Everything You Would Like to Learn About Kitchen Cutters

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Pastry and Cookie Cutters

Basic plain and crinkle edged cutters are basic pieces of equipment for small pastries and biscuit making; these are frequently found inside graded sets that fit neatly inside each other in their own container for handy storage.

There are also 'fancy' cutters; these are available in every single imaginable pattern, from hearts and stars to wizards and Xmas trees. Fancy cutters are usually fun to make use of for biscuits, pastry, cake, icing, marzipan, canapes for each possible situation.

Pastry and cookie cutters are generally accessible in steel or plastic. When purchasing, make sure that the top edge is rolled and the slicing edge is sharp. A rolled edge gives the cutter added strength, and makes it more comfortable to use.

Aspic Cutters

A miniature version of pastry or biscuit cutters, and is used for fiddly decorating work.

Pastry Wheels

These kinds of cutters are utilized to cut straight or crimped lines through pastry. They might also be applied to cut sheets of pasta for parpardelle or even ravioli.

Ravioli Cutters

Right after layering the filling between two sheets of pasta, this device enables you to stamp out the ravioli shape whilst sealing the edges. They are commonly made up of a stainless steel fluted-edged cutter along with a wood handle. Different shapes and sizes are available.

Pizza Cutters

This particular gizmo is used to cut through prepared pizzas in order to divide them up into pieces while retaining the toppings neatly in place. It consists of a stainless steel cutting wheel set onto a handle. Make certain that the cutter includes a finger guard between the blade and the handle, and that it feels comfortable and well balanced in your hand.

Chip Cutters

These are handy gadgets for cutting chips, readily available in two varieties. The first is a solitary wavy blade set into a handle and employed to produce crinkle-cut chips. The second is a gadget for cutting large quantities of chips at the same time; the entire peeled potato is placed under it and then the stainless-steel cutter pushed down, transforming the potato into a mound of beautifully produced chipped potatoes, all prepared for frying.

This is merely a selection of the extensive variety of kitchen and cook's cutters which are available on the market today. In addition, there are a number of specialty cutters that are outside the range of this article, but which you might undoubtedly come across it you look through the racks of your local supermarket or kitchen hardware retail store.

Burr Coffee Grinder is a better coffee?

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Some of you may have heard of Burr coffee grinders have a better and tastier. And if you wonder whether all this talk is true.

ready to drink coffee burr grinder that grinds and consistently ensure that their beer should not be above or below extracts. And 'that compatibility and also grind the people decide, on the whole world to grind.

The other factor leading to the popularity of the milllesser heat generated when grinding. The less heat the grinding operation is, the more flavor can be retained within the coffee ground.

Of course, when we say that this grinder is better, we are comparing it to the blade grinder. This is the grinder that would give you very coarse and uneven grind. And as it also generates a lot of heat while grinding, some flavor would be lost during the grinding process.

Making such a comparison, you would definitely be careful when choosing the grinder for your own usage. The fact is, not many people grind their own coffee and for those that do, there is no cause for worry too.

This is because for those espresso machines that has their own build in grinder, most of them are burr. Espresso maker companies took great pains to building and marketing their own line of machines, and the last thing they want is to have uneven ground ruining their coffee.

The fact is, most of the blade grinder are sold stand alone and not many people would purchase them as the coffee maker either already come with it or people simply buy coffee grounds off the shelve.

The fact is, coffee using burr is indeed better and the good news is most of the coffee are actually done using this grinder.

A Saeco Espresso Machine - How a Saeco Espresso Machine is the Best Choice For You

Image : http://www.flickr.com

A Saeco Espresso Machine is one of more ticket machines in those days. Most people buy it because of comfort and good quality. It 'was the desire of every man who is addicted to coffee. There are many people about the possibility, the more you know this machine the right decision when the purchase order an espresso machine better. If you're one of them and need some help for the purchase ofbest espresso machine for you then you will surely get help by reading the article below. In order to buy the best machine first you need to determine the feature that you want in your machine. For your information, Saeco is well known brand that offers different features for different types of people. Saeco is an Italian brand that began in 1985 and achieved popularity in very short period of time. Today Saeco has become the lead company of coffee espresso machines. There are many different styles of this machine have been made and available in the market these days. You can choose one of them according to your needs and requirements.

The most demanding types of this machines include Saeco Aroma, Saeco Classic and Saeco Deluxe. All these types of machine are automatic that perform all the steps on their own. These automatic machines prove very advantageous in making coffee for large numbers of people in few minutes, and because of this they are high in demand at different restaurants, hotels and coffee shops. The latest model of automatic machine from Saeco brand is known as Odea that are very popular in the market nowadays. If you are new in coffee making then Saeco Odea espresso machine is recommended for you as it is an automatic machine and performs all the steps on its own to provide you the best coffee.

The features of this machine include dial interface, ceramic grinder, drop tray etc. This machine also offers you the feature of optidose that automatically regulate and correct the right amount of coffee. This machine also has steam technology which makes the foam with the help of froth milk in seconds. You are well known of the features and benefits of espresso machine from Saeco brand. You will surely feel happy on your decision after buying the Saeco espresso machine for your home.

Espresso Coffee Machine Essential Buying Tips

Image : http://www.flickr.com

coffee drinkers will agree that a dedicated machine for espresso coffee is the only piece of kit you can buy the cup, providing perfect. You'll be surprised, then, that many of these coffee lovers do not actually own an espresso machine. There are a number of different types of machines. Knowing where to start can be so difficult here for an overview of the main types available on market.

