Cappuccino: Basic Information
August 21, 2009 by Coffee and Coffee Maker Tips
Filed under About Coffee
Cappuccino is a cup of coffee with fresh milk and milk foam bubbles burst on the top of cup. The color of Cappuccino is dark brown. Cappuccino is a name that from the color of the robe of priest in Roman Catholic called “Capuchin”. It always drinks in the morning with breakfast.
How to make a cup of cappuccino
Compositions
1. Roasted bean = 8-10 grams
2. Fresh milk = 4-6 ounces
3. Coffee cup = 6 ounces
4. Chocolate or Cinnamon Powder
5. Sugar
Method
1. Use one by tree of coffee volume in a cup.
2. Heat the fresh milk with 60 grade Celsius or lower.
3. Make the fine milk foam bubbles burst in suitable volume.
4. Add one by tree cup of warm milk in the cup.
5. Use a tea spoon for take the milk foam bubbles burst on the top of coffee until the edge of cup.
6. Before serve, sprinkle the top with chocolate or cinnamon powder.
Ice Cappuccino
The method is similar to hot cappuccino. Ice cappuccino is cappuccino that serves with ice. The ice has to fine to small molecule. The glass volume should be 8-12 ounces and cylinder shape. Put cappuccino in fine ice and add the milk foam bubbles burst on the top about one of three from the edge of the glass. Before serve, coffee maker ought to wait a moment for cooled glass of cappuccino. And do not forget to put a stick in the glass. The drinkers should drink all in one time because if the ice melt, the taste/flavor will change.
How to drink Cappuccino
1. Never stir Cappuccino with spoon.
2. Normally, no need to add sugar because the Cappuccino is pretty sweet already. But if you want sweeter, add sugar a tea spoon and stir with gentle. Never use syrup as sweetener in Cappuccino because milk and syrup will incompatibility.
3. Smell the flavor of Chocolate or cinnamon powder before drinking.
4. After drinking, the foamed milk will stick at the bottom of the cup. If no foamed milk stick means the method of making coffee is not good enough.
Thanks to Kaafae Blanda for contributing this article to our Coffee blog:
How to make a cup of cappuccino
Compositions
1. Roasted bean = 8-10 grams
2. Fresh milk = 4-6 ounces
3. Coffee cup = 6 ounces
4. Chocolate or Cinnamon Powder
5. Sugar
Method
1. Use one by tree of coffee volume in a cup.
2. Heat the fresh milk with 60 grade Celsius or lower.
3. Make the fine milk foam bubbles burst in suitable volume.
4. Add one by tree cup of warm milk in the cup.
5. Use a tea spoon for take the milk foam bubbles burst on the top of coffee until the edge of cup.
6. Before serve, sprinkle the top with chocolate or cinnamon powder.
Ice Cappuccino
The method is similar to hot cappuccino. Ice cappuccino is cappuccino that serves with ice. The ice has to fine to small molecule. The glass volume should be 8-12 ounces and cylinder shape. Put cappuccino in fine ice and add the milk foam bubbles burst on the top about one of three from the edge of the glass. Before serve, coffee maker ought to wait a moment for cooled glass of cappuccino. And do not forget to put a stick in the glass. The drinkers should drink all in one time because if the ice melt, the taste/flavor will change.
How to drink Cappuccino
1. Never stir Cappuccino with spoon.
2. Normally, no need to add sugar because the Cappuccino is pretty sweet already. But if you want sweeter, add sugar a tea spoon and stir with gentle. Never use syrup as sweetener in Cappuccino because milk and syrup will incompatibility.
3. Smell the flavor of Chocolate or cinnamon powder before drinking.
4. After drinking, the foamed milk will stick at the bottom of the cup. If no foamed milk stick means the method of making coffee is not good enough.
Thanks to Kaafae Blanda for contributing this article to our Coffee blog:
Kaafae Blanda is a webmaster of Web Directory , Automotive and Sport.
How to Create an Easy Diet Latte
August 20, 2009 by Coffee and Coffee Maker Tips
Filed under About Coffee
How to Create An Easy Diet Latte
It’s an incredibly straightforward process to make an amazing latte, but you do need to know the tricks to transform an average latte into to an amazing one. I’m going to give you some tips on how to create and an easy diet latte with an incredible taste. My coffee latte will give you lower calories, great taste and hopefully the most pleasure out of brewing your next cup. Please follow the subsequent advice.
