Saeco Coffee Makers - Automatic Espresso Maker At Affordable Rates

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Saeco coffee makers top the list when it comes to espresso machines. Though it is quite expensive as compared to other espresso machines, it is still worth every penny spent. These are certainly the best choice of espresso machines for those who love coffee if money is not an issue for them. They consist of internal components for brewing along with the fast steam cappuccino technology (that are used only in good automatic espresso makers) to make tasty espressos, cappuccinos and lattes as well.

There are many benefits of Saeco coffee makers. The foremost benefit is that without creating a hole in your pocket it provides you with good automatic espresso makers. It also has coffee push buttons that can be programmed, warm metal top and a conical burr grinder.

A lot of these features are found only in automatic espresso makers that are far more expensive than Saeco coffee makers. There is also a strength setting that can be adjusted if you want a light or a strong coffee. Furthermore, its brewing system is easy to remove that makes it easy to clean.

In Saeco coffee makers, you just have to press a small button and the machine will itself grind coffee beans and present you with an aromatic espresso cup within a few minutes that is freshly brewed. The amount of coffee that you want can also be adjusted according to the button which is being pushed.

So, next time when you are considering purchasing an espresso maker, do not forget this option of a great Saeco coffee maker that will give you the best aromatic espresso at affordable rates. In fact, it gives you almost all the features of an automatic espresso maker without costing you anything extra and this is what accounts as its best quality.

Coffee Beans - What's All the Fuss About?

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You may be surprised to learn that coffee beans actually come from the fruit of a bushy tree called the coffee plant. Once these beans are removed from the fruit, they are then dried thoroughly. A long and lengthy process then takes place before they can be roasted.

The coffee roast

Roasted coffee is very perishable and so must be treated accordingly. After the beans are harvested they go through a process where the raw form of the bean is heated in vast heated drums that rotate constantly to ensure heat is distributed evenly. It is at the end of this stage that the beans become the more familiar brittle and brown product that we as consumers can relate to. The physical and chemical transformation that the beans go through, when heated, is paramount to the resulting aroma, flavour and quality of the end product that we put into our cups.

The blend

An extensive knowledge and understanding is needed in order to blend coffee beans. It is an art, just like any other that takes time to perfect. The beans that make up a perfect cup of coffee can be compared to the grapes that go into forming a great tasting wine. They each have their own characteristics and personalities.

It is believed that only when the coffee beans are roasted with care that you can extract the best flavor from them. This is also the ideal stage to start the bending process and where a variety of tastes can be achieved. Adding flavors to the blend, such as sugar, chocolate, vanilla etc... can also transform the coffee into a totally different blend altogether. Each coffee producer has its own unique blending process which is overseen by its blending experts, a skilled team that ensure that each batch of coffee produced stays consistent year on year. Another factor that plays on the taste of coffee is the temperature that is used when roasting the beans and must also be kept monitored at all times.

The taste

Drinking coffee can be compared to drinking wine (without the alcohol of course), as they are both an acquired taste. A delicate palate is needed to distinguish the complexity of flavours that go into making each different coffee. And just as wines can be as unique as the regions of their origin, the same is true for coffee. For example, the Arabica coffee has a sharp taste to it, similar to a dry white wine, whereas the Robusta blend has bitter tones to it.

It's worth noting that there a many blends, flavors, tastes etc... of coffee out there and that there are a lot of people who take their coffee drink very seriously. However, don't let this deter you from trying out different coffees yourself. You never know, you might find one you really like and have fun along the way.

Fresh Coffee Can Really Make Your Morning

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For many coffee lovers there really is nothing quite like a cup of fresh coffee when they first wake up in the morning. You know what happens when you wake up. You feel a little bit disoriented and perhaps not ready to start the day until you get your first pot brewed up and the first aroma gets your juices flowing. For some people it only takes on small cup but for others it will take a large espresso. Some people also can't fathom the idea of using an instant packet while for others they simply want the taste and caffeine. No matter what your tastes are you can find a way to have your fresh coffee each morning.

For the average coffee drinker there are two pretty important parts of the overall brewing process. The first is the coffee grounds and the second is the filtered water. If you get the two of them just right you will be rewarded with a terrific tasting cup but there are many variations of both strong and mild. Some adjustments to these two parts may be necessary to suit your tastes.

For starters you have the coffee and for most people the quality is very important. Many people like Arabica beans or possibly Robusta if they want to save money. Sometimes a little experimentation with many different flavors is required to get just the right taste. When you find the best beans you need to decide if you want to use a grinder yourself or if you want to buy grounds. For people who are really interested in the best flavor the only way to go is to use a grinder. It is common knowledge that the beans keep the most flavor.

If you are keeping your own coffee beans in your home then you must consider where you will store them. Any excess heat will cause the crucial oils to leave them which will result in some loss of flavor. For that reason it is recommended to store the bag of beans in the freezer.

When you are ready to begin the brewing process you should start with cold water, allowing the coffee maker to get it to the best temperature. Grind up just enough beans for the amount you are brewing and let the machine do the work. You will be rewarded with a delicious cup of fresh coffee in no time. As you become more experienced using your coffee maker, making the ideal flavor will become second nature. Soon enough you won't even have to measure the grounds or water as you will know how much of each will give you the flavor you like.

Why Antique Coffee Pots Are So Appealing And Desirable

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Antique coffee pots are not something that most people would consider for their modern kitchens. There are whole magazines devoted to kitchens with gleaming stainless steel appliances and all of the conveniences they offer. However, there are those who prefer to have a vintage look to their kitchens, collecting appliances from a long past era to adorn it with. For these people, an antique coffee pot makes a great gift.

I had never even thought of giving let alone owning one of these treasures. If someone had suggested that I get one, I would have thought that if it couldn't brew my coffee at the touch of a button it would never grace my countertops. That line of thinking changed after rummaging around in the attic of the old house my wife and I just purchased and I found one in an old box. I was going to toss it into the trash pile but remembered that my grandmother collected vintage kitchenware, so I decided to see if it was something she'd like to add to her collection.

As I drove to her place, I shook my head in sympathy, wondering how people survived without automatic coffee makers. I felt that they could have at least designed it better. This one was made out of metal and was a long way from its modern attractive cousins. It was only about 6" high, so at least they didn't have to be concerned about taking in too much caffeine back then.

After my grandmother plied me with the obligatory homemade cookies and tea, I showed her the coffee pot. She perked up and took it from me with glee of a child receiving a birthday present. As she looked it over, she pointed out to me that the metal was actually silver and that the design of the pot dated back to the Victorian era. It had the mark of a well known London manufacturer called Goldsmiths Company of London. I couldn't believe it. I had come this close to throwing away a valuable treasure. One that was rich in history and certainly more worthy of display than my modern one. My grandmother got out some silver polish and cloths and cleaned it up. Looking at the transformed pot, I could now see why someone would want to own one. It was really beautiful.

I thanked my grandmother for teaching me the difference between value and cost. My wife and I were planning to redo our old kitchen with all of the modern appliances. My wife shook her head over the cost, but I had insisted. Now I'm going to find away to incorporate the old into the new. I can't wait to see her face when I start dragging her to antique dealers. Grandma will be so proud!

The Coffee House? Latte Can be Just as Good at Home

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Where do you go for your best coffee? Perhaps you go to your local coffee house. Latte, espresso, mocha - all is available at reasonable cost. But what is reasonable?

Of course, the question of cost means different things to different people. Nobody can deny the sociable aspects of having a coffee in a coffee house. Latte somehow does not taste the same without the social environment. And, of course, there are other features associated with coffee houses that draw punters in for that leisurely cup.

But consider the alternative - or when you simply can't or don't want to go out. What better thing to be able to do than have that perfect cup of coffee in the home. With modern machines this is eminently possible and practical. Gone are the days when the precision of producing a cup of decent coffee was such that you needed a science degree to even attempt it. Gone is the mess and the wastage. Say hello to sparkling new machines, built for the purpose of producing coffee that an expert would be hard pressed to distinguish from the real thing produced elsewhere at four times the cost.

And, incidentally, it IS the real thing. Coffee beans and coffee flavors are available for your home machine at reasonable cost and from reasonable sources. You just have to look and you will find. No more detective work in finding product sources, no more juggling the budget. No more settling for an inferior product due to cost of complexity considerations.

Perfectly stylish and robust coffee machines are available from hundreds of online and offline stores. They fit the bill for coffee making in the same way that they do the pocket. They are as affordable as you want them to be and, treated well, will last years. Now, there are no more excuses for venturing to the coffee house. Latte is on your doorstep.

Espresso Cups 101 - A Complete Guide to Expresso Cups

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Espressos are great, but you aren't really enjoying good espressos if they aren't in proper espresso cups. Also called demitasse cups, these tiny little mugs look as though they belong a Barbie Dreamhouse. Surprisingly, there's a certain art to making a proper espresso, and when you go shopping for a new set there are some things that you may want to consider.