ExpressedCoffee Machine Buying Tips.

There are three different types of espresso machine. This is manual, semiautomatic and fully automatic. To decide which is best for you, consider that the balance is how easy it will be used for the degree of control over the process of coffee. Know the difference between espresso coffee machines is of utmost importance in this regard.

Manual Espresso Machines

ThisFoaming, consisting of a car driven by pump. Some of these are semi-automated to speed the process.

Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

These are much lighter than their counterparts manual use. The use includes the commissioning of the pump and then waits for the extraction, which literally takes twenty to thirty seconds. This version of the espresso machine is very popular and a breeze to default style to use in comparison with the oldMachines.

One Touch Systems

This press a pad to start the withdrawal. Once the required amount of espresso that came with this machine, which turns off automatically, without manual intervention. This type of machine is often used in commercial items such as bars and restaurants.

fully automatic espresso Super.

These machines are very fast and integrates both water and coffee grindersin the process, activated with the push of a button. Everything is programmed to include the amount of coffee supplied. This type of machine is very popular and has many obvious advantages over the other above.

Coffee Vending Machine - The Foundation Of the Vending Machine Business

Image : http://www.flickr.com

A coffee vending machine is a common sight in most locations where there are plenty of people. Whether you are in an airport, a hospital or an office building, the chances of being able to get a cup of coffee, a snack or a soda from a vending machine is very good. However, the number of specialty coffee shops is proving to be competition for these vending machines. This is why many of the coin-operated coffee vending machines now offer customers the opportunity to enjoy specialty coffee.

When it comes to vending machines, soda, snack, or coffee, customers want freshness. Therefore, if you have a coin operated vending machine that dispenses coffee or snacks, you do have to make sure that the quality of the product is always fresh. If you have coffee vending machines placed in locations where they are not doing well, the best thing is for you to find a location where the product will sell better, After a while the coffee in the machine goes stale and customers will not buy any at all.

Most business owners and managers will be very receptive if you approach them with your idea for coin-operated coffee vending machines. Since most employees do slip out to the nearest coffee shop for a refill, being able to offer specialty coffee at the business location does a lot for company morale. A small store near an office building will also like to have a coffee vending machine because the workers that come in for coffee will also purchase something else. In a vending machine, soda, snacks and fruit are really cold which goes over well on a hot summer day.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to place your coffee vending machines in the staff room of a school or business, you will do well with your vending machine business. All you have to do is set up a schedule for visiting the coin-operated vending machines to replenish the supply of coffee. You also need to provide a telephone number so that if the vending machine, soda, snacks or coffee runs out, someone from that location can call you to let you know. Being able to keep the vending machines fully stocked is one thing you need to do to succeed in this business.

The coffee vending machines of today offer larger cups of coffee than the older models. There are also better thermal and brewing systems in these coin-operated vending machines, which translates into offering your customers a better cup of coffee for their money. You do need to offer the same quality of coffee from your coffee vending machines as the customers can get at Starbucks or Tim Horton's.

Getting a Used Commercial Espresso Machine

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Espresso machines obviously make espresso, but they can also be used to make cappuccinos and lattes. Large machines built specifically for commercial businesses can help to ensure that many customers can be served, and workers can remain focused and awake during the long hours into the night that often accompany a particular long project or assignment. They are a great investment for a business.

Commercial espresso machine reviews wil help you learn which features are beneficial in different settings. One feature to take into account is how quickly the cups of espresso are brewed, as well as how many can be brewed at a time.

Commercial machines often have steel bodies, and this is for a reason. A steel bodied machine cannot be cracked, and is also pretty easy to scrub down and clean. Commercial machines can be seen in most bars and restaurants. Nowadays it is also possible to make your very own espresso and cappuccino coffee right at home with your very own domestic espresso machine.

Commercial coffee shops use machines that are built with high quality in mind in order to be able to guarantee their espresso can be delivered on a quick and consistent basis. The downside to buying this kind of machine is most definitely the cost, but that may still be a small price to pay for the ease of use and convenience that allows you to have espresso when you and your customers want it, as well as how much.

Coffee houses, for example, which are the main users of commercial kinds of espresso machines, must follow a strict regimen of cleaning their espresso machines. Failure to do so will, at best, impede the proper functioning of their machine and, at worst, can foster the growth of bacteria which could be harmful to the consumer.

Travel Mugs Make Perfect Gifts For Every Occasion, And This is Why

Image : http://www.flickr.com

A travel mug is great for those of us who are not morning persons. For us, one of the best ways to begin the day is to carry a cup of hot, steamy coffee in our hands and slowly slowly wake up. Also we have a tendency to love spending our time in bed right till the alarm cries out for the third time, so obviously we do not have much time for a cup of coffee before going to work. Life is sort of hectic so typically there is no time for us to easily sit down and enjoy our mug of coffee. This is why having a travel mug is convenient as now we will relish our coffee on the go.

Most of the these coffee mugs are created using an insulated metal layer or some thick ceramic material. They are quite simple to scrub as their design and material permits for easy cleaning. Additionally they allow us enjoying the coffee for a long time. Some models can be even safely placed in the dishwasher for cleaning without any breaking or chipping problems.

Travel mugs are extremely helpful and they create for nice promotional gifts by corporations. As an example one is able to have their business logo, contact data and even a location map added on the cup. These can be handed out to customers and partners at various trade shows and fairs, and they also make for nice corporate Christmas gifts. Whether or not someone drinks coffee, they will appreciate and get pleasure from receiving these beautiful mugs. I've got a friend who has about 5 of those from varied companies, and she displays them on the living room shelf. Folks visiting continuously stop by this shelf admiring these small pieces of art.

These cups are very versatile as you don't even have to brew your own coffee. You will be able to simply purchase it from the local coffee shop and use the mug to fill it up. In several places if you've got your own mug with you, you may get a discount. There are even places where if you bring your travel cup with you every time you buy coffee from them, you'll get an extra discount as a repeat customer. It would possibly be worth a try when you go next to buy your coffee to bring your cup in and see if the discount applies to you as well.

Speaking of Christmas gift, one manner to use the travel cup is to decorate it with some connoisseur coffee beans in a cute bag which you add nicely into the cup. Wrap the whole thing with a red satin bow, have a pine branch in it as well, and voila, the gift package is ready to go.

This is why I love my travel mug. It's so versatile, it can be used in several different ways, and the fact that it is usually bought cheaply online or at the nearest gift store, makes it perfect for any occasion, be it fancy or for regular drinking use.

How to Choose the Best Saeco Coffee Machines?

Image : http://www.flickr.com

We all know that America wakes up to coffee and because of this reason, it is very important that you have a good quality cup of coffee every morning to start your day. If you do not have your morning coffee, the day feels like you are missing something. So that is why there are so many cafes in the sight selling coffee and even then often you have to wait in line to get your favorite cup of coffee in the morning. If you do not like to waste time, waiting for your coffee then it is best that you buy your own machine so that you would not have to wait to buy coffee. There are many different types of machines that are available in the market these days and because of this reason, it has become very hard for the consumers to buy a reliable coffee machine. Even if you want to buy a machine for your café or office, you are faced with many challenges about which machine is best for your requirements.

Espresso is a good option but most people are tired of having the same cup of coffee every time. That is why it is best that you buy machines so that you can get different types of coffees from a single machine. These machines are very efficient and give you best cup of coffee every time you drink one. Therefore, when you are thinking about buying a coffee machine, make sure that you buy machines because they are the best for all of your coffee needs. These machines are very efficient and give you best cup of coffee every time you drink one. That is why it is best that you buy machines so that you can get different types of coffees from a single machine. Buying the machines is very easy as well, all you have to do is to know how much you can afford and I am sure that you will be able to find the best Saeco coffee machines with in your purchasing limit. But keep in mind that you must keep your Saeco coffee machines maintained so that it continues to give you good cup of coffee everyday.

With the help of Saeco coffee machines, you can have all the coffee you want and whenever you want, just make sure that you buy the right Saeco coffee machines for your home, office or cafe.

The Intricacies of Coffee Makers

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Coffee machines have different forms and kinds and believe it or not, each one delivers a unique taste. The widely used equipment is the "drip maker" and some simply call it the brewer. It is an upright appliance where the ground beans are placed on a filter paper and basket. The basket is then put above the brewed coffee pot. Water slowly drips into the filter basket and goes on to fill the coffee pot.

Another popular coffee maker is the espresso machine. Large shops use espresso machines with at least three heads, however only one espresso head is necessary for household use. Espresso makers are specifically designed to use espresso beans only. Any other beans used on the espresso machine may give unpleasant results.

An espresso head is attached with a portafilter that serves as a mini filter basket, as with the drip machine. A measured amount of ground beans is pressed on to the portafilter and placed securely on to the head. When the equipment is switched on, pressurized water will seep into the portafilter and the extract drips through the spout into the espresso cups.

The percolator used to be a commonly utilised household maker. But due to its substandard flavour results, and the increasing preference of consumers for great tasting beverages, percolators eventually lost its popularity. Ground beans and water are combined and boiled together in the percolator jug. Afterwards the beverage is strained and poured on to the cup.

A French press is not popularly used because some people do not quite understand the proper way of using it. French roast beans is the best kind of brew in this equipment that resembles a big mug. The ground beans are placed in the cylinder with the water and left to brew for a few minutes. When brewing is done, the grounds are pressed down with a mesh plunger to separate the particles from the water and coffee is poured onto the cup.

The coffee pod is the newest kind of coffee maker. It produces a single-serve cup using ground beans sealed in a filter bag called a "pod." It is shaped like a percolator with the movable upper part bent forward. The pod is inserted inside the container and the snout is pressed down to extract the coffee.

Russian Tea bubbler - The beginning

Image : http://www.flickr.com

It is believed history of Russian tea drinking tradition have began at 1638.

That year, Russian Czar, Michael Fedorovich, granddad of Peter the Great,
got special, diplomatic gift from Altyun-Khan, ruler of Mongolia.
Altyun - Khan means "Golden Khan" and He was known for applying Lamaism at Mongolia.

Exactly, Althyn - Khan at 1578 used title "Dalai-Lama", which means "The sea of Wisdom" and later son of Althyn-Han have became Dalai-Lama IV.

Czar Michael Fedorovich was known for conquer of Siberia which happened under His rule.

At that times Russians was at northern borders of Tibet and Mongolia, approached Kamchatka and Yakutia.

That is why that gift happened. Anyway, as a result of that , at 1679 Russia concluded contract with Mongolian, Tibetian and Chinisean suppliers for permanent supply of tea as well as other business relationships with Russia.

But many historians belive tea was well known to native population of southern siberia
and Altai region far before tea have become official drink for the Czar House.

What Type of Coffee Grind Should I Use With My French Press?

Image : http://www.flickr.com

One of the best rated coffee makers today is the French press coffee maker. Despite its manual functions, this is still highly coveted due to the flavour of the coffee it produces.

So which type of coffee grind is best suitable? It can be your favourite coffee beans. You can choose from coffee Arabic or robusta or any other gourmet coffee you might want. Just make sure you grind it coarsely.

In other brewers, finer grind consistency is better because water can flow in effortlessly to extract most of the flavour. In this brewer, though, you will need only coarse settings. This brewer does not require a filter so finer grinds will surely sink to the bottom of the machine even before it has begun brewing. The coarser ones will be able to prevent penetrating in the bottom of the machine so it works better.

Also, coarse settings are already enough to produce flavourful coffee. If you use the finer ones, it can already extract too much coffee oil. This is the caveat in French press brewers. Despite coarse consistency of grinds, it still extracts so much essential oil. Nutritionists claim that although coffee is a good antioxidant, the oil can cause high cholesterol level. This contributes to the development of many diseases. Using this machine in moderation is called for.

So how does it really work?
It does not use electricity. It comes in various sizes. Just fill up the coffee basket with coarse grounds and pump it using the pumping rod attached on top of it. Of course, you will need to fill it up with water. This is mixed together with coffee grounds. The pumping motion will help release essential oils and mixes it with water.

The brewed coffee goes straight to the bottom of the machine. After brewing, remove the pump attachments and pour yourself a cup of freshly brewed coffee. This makes up a total coffee experience.

It is advisable to drink it up right away and not store it. Due to the lack of filter, some coffee grounds can penetrate and mix up with your brewed coffee. If you store it for a longer period of time, the coffee will taste bitter.

If you are after an ultimate coffee experience, try French press coffee machines. At least once in your life you will get to try drinking coffee brewed by this brewer. You will be pleasantly surprised with the difference in taste.

Italian Espresso Machine Buyer's Guide

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Italian espresso machines are widely considered to be some of the espresso machines available on the market today. These machines are often more expensive, but the quality of the espresso they produce is well worth the price. Some of the top Italian espresso machine brands include Lavazza, La Pavoni, Saeco, DeLonghi, and Gaggia among many others.

If you are in the market for an Italian espresso machine, the first step is to determine which machine is best suited to your needs. How many cups of espresso would you like to make at one time? What extra features are you looking for in an espresso machine? These are just a few questions you should ask yourself in order to determine which machine is best for you.

The best place to research different Italian espresso makers is the Internet. There are numerous websites available to get detailed information and reviews on all types of Italian espresso makers. You can also compare prices to determine what a good price is for a given espresso machine.

Once you have figured out which Italian espresso machine you would like, it is now time to find a great deal. The best place to find great deals on just about anything including espresso machines is eBay. Contrary to what many believe, eBay does not just sell used merchandise. Many of the products being sold on eBay are brand new or refurbished items, being sold at major discount from wholesalers, closeout or liquidation dealers, or even the manufacture themselves.

Prices can vary significantly from one Italian espresso machine to another. Automatic espresso machines designed primarily for commercial use are the most expensive, usually costing several thousand dollars. If you are just looking for a home espresso machine, a quality Italian-made espresso machine can be purchase for as little as $150.

There are two models of Italian-made espresso machines I would highly recommend for both quality and value. The first is the Saeco Vienna Deluxe espresso machine which can be purchased online for around $400. The second is the Gaggia Evolution espresso machine which is available online for as little as $150. Both of these machines provide tremendous value in an Italian espresso machine, and for a relatively low cost.

The Best Coffee Maker and it Can Be Had For Free!

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Let me tell you a little story about my first few experiences with coffee makers and this will show you why the Gevalia coffee machine is the best. So, when I first moved out of my parents house I decided I better start drinking coffee because that is what working adults do or at least that is what I thought. I had a lot of things to purchase for my new apartment and I had just received my first paycheck for around $700. I thought I was rich.

However, as I was at the store and didn't know any better I bought a $10 coffee machine to make my morning coffee. I got myself some filters and some coffee grinds. This was going to be great! I would wake up and start my coffee, catch sportscenter, then head off to work. Not as easy as I thought. I woke up and started my coffee. Went into get ready for work, then I come out to a mess of coffee grinds and water all over my counter. I did not know that this is what happens when you buy the cheapest coffee machine you can find.

This was by far not the best coffee maker I have ever owned and now I refuse to spend less than $100 on a coffee machine at the store. I was irritated and I didn't have enough money left to purchase a new machine. I did take the cheap machine back and got my $10 back, plus I had a few choice words for the machine and the store that sold it to me. I thought I was going to have to wait 2 weeks till I was paid again to get a new coffee machine.

Then, I was surfing around on the internet that night and just for fun I was reading some reviews on coffee machines. I wanted to make a good buying decision this time. I stumbled across some reviews for a company called Gevalia, but I was skeptical because the deal was if you bought around $20 of their coffee they would send you a stainless steal coffee machine for free. This just sounded way too good to be true to me. However, reading review after review and finding that there were no negative reviews, just happy people, and they had me convinced. I ordered my coffee and got my free coffee machine.

This was by far the smartest hot beverage decision I have ever made and I love my stainless steal machine. Plus the coffee they made me purchase is delicious. They got me and now I order coffee from them about once every month.

Use of instant coffee machine to prepare the perfect cup

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Coffee - that beverage that has many of us are caught in its appeal. For those of us who are official coffee addicts, rarely go a day without our cup (or cups). These machines, which bring the coffee mugs are revered as sacred instruments. And the instant coffee machine that we are among our leading beer every morning - and afternoon and evening too many!

Coffee machines come in every shape, color and configuration. Whatever your comfortDesire, and what you need beer capacity, which now are always relevant considerations in order - everything is there in a car. But if you want - a hot cup of coffee QUICKLY - is the instant coffee machine is a good thing to have .

The machine of instant coffee - usually seen in an office environment - enables users to add just the right amount of water for a cup of coffee at the top of the machine, add pre-measured coffee packagein the coffee tray and press the switch. Your coffee is almost immediately. Most packages on the coffee is ready, in a variety of flavors that you can use to keep on hand, and, depending on what you want to drink.

The machine instant coffee is sold in some retail stores. Depending on the functionality of the price will change accordingly. Most of the larger commercial machines are larger and more expensive. But you can also finda bit 'of coffee for immediate consumption model in the same way. You can buy a large quantity of packages ready for coffee at the same time. There may be a major expense initially, but will soon pay for itself how to save money on expensive latte and espresso.

The instant coffee is the fastest way to make the perfect cup of coffee in any flavor you want. Check the varieties on the market today, and you can even on the roadYour perfect cup!

Reverse osmosis - a water filtration system for your home too

Image : http://www.flickr.com

For many years, producers of the value of reverse osmosis systems for homes are too high. Some urban structures that use reverse osmosis treatment systems widely used in primary and secondary stages, but is far from clean drinking water. Remove some but not all toxins in water supplies.

If you do not know yet, there are over two thousand one hundred hazardous chemicals that have been discovered lurking in water supply and reverse AmericaOsmosis can remove only a few of these toxins. The process begins by water pressure through a porous membrane. Substances that are blocked depends on the membrane. However, some chemicals are so small in molecular size, when combined with water, which still pass through the membranes of the mix system. People must realize that the process can not only protect them, and they need this protection more to ensure that their water is completely safeand clean.

Army units sometimes use the same procedure whether they are in the area, but to make drinking water, they use disinfectants to ensure the system is virtually free of toxins and bacteria.

Americans should be aware that the filtering that all mineral water is just as harmful as chemicals in drinking water. Distillation, a different type of water does the same for the separation of pollutants in water removed at the same timegood things too. The minerals such as potassium, calcium and manganese are important factors which are the body needs to stay healthy. Reverse osmosis collects these minerals and produce so that the water is acidic and harmful to health.

Another thing, reverse osmosis can not block cysts. Cysts are the types of parasites that live in water and passed through corroded pipes in the apartments. Are resistant to chlorine and can be very dangerous for people.

DecadesThe pollution has caused an increase in all of these pollutants in the water supply of large cities, sometimes including drugs, pesticides and herbicides in tap water was found America.

So what is the best way to have safe and clean water? I know what you think. Bottled water. Now, do not expect much, because the EPA says that the water in these plastic bottles as unsafe as water is drawn from the tap. The chemical, phthalate, is found in plastic containers of bottled waterdangerous and cause cancer is to break the bottled water. There are countless cases where bottled water is made of hype, and because of the activities of marketing and promotion of bottling companies design their products as safe. CNN and ABC News have reported evidence that the bottled water is not what it seems.

Several popular brands and types of coffee machines

Image : http://www.flickr.com

A coffee maker is a tool for brewing or preparing coffee. And 'dangerous to use because it is simply more of the coffee bean extract of bitter coffee with unpleasant taste and aroma. If a coffee cup or filtered well water can never quite reach the boiling point and coffee can be made stronger. The hot water seeps or percolates in coffee and grounds eventually drop down into the lower chamber. Connected to the chamber, a cylinder that runsthe bottom of the coffee machine or coffee.

Some companies create electric coffee makers with a sophisticated control system, which was designed to have a good coffee available. The heater can be stovetop or electrical. Today, most coffee producers use the glass to see percolation.

And 'to use to set the preferred amount of water in an appropriate quantity of coffee and a crush of coffee rather coarse in the upper chamber. E 'means that the waterLevel below the lower house of coffee.

Types of coffee machines
Or Farber Heritage Classic Cooktop Series E Percolator 'used by specialized high-quality 18/10 stainless steel designed for long lasting durability, and beauty. It offers a seven fifty-six cup capacity and has a modern design and elegant features. The phenolic handle this coffee stays fresh for safe handling. On the other hand, the filter helps make permanent brewing easy dispensing. The price is about 19.99 U.S.Dollars.

O Cuisinart Classic 12-Cup Coffee Maker - The case of this is made from high quality stainless steel. Eleven fifty-six has a capacity cup of coffee, and the indicator light shows when you are ready to enjoy coffee and drinks. It also has a comfortable handle and detachable cable. The average price is $ 59.95. For more information on cooking, call 1-800-791-7875.

O Hamilton Beach Coffee - Can make a twelve cups of coffee is no longera minute per cup. This beach has a unique design chrome mirror. It also provides a measurement mark, detachable cord, automatic switching from the ground and plastic handle. The price is $ 44.95.

West Bend or coffee maker - This easy to use and can be called to serve the coffee in thirty seconds per minute. It has a stainless steel strain basket, coffee level indicator and heat resistant handle and base. The glass knob shows when the coffee is perking. It was created with a highThe quality of the detachable cord and 800 watts of power. The amount of this is $ 39.95.

Sooner or coffee maker - This is equipped with signal lights that inform the owner when the hot coffee is ready. This is an elegant polished stainless steel electric coffeemaker with a traditional look. It offers a 1000 watts power, detachable cord, stainless steel heat resistant handle and automatic turn off.

O ModelCo Glass 8 cup stovetop coffee maker - Make a great eight cups of hot coffee in aTime. Can be used in electric or gas cooking. The detachable cable is designed for easy storage. ModelCo tea offers a light signal, when hot coffee is ready says. Also has a heat resistant plastic handle. The average price is about $ 13. For more information contact this number 1-309-0546.

Imus or aluminum coffee maker - coffee This high quality polished aluminum can to ten cups of coffee. And 'served in the cafe is ideal for yourVisitors. It has a drip faucet, signal light, removable cord, stay cool phenolic knob and handle. The dimension of this five times five by seven inches. The price is $ 27.

Or coffee maker - is heavy and high quality stainless steel. It is a flashing yellow light indicates that the coffee is ready to be served. Must maintain an automatic temperature control of hot coffee. It has 120 watts of power and 1350. The averageAmount that is $ 156. For more information on this coffee maker, call (023) 546-7623.

Espresso Coffee Machine Essential Buying Tips

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Most avid coffee drinkers will concur that an espresso coffee machine is the one and only piece of kit you can purchase that will deliver the perfect cup of coffee. You will be surprised, then, that many of these coffee fans don't actually own an espresso coffee machine. There are a number of different types of machine. Knowing where to start can be confusing so here is an overview of the main types available on the market.

Espresso Coffee Machine Buying Tips.

In total there are three different types of espresso coffee machine. These are manual, semi automatic and fully automatic. In order to decide which one is best for you, one needs to consider what balance of how easy it is to use versus the degree of control over the coffee making process. Knowing the difference between espresso machines is vitally important in this respect.

Manual Espresso Coffee Machines

This is made up of a pump driven machine for frothing. Some of these are also semi automatic for speeding up the process.

Semi Automatic Espresso Machines

These are much easier to use than their manual counterparts. Use of these involves starting the pump and then waiting for the extraction process, which literally takes twenty to thirty seconds. This version of the espresso coffee machine is highly popular and a breeze to use compared with the old style machines.

One Touch Systems

This involves pressing a pad to initiate extraction. Once the required volume of espresso has been delivered using this machine, it automatically switches itself back off without the need for manual intervention. This type of machine is often used in commercial outlets such as cafeterias or restaurants.

Super Automatic Espresso Machines.

These machines are very quick and integrate both water and coffee grinders into the process that are activated with the press of a button. Everything is programmed including the amount of coffee required/delivered. This type of machine is very popular and has many obvious advantages over the others outlined above.

One Cup Coffee Maker - Great Coffee a Cup at a Time

Image : http://www.flickr.com

There are various types of one or single cup coffee maker. One cup coffee makers brew directly into the thermal mug in order to preserve the drink's temperature. This is also an automatic drip product that is easy to use and at the same time inexpensive to the pocket.

One of the advantages of having one cup coffee maker is you can make your fresh coffee in less than a minute, that means you can freshly brewed your coffee in mere seconds once you place a coffee or drink pod into the machine.

Mostly people who used this single cup coffee brewer are single or live alone in the house. But before you buy one, you need to check the different coffee machines out there. Try to look or consider some of the factors involving your lifestyle.

One you need to consider is the price of the machine itself

Next look at the durability is it going to last a long time?

Compare the pros and cons of the different brands machines

Next look at the total cost of ownership. Price out the cost of brewing a drink. The Keurig K-cups and Tassimo t-Discs are the most popular coffee pod models. However, if you just want coffee a simple drip brewer may work.

Find a single serve coffee machine that has a permanent filter so that you don't have to keep throwing out the paper filters.

Find one coffee maker that will not cost much and with a compact size that fits in a small kitchen to save space, that is easy to work on. There is one cup coffee maker that includes thermal cup wherein that is more advantageous to you.

Some brands of single cup coffee makers offer one free thermal cup when you buy their machine. The common function of theses coffee makers is that you put coffee pod into the machine, fill it with water and brews flow into the thermal mug and your coffee will be ready in a minute or 3.

There are also some one cup coffee machines that will works not only in coffee but also in tea or hot water for an instant meal. No waste in water and convenient in time especially if you are in a hurry to go to work.

Or you can also buy one and bring it to where you are working in case your offices don't have any coffee machines. These one cup or single coffee machines are available in different styles or designs with different colors.

Shopping around is what you need to compare the prices, designs and brands you like to have. Assuming you have no time to go around to actual shops, online shopping through the internet is available 24/7. It is more convenient in time when you go shopping online.

There are many sites to explore and easy to compare the prices of the one cup coffee maker of your choice. Just be sure to buy the durable and known branded machine and always be sure to read reviews.

What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Espresso

Image : http://www.flickr.com

As long as you do not drink too much, espresso is good for you. But just why is espresso good for you? The reason is that it contains anti-oxidants that many people are unaware of. These anti-oxidants help to boost your health and it does not matter whether you drink espresso or a cappuccino.

Unfortunately lots of people will avoid drinking coffee because of the amount of caffeine that it contains. But this is not the only ingredient in it and there are plenty of others that are actually beneficial to our bodies. It has been found that the anti-oxidants contained within coffee help to boost our immune system to lend a hand in staying healthy. It has also been proven that anti-oxidants can help to decrease the likelihood of someone developing heart disease.

Plus these anti-oxidants will also help to reduce the risk of someone developing cirrhosis of the liver that can in some cases lead to liver cancer. But it should not be used as a replacement in place of you having regular checkups or screenings with your family doctor.

In research carried out by various places across the world the following was found that there were some benefits to be had from drinking coffee.

1. A reduced risk of diabetes. Research carried out at Harvard which analyzed data on 126,000 people over an 18 year period found that by drinking between 5 and 6 cups of coffee a day men reduced the risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes by 54% and women reduced their risk by 30%.

2. Parkinson's. In a recent study carried out it was found that men who drank 4 to 5 cups of coffee each day cut their risk of developing Parkinson's disease by nearly half compared to those who consumed little or no coffee each day.

3. Heart Disease. This is one of the biggest killers of people around the world. In a study carried out by Scottish Heart Health on 11,000 men and women (aged between 40 and 59) it was found that the more coffee they drank the less risk there was of them dying from heart disease.

So as you can see from above there are many reasons as to why espresso is good for you. Why not start enjoying a cup or two each day from now on. I am sure your body will soon be thanking you for it!

A Guide to Beverage Systems

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Despite what many customers believe, it's not easy to make big profits in the catering business. But there are a few glimmers of commercial light in beverage service From classic Italian espresso machines to the simple coffee machines there is a handsome gap between beverage cost and selling price.

Ingredients represent just a part of the overall cost of producing a cup of coffee, a fact conveniently airbrushed out when ingredient suppliers quote bean cost per cup at a few pence and selling price above £1. But there are good profits in tea and coffee, and the way to them lies in choosing the right machine.

Cafetiere

They don't come much simpler than this system, but a cafetiere is useful for delivering a pot of freshly made coffee to a restaurant table. They are sized by the number of cups they hold, and a restaurant may have to carry a range of sizes. Check to see if the model being selected is dishwasher-safe, as some are not.

Pour-over Coffee Machine

This is the familiar balloon-shaped glass jug unit, usually two jugs to a unit, one being filled from hot water run through coffee grounds held in a filter while the other is kept warm on top of the machine with a heat pad. This system is inexpensive and provides a good cup of coffee, providing the coffee is not allowed to stew on the heat pad for too long. One hour is considered the maximum time to hold coffee in this manner. Pour-over systems are ideal for catering operations such as pubs, cafes and small restaurants, where demand is steady, but not huge.

Espresso machines

These are the machine of choice where coffee quality is of paramount importance, such as in quality restaurants, cafes'-bars and busy food-led pubs.

The semi-automatic espresso machines need dispense staff to be well trained in machine operation to provide coffee with the best flavour and the trademark creamy topping on espresso called the crema. Inconsistencies in the drink come mostly through incorrect loading and manual compression of the grains in the dispense head before it is locked into the brewing position.

Fully automatic espresso machines require less operator skill, but staff still need proper training. These machines deliver quality with consistency and speed. They are not as quick as high-speed soluble machines, but the quality of the coffee is every bit as high as with traditional semi-automatic espresso machines.

In an automatic machine the coffee is held either in a hopper already ground, or as whole roast beans which are ground by the machine and held in a small enclosed secondary hopper.

Tea-making / water boilers An on-demand supply of very hot water is essential for every catering operation, and while tea making may be the main function of a hot water boiler, it has many more uses in a catering environment.

Airpots

This is the industry term for vacuum flasks that have a DIY dispense facility. They work with a pump mechanism, a lever-pull or by just unscrewing the top to allow air into the vacuum jug and pouring into a cup.

Milk warmers

It is very retro to offer customers warm milk to go with coffee, but there is still a niche market for silver service with the table staff holding two jugs, one of hot coffee, the other of warmed milk. Milk warmers are available from beverage equipment suppliers. The standard of operational and cleaning hygiene when using milk warmers must be high to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.

How to Choose the Right Coffee Beans

Image : http://www.flickr.com

When I started drinking coffee, it wouldn't have mattered if it was instant or brewed, where the beans were from, how it was roasted, or flavoured, as long as it kept me awake and helped me pass my exams.

However as time passed I became aware of the different beans, roasts and flavours available. So when your palate reaches this stage of awareness and you no longer say coffee is all the same as long as it keeps me awake, how do you choose the right coffee bean?

First, choose which species you prefer, 75% of the worlds coffee trade is of Coffee Arabica due to its generally preferred flavour and deep aroma and it does go well with cream, sugar and other additives. But for the true coffee connoisseur it doesn't hurt to sample any of the other available species, such as benghalensis, canephor, congensis and mogeneti to name a few.

Now assuming you don't roast your own beans (as some of us do!) its important to choose the best roast. This is determined by the degree of darkness and there are four main types; Light (Cinnamon Roast, Half City, New England), Medium (Full City, American, Regular, Breakfast Brown), Dark ( High, Viennese, Italian Expresso, Continental) and Darkest (Italian, French, Spanish). Most people prefer medium roast due to its balanced flavour and sweetness, but do try the others as individual tastes often vary considerably.

As for the origin of the beans, the differences in flavours are small but significant. Beans from Central America and Hawaii have a snappy and vibrant flavour, Whereas beans from Yemen and East Africa are more bitter and Indonesian grown beans have a more complex flavour.

In addition to the natural flavours within the different coffee beans, different flavours can be added by the manufacturer, these are many and varied, but to begin with I would suggest trying beans without added flavourings for two reasons. Firstly particularly with artificial flavourings this might overpower the natural taste of the bean and prevent an unbiased choice of coffee bean and secondly the more the beans are flavoured the unheathier they become!

As for where to purchase your coffee beans, while your local supermarket will most likely stock some of the most popular varieties, probably the best place to find a large range of interesting and desirable flavours is the internet. You will also receive the beans fresh and full of flavour unlike those at the local store which may have been in storage for some time.

Another good option which I would recommend is to join a coffee of the month club. For a low price you get to sample one or more coffee bean flavours each month and also can discuss different flavours with other members.

Finding a delicious coffee bean isn't easy but once you have you can enjoy the fruits of your labour as often as you like!

Best Home Espresso Machine - Which One is Just Right For You?

Image : http://www.flickr.com

You are getting excited at the thought of owning an espresso machine. Imagine all the fun you can have as you experiment with the different types of drinks that you can make, or the moment when everything comes out just right and you create the most perfect beverage you have ever tasted. As you begin to shop, you want to be sure that you get the best home espresso machine for your needs.

The first and most important thing you need to decide is what type of home espresso machine is right for you. So, let's have a look at the different types one by one.

Super automatic espresso machines do pretty much everything for you at the touch of a button: they grind the coffee, measure it, tamp it, brew your espresso and then discard the used coffee grounds into an internal waste box. These machines are very convenient and easy to use. However they are also quite expensive and slightly more prone to problems than other types of espresso machines.

Automatic espresso machines are far more hands on. You will need to learn a series of skills to get the best out of them: grind the coffee, measure the right amount of the grounds and press them correctly into the filter basket. In these machines, the pressure that is needed for brewing espresso is delivered by an pump which you start by pressing a button. The pump turns itself off automatically once a preset amount of espresso is made.

Semi automatic espresso machines are the same as automatic machines except that you will need to press a button one more time to turn the pump off to stop the brewing. These machines are an excellent choice for someone who wishes to explore the art of making espresso.

Manual espresso machines are beautiful to look at but rather difficult to use. In addition to grinding, dosing and tamping the coffee you will also need to manually pull a lever to force the water through the coffee grounds. It is not an easy skill to learn since your arm will need to provide consistent pressure of around 9 atmospheres. So these are recommended only for people who are really serious about espresso.

Steam espresso machines are the cheapest option. They use steam pressure which is simply not high enough to produce good espresso. These machines may be fine if you are not very particular about your espresso and if you make only lattes, cappuccinos or other milk based drinks. In general it's best to avoid them unless you are on a very tight budget.

Still not sure which type will make the best home espresso machine for you? Well, just consider how much effort you want to put into your espresso habit. If you are an experienced barista with a delicate palate, you might be interested in a manual machine. It will take practice, but by taking control of your own coffee creations you will be able to pull your espresso shots just the way you like them. If you are particular about your espresso but don't have much experience, a semi automatic or automatic machine will save you a lot of time and effort. Lastly, if you are always in a rush in the morning, or can barely function prior to ingesting caffeine, a super automatic machine will be a great choice for the bleary-eyed and hurried espresso drinkers.

Having some knowledge about the various types of espresso machines will make choosing the best home espresso machine for you easier.

Travel Espresso Makers

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Are you missing that lovely home-brewed espresso when traveling? Is it hard to start the day without your morning fix?

Don't despair, the solution is simple!

All you need is a travel espresso maker!

These are also known as "stovetop" espresso makers and they are very basic devices that are fairly simple to use and care for. Traditional stovetops are set on the stove to boil the water, but newer "stovetops" are actually electric and are simply use electricity to boil the water. These are the best for travel.

As a note, stovetops remain one of the most popular ways to brew espreso in Italy, which has to say something about the quality of the espresso they brew!

In about 12-17 minutes, they create 5 cups of espresso, and this is how simple it is to use:

* Fill base with cold water.

* Place fine or very fine espresso grounds into the brew basket, then place the brew basket over the base.

* Place the basket screen on top of the brew basket to press the coffee into place.

* Screw the collection chamber on top of the base and brew basket.

* Place on stove or plug into the wall to boil water until collection chamber is full of freshly brewed espresso, then pour directly from the collection chamber into your cup to serve.

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/

The Convenience of One-Cup Coffee Makers

Image : http://www.flickr.com

The one-cup coffee maker has many benefits. Perhaps you are the only coffee drinker in your house, and you are tired of pouring good coffee down the drain because you made too much. Maybe you enjoy gourmet coffee, but do not have the time or inclination to grind beans for a full pot. Or perhaps you want a convenient, mess-free way to enjoy a fresh cup of Joe at your desk.

If any of these are true, then a single serving brewer may just be for you.

Most of