How to Store Your Coffee
Firstly make sure you have a good quality coffee, preferably a gourmet one. Then you need to ensure the coffee is well shielded form moisture, heat and light. Put your coffee in a sealed box, jar or re-seal able bag. Put it in the freezer for maximum protection, or a dark cupboard that remains cool.
The Right Way to Grind Your Coffee
Before you brew your easy diet latte you should only grind enough coffee as necessary, as any excess that’s unused will taste bad later. The reason this happens is that coffee begins to oxidise and lose its taste. There are two types of coffee grinder, I recommend the burr kind over the blade kind as the consistency seems to be better. Always use the correct grinder for your coffee maker. You should use a French press to make your easy diet latte, the coarse grind being the best choice.
Always Use Fresh Milk to Make Your Easy Diet Latte
If you don’t use fresh milk you can end up with a bad latte, so no using day old milk. For this recipe you should only use skimmed milk, which is low on calories but still gives a rich flavour. Do not use filtered milk, it reduces the natural flavour.
Determining the Right Amount of Coffee
The best ratio of milk to coffee is 6 ounces of skimmed milk to 2 tablespoons of coarse ground coffee. You can adapt the quantity of coffee to your taste further if you like it stronger , but make sure you do this bit by bit. Always use a good quality accurate measuring jug before you put everything in the French press. Measuring is essential for making great lattes taste greater. However you must also remember that some types of coffees can be stronger or weaker, so use sound judgement.
Take The Time to Brew Your Coffee
Badly brewing the coffee affects the taste more than the quality of the beans you’ve chosen. Top methods of brewing include the vacuum pot, manual drip, or French press. For the easy diet latte we shall use the French press. The French press is simple, elegant, and effective for the desired results. Pour the hot (not boiling) skimmed milk into the French press along with the ground coffee stir and wait at least 6 minutes before pressing and pouring yourself a cup of heaven.
If you want to keep your latte warm, you can place it on the burner, but be warned more than 18 minutes and your silky cup of heaven can turn into a bitter cup of hell. For the best easy diet latte, brew for 6 minutes, then start drinking. A sealed flask will keep the taste of your easy diet latte for travel, or for maintaining multiple cups throughout the day, although I recommend drinking it freshly made.
Final Preparation of Your Latte
While a lot of drinkers like their latte really creamy, it can increase your waistline. However if you still want it creamier, simply substitute the skimmed milk with semi-skimmed (half fat) milk. Also you can heat the skimmed milk longer which can make it richer in flavour but without adding cream fat. To sweeten with the lowest calories possible you can use Sweet and Low or Splenda. However, artificial sweetener means artificial taste. Personally I recommend fructose (fruit sugar), as it is sweeter than sugar, lower in calories and tastes superb. That’s it! Follow these tips and you’ll have the perfect easy diet latte.
Thanks to David for contributing this article to our Coffee blog:
It’s an incredibly straightforward process to make an amazing latte, but you do need to know the tricks to transform an average latte into to an amazing one. I’m going to give you some tips on how to create and an easy diet latte with an incredible taste. My coffee latte will give you lower calories, great taste and hopefully the most pleasure out of brewing your next cup. Please follow the subsequent advice.
How to Store Your Coffee
Firstly make sure you have a good quality coffee, preferably a gourmet one. Then you need to ensure the coffee is well shielded form moisture, heat and light. Put your coffee in a sealed box, jar or re-seal able bag. Put it in the freezer for maximum protection, or a dark cupboard that remains cool.
The Right Way to Grind Your Coffee
Before you brew your easy diet latte you should only grind enough coffee as necessary, as any excess that’s unused will taste bad later. The reason this happens is that coffee begins to oxidise and lose its taste. There are two types of coffee grinder, I recommend the burr kind over the blade kind as the consistency seems to be better. Always use the correct grinder for your coffee maker. You should use a French press to make your easy diet latte, the coarse grind being the best choice.
Always Use Fresh Milk to Make Your Easy Diet Latte
If you don’t use fresh milk you can end up with a bad latte, so no using day old milk. For this recipe you should only use skimmed milk, which is low on calories but still gives a rich flavour. Do not use filtered milk, it reduces the natural flavour.
Determining the Right Amount of Coffee
The best ratio of milk to coffee is 6 ounces of skimmed milk to 2 tablespoons of coarse ground coffee. You can adapt the quantity of coffee to your taste further if you like it stronger , but make sure you do this bit by bit. Always use a good quality accurate measuring jug before you put everything in the French press. Measuring is essential for making great lattes taste greater. However you must also remember that some types of coffees can be stronger or weaker, so use sound judgement.
Take The Time to Brew Your Coffee
Badly brewing the coffee affects the taste more than the quality of the beans you’ve chosen. Top methods of brewing include the vacuum pot, manual drip, or French press. For the easy diet latte we shall use the French press. The French press is simple, elegant, and effective for the desired results. Pour the hot (not boiling) skimmed milk into the French press along with the ground coffee stir and wait at least 6 minutes before pressing and pouring yourself a cup of heaven.
If you want to keep your latte warm, you can place it on the burner, but be warned more than 18 minutes and your silky cup of heaven can turn into a bitter cup of hell. For the best easy diet latte, brew for 6 minutes, then start drinking. A sealed flask will keep the taste of your easy diet latte for travel, or for maintaining multiple cups throughout the day, although I recommend drinking it freshly made.
Final Preparation of Your Latte
While a lot of drinkers like their latte really creamy, it can increase your waistline. However if you still want it creamier, simply substitute the skimmed milk with semi-skimmed (half fat) milk. Also you can heat the skimmed milk longer which can make it richer in flavour but without adding cream fat. To sweeten with the lowest calories possible you can use Sweet and Low or Splenda. However, artificial sweetener means artificial taste. Personally I recommend fructose (fruit sugar), as it is sweeter than sugar, lower in calories and tastes superb. That’s it! Follow these tips and you’ll have the perfect easy diet latte.
Thanks to David for contributing this article to our Coffee blog:
David Allday is an ambitious British-born entrepreneur. A creative and enterprising author who enjoys writing articles on new solutions to old problems. Educated in Economics, Computers, and Business, David has a real passion for Diets, Health and Lifestyles. His mission is to make an innovative difference to peoples lives.
Why Coffee Pods are the Best Coffee Solution for the Office
August 20, 2009 by Coffee and Coffee Maker Tips
Filed under About Coffee
Many employers often wonder what their employees want, besides a raise of course. The answer might be surprising. A number of Fortune 500 companies have discovered that one of the most treasured perks they provide for their employees is something they might never expect - coffee! A break room well-stocked with a variety of coffees and other beverages is high on the list of perks that employees are looking for. More and more employers are finding that the very best way to give their employees something they will enjoy is by bringing coffee pods into the employee break room.
Coffee pods first made their appearance on the market about a decade ago. At the time, they were expensive and there were few varieties available. The critics were not kind about the coffee either, but all that has changed. Today, coffee machines that use coffee pods are among the most popular office coffee machines on the market, and with good reason. Why choose coffee pods for your office break room? Take a look at what some of the best makers of single serve coffee makers with coffee pods offer your office.
Consistently Good Coffee
Previously, many workers felt ‘office coffee’ was synonymous with mud. No matter how good the coffee you started with, it soon turned into oily black sludge. That was partly because the pot inevitably sat on the burner and scorched the coffee, and partly because the machine just didn’t get cleaned often enough. With coffee pods, those issues are grievances of the past. Each pod is pre-measured with the precise amount of coffee, tea or cocoa to make one perfect cup at a time. Also, because you are only making one cup at a time, there’s no coffee to turn to burnt sludge in the bottom of the pot. The coffee maker does not pick up all the oils from the brewing process either, meaning that you get fresh, clean coffee every time around.
Easy Cleanup
Coffee pods also mean no more messy drips and grounds on the counter of the break room. The coffee grounds are completely contained in the pod. When the coffee is done, you just eject the pod and throw it away. Your coffee room will stay clean, making it a more inviting place for your workers to brainstorm and work together.
Save Money
When the best coffee in town is right there in the break room, your employees are far less likely to wander off looking for a coffee shop. More time at the office and less time spent standing in line waiting for a cappuccino at the local shop is good news for you. Your employees will be happier and more productive. At the same time, they will be saving money on all those specialty coffees bought over the counter. Even if you decide to establish a coffee fund, they will be paying far less per cup for coffee pods at the office than they will for a paper takeaway cup from the local shop.
Everyone gets what they like!
One of the best things about replacing the office coffee pot with a single cup brewer and a coffee pod system is the selection of beverages available in coffee pods. With selections of coffee ranging from light breakfast blends to full-bodied espressos, everyone in your office can have the style and flavor of coffee that they like best. Coffee enthusiasts can find flavored coffees among varieties such as vanilla, hazelnut, mocha and even blueberry. Even better, most of the single serve coffee systems that use coffee pods are not confined to just making coffee. Depending on the supplier you choose, you may be able to also receive an assortment of flavored teas and gourmet hot chocolate drinks as well.
The Best Coffees Available
As single cup coffee makers have gained acceptance and popularity, the selection of coffees available in coffee pods for brewing has grown exponentially. The biggest reason for that is the number of nationally known fine coffee roasters who have jumped on the bandwagon to offer a variety of their coffees in pod form so that you can enjoy the same coffees that you love at the coffee shop. Among the coffee roasters who now offer their coffee in pods are Seattle’s Best, Starbucks, Melitta and Baronet. Java One offers a wide variety of coffee blends, and Senseo, makers of the Senseo single serve coffee system offers their own line of a dozen different coffee varieties that range from a light, tart Brazilian that will please most American palates to their latest gourmet offering, a rich, sweet, dark coffee appropriately named Café Noir, with just a hint of chocolate in the finish.
Your office staff will appreciate the investment in a coffee pod brewing system. A coffee pod system can pay for itself in happier workers and increased productivity, and your staff just may vote you supervisor of the year.
Thanks to Stephanie Larkin for contributing this article to our Coffee blog:
Coffee pods first made their appearance on the market about a decade ago. At the time, they were expensive and there were few varieties available. The critics were not kind about the coffee either, but all that has changed. Today, coffee machines that use coffee pods are among the most popular office coffee machines on the market, and with good reason. Why choose coffee pods for your office break room? Take a look at what some of the best makers of single serve coffee makers with coffee pods offer your office.
Consistently Good Coffee
Previously, many workers felt ‘office coffee’ was synonymous with mud. No matter how good the coffee you started with, it soon turned into oily black sludge. That was partly because the pot inevitably sat on the burner and scorched the coffee, and partly because the machine just didn’t get cleaned often enough. With coffee pods, those issues are grievances of the past. Each pod is pre-measured with the precise amount of coffee, tea or cocoa to make one perfect cup at a time. Also, because you are only making one cup at a time, there’s no coffee to turn to burnt sludge in the bottom of the pot. The coffee maker does not pick up all the oils from the brewing process either, meaning that you get fresh, clean coffee every time around.
Easy Cleanup
Coffee pods also mean no more messy drips and grounds on the counter of the break room. The coffee grounds are completely contained in the pod. When the coffee is done, you just eject the pod and throw it away. Your coffee room will stay clean, making it a more inviting place for your workers to brainstorm and work together.
Save Money
When the best coffee in town is right there in the break room, your employees are far less likely to wander off looking for a coffee shop. More time at the office and less time spent standing in line waiting for a cappuccino at the local shop is good news for you. Your employees will be happier and more productive. At the same time, they will be saving money on all those specialty coffees bought over the counter. Even if you decide to establish a coffee fund, they will be paying far less per cup for coffee pods at the office than they will for a paper takeaway cup from the local shop.
Everyone gets what they like!
One of the best things about replacing the office coffee pot with a single cup brewer and a coffee pod system is the selection of beverages available in coffee pods. With selections of coffee ranging from light breakfast blends to full-bodied espressos, everyone in your office can have the style and flavor of coffee that they like best. Coffee enthusiasts can find flavored coffees among varieties such as vanilla, hazelnut, mocha and even blueberry. Even better, most of the single serve coffee systems that use coffee pods are not confined to just making coffee. Depending on the supplier you choose, you may be able to also receive an assortment of flavored teas and gourmet hot chocolate drinks as well.
The Best Coffees Available
As single cup coffee makers have gained acceptance and popularity, the selection of coffees available in coffee pods for brewing has grown exponentially. The biggest reason for that is the number of nationally known fine coffee roasters who have jumped on the bandwagon to offer a variety of their coffees in pod form so that you can enjoy the same coffees that you love at the coffee shop. Among the coffee roasters who now offer their coffee in pods are Seattle’s Best, Starbucks, Melitta and Baronet. Java One offers a wide variety of coffee blends, and Senseo, makers of the Senseo single serve coffee system offers their own line of a dozen different coffee varieties that range from a light, tart Brazilian that will please most American palates to their latest gourmet offering, a rich, sweet, dark coffee appropriately named Café Noir, with just a hint of chocolate in the finish.
Your office staff will appreciate the investment in a coffee pod brewing system. A coffee pod system can pay for itself in happier workers and increased productivity, and your staff just may vote you supervisor of the year.
Thanks to Stephanie Larkin for contributing this article to our Coffee blog:
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to the food and beverage industry such as a Coffee Pod
The Abosolute 10 Greatest Tips for Purchasing a Home Espresso Machine
August 19, 2009 by Coffee and Coffee Maker Tips
Filed under About Coffee
Choosing the right home espresso machine can be a difficult task but with some basic knowledge and wisdom of how a coffee and espresso maker works, how much they cost, and specific features you get for the money, selecting the right option is easy. One point is clear. If you are spending money at a coffee shop at least 3-4 times per week the payoff on a home espresso machine is well worth the investment:
Let’s do the math:
1. Average cost for a coffee specialty drink such as an espresso or cappuccino: $3.50
2. Number of trips to the Coffee Shop per year: 52 weeks * 4 visits per week = 208 yearly visits
3. Yearly Cost: $3.50 espresso drink cost * 208 yearly visits = $728 Annually
For $728, one can purchase a full-featured super automatic espresso machine. Ok, now that you see that an home espresso machines is good investment, let talk about some tips on how to buy one:
1. Decide what type of espresso drinks you like. Do you like a cappuccino or mocha or just a straight shot of espresso? How about a regular cup of coffee? The choices for home espresso machines will vary greatly. Most super automatic espresso coffee machines can brew you a strong cup of coffee just like you find at the coffee houses as well as the espresso drinks. Perhaps you would like to choose between regular coffee and decaf in which case a bypass doser on the home espresso machine is a good option. Choose between a super automatic, semi automatic, or automatic home espresso machines. The most popular type of espresso machine is a super automatic espresso machines.
2. Cost. While many people like to have all of the bells and whistles, buying a quality espresso machine is much like buying a car. Do you need heated seats if you live in Arizona? Same principle. Decide on what type of drinks you like, find a machine with those features and set a budget. The most common question we get is how much do I have to spend for a quality machine? If you are spending $750 - $1,000 on a fine brand super automatic such as Saeco or Gaggia, you will be purchasing a quality home espresso machine with standard features suitable for most people. If you want the highest quality espresso drinks, a semi automatic espresso machine such as a Rancilio or Pasquini are priced in the $700 to $1,500 range. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a bit more work but results are outstanding. All excellent choices.
3. Popular Espresso Features. Milk based drinks – If you love the lattes, mochas, and cappuccino’s make sure you buy a machine with two boilers or dual heating elements. Using a single boiler is ok for standard espresso drinks but a dual boiler will produce the fastest steam. This is typically a feature that separates the cheap $100 - $200 espresso machines from the quality home espresso machines.
Adjustable water volume and coffee dose - Some machines will only have the ability to adjust the water so the more water you have the weaker the cup. Having both an adjustable doser and water volume gives you the most control. Excellent features to have especially if want a standard cup of coffee.
Digital or Analog (dials) – There is much debate on which is better to have. This comes down to a personal choice. With digital machines, your options are greater and you can really get dialed in on the coffee / water ratio. You also get statistics on your home espresso machine and most digital espresso machines will tell you when to clean it. Another key feature digital machines typically have is the ability to regulate when the machine is on or off.
View Quality http://www.moderncoffeedesigns.com home espresso machines
Other important features:
Look for a large water reservoir typically over 40 ounces.
Cup height adjustment – make sure your cup will fit. Most espresso cups are 4 – 6 inches.
Water filter – espresso machines with a water filter will produce better coffee and keep you machine in better condition. Water filters are highly recommended.
Bean hopper size – Get a machine with a minimum or 8 ounces. You do not want to be filling the bean hopper every day.
Cup Warmer – Coffee maintains its best flavor when poured into a heated cup.
Grinder Settings – Make sure the espresso machines have at least 3 grinder settings. This is essential for dialing in the right grind.
Heat up time – you do not want to be waiting over 5 minutes for an espresso machine to heat up. A good machine will be ready for a second cup of espresso is just under 1-2 minutes after the initial heat-up.
4. Size and Construction – Make sure you have adequate counter space for the home espresso machine. These espresso machines are generally larger than a typical coffee pot so make sure you measure. Also, having a movable base will allow you to pull the machine out to fill it with water and beans. Almost all of the super automatic home espresso machines body’s are made of heavy duty plastic or stainless steel. The inside boilers are either stainless steel or aluminum. Often people make the mistake of thinking the plastic is not as durable but in reality, it is. It is what is on the inside that counts. A stainless steel boiler will offer years of service if properly maintained. The espresso machines of today feature sleek, modern designs. If you are purchasing a semi-automatic espresso machine, consider stainless steel because of all of the interaction with the machine. If you choose a super automatic, a plastic design with stainless steel or aluminum boilers is sufficient.
5. Proper Cleaning and maintenance – The number one problem with home espresso machines is scale build-up. If you own a quality machine, regular descaling and back flushing is not recommended, it’s required. What I mean is that if you want to maintain your warranty, you must complete these maintenance items. It takes about 15 minutes each month but will keep your machine operating for years. Don’t let your machine sit idle for a long time with water loaded as the minerals in the water can cause issues in the boilers and metal components.
6. Water and Coffee – Buying quality coffee and using filtered water will provide the ultimate coffee experience. Many espresso machines have built in water filters such as the Aqua Prima Water Filter. If you use tap water and cheap brand name coffee don’t waste your money on a quality espresso machine. Fine coffee and filtered water contribute significantly to the quality of the brew. Use a coffee such as Lavazza or Gaggia especially made for a higher end coffee espresso machine.
7. Choosing where to buy a home espresso machine – You can buy these machines from many of the major stores but the issue is support and buying guidance. You simply cannot call the “red dot” store or “overstock” stores and expect to find someone that is knowledgeable about quality espresso coffee machines. Try calling one of the major chains for support and they will refer you to the manufacturer. The truth is that your retailer should be able to answer most questions and get you technical support if you need it. You are not going to get the level of support from a big chain store or large e-tailer.
Today’s home espresso machines are sophisticated machines. Buy the machine from a reputable online retailer who specializes in espresso machines or coffee makers. Retail stores that specialize in espresso and coffee machines have knowledgeable staff that can assist you with questions, problems, tips, and service. And guess what, the prices in the espresso coffee machine specialty stores are typically less because of the volume of machines they sell.
Choose a store that has a Better Business Bureau accreditation so you can be sure you are buying from a reputable dealer. Beware of stores that do not specialize in coffee and espresso machines. Where is the best place to find the best cup of coffee or espresso? It is your own kitchen of course. Happy shopping.
Thanks to MarkusYannies for contributing this article to our Coffee blog:
Let’s do the math:
1. Average cost for a coffee specialty drink such as an espresso or cappuccino: $3.50
2. Number of trips to the Coffee Shop per year: 52 weeks * 4 visits per week = 208 yearly visits
3. Yearly Cost: $3.50 espresso drink cost * 208 yearly visits = $728 Annually
For $728, one can purchase a full-featured super automatic espresso machine. Ok, now that you see that an home espresso machines is good investment, let talk about some tips on how to buy one:
1. Decide what type of espresso drinks you like. Do you like a cappuccino or mocha or just a straight shot of espresso? How about a regular cup of coffee? The choices for home espresso machines will vary greatly. Most super automatic espresso coffee machines can brew you a strong cup of coffee just like you find at the coffee houses as well as the espresso drinks. Perhaps you would like to choose between regular coffee and decaf in which case a bypass doser on the home espresso machine is a good option. Choose between a super automatic, semi automatic, or automatic home espresso machines. The most popular type of espresso machine is a super automatic espresso machines.
2. Cost. While many people like to have all of the bells and whistles, buying a quality espresso machine is much like buying a car. Do you need heated seats if you live in Arizona? Same principle. Decide on what type of drinks you like, find a machine with those features and set a budget. The most common question we get is how much do I have to spend for a quality machine? If you are spending $750 - $1,000 on a fine brand super automatic such as Saeco or Gaggia, you will be purchasing a quality home espresso machine with standard features suitable for most people. If you want the highest quality espresso drinks, a semi automatic espresso machine such as a Rancilio or Pasquini are priced in the $700 to $1,500 range. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a bit more work but results are outstanding. All excellent choices.
3. Popular Espresso Features. Milk based drinks – If you love the lattes, mochas, and cappuccino’s make sure you buy a machine with two boilers or dual heating elements. Using a single boiler is ok for standard espresso drinks but a dual boiler will produce the fastest steam. This is typically a feature that separates the cheap $100 - $200 espresso machines from the quality home espresso machines.
Adjustable water volume and coffee dose - Some machines will only have the ability to adjust the water so the more water you have the weaker the cup. Having both an adjustable doser and water volume gives you the most control. Excellent features to have especially if want a standard cup of coffee.
Digital or Analog (dials) – There is much debate on which is better to have. This comes down to a personal choice. With digital machines, your options are greater and you can really get dialed in on the coffee / water ratio. You also get statistics on your home espresso machine and most digital espresso machines will tell you when to clean it. Another key feature digital machines typically have is the ability to regulate when the machine is on or off.
View Quality http://www.moderncoffeedesigns.com home espresso machines
Other important features:
Look for a large water reservoir typically over 40 ounces.
Cup height adjustment – make sure your cup will fit. Most espresso cups are 4 – 6 inches.
Water filter – espresso machines with a water filter will produce better coffee and keep you machine in better condition. Water filters are highly recommended.
Bean hopper size – Get a machine with a minimum or 8 ounces. You do not want to be filling the bean hopper every day.
Cup Warmer – Coffee maintains its best flavor when poured into a heated cup.
Grinder Settings – Make sure the espresso machines have at least 3 grinder settings. This is essential for dialing in the right grind.
Heat up time – you do not want to be waiting over 5 minutes for an espresso machine to heat up. A good machine will be ready for a second cup of espresso is just under 1-2 minutes after the initial heat-up.
4. Size and Construction – Make sure you have adequate counter space for the home espresso machine. These espresso machines are generally larger than a typical coffee pot so make sure you measure. Also, having a movable base will allow you to pull the machine out to fill it with water and beans. Almost all of the super automatic home espresso machines body’s are made of heavy duty plastic or stainless steel. The inside boilers are either stainless steel or aluminum. Often people make the mistake of thinking the plastic is not as durable but in reality, it is. It is what is on the inside that counts. A stainless steel boiler will offer years of service if properly maintained. The espresso machines of today feature sleek, modern designs. If you are purchasing a semi-automatic espresso machine, consider stainless steel because of all of the interaction with the machine. If you choose a super automatic, a plastic design with stainless steel or aluminum boilers is sufficient.
5. Proper Cleaning and maintenance – The number one problem with home espresso machines is scale build-up. If you own a quality machine, regular descaling and back flushing is not recommended, it’s required. What I mean is that if you want to maintain your warranty, you must complete these maintenance items. It takes about 15 minutes each month but will keep your machine operating for years. Don’t let your machine sit idle for a long time with water loaded as the minerals in the water can cause issues in the boilers and metal components.
6. Water and Coffee – Buying quality coffee and using filtered water will provide the ultimate coffee experience. Many espresso machines have built in water filters such as the Aqua Prima Water Filter. If you use tap water and cheap brand name coffee don’t waste your money on a quality espresso machine. Fine coffee and filtered water contribute significantly to the quality of the brew. Use a coffee such as Lavazza or Gaggia especially made for a higher end coffee espresso machine.
7. Choosing where to buy a home espresso machine – You can buy these machines from many of the major stores but the issue is support and buying guidance. You simply cannot call the “red dot” store or “overstock” stores and expect to find someone that is knowledgeable about quality espresso coffee machines. Try calling one of the major chains for support and they will refer you to the manufacturer. The truth is that your retailer should be able to answer most questions and get you technical support if you need it. You are not going to get the level of support from a big chain store or large e-tailer.
Today’s home espresso machines are sophisticated machines. Buy the machine from a reputable online retailer who specializes in espresso machines or coffee makers. Retail stores that specialize in espresso and coffee machines have knowledgeable staff that can assist you with questions, problems, tips, and service. And guess what, the prices in the espresso coffee machine specialty stores are typically less because of the volume of machines they sell.
Choose a store that has a Better Business Bureau accreditation so you can be sure you are buying from a reputable dealer. Beware of stores that do not specialize in coffee and espresso machines. Where is the best place to find the best cup of coffee or espresso? It is your own kitchen of course. Happy shopping.
Thanks to MarkusYannies for contributing this article to our Coffee blog:
Markus Yannies recommends the gaggia platinum swing and quality
saeco espresso machines
View a Quality coffee and espresso maker
Bulk Coffee Saves Money!
August 18, 2009 by Coffee and Coffee Maker Tips
Filed under About Coffee
Bulk Coffee Programs
A bulk coffee program is a plan that will ship you a predetermined amount of coffee each month. The amounts vary, so make sure you find a plan which suits your needs. Start with ordering a small amount at first, to make sure you don’t end up with more coffee that you can consume before it starts to go stale. Most of the plans offer a house blend brand of coffee which may be imported from Sumatra, Kenya, Central America or South America.
Check out Online Options for Bulk Coffee
If you buy bulk coffee online, you should be able to find it at a discount. This may seem great at first, but don’t forget to factor in the cost of shipping. The shipping cost may be sizable since bulk coffee ships in bags weighing up to 25 pounds. One way to cut down on shipping costs is to find a local distributor. Not only will save you money, but it can also save you delivery time. The last thing you want to do is to end up paying high overnight shipping costs for large amounts of bulk coffee.
Tips for Brewing Bulk Coffee
If you do own a restaurant, coffee house, or large business and are making a lot of coffee, be sure to use a commercial grade coffee machine for brewing your bulk coffee. The same coffee maker you use at home cannot make coffee fast enough and it can’t get the water hot enough for optimal brewing. Really high water temperature is one of the secrets to the great coffee served in your favorite coffee house.
If you don’t consume a lot of coffee in a short amount of time, purchasing bulk coffee may not be your best option. The best cup of coffee comes from fresh beans, bought within the last month. Even though buying bulk coffee will save you money, you’ll be disappointed in the taste of your coffee if it sits on your shelf much longer than 30 days.
Thanks to Damen Choy: the Coffee Expert for contributing this article to our Coffee blog:
A bulk coffee program is a plan that will ship you a predetermined amount of coffee each month. The amounts vary, so make sure you find a plan which suits your needs. Start with ordering a small amount at first, to make sure you don’t end up with more coffee that you can consume before it starts to go stale. Most of the plans offer a house blend brand of coffee which may be imported from Sumatra, Kenya, Central America or South America.
Check out Online Options for Bulk Coffee
If you buy bulk coffee online, you should be able to find it at a discount. This may seem great at first, but don’t forget to factor in the cost of shipping. The shipping cost may be sizable since bulk coffee ships in bags weighing up to 25 pounds. One way to cut down on shipping costs is to find a local distributor. Not only will save you money, but it can also save you delivery time. The last thing you want to do is to end up paying high overnight shipping costs for large amounts of bulk coffee.
Tips for Brewing Bulk Coffee
If you do own a restaurant, coffee house, or large business and are making a lot of coffee, be sure to use a commercial grade coffee machine for brewing your bulk coffee. The same coffee maker you use at home cannot make coffee fast enough and it can’t get the water hot enough for optimal brewing. Really high water temperature is one of the secrets to the great coffee served in your favorite coffee house.
If you don’t consume a lot of coffee in a short amount of time, purchasing bulk coffee may not be your best option. The best cup of coffee comes from fresh beans, bought within the last month. Even though buying bulk coffee will save you money, you’ll be disappointed in the taste of your coffee if it sits on your shelf much longer than 30 days.
Thanks to Damen Choy: the Coffee Expert for contributing this article to our Coffee blog:
Damen Choy, editor of Coffee Bean Direct Coffee-Bean-Direct.com provides timely information about the coffee market, as well as tips and ideas for coffee lovers and their friends. Visit why organic coffee beans to know the many benefits of buying orgainic coffee beans.