First of all, the cups are traditionally made out of porcelain. Typically, each cup has room for two or three ounces of beverage. Depending on whether or not you prefer a cream cap or sugar in your espresso, you may want to get slightly larger cups.

From old world Italy straight to your kitchen counter, porcelain cups can be plain or intricate, expensive or fairly affordable. If you're a serious espresso drinker, you may want to consider investing in a designer set of cups a saucers.

While there is a lot that can be said for an old world, traditional style of cups, modern technology has its benefits as well. For example, there are many modern designs available on the market that feature double walled insulated glass. These cups keep your espresso hotter longer than their porcelain counterparts.

Whether you prefer traditional or new age modern technology, when you look for a set of cups you should keep your eye on quality. True drinkers know that even the best cup of espresso won't be great unless it's in an equally quality cup. If it's thin, not only is the cup prone to chipping (in which case you should immediately throw out the cup), but it also allows the heat to seep out. Nobody likes lukewarm espresso.

In terms of pricing, cups pretty much run the gamut. You can find a fairly affordable (and decent) set for $35, but you can also easily blow a couple hundred dollars, too.

Gourmet Coffee Beans - The Best Beans Worldwide

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If you ever wondered where those great-tasting gourmet coffees derive their rich flavor, you might want to take a look at the gourmet beans, the source of delightful coffee the world has come to love. It is not derived from one particular variety, but rather from the very best coffee beans from around the world.

To take your appreciation of gourmet coffee beans to the next level, it might help if you better understand the process that leads us from the freshly picked coffee cherry to the final product, the green beans, ready to be shipped to coffee roasters for roasting. Roasting and grinding of freshly picked green coffee beans are the two very crucial steps in enhancing the rich coffee flavors that's so very typical of gourmet java.

Natural drying via the sun can produce some truly exquisite gourmet coffee beans, with unique flavors that are rarely experienced in the west. You can select from a wide variety of coffee blends that are made from the choicest beans.

Making a gourmet cup of coffee at home is pleasing and easy to do. All you will need are whole coffee beans, (grinding the beans just before brewing insures the freshest coffee) fresh spring water, light cream and sugar.

Finer grinds are preferred by those who like espresso but true lovers of gourmet coffee will almost invariably go with the coarse ground coffee powder as boiled water takes its own sweet time to pull out the flavor completely, especially in drip type filters.

Where can you purchase bags of gourmet coffee? In addition to coffee shops, which offer already brewed gourmet coffee and bags of gourmet coffee to bring home, more and more grocery stores and supermarkets are carrying it as well. You can find it online, as well.

Avoid buying the ground variety in grocery stores and supermarkets. Always get the whole bean coffee and grind what you need just before brewing.

Various coffee making companies, gourmet coffee shops and boutiques offer gourmet flavored coffee in a variety of flavors. Many coffee-making companies offer gourmet style drinks, including: Gevalia, Green Mountain, San Giorgio, San Francisco Bay, Kona and Javalution.

If you know someone who loves coffee, especially gourmet, a coffee gift basket is the perfect gift any time of the year. Choosing a gourmet coffee gift basket does not need to be hard on your part; there are many manufacturers and distributors of such gift items.

There you have it. Gourmet coffee beans do not just happen; they are grown from the best areas in the world and carefully nurtured to produce the very best beans. The best part is, gourmet coffee is available to anyone today, whether purchased at the corner market or online from a top-rated coffee bean supplier.

Coffee Bean Roaster Guide

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The coffee bean roaster has quickly become a popular item to have in today's modern kitchens. More and more coffee enthusiasts who truly appreciate the flavor and freshness of freshly roasted coffee are putting coffee roasters in their homes. Before you go out and purchase a coffee roaster, here are a few things to be aware of.

There are two different types of home coffee bean roasters available, the heat drum roaster and the fluid bed roaster. The heat drum roaster is what most companies use to roast coffee beans, and is not very well suited for home use. This type of roaster, does not give you the opportunity to watch the beans being roasted, therefore you need to rely on smell or sound to determine when they are finished.

The second type of coffee bean roaster is the fluid bed roaster. The fluid bed roaster is very well suited for home use because they are easy to use. The average roasting time usually somewhere between 10 and 20 minutes. These coffee roasters have rotating roasting chamber made from glass, which allows you to watch the entire coffee bean roasting process. The fluid bed roaster is the best choice for those looking to start roasting coffee beans at home.

The coffee bean roasting process is a relatively simple procedure. A coffee bean roaster is comprised of three main working components including the roasting chamber, the chaff collector, and the heated base. The size of the roasting chamber will determine the amount of coffee beans to be roasted. Place the coffee beans into the roasting chamber, replace the chaff collector, and set the timer to your desired cooking time. When the timer goes off, remove the chaff collector and carefully pull out the roasting chamber. At this point, you will want to dump your roasted coffee beans into a bowl and let them cool to room temperature.

Roasting coffee beans at home is really a lot of fun. Plus, you can roast the coffee beans to your exact desired doneness. Maybe the best part about having your own coffee bean roaster is that you can experiment and create your own custom coffee blends. What better gift to give to family or friends than your own custom blend of coffee, made in your very own home?

Choose A Single Cup Coffee Machine From Just 3 Categories

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Espresso machine and the filter coffee makers took a turn for the better when they came up with the single cup coffee machine. Everyone was accustomed to the usual coffee machines that would make a whole pot of coffee, but there was always the "no good enough" feelings among the user.

The key complain, is the difficulty in getting the right amount of coffee, it is usually a problem of brewing too much or too little. Sure you could adjust the amount of coffee you wanted to brew but most people find that it is difficult to estimate the exact amount of coffee grounds for the amount of coffee they wanted to drink.

With the single serve machines, the pre-measured single serve allows you to make the perfect measured cup of coffee every time.

There are maybe close to hundred different brands of single serve coffee makers around, and it can be quite frustrating to choose the right one. However, it can be segment into 3 board categories: the K-cups, the T-disc and the pods.

First, is the K-cups where you can get gourmet coffee as well as teas and hot cocoas. You do not have to worry about measuring, filters or even grinding the beans. The K-cups offers over 50 types of beverages and they can be brewed anywhere in less than a minute with the Keurig machine.

The K-cups have their own brands and their own patented technology in sealing the coffee ground to ensure that you get the freshest cup of coffee with every cup. And, their variety range from Starbucks coffee to Twinnings tea, so you can say that they are serving some of the most branded F&B brands. If the above are consideration when purchasing coffee, then the Keurig is your choice.

Then, there is the T-disc that offer cups of pure pleasure such as an espresso or latté with no fuss or mess. However, the advantage of T-disc is definitely its cappuccino, that comes complete with real froth.

Their patented code on the T-disc brew each individual drink differently. The T-disc uses a machine that is called the Tassimo. And, this is the machine that converts the code that it read from the T-disc to a frothy cup of cappuccino.

If you are someone that is particular about how the brew would turn out, then Tassimo is the machine that you should get. Especially, if you want an instant cappuccino.

Lastly, there are the coffee pods machine that are more flexible than Keurig or Tassimo, some single serve are able to take in any range of pods from Douwe Egberts to Nespresso. These pods mitigate a major problem for single cup coffee machine -the closed brand system.

Despite all its convenience and ease of use, the single serve usually can only use its own brand of coffee, for example, Keurig can only use the K-cups and Tassimo can only use its T-disc.

However, with "no brand" pod machine coming into the market, they can use pods from any companies, giving the pod coffee maker the largest range of beverages to choose from. So, pod coffee maker is easy to use, measured to user preferences and have the widest range of coffee.

No matter what your tastes are in hot beverages you can be sure to find a single cup coffee machine within these 3 categories that will make your life easier. The ease of these machines and the variety of choices that you have, will make this a must have to any household, if not now, then in the near future.

How to Make Cuban Espresso

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How To Make Cuban Espresso So you want to know how to make Cuban espresso? Great!  As you probably know, a Cuban espresso is an espresso that is sweetened with sugar as it is brewed (though other drinks have come be known as Cuban espresso).

The first thing you'll need to make a killer Cuban espresso is the right beans.  Aficionados swear by Cuban-style brands such as Bustelo, Pilon and La LLave, though any very dark, Columbian-style roast will work just fine.

Before you try making a Cuban espresso, you should learn how to make a regular espresso first.

So, here's how you make a Cuban espresso:

1.  Using an espresso machine, add the desired amount of finely ground coffee.

2.  For every demitasse (half) cup of espresso you want to make, use one teaspoon of sugar. The key to Cuban espresso is that it be very sweet. The trick is to put the sugar into the glass carafe before you brew the coffee.

3.  Brew the coffee just as you would an espresso. The coffee will pour over the sugar in the carafe as it brews. After it is finished filling the carafe, stir it briskly as there will still be a little undissolved sugar. Pour the coffee into several demitasse cups and enjoy.

As a note, for Cafe con Leche, simply use 2 parts Cuban Coffee to 1 part steamed milk.

Well, I hope that gets you started with making great espresso.  However, to make outstanding espresso, you should learn a little more!  Head on our to our website to get a free eBook titled How to Make Espresso So Good You'll Never Waste Money on Starbucks Again!

http://makingespresso.com/

French Press or Press Pot Serving All Your Daily Coffee Needs

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Have you ever been in Starbucks or Coffee Bean and noticed those cylindrical pots with a press and wondered what they were? Well it turns out they're known as a French press or press pot. A French press is a coffee brewing device popularized by you guessed it - the French! Its operation is simple and it produces much stronger coffee than other coffee brewing devices.

It consists of a narrow cylindrical jug usually made of glass, or plastic, which is equipped with a lid and a plunger which fits tightly in the cylinder. It uses a fine wire or nylon mesh to act as its brewing filter. Coffee is brewed by placing the coffee and water together, leaving to brew for a few minutes, then depressing the plunger to separate the coffee at the bottom of the jug. Because the coffee grounds are in direct contact with the brewing water, coffee brewed with the French press captures more of the coffee's flavour and essential oils, which would typically become trapped in a traditional drip brew machine's paper filters.

Some people wonder - well why a French press? Coffee fanatics and connoisseurs maintain that this coffee is the best way to experience the daily grind. This coffee is a very simple and cost effective way to achieve an extremely rich and robust cup of freshly brewed joe -without the hassle of paper filters.

There are some things to keep in mind when using a French press. While any coffee will technically work in one, some coffees are more desirable and delicious than others. Some coffee drinkers prefer dark roast coffee with a full body and medium to low acidity. A coarse grind works best for the press pot. This will ensure that the mesh screen will filter the coffee grounds and separate the liquid from the unwanted sediments.

One thing to remember that may be unsettling is sediment. With a French press there is more sediment in your cup so you never want to take the last sip - which may be frustrating for some coffee drinkers. Although this is a concern, it is minor compared to the benefits of one of these coffee makers. If you're looking for a robust, dark, rich cup of coffee - a French press may be just what you're looking for!

What is the Truth About GE Reverse Osmosis Filters? A Review

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The GE reverse osmosis water filter may be said to "bring good things to living", but that's just marketing. GE reverse osmosis filters are expensive to replace and their lifespan is much shorter than other better systems.

Currently, the manufacturer's suggested retail price for a GE reverse osmosis replacement filter is $799.99. Of course, through different outlets, you may be able to get a better price than that, but for comparison's sake it's a starting point.

All RO systems are expensive to use and maintain. GE reverse osmosis filters are no different. And, depending on where you live, it may be an unnecessary expense.

Alone, RO does not purify. Additional steps must be used to guarantee purity.

Depending on the quality of your source, you might need to disinfect, since the GE reverse osmosis water treatment does not remove bacterial contaminants or anything that is lighter, dissolved in or molecularly smaller than the liquid itself.

The system includes reverse osmosis filters and a carbon filtration step. That's an improvement over most RO units. Carbon removes many chemical contaminants. Multi-media blocks remove even more, but that is not included with General Electric's latest product.

If you have access to public treatment, you own a well or a spring, you probably do not need GE reverse osmosis filters. If your well is brackish, then the step is needed. But, springs and publicly treated supplies need some filtration, just not RO.

You need to remember that reverse osmosis water will be de-mineralized. Studies have shown that drinking de-mineralized on a regular basis is bad for your digestive health and could cause nutritional deficiencies. If you have hard-water, a better choice is ion exchange to "soften" it.

If you must use GE reverse osmosis filters, then you must have a re-mineralization step. That's an expensive step. It is mostly used in desalinization plants.

For this purpose, the new mineral revitalization system would be a better choice, since it includes numerous steps including RO. Of course, it is quite expensive, but if your source requires it, that's really your only choice.

The prices of GE reverse osmosis water filtration systems vary from dealer to dealer. It is not available, at this time, direct from the manufacturer, so of course you are paying dealer mark-up. Depending on where you go, you may be able to negotiate a better price, but you will pay between five and ten thousand dollars for the product.

You also have to remember to factor in the cost of use. Additional electricity is required. Installation requires a plumber and typically an electrician. At the rates they charge, that could be very expensive. From an environmental standpoint reverse osmosis filters are wasteful, both because of the need for electric and because of wastewater created.

The bottom line is that for most of us GE reverse osmosis water will not bring good things to our lives. Regardless of what the commercials say.

Coffee Themes for Your Morning

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Coffee is something that we now take advantage of. You will find that back in the day, it took awhile for the coffee to brew over fresh grounds; however, you can now make a cup of coffee within ten minutes. You don't have to wait forever for the water to cover a basket of grounds and then brew a fresh cup of coffee. You will also find that the coffee has become better. The coffee is more ideal because you don't have to worry about the hassle of making coffee. You will also want to consider the fact that you don't have to worry about coffee grounds making it into your fresh cup of coffee either. So much has changed over the years.

Today, we have a drip method that has made coffee inexpensive and quick to make. You will also find that the grounds are now filtered through paper so that you can have the great taste of coffee, but you don't have to worry about the grounds in the cup. You will also notice that coffee is now served in a nice glass pot.

If you don't want to measure out the grounds, then you can always get pre-measured packets and slip it into the coffee maker. You will want to make sure that you watch your mouth with freshly brewed coffee. You may not know this, because coffee comes out of the make at least 200 degrees F.

Now today, we don't just have coffee. You also have something known as the espresso. The espresso is actually from the European culture and it has now begun to work through American society. You will find that it is made within minutes and you use finely chopped dark coffee beans. It is extremely strong coffee. It has a very strong aroma, but it is a wonderfully delicious drink.

If you would take espresso and then add steamed milk, then you will have a cappuccino or latte. You will want to consider the difference between the two is simply a change in milk to coffee ratio. You will find that there is definitely an improvement on the taste of old world coffee.

There are also a lot of methods that you can use to make coffee. The first is the French plunger where there is a rod in a glass pitcher. This is used so that you can get a very dark and few flavored drink. There is also something known as the vacuum brewer. This method works great for a dinner party. Then there is the old world way to making coffee. It is known as the Ibrik. This is where you heat water in a brass or copper container. The coffee and the water are heated together. It is then poured and filtered. This is a very strong version of coffee.

You will want to consider producing a delicious cup of coffee each time because of all the love and hard work that was put into making that single cup. You have to consider the fact that the history of coffee tends to make it taste even better.

A Great Coffee Shake Recipe

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Coffee is enjoyed by countless people on a daily basis. In fact, statistics have shown that fifty percent of the population in the United States of America that are at least eighteen years of age consume coffee or coffee drinks every single day. Also, independently owned coffee shops in the United States of America estimate a whopping twelve billion dollars in sales on an annual basis. Who does not love coffee?

Well, as most people are aware of, coffee contains a substantial amount of caffeine. Many coffee drinkers drink coffee not just for the great taste, but also for that extra caffeinated kick. For some, coffee is a great way to start the day. In fact, many people drink coffee throughout the day to enjoy a great tasting beverage that also keeps you up and awake.

Besides the traditional cup of coffee, there are numerous coffee drinks that are very tasty and delicious. Americano, Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha, Espresso. All of these coffee drinks mentioned are great! There also exist coffee dessert drinks, the ultimate tasty upper that combines the great taste of coffee with caffeine and sugar and your favorite topping in the form of a blended shake-type drink.

Now, you could get these great dessert coffee drinks either at your typical independent coffee shop or your favorite popular franchise coffee shop for a few bucks. But would not it be great if you could make these great coffee dessert drinks in the comfort of your own home?

Well, this is the part of the article that you are going to absolutely love because we are going to give you a great recipe for a coffee shake that you can make in your own kitchen at home!

The Ingredients

In order to make the Great Coffee Shake, you will need some vanilla ice cream, ice cubes, and either espresso or regular coffee. As an added bonus, you may also want to include your favorite flavor of syrup topping such as chocolate or caramel, and some whipped cream for a final topping.

The Appliances

The kitchen appliances and equipment that you will need are a coffee maker or an espresso machine, a blender, and some cups and eating utensils for the final product.

The Directions

This recipe makes two servings so if you need to make a bigger batch, just multiply the amounts of ingredients according to how many extra servings you will need to make.

First, make your coffee or espresso. Prepare your coffee as strong or light as you want depending on your personal choice. Let your coffee cool a bit as you will not want to melt the ice cream with it.

Next, get your blender and drop two heaping scoops of vanilla ice cream into it. Drop in a shot of espresso or a quarter cup of regular coffee along with a small handful of ice cubes. Blend these ingredients together on high until you see that all the contents are mixed together forming a thick and icy shake.

Now, take the cups that you will be serving the Great Coffee Shakes in. Decorate the inside of the cups with your preferred syrup, adding as much or as little as you desire.

When you are done applying the syrup to the inside of the cups, transfer the blended ingredients from the blender to your cups. Finish it off with whipped cream on the top, and you can even add more syrup on top of the whip cream if you wish.

And there you have it! A Great Coffee Shake!

Understanding The Types Of Coffee Grinders

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The first step in creating incomparable coffee in your home of office is to grind the coffee beans yourself. Freshly ground coffee has had less of a chance to oxidize, and thus the flavor is preserved. If you've walked past a busy coffee shop, you'll notice the strong aroma of freshly ground and prepared coffee. Nothing beats it, and this freshness contributes to the flavor of the final cup.

Finding a coffee grinder that will prepare the quality beverage you're after is another matter though. It helps to understand the different types of grinders available, as they produce quite varying qualities of brewed coffee.

There are three ways to grind coffee. Blade grinders, which chop up the coffee beans, are the most common in home coffee grinders. They have advantages in that they are longer lasting, and quite cheap to buy compared with other grinder methods. But this trade-off is apparent in the type of ground coffee they produce.

One of the key principles in producing quality coffee grinds is that the size of the grind is even. Unfortunately, blade grinders don't perform well here. They produce both large and small particles of coffee, as well as a type of 'coffee dust' that can clog up sieves in French presses and espresso machines. The coffee they produce is generally poorer in quality because the lack of uniform particle size means that the brewing method selected is unable to work optimally. Some of the coffee beans will be perfect for it, and thus the full flavor will be extracted, but a lot of it won't, as the beans are too large or small.

Whilst the effect of coffee grind particles that are too large may seem obvious, in that flavor is left in the ground, a grind that is too fine will also contribute to poor coffee. Bitter coffee results when the surface area has been exposed to hot water for too long.

By far the best method for most types of coffee is the burr grinder. These grinders are used in coffee shops, and they produce a very even grind. There is a range of settings that can be used, so that espresso, French press, drip coffee, and percolators can be used to make the final cup. Burr grinders have another advantage in that there is less heat to change the taste of the coffee bean. Blade grinders tend to produce more heat.

The third way of grinding coffee is particular to making Turkish coffee. A very finely ground coffee is needed, and only very good quality burr grinders are able to do this. The alternative is the old fashioned mortar and pestle!

The best type of coffee grinder is the conical burr grinder, but these are also the most expensive. What is best for an individual's needs will depend on how much they love their coffee, and their budget.

Espresso Machines

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Coffee is generally prepared in two ways: espresso and drip brew. Drip brew coffee is prepared by pouring water over coffee which is contained in a filter. Espresso is an Italian coffee beverage prepared by forcing hot water through fine ground coffee beans.

Espresso is strong and has a robust flavor. Espresso coffee differs from the other variety of coffee, drip-brewed coffee, by its thick and concentrated consistency. Espresso is generally served in small amounts without any sweeteners or milk. Espresso should be consumed immediately after preparation, because it is highly reactive with oxygen.

There are various other types of espresso, like cafe latte, cafe mocha and cappuccino. All these can be made with one 'shot' of espresso.

An Espresso machine is used to prepare the espresso coffee. The machine forces water at 195 F and 9 bar of pressure through a puck of finely ground coffee. It takes about twenty seconds for 1.5 ounces of espresso to be prepared. The time can be modified by increasing the grinding quality - using finer or coarser coffee. Espresso machines also have steam wands, which is used to froth and steam milk for preparing milk-based espresso beverages like cappuccino and latte.

The espresso machine comes in its true element at the hands of a Barista. There are a many elements on which the quality of espresso depends.

There are various types of Espresso machines available in the market. The various kinds are:

Stove Top Espresso Maker:

The stove top espresso maker is the simplest to use. It is made up of the base, brewing basket, basket screen and the collection chamber. It is small and easily transportable and is one of the main kinds of non-electrical espresso machines.

The coffee is placed in the brewing basket, once the base is filled with cold water. Once the basket screen is placed over the brewing basket, the collection chamber is attached back to the base of the machine, and the machine is placed over a heat source.

Steam Espresso Maker:

Though the steam espresso maker is similar to the stove top, it is a steam unit and works on the pump-power principle. It also has a portafilter, which is a filter holding/coffee dispensing unit.

Piston Driven Espresso Maker:

The piston driven espresso machine is the oldest type of espresso machines. They were first made when espresso was first discovered. The modern espresso maker machine is an upgrade of this retro espresso maker. Invented in 1938, it is used widely in thematic parties or shops.

Pump Driven Espresso Machine:

The pump-driven espresso machine is the most used type of espresso machine commercially. It is a variation/upgrade of the piston driven espresso maker, which has a pump instead of a piston.

Automatic Espresso Machine:

The automatic espresso machine produces a more consistent amount of espresso, as compared to the other types of machines. Water flows into the flowmeter, until it reaches the previously programmed level and then the 'shot' is cut.

Super Automatic Espresso Machine:

This machine automatically grinds the coffee. Some machines can adjust the shot temperature and water flow.

How to Choose an Office Espresso Machine

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Coffee is as essential to an office as are desks or computers. The coffee that is provided in the workplace helps employees to be alert and perform their jobs at a high level. The caffeine contained in coffee provides a burst of energy to keep workers sharp and alert. Espresso is no different in its beneficial effects, and as a result, many companies are choosing to place an office espresso machine in their offices.

An office espresso machine has all of the same components of your standard home espresso machine. The only difference is that an espresso office machine is specifically designed to produce larger amounts of espresso at a faster rate. Choosing the right espresso machine for the office will largely depend on the number of workers it will be serving. This number will determine how many cups you will need the espresso maker to produce.

One feature you will want to look for in an espresso machine for the office is an overall ease of use. Several different people will probably be using the machine so you want to be sure that it is not too difficult to operate. It should also be fairly easily cleaned, as some espresso machines can be quite difficult to clean.

I would highly recommend purchasing a fully automatic office espresso machine, which as the name indicates is automatic and can produce espresso on its own without any human effort. If you have a larger office, a fully automatic office espresso machine is probably your best option.

There are a number of great places to find an office espresso machine, both online and offline. Many office supply stores carry espresso machines designed specifically for an office setting. However, if you want to get a truly great deal on an espresso machine, shopping on the internet will find you the best bargains. eBay in particular has an extensive selection of espresso office machines, both new and used, and at unbeatable low prices.

A Review of Espresso Machines

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If you are a coffee aficionado or if you are the type who only enjoys a cup of coffee occasionally, you know that a shot of espresso is a sure-fire way to perk you up.

An espresso is prepared using a specialized coffee machine which uses high pressure to extract the essence of the ground coffee.

Water is poured onto the espresso machine's water chamber, then ground coffee and paper filter is placed to start brewing the coffee.

The ground coffee used for an espresso machine is made from coffee beans specifically selected for this coffee variant. The beans or the ground coffee itself can be bought from coffee specialty shops.

If you are an avid espresso buff, then you might want to consider buying a good espresso machine so that you can brew a perfect cup right in your own home.

It is good to consider first the size of the machine that you want. The most basic espresso machine starts at about $100.

The size varies from a 4-cup to a 12-cup machine, depending on the volume of coffee that you want to brew.

For an espresso machine which is top of the line, you might need to dole out $1,000. You would also need other accessories like an espresso grinder, a metal hand tamper, a filter basket and a pump machine.

If you want to have your own café at home, you can buy a piston espresso machine which is a little bit more expensive but will surely help you in making a wonderful espresso cup.

Here is an overview of some of espresso machines that you can use to start learning the art of making the perfect espresso cup:

Gaggia

Their newest model, the Gaggia Titanium SS Espresso Machine is sold for about $1,500. The model is quite costly, but if you are an espresso addict and you want to have only the best model in your kitchen, then this is a must-have.

The parts and housing of the Gaggia Titanium are stainless steel.

It also features programmable buttons to brew, grind and prepare the exact amount of espresso to fit your tastes.

Cleaning an espresso machine has never been easier with its removable brew group.

Saeco

Saeco features the V' Espresso Machine which sells for only $999. This automatic espresso machine offers a rapid steam feature which lets your coffee brew and steam almost at the same instant.

The V' Espresso includes a programmable digital display and adjustable settings to control the amount and strength of the espresso that you want the machine to brew.

Kitchen Aid

The Kitchen Aid Pro Line Espresso Machine can be purchased for $899. This is a semi-automatic espresso machine with a double boiler system.

It also has a three-way solenoid valve that delivers pressure to brew the perfect espresso cup.

Nespresso

The Nespresso D290 is one of the middle-cost brands of espresso machines at only $499. However, the capsules used in these machines are specially made by Nespresso.
It has programmable buttons to brew the appropriate amount of liquid, depending on the number of shots of espresso.

You can take your pick from a super automatic, state of the art espresso machine, a manual or a semi-automatic espresso maker.

No matter which brand you choose, make sure that you follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions and in no time at all, you can brew a fantastic, perk-you-up espresso cup right in your own home.

Coffee Beans Come in Many Forms and Tastes

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Coffee beans come in many forms and tastes so thus coffee makers in varying shape and size come with different features. There are automatic coffee machines to brew coffee how you want it when you want it.

There is a coffee machine that will match one's taste. Whether one like espresso, cappuccino, latte, or simple brewed coffee, all is possible with a touch of a button. Coffee lovers can invest for a good coffee machine which can last for decades if well maintained. It is not really difficult to maintain these automatic coffee machines, for the steps can be as simple as turning them off when not in use. They can also be cleaned by dripping a solution of water and vinegar in one cycle at least once a month.

These machines can also save you time when you are in a hurry to work or busy attending to the needs of you family. Everything can be set to brew for itself and everyone can enjoy a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee. The options vary when it comes to choosing a coffee maker. The following stand out from the rest and is the common choice of the most discerning coffee lovers:

Jura Capresso makes authentic cappuccino, lattes, espressos, and hot chocolate. This is a Swiss made coffee machine which is popular to coffee enthusiast all over the world. The company is the maker of innovative coffee centers known for their beautiful design, sophistication, and ease of use.

Jura Capresso ensures fresh coffee every time with its high pressure brewing method which creates a particular taste depending on the coffee lovers' desires. This coffee center has a sixty second standard when it comes to grinding, tamping, and brewing coffee. It also takes only minute to clean the machine.

Espresso machines on the other hand make the traditional Italian espresso coffee. This process is very specific. Espresso is seven to ten grams of grounded coffee densely packed in a specific amount of force plus 200 degree Fahrenheit water. There are also several designs of espresso machines. It can be piston driven which makes use of a lever system to pressurize the hot water sipping it to the coffee. Pump driven machines are a refinement where a motor pumps the machine so brewing can be completed. Steam driven machines works by driving water thru the coffee beans using steam pressure.

Automatic coffee machines how simple or complicated, aims for only one thing: that is a perfect experience for a coffee lover. These machines can make cups in a matter of minutes. Just remember to clean them after so the brewing and coffee aroma will keep on flowing for years.

The Best Way To Store Coffee Is To Go Green!

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The best way to store coffee is a question that is always on coffee aficinados' mind, but one that is seldom "tackle". Think about it, in most coffee maker reviews, you have the best brewer, best grinder, best roaster and so on, but have you ever heard of a best container?

Folks all over the world are looking for the freshest brew, but not a lot of people are concerned about storing the coffee, which is actually a key element in the coffee experience. Unless, you have access to a coffee store near your house, and would never buy more than that day consumption. If not, you would definitely have to store the coffee.

So, what is the best way to store coffee? Remember the coffee freshness rule and you would know how long you can store that "coffee". Raw green coffee beans can be fresh for years, so they are the easiest to store. Roasted beans, which are what you can easily find in Supermarket, would lose their flavour after a week.

And if you were to ground the coffee, the flavour would be lost within hours. And you probably can forget about keeping brewed coffee as it begins to lose its flavour after minutes.

Based on the above, the easiest to store would be green coffee beans and personally, I think they are the best way to store coffee. All you need to do is to store in a cool location, in a tightly sealed container and you can keep it for more than a year!

Sure, you need to purchase a roaster and a grinder in addition to your coffee maker but you would not have to throw away any unused coffee and you would have the freshest coffee.

For roasted beans, it is similar to green beans, store in an airtight container and try to use ceramic as plastic or metal would contaminate the taste of the beans. Keep away from sunlight and try to store in dark places. This allows you to keep the beans fresh for at least 2 weeks.

And if you really want it to keep a longer time, keeping in the freezer can probably last for another 2 more weeks. To use it, just take it out and grind. Do take note that it is to keep in the freezer and not the fridge, never keep coffee beans in the fridge as it would simply absorb the odour of the other food and spoilt your coffee...

If you really want to store the roast and ground which cannot be store past a few days. Keep it with a good airtight container and away from the sun. This would allow the freshness to stay for a week. For the ground, freezer cannot help much as the surface area is too wide and it would still go stale.

If it is not green beans, the coffee beans would not last more than a month. To me, the best to store coffee is to go "green", however, let me go through the savings and convince you on this as well!

1 kg of Green beans can last you probably for a year and cost about $25.00. Assuming you have a fully automatic espresso machine which comes with a grinder, you would be buying roasted beans. You would have to buy them every month and it cost about $15.00 per 100g.

In one year, your roasted beans would cost you $150.00. So, between the roasted and the green coffee beans, that is a savings of $125.00. Sure, you have to get a roaster, let say you get a "Fresh Roast" roaster for $70.00, you still have a savings of $55.00.

Now, would you not agreed with me that the best way to store coffee is to go "green". Storing the Green coffee beans allows you to buy coffee in bulk (get discount from bulk purchase), roast your own coffee and have the freshest cup possible and not forgetting, it saves you some money in the process...

Important Considerations For Restaurant Coffee Machines

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Beverages including coffee are one of the biggest money makers for any restaurant. It is important for any restaurant to have reliable and efficient equipment for their beverage service. There are many brands of restaurant coffee machines on the market and most of them are quality brands in the restaurant business.

When purchasing a restaurant coffee machine the buyer should look for the names that have always represented restaurant quality. Names such as Bunn have been in the restaurant coffee machine business for years and receive good reviews. With the purchase of any restaurant coffee machine the buyer should look for a good warranty or service contract. These machines are expensive and can prove costly if there are repairs and breakdowns which are not compensated for.

Other Needs In Restaurant Coffee Machines

Before buying the restaurant coffee machine an eating establishment needs to make an educated estimate regarding the amount of coffee being served on a daily basis. Coffee makers can come with several burners and even one or more warmers. This will enable the coffee cups to remain full with hot coffee and ensure happy customers. The buyer may want to make sure not to have too many burners as the restaurant staff may not make fresh pots of coffee as often as needed.

It is also important to look for ease of use. The restaurant staff does not have time during the meal time rush hours to play with a difficult restaurant coffee machine. We have more information on espresso machines at http://www.bestespressocoffeemachines.com . Everyone involved will appreciate being able to push a button or two to get a hot pot of coffee in just a couple minutes. Restaurant buyers need to take the time to find the best restaurant coffee machine to make their restaurant top of the line.

Move Over Mr. Coffee! Make Way For The French Press!

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Have you ever had a cup of coffee that was naturally creamy? I mean like a heavy cream that sits in your mouth. If you haven't made the trip to coffee heaven quite yet, then jump aboard the French Press Express. That's right, the French Press coffee pot makes the very best cup of coffee you will ever have. Just place the grounds in the bottom of the French Press pot. Pour hot boiling water over the grounds and let it site for a few minutes. Separate the grounds from the rich thick brew using the filtered plunger. This 19th century technology is by far the best way to make coffee.

It was almost by accident that this French Press concept came about. While boiling water one day in the hills of France a commoner who was not to bright was attempting to make coffee. He realized that he forgot to put in the coffee grounds and after the water came to a complete boil he desperately tossed his grounds in the hot water. Watching the grounds floating on top of his pot he knew that he made a tragic mistake. How would he fix this mess he was now in? Along came a man carrying an Italian flag and a metal screen. He persuaded the assumed Italian man to let him use his metal screen. He placed the screen on top of the pot and pressed the grounds to the bottom and poured the brew in a big cup. After giving off a sigh of relief he took a sip, and all at once realized that he just made the best cup of coffee ever.

Today the French Press is made a little differently. The basic design is the same, but made of glass, and it has a single chamber. The microwave version has two chambers, but I have never had any thing good come out of a microwave. The main noticeable difference between regular coffee pots and a French Press is by far the taste of the coffee. Most of the natural oils in the coffee grounds are filtered over in a regular coffee pot. These oils give the coffee brew its overall luster and rich flavor. The best purchase you can ever make is a French Press Pot. The prices vary from $19.95 to $65.00. You will never ever have a better cup of coffee, and that I can honestly promise you.

When you wake up in the morning the first cup of coffee from a French Press Pot is the next best thing to floating on a cloud.

The Three Types Of Espresso Machines

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1. The Standard or Manual Espresso Machine

As you might have guessed from the name, the standard, or manual, espresso machine requires the person making the coffee to be on top of things. You must buy coffee grounds or grind your own coffee beans. If you are trying to make a cappuccino or latte, be sure to man the frother controls. Add your filter, coffee grounds, and water. That's about all there is to this manual espresso machine, which isn't as truly manual as the old coffee presses.

2. The Semi Automatic Espresso Machine

There is not really such a category of espresso machine as semi automatic, so we will just give this label to the automatic espresso machines that are not truly automatic. These machines in most cases will require coffee grounds, but some have a built in coffee bean grinder. After you have added the filter and beans and filled the water reservoir, you can turn on the semi automatic espresso machine. It will do the rest for you. Don't forget to turn off the semi automatic espresso maker when it is done.

3. The Automatic Espresso Machine

Obviously, the automatic espresso maker automatically makes espresso. If you have bought a brand name automatic espresso maker, you should expect the automatic espresso machine to automatically make great espresso. How automatic can automatic be? Well, most of these machines attach directly to your plumbing. And of course they all grind your choice coffee beans up for you. However, you do have to put the beans in the machine yourself, as there is no intake line ranging to the local coffee store or grocery store. Also, you will either have to program the timer for when you want your espressos made each day or push the start button for quick espresso. When the machine is done with the coffee grounds, it will place them in an internal disposal area. They will need cleaned out of this area manually after every so many cups of coffee.

As you might guess, the cost of an automatic espresso machine can be quite cost prohibitive for home use, even if you are a sincere coffee lover. This is why the semi automatic and manual espresso machines are available. The former for the coffee lover on a budget or limited space, the latter for people who just want an espresso.

Of course, if you really just cannot live without your coffee and you make a good living, the automatic espresso machine may just be your dream machine. You work hard for your money each day, you might as well start each day with ease, relaxation, and the fresh aroma of great espresso. Instead of going to bed dreading waking up the next morning, you will be going to bed each night knowing your espresso machine will take care of you in the morning in the most caring of ways.

Coffee Grinding: Find Out Which Is The Best Grind For Your Coffee Brewing Method

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Coffee grinding helps us get to those wonderful oils trapped inside the coffee beans. The oils are the key to providing rich flavors and aromas. This is also why we say to use the freshest beans. You don't want beans that are dried or stale. The oils from fresh beans generates the crema at the top of an espresso. This is the coffee bean oils rising to the top of the cup. How does this relate to coffee grinding? Well, choosing the wrong grind type for an espresso machine may have you risking the great flavors we all love.

Burr grinders are recognised as the best choice. While blade grinders are okay, the do not give a consistent grinder. Hand grinders are also good to use. (Note: you get what you pay for, so spend wisely, not necessarily thriftily).

Okay, now which coffee brewing methods work best with which coffee grinding methods.

Extra Fine grinds: Espresso machines.

Fine grinds: Drip Filtration, coffee makers with conical filters, Moka Pots.

Medium grinds: Drip Filtration coffee makers with flat bottom filters (not conical).

Course grinds: French Press (or Plunger), Percolator (if you still use one) and Vacuum Pots.

Who likes Turkish coffee? You probably already know that an ultra-fine grind is the right one for you.

What happens if we get the grind wrong? We will end up with a weak coffee if using a course grind in an espresso machine. Conversely, if we use an extra fine grind in a conical drip filter system, the filter will get clogged up.

A medium grind in an espresso machine has given me a drip filtered style of coffee. This is not necessarily a bad thing, it shows that you can experiment a little. However, the listing above will provide you with some good guidelines.

Cheers,

Craig.

www.the-java-cafe.com [http://www.the-java-cafe.com]

How To Choose A Discount Espresso Machine

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Today an espresso machine now seems to becoming a stable item in any kitchen across the world. So what do you need to consider when looking for a discount espresso machine rather than paying some of the highly inflated prices for these machines today?

1. It is important that the machine you choose is able to push heated water through the ground in at least 22 seconds. In fact, the less time it took, the better

2. Steaming capabilities. Unfortunately this can vary from machine to machine but look for one that do not add water to the milk during the steaming process but instead use one that has a dry steamer. You will find such espresso machines will provide you with a higher quality espresso rather than ones where the milk has been watered down and so waters down the coffee as well.

3. The water reservoir on any machine whether it has a discounted price or not should have a reasonably large capacity so that you do not need to be refilling regularly. Really you should be looking for a discount espresso machine that can hold more then 35 oz of water. Also look for a machine that is not going to be difficult to use so go for ones that you can fill from the top rather than those where the water reservoir needs to be removed in order for it to be filled.

4. When purchasing a discount espresso machine look for one which has a heavy portafilter and heavy brewing groups. If you can find one that is not too heavy as this will only absorb and hold the heat that is being generated by the boiler elements. A lighter weight espresso machine will allow the heat to bleed away as the coffee is brewed so you will generally end up with a shot of coffee that is too cold and is ruined.

5. If you can purchase a machine that comes with a wider portafilter basket as this allows the brewing process to be more thorough which results in a better cup of espresso.

6. The warm up time. A good espresso machine should take only a few minutes to warm up, usually it should only take about 5 minutes maximum(even though the ready light may have come on after 1 minute). The internal parts of the espresso machine also need to reach the correct temperature in order to produce the perfect cup of espresso.

I would recommend you search online if you want to buy a discount espresso machine. There are plenty of sites which can provide you with the best espresso machines that you can afford. It is also wise to check out some of the auction sites online such as eBay and half.com as you can find discount espresso machines that are almost 80% off retail prices.

Knowing About The Coffee Shop Equipment Basics

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It is very important that you invest in the right equipment for your coffee shop. You don't want to open your business and then realize it is seriously lacking elements you need to be a quality business for your customers. Finding out at that point is going to result in you having to invest more money, and that is never productive. Keep in mind that the right equipment for your coffee shop may be very different than what someone else needs for theirs.

You will need to have industrial sized coffee pots in place so you can have plenty of it fresh and ready to go. Most people will ask for regular coffee but make sure you have a couple of fresh pots of decaffeinated as well. It can take several minutes for a pot of coffee to brew so always be prepared. As you get low make sure more is started so there is always a continuous supply.

Coffee grinders are essential if you plan to offer your own freshly ground coffee. This can definitely improve the quality of it and gain you more repeat customers. Should you decide to use coffee grounds instead make sure you get them from a supplier known for the best tasting coffee products.

Don't forget the espresso machine for your coffee business as it will give you the ability to make plenty of specialty drinks. Espresso machines can be tricky to operate though so look for those that are user friendly. Automated espresso machines ensure the right amount of ingredients are dispensed each time. Spend plenty of time training employees on how to operate the espresso machine so you won't have any issues.

While searching for your basic equipment to run the coffee business, you will need to take many factors into consideration. You will find there are several different sizes of coffee shop equipment too. This is going to determine the amount of power you need to operate the equipment as well as the amount of space you need. You don't want the work area to be cramped. You also don't want the power to shut down during a rush because you are draining too much at one time.

Always think about the possible scenarios that can result with your coffee shop equipment. Are you going to be able to fix it should it break down? Will the manufacturer take care of it and give you a loaner so your business doesn't suffer? These are things to prepare for well in advance. You will definitely pay more for new coffee shop equipment but with the right warranty and coverage you can benefit from it.

You definitely need to have a work station set up that is effective. You want your coffee shop to have volumes of business each day, so make sure the lines keep moving. Streamline operations as the lost time in transit really will add up over the course of the day. If you are limited in space you may need to get creative to make it work well for you and your employees.

The equipment you invest in for your shop should provide you with the confidence to open your doors. Don't rush into buying any equipment until you have read reviews about it and found out how it operates. You want to weight your decisions carefully as all new equipment can put you deeply into debt before your coffee shop business has seen one cent of profit.

Espresso Coffee - How to Make an Excellent Espresso at Home

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Espresso is strongly brewed coffee made by forcing steam and hot water
through darkly roasted and finely ground coffee beans. The aroma of
espresso makes it especially hard for many coffee lovers to resist.
Coffee aficionados the world over know that a shot of excellent
espresso is crucial to making a good cup of coffee. There are a
variety of espresso machines in the market that can produce great
tasting espresso.

So how do you make a great cup of espresso? Here are the basic steps:

1. Remove coffee ground residue of the previous shot in the shot
holder before using the espresso machine to make a new cup of
espresso.

2. Have adequate ground coffee ready and place it in the grinder hopper.

3. Release seven grams of the ground coffee into the shot holder,
making sure that you get a full pull as you do so.

4. Using a hand tamper, even out the coffee grounds. Tamp only once
and do not twist the tamper as you tamp the coffee grounds. By doing
this, you are assured that the hot water and steam will evenly extract
the coffee. You can also correctly gauge the pressure if you use a
hand held tamper to pack down the coffee grounds as well as remove
excess coffee grounds from the shot holder.

5. Secure the shot holder in place and lock the espresso machine
handle so that water does not leak as it passes through the coffee
grounds at a high pressure.

6. Position a warmed up espresso cup under the the espresso machine's
coffee holder spout. Start the espresso machine. Keep an eye on the
the color and consistency of the brew coming out of the spout. In 15
to 20 seconds, you should have about 1.5 ounces of freshly brewed
espresso in the cup.

Making a well-brewed cup of espresso does take time and practice. The
presence of a creamy honey-colored foam called crema that is about a
quarter of an inch thick sitting on the coffee's surface is a sign
that you have successfully made an excellent cup of espresso. And if a
teaspoon of sugar can rest on the crema, you can probably consider
yourself an espresso guru!

The crema is the result of several important factors: the coffee
blend, fineness of the coffee ground, extraction time, water
temperature and amount of coffee used. You achieve a perfect cup of
espresso every time if you can consistently attain an optimum mix of
these factors.

* Most espresso aficionados will agree that the coffee blend should
include some Robusta beans.

* Several reasons could account for a dark color of crema: too much
coffee grounds may have been used; the coffee grounds were packed too
hard and too tightly in the shot holder, resulting to a longer
extraction time of the coffee; the coffee grounds used was too fine;
or too much water was used.

* There are several reasons, too, for less crema: the coffee used may
not have been enough; the time it took to extract the coffee may have
been too short since the coffee used was coarsely ground; there was
not enough water to pass through the coffee; the coffee grounds were
packed too lightly in the shot holder; or the water that passed
through the coffee was not hot enough.

* If the espresso machine, shot holder or cup is cold, it may affect
the amount of crema produced.

Espresso can be served as it comes out of the espresso machine or it
can be served in a variety of ways. In fact, many of the specialty
coffee drinks today has espresso as their base. Some of the specialty
coffee drinks that have a shot of espresso include macchiato (espresso
topped with foamed milk), espresso con panna (espresso topped with
whipped cream), cappuccino (espresso with milk and foam), café latte
(espresso with milk, but without the foam), mocha (espresso blended
with milk and chocolate syrup) and Americano (a "weakened" espresso
made by adding warm water).

Best Espresso Coffee Machines Choices And Selection

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Espresso machines are really great, as they allow us to be able to enjoy that great cup of espresso coffee when we want it, right in our home or workplace. They are easy and affordable, and incredibly popular across the world today.

When it comes to the matter of choosing the right espresso coffee machine for yourself, there are really several different things in particular that you are going to have to think about. After all, choosing an espresso coffee machine for yourself may not be the absolutely most major and serious issue in the world, however it is still very important.

Choosing Your Espresso Coffee Machine

The first thing that you are going to want to think about when you are trying to find an espresso coffee machine for yourself is in regards to what qualities you are looking to find with your espresso coffee machine; what features do you want, what color, style, design are you looking for?

You really have to consider all of these factors, not only so that you can more easily find the best espresso coffee machine for yourself, but as well so that you have a place to actually start. After all, there is a multitude of different options out there to choose from, and so if you go out looking for an espresso coffee machine and have no clue what you are looking for and where to start, then you are definitely going to have trouble.

The next thing that you are going to want to do is make yourself aware of all of the different brands that are available which offer espresso machines, so that you can sort of compare between the different companies and learn about which are the best and which are not so great. You can read more about choosing the right espresso coffee machine for you at http://www.bestespressocoffeemachines.com

From here you are going to have to seriously compare and contrast between the select few that you have narrowed it down to, and some factors that you are going to want to include in this comparison are, for instance, quality and price.

As long as you put some time and effort into this process then you should come out with some really great results, and so this is what you have to remember. Try asking around to people that you know who have espresso machines and see what they have to say, because then you will be able to get some really great firsthand opinions in regards to which espresso machines are the best.

Fool Proof Tips On How To Make The Perfect Espresso

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The preparation of espresso-based coffee drinks is an art form. A person trained in this art form is called a barista. They can do amazing things with textured milk, almost like painting on the top of a coffee. But you can also become skilled in espresso coffee preparation, once you gain a solid understanding of espresso coffee, espresso blends, coffee varieties and the espresso equipment.

What exactly is espresso?

First of all, you need to know exactly what an espresso is: it is a coffee prepared with one to one-and-a-half ounces of the dark and bitter-sweet coffee, which is heavy-bodied and produces a brownish-red topping of crema. Crema is just a word for the emulsified oils of the coffee roast, produced by forcing the coffee through an espresso machine under high pressure.

The forced method of espresso preparation is what transforms the espresso bean or roast into a beverage that has a very specific feel, aroma, taste and density.

The other important characteristic that makes espresso what it is, is how finely the coffee has been ground. The finer the grind, the slower the espresso comes out of the machine. The say that the absolute best shot of espresso should take about 25 seconds for the water in the espresso machine to pass through the coffee.

When making espresso, remember:

It is vitally important when making an espresso coffee to never over-extract the coffee. To become a true barista of espresso you must learn to treat the espresso preparation as a ritual in itself. This means that you need to understand the difference between a good espresso and a bad one. You may be able to disguise a lesser espresso shot under a heavy head of frothed and textured milk, but it should always be your aim to prepare the best shot of espresso in the first instance.

You must also learn to seek out the best espresso bean. In short, espresso must become a lifestyle choice.

Espresso basics

The invention of the espresso goes back to 1903 and is attributed to one Luigi Bezzera who owned a manufacturing business and wanted to develop a way of brewing coffee faster. He added pressure to the brewing process and produced what he called the espresso coffee machine, which essentially means ?fast? in Italian.

What was discovered about coffee when brewed in this manner is that a faster brewing time produced a more intense flavor and aroma, because it bypassed some of the negative effects of over-extraction or over-brewing of coffee.

It is important to understand how to make espresso in order to produce a perfect shot. The two main differences between an espresso coffee and any other coffee is a matter of the fineness of the coffee grind and the fast brewing time. Also, the coffee beans used to produce an espresso coffee are roasted until they are dark in color and have an oily texture. It is this combination of oily coffee bean and pressurized brewing that makes the perfect espresso shot.

Judging Coffee Beans Like A Barista

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Would you like to judge coffee beans like a "barista"? Do you even know who a "barista" is? If not here a an short definition. A 'barista' is someone who makes coffee drinks as a profession. Yes, it's that simple and naturally, being a profession coffee maker a barista will have a broader outlook as to who to judge a coffee bean.

Professional taster normally nicknamed as 'Cuppers' and company buyers also share the barista's goal of finding beans, which produce a great drink. But the barista is more important than any of these people, mainly, because it's the barista who gets the immediate feedback from coffee drinkers as to a success or failure of a barista's efforts.

So, what does most barista's think about certain beans and the product produced?

Roughly 70 countries now grow coffee from which beans are produced, from Africa to the Middle East, from South America to the Caribbean and over to Hawaii - all within a band about the equator of roughly 25 degrees north or south.

Not surprisingly then, given the differences in climate altitude, equipment and techniques - and a host of other factors - beans from different countries show marked differences. Even different plantations will often have drastically different products.

Even so, each area only produces two main categories of beans - arabica and robusta. What is the difference? Well, with half the caffeine of the robusta, the arabica is used almost exclusively for the finest coffees. Its beans are more flavorful and full of aroma.

What type of beans is preferred?

Arabica beans from plants that grow their beans 3000 feet (915m) or above are the preferred beans of barista's. This is not accident. Coffee beans grow better at higher altitudes, the higher the altitude the better the bean. By contrast, 'Brazils' are arabica beans grown in lower altitudes in Brazil. These beans are not as highly prized.

Beyond that, judgments will differ depending on whether the consumer intends to 'roast their own' or not. Unroasted beans are green, soft and have a vegetative odor, which is normal.

For those seeking roasted, the categories broaden.

The medium roast is slightly darker and enormously popular since the medium roast is the degree used by the major coffee vendors (Folgers, Yuban, etc). By most barista's standards this is not a quality cup of coffee. But for the major coffee vendors this roast is highly profitable.

Dark or 'City' roast is what is seen in many specialty shops, where the process has reduced the caffeine and acid taste. The result is a less bitter, often sweeter cup. This is what's generally used for the average espresso.

So named because of the French, the 'French' roast is next in line. The French tend to prefer their coffee more full-bodied. The beans will appear very dark brown and have an oily texture or sheen. Look carefully and sniff so as to not confuse these with beans that have merely been burnt.

Darkest on the drinkable scale is the 'Italian' roast, often used in specialty espressos. The deep brown color and pungent aroma are distinctive and make a fine cup.

As one goes down the scale of color, the cups made from these beans will be increasingly less acid and more sweet. This is a consequence of the carmelization (browning and thickening into syrup) of sugars resulting from the roasting process. At the same time some of the caffeine - a bitter chemical - is burned away, producing a mellower cup.

Now that you are armed with the techniques of the barista, my hope is that you will pick and richer roast that will definitly satisfy your pallet.

Espresso Or Cappuccino - The Secret To Great Coffee

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No two professional coffee makers or baristas can come up with a cup of coffee that tastes the same. The reasons are legion. Here are a few answers to your unasked questions.

Strange as it may seem the quality of water can affect your brew. The fresher and hotter it is, the better. The temperature of water should reach 203º F / 95º C, which is near boiling point. If water is allowed to stand for too long, it tastes stale. Mildew could form as well. If the utensil used to store water is not clean, it could have a bearing on your cup of coffee. So could water that has been insufficiently filtered.

While selecting coffee beans, Arabica is a good choice. The plantations are 3000 ft. above sea level and even higher. It doesn't matter if the beans are from Brazil, Bogota or the many other areas where coffee is grown. The thing that matters is that the beans should be freshly roasted. Whether you do it yourself or get it a few days after roasting, the aroma should have a satisfying freshness. Over roasting could result in a burnt flavor!

Robusta does not have as pleasurable a flavor as Arabica does, as it contains more caffeine. This coffee plant thrives and is comparatively less prone to disease. The beverage is fine for a quick energy booster, but it is not used in the making of espresso coffee. The latter is a coffee to be enjoyed at leisure, sip by tasty sip.

Roasting plays an important part in the pleasure a cup of coffee affords. The beans are roasted to a dark French or Italian color and ground not with blades but burrs. Blades tend to chop the beans. Burr grinders, on the other hand, with pyramidal teeth fixed on two plates, work efficiently. The closer the plates, the finer the particles. Sand-like granules are preferred over powder or small gravel-like granules. Once the beans have been pulverized, the product should be put into airtight containers. Failure to do so immediately will lead to oxidation and the absorption of 'alien' odors.

It is imperative to buy a good machine. Do not invest in one where steam is necessary to build pressure. Go with a boiler or thermoblock to generate heat. A pressure pump that produces 9 bar or more is ideal. Above all, the machine should be well maintained.

The method is to pour clean, fresh water into the machine. Switch on the machine. Once the water gets heated, allow a cup to warm up the machine and to clean it of any residue. The heated water goes through the machine to the pump. Meanwhile, put in the roasted granules of coffee and press down till the packed coffee is springy to the touch. Make sure nothing spills out.

With the hopper firmly in place, put a cup under the spout from where the espresso will flow out. It takes just 5 seconds to get that piping hot cup of espresso and 20 seconds if a double is your requirement.

If cappuccino is your preference, heat a little organic milk (approx. half a cup) in the microwave oven for one and a half minutes. Beat it up till it becomes froth and float it on the espresso. You can have your choice of topping - chocolate may appeal to some, while others may prefer cinnamon or nutmeg. Those with a sweet tooth could add organic sugar.

Armed with this information, it shouldn't be difficult to turn out a refreshingly, delicious cup of coffee. Espresso or cappuccino, the choice is yours!

Wega Espresso Machine - Best Way To Have Tasty Steaming Espresso

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Wega Lyra is a brand company that is a popular one in the market and its products are highly admired and accepted by a large number of people in every corner of the world. Based in Bologna Italy, the company is a leading manufacturer in the field of espresso coffee machines. Since 1985, Wega is a highly renowned company and is known for its great product reliability, quality, durability and pricing. Wega espresso machine is one of the most demanded and liked product produced by Wega.

Wega espresso machine has the striking feature that it be purchased as separate items. Moreover, these espresso machines can also be taken in various packages that are needed to have espresso and cappuccino. The package includes main components like chocolate shaker, saucers, cups, espresso beans and frothing jug. Wega also trains their professionals so that the potential buyers can have demonstration of how to use Wega espresso machine and what its features are. Cleaning guidelines are also stated clearly so as to make customers aware of how to keep the machine and equipments clean and in working order.

There are mainly two categories of Wega espresso machine, the Professional Espresso and the Commercial Espresso. The category of Wega professional espresso features Faema E61 which is considered as the finest model in the industry. The main qualities of this are its reliability, large boilers, great rated equipments and high quality items. It also has the characteristic of holding thermal stability even in the busy locations and ensures that each espresso will be of same high quality than the first.

The Wega Venus range has been specially designed keeping in mind the commercial needs along with providing style to it. This category of espresso is comparatively higher than the others, and allows taking out around 16oz cups. The machine is fitted with a copper boiler and it is bordered by a composite shell that is made of plastic so that there is no risk of getting hurt from any hot surface. It also has boiler heat exchanger that helps in keeping a proper temperature of the espresso. The safety valves in the machine ensure that there the espresso does not drain out unnecessarily.

There are various other groups of Wega espresso machine too that are of very good quality and provide satisfactory features. They are Wega Atlas, Wega Sphera, Wega Atlas2, Wega Nova2, Wega Polaris, Wega Polaris2, Wega Nova Ale Lever and various other categories. The Wega Atlas group is specially designed on a tough chassis, copper boiler, automatic level control for the boiler, Sirai Pressostat and manometer with double gauge so that the customers can have satisfactory results by using the Wega espresso machine.

There is also a special Wega USA range which has been made with special considerations. The arms of the machine have been designed so that it can easily reach the jugs and the user can take out the content without any difficulty. One can also choose a semi-automatic or an automatic model according to ones needs and specifications.

So, if you are looking for a brilliant quality espresso machine, Wega is the best option to go for.

Unusual Coffee Drink Recipes

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We all enjoy our favorite espresso, latte or cappuccino and the choice and quality has improved greatly over the years, but what about trying something a bit different?

In order to make your own unusual specialty coffee drinks or to produce them in your catering establishment you will need a few extra ingredients.

In addition to your espresso beans, sugars, milk and chocolate dustings that are used to make most standard coffee drinks you will need to purchase a supply of cherries, almonds, hazelnuts, whipped cream and ground cinnamon. These will probably suffice for most recipes and of course not all are required for every recipe.

The final ingredients required however, are flavoured syrups. These special syrup flavorings are available from good coffee retailers or can be ordered over the internet easily enough. If you run your own establishment then your usual coffee supplier will probably stock these items and can deliver them with your usual coffee order.

There are several makes of flavored syrups available depending on which country you are from, but my particular favorite are the 1883 de Philibert Routin brand from France. The most common flavoured syrups are vanilla, chocolate, amaretto, cinnamon, caramel, Irish Cream and hazelnut, but more exotic and unusual flavors are available for more elaborate recipes.

Why not start with a couple of flavors and build up a collection as you get to know and experience various recipes.
There are many recipes freely available on the internet which you can try out as well as experimenting and perhaps designing your very own!

To get you started here's a couple you may want to try out.

We assume you have you own espresso machine with steam wand and are familiar with steaming and foaming milk.

Mochanilla
Ingredients:

16 ml chocolate syrup
16 ml vanilla syrup
1 shot of espresso
6 oz (180 ml) cold milk
Whipped cream
Cocoa powder

Method:

Mix together the two syrups and the milk in a jug. Steam foam the mixture. Pour the espresso into a 12 oz (250 ml) glass, and add the steamed milk mixture. Add whipped cream to the top and garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

Bistro de Paris
Ingredients:

8 ml hazelnut syrup
Double shot of espresso coffee
Whipped cream
Shaved hazelnut

Method:

Into a 6 oz (180 ml) add the hazelnut syrup. Add a double shot of espresso and stir. Top with whipped cream and garnish with shaved hazelnut.

Try making these at home for a delicious change or offering them at your own catering establishment as an alternative - you may be surprised at how popular they will become.

Nine Steps to a Clean Coffee Maker

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Let's face it, we live in a dirty world. Dirt, dust, mold, bacteria ... It's the name, and absent. And what is worse, which is hidden in one of the most revered and sacred places on earth: the coffee machine!

Test your coffee maker. Pour a pot of clean water in the tank and 'Brew' it.

Well, the taste of water. Tastes like water? Or was it a strange "dirty" version to do it?

OK, so you know that the coffee machine is dirty. How do I clean it?

Hereare nine quick, easy and inexpensive steps to clean your coffee maker with what you already have (most likely) on-hand.

What you'll need:

Vinegar (regular distilled/white vinegar is best, but I've even used cider vinegar) Dish Soap Water
Nine steps to a clean coffee maker:

Fill your coffee pot with 1 part vinegar and 3 parts cold water Pour the mixture into your coffee maker's reservoir and 'brew' the mixture When the brewing is finished, let your coffee maker cool for 10 minutes For coffee makers that are exceptionally dirty (you know who you are), repeat steps 2 and 3 Discard the vinegar mixture Now, 'brew' two full pots of clean water letting the coffee maker cool for 10 minutes between each brewing Wash the coffee pot with dish soap Wash the filter basket (the basket comes out of some coffee makers making it easier to clean) Finally, clean the outside of the coffee maker. There you have it: Nine Steps to a Clean Coffee Maker...and better tasting coffee.

Now, celebrate! Brew a pot of coffee.

Commercial Coffee Machines

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Drinking coffee is a habit of millions of people all over the globe. Coffee machines make it possible to meet the requirement of all these people. Without commercial coffee machines, it would not be achievable for millions of people around the world to enjoy a good cup of coffee.

With the growing number of websites offering coffee machines at increasingly reasonable prices, buying a coffee machine online can be a great way to save time and money. These websites help the customers in the purchasing decision by giving them an option to compare the features of different types of coffee machines. But there are some guidelines to be followed when purchasing your machine.

Make sure you buy from a good reputable company. It may seem obvious, but do make sure that the company you choose is consistent and shopping with them is safe and sound.

It is a daunting task to select a single one from a collection of numerous types of coffee machines. But you should take the time to look through your options: read the specifications for different coffee makers and make sure that you think not only about the basic features, but also the advanced features of various machines. And also check installation and warranty information.

There are a number of commercial coffee machines in the market- the main types being espresso machines, cappuccino machines and bean-to-cup coffee machines. Different machines come with different features, so while buying your coffee machine it is important that you know exactly what you are looking for.