the photography completed for the budget entry level 1Zpresso Q-Air grinder. Just piecing together the Snapshot Review in our website's CMS, hopefully will haveo nline this weekend!

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 26/07/2025

I really prefer the X-Ultra in their lineup - has a nice tight micron range per click, feels easier to use in the hand, slightly smaller grind volume, fast, easy to clean, zero out, etc etc. I think it's the best overall option for true multipurpose.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 25/07/2025

I'm really trying to corral a lot of reviews I've worked on recently, to finish them off and get them published on CoffeeGeek; the stumbler is I don't have all the photos / vids I want to include yet. For instance, here's the intro to my finished review for the 1ZPresso Q-Air grinder.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 08/06/2025

Wow. ChatGPT really seems to like me. 😀 (I just typed this in just to see if it had accurate info about the website and me).

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 25/05/2025

This thing from MHW-3Bomber is a beast.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 22/05/2025

Awww mate, that story about Volvo is brutal. only 1K miles put on it, but ravaged by the environment and other drivers. I feel for you. I only just recently got a car that fits in my "dream car" category (wanted a brit sportscar, got a MX-5 NC instead). It's already been dinged twice while parked.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 21/05/2025

Imagine being the flight crew that has to deal with this person. Or worse, being the person sitting next to this person. For the record, it's impossible to be "allergic to the smell of coffee". And if it were possible, this sensitive type would be dead a long time ago. (stolen from Threads)

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 16/05/2025

Just swirlin' with the Kruve Propel. Bril. #EspressoFeed

Swirling and agitating espresso in a Kruve Propel espresso glass.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 16/05/2025

I've long stated the iconic Illy espresso cup, designed in 1992 by Matteo Thun, is the most perfect espresso cup in the world. I've changed my mind. The Kruve Propel double/single wall glass espresso cup takes that mantel. Double wall for heat retention / comfort, single for heat impact, and VANES!

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 15/05/2025

Also breaking in the Encore ESP Pro grinder from Baratza, on the espresso side of things. Will be putting 5lb of coffee through the grinder before my first tests, timings and tastings. #EncoreESPPro #Baratza #CoffeeFeed #EspressoFeed

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 15/05/2025

We have the new Encore ESP Pro in the house here, and today I did the unboxing and setup photos. Also shot a few short phone vids of the grinder in action. I think we're the first people outside of Baratza to have one of these grinders. #CoffeeFeed #EspressoFeed

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 14/05/2025

Brand new on the test bench: Ninja's latest espresso machine, the ES701 Luxe Café PRO model, which adds much requested features (like hot water / americanos). Lots of other updates and tweaks too. Intro article coming soon to CoffeeGeek.com. For now, check out the pics! #EspressoFeed

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 17/04/2025

This is where I do the upkeep and new content for CoffeeGeek. I'm shocked I've been able to keep it this clean for the last 45 days, since doing a workspace reset. Loving the Dell Ultrasharp 4K 27" on the left where I edit photos; the Dell 4K USB-C on the right gets writing duties.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 06/04/2025

I don’t post pics of this machine often b/c it's in my 115 year old basement: La Marzocco GS3 early prototype inside a Linea body. Not very photogenic, the bench is usually way messier but relatively clean today. This was the test bed for the GS3. The machine that changed everything. #EspressoFeed

La Marzocco prototype GS3, inside a Linea 1 group body. 110V, Dual boiler, Steam boiler heat exchanger for brew boiler, PID, rotary pump, the works.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 31/03/2025

#NCP I just have to point out some BRILLIANT marketing / Bluesky engagement that @alexfalcone.bsky.social does over on normally horrible Instagram (for engagement and pushing ppl onto other platforms). He does posts like this on IG, showing how he's interacting - with humour - here, on Bluesky.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 23/03/2025

Recently on Threads, I shared a video showcasing what I felt were dishonest photo tricks to make food / drinks (including coffee) look better—like glue as cheese on pizza or dish soap for coffee bubbles. With real, fresh-roasted, fresh-brewed coffee, you don’t need tricks for bubbles! #CoffeeFeed

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 20/03/2025

And even more impressive, the brand spankin' new, just hit the market Flair 58+ 2 model! Updates all around, including the power brick. Looking forward to this one in our review process! #EspressoFeed #CoffeeFeed

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 20/03/2025

New arrivals for us today at CoffeeGeek. First up, the new all metal, super compact (and I must say, cute!) Flair GO travel espresso maker. #EspressoFeed #CoffeeFeed

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 18/03/2025

Sigh, can't find the photo in reference. But just imagine this monster of a lens (and TBH, quite the crappy lens, given its price) on a Canon SL2 or SL3 body. Comical! :)

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 18/03/2025

Our living room ceiling in our 1912 built house is 11 feet, 10.5 inches. Was probably 12' when built, but a century of settling. Here's how tall the plant is we trim the top annually, because it continues to grow.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 18/03/2025

If anyone wants to know how the fruit part tastes: syrup-sweet, with a back edge of bitters (because they're loaded with caffeine - the fruit too!, and caffeine is bitter).

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 18/03/2025

And here are a few of the coffee cherries we harvested today off our in-home coffee tree. These are going to be planted as new plants, but I already ate the cherry part. As you can see, not much flesh - mostly coffee bean! And one of them is a mutant - 3 beans inside! #CoffeeFeed

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 18/03/2025

My wife, harvesting some cherries off our 12', 14 year old (grown from Ethiopian seedstock) coffee tree. This tree is in our living room, north facing full window, in Victoria, BC. It's been outside 5 times in its life (5 different summers). Otherwise, all indoors. #CoffeeFeed

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 17/03/2025

Special espresso today. Pulled on a La Marzocco GS3 prototype machine, 1 of only 2 out there in the wild (gifted to me by LM owner Kent Bakke for work I did in GS3 development). Haven't used for 18mo; cleaned, flushed, set up, pullin a FRESH shot! Check the vintage WBC sticker! #EspressoFeed

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 10/03/2025

Very nice. I had one of the original models Kees built (the 2009/10 version, not the 6 he built back in 1990s using GS2 single boilers). Loved using it for 10+ years. Did not love the service bills (about $6.5K all told). Sold it to a fella who exported my 220V version to his S.Africa home in 2022.

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CoffeeGeek @coffeegeek.com · 08/03/2025

Was able to visit the La Marzocco importer in Canada, Stealth Coffee Systems in Vancouver yesterday, after picking up my new old car. I had not seen the new space yet, so it was very impressive. Many thanks to Maryam (sp!) for giving me the full tour! #EspressoFeed

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