October 28, 2025

568: The Keys to Espresso Machine Care w/ Jon Ferguson, Author of the new book "Coffee Under Pressure"

37 minutes

There are many ways to mess up a perfectly good espresso machine. By contrast, virtually all of them are preventable if you follow only a few specific strategies to care for what is likely to most expensive piece of equipment in your store. Now another question, where can you find these best practices and techniques along with detailed "whys" behind the "whats" of espresso equipment maintenance? Lucky for us, it is not all in one book!

I am thrilled to welcome back to the show long time espresso tech and now author, Jon Ferguson!

Jon Ferguson has worked in specialty coffee for nearly 20 years, with hands-on experience in roasting, green coffee, equipment service, and barista training. He has owned and operated both a roasting company and a coffee tech service business. Jon has served as a volunteer sensory and technical judge for both regional and national coffee competitions, was a U.S. Brewers Cup and U.S. Cup Tasters runner-up in 2012, and has participated as an international juror for the Cup of Excellence on several occasions. A regular speaker at industry events like Coffee Fest, Specialty Coffee Expo, and World of Coffee, Jon has contributed to Barista Magazine, Daily Coffee News, and professional coffee blogs. Coffee Under Pressure: A Guide to Espresso Machine Ownership is his first book, blending his passion for service work with a deep respect for the effort it takes to keep machines running smoothly. Links: Buy on Barnes and Nobles

https://www.instagram.com/coffeeunderpressure/

Related episodes:

312 : How to Choose the Right Machine for Your Shop w/ Chad little of La Marzocco
128 : Terry's Top 10 w/ Terry Ziniewicz : Best practices for how not to kill your espresso machine
076 : Talking Tech! w/ Tom Ritz of Workhorse Customs : Best Practices for Machine Maintenance
537: Success as a Coffee Tech : Training and Relationships w/ Brady Butler W/ Trail Braze Coffee Academy
446: Building a People-First Coffee Tech Culture w/ Jason "Double J" Johnson, Black Rabbit Service Co.
238 : Leading, Hiring, and working with your Coffee Tech w/ Hylan Joseph

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If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email

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of book a free call now:

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