Our Story: Why LuxeBarista Was Born
LuxeBarista was born from a simple observation: most espresso machine reviews are written by people who have never actually used the machines they’re reviewing.
We’ve all been there – reading a review that feels like it was copied from a press release. Generic descriptions. No real-world insights. No honest criticism. Just affiliate links disguised as advice.
We decided to do things differently.
LuxeBarista is founded by Saqlain Anjum, a professional barista and coffee educator with 12 years of hands-on experience across specialty cafés, wholesale training, and daily espresso practice. He was tired of the shallow, sponsor-driven reviews that dominated the home espresso market.
Our mission is simple: create the honest, expert-led resource we wished existed. A place where home baristas can get real advice from someone who actually knows what they’re talking about.
Our Mission: Honest Coffee Education
Our mission is to help you make better coffee at home. We do this by:
- Testing equipment ourselves – we will purchase and use every machine before publishing a review
- Sharing expert knowledge – Saqlain has 12 years of professional experience in the coffee industry
- Being transparent – we disclose our funding sources and relationships
- Creating accessible content – no jargon, no elitism, just practical advice
We believe that great coffee should be accessible to everyone. We’re here to guide you, whether you’re buying your first espresso machine or upgrading to your dream setup.
Our Values: What Guides Everything We Do
1. Integrity First
We will never compromise our editorial independence. We will buy our own equipment, test thoroughly, and share honest opinions. Our content will never be influenced by affiliate relationships or manufacturer pressure.
2. Expertise Matters
Our founder, Saqlain Anjum, is a professional barista and coffee educator with 12 years of experience. He has the credentials and hands-on knowledge to back up every recommendation.
3. Transparency Builds Trust
We will be open about our testing methodology, funding sources, and relationships. We believe that transparency is the foundation of trust.
4. Quality Over Quantity
We prioritize depth over volume. Every guide and review will be comprehensive, well-researched, and focused on helping you make informed decisions.
5. Community-Driven
We listen to our readers. Your questions, feedback, and experiences will shape our content. We’re here to serve your needs.
Meet the Founder
Our site is led by one person with deep expertise and a commitment to honest, hands-on testing.
Saqlain Anjum
Professional Barista & Coffee Educator, 12 years experience
Saqlain has worked as a specialty café barista, wholesale trainer, and coffee educator. His background spans single boiler, heat exchanger, and dual boiler machines, and he personally pulls and measures every test shot before a verdict is published. His goal is to help home baristas master their craft with clear, evidence-based advice.
Our Commitment to You
When you read a LuxeBarista review, you can trust that:
- We will have actually used the equipment – for a minimum of three months, not hours
- We are not influenced by manufacturers – we will buy our own equipment
- We will be transparent about our methods – read our Testing Methodology
- We disclose our funding sources – read our Funding Disclosure
- We are accountable – we will correct errors and welcome feedback
What Sets Us Apart
| Feature | LuxeBarista | Typical Review Sites |
|---|---|---|
| Hands-on Testing | ✅ We will buy and use every machine before reviewing | ❌ Often spec-based reviews |
| Testing Period | ✅ Minimum 3 months (starting with first machines) | ❌ Hours or days |
| Expert Credentials | ✅ 12 years professional barista experience | ❌ Often amateur reviewers |
| Editorial Independence | ✅ No manufacturer influence | ❌ Often sponsor-driven |
| Transparency | ✅ Full methodology disclosure | ❌ Limited or no disclosure |
| Continuous Updates | ✅ Content will be reviewed regularly | ❌ Often outdated |
Why We’re Different
We Will Buy Our Own Equipment
We will purchase every machine at full retail price, the same way a reader would. This ensures our reviews are completely independent. If we ever accept a loaned unit, we will disclose it clearly and it will never affect the verdict.
We Will Test for Months, Not Hours
Once testing begins, each machine will be used daily for a minimum of three months before a review is published. This allows us to assess reliability, identify quirks, and understand long-term performance.
We Have Real Credentials
Our founder, Saqlain Anjum, has 12 years of professional experience as a barista and coffee educator. He brings real-world knowledge to every guide and review.
We’re Transparent
We will disclose our testing methodology, funding sources, and relationships. We believe that transparency is the foundation of trust.
Our Content Process
- Topic Selection: We choose topics based on reader interest and product significance.
- Research and Testing: Once testing begins, we will conduct thorough hands-on testing.
- Writing: Content is written by Saqlain Anjum, based on his professional experience and test results.
- Review and Editing: Every piece is reviewed for accuracy and clarity.
- Publication: Content is published only when we’re confident in its accuracy.
- Updates: We will regularly review and update our content as new information becomes available.
Read our full Editorial Policy and Testing Methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LuxeBarista independent?
Yes. We maintain complete editorial independence. No manufacturer has any influence over our content.
Do you accept free products?
We will purchase our own equipment. If we ever accept a loan, we will disclose it clearly and never let it influence our review.
How do you make money?
We plan to generate revenue through affiliate links and display advertising. We will be transparent about all revenue sources. Read our Funding Disclosure.
Who writes your content?
Content is written by Saqlain Anjum, a professional barista and coffee educator with 12 years of experience.
How do you ensure objectivity?
We will use standardized testing protocols, objective measurements, and consistent methodology to minimize personal bias. Subjective opinions will be clearly labeled as such.
Can I trust your recommendations?
Yes. Our recommendations will be based on hands-on testing, objective data, and 12 years of professional experience. Full reviews will be published only after the minimum testing period.
Join Our Community
We love connecting with our readers. Here’s how you can be part of our community:
- Subscribe to our newsletter – get coffee tips and reviews in your inbox
- Follow us on social media – Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
- Share your feedback – we read every comment and email
- Share our content – help others discover us
Contact Us
Have questions, feedback, or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you:
Email: contact@luxebarista.com
Page: Contact Us
Conclusion: Thank You for Trusting Us
We’re proud to be your guide to the world of specialty coffee. Our founder is committed to helping you make better coffee at home – honestly, transparently, and with real expertise.
Thank you for reading LuxeBarista. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Explore our Best Espresso Machines 2026 guide or read our Editorial Policy to learn more.
External Resources (DoFollow):
Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)
Home-Barista Forums
This About Us page was written by Saqlain Anjum, a professional barista and coffee educator. We’re committed to transparency, integrity, and quality in everything we do.
Last Updated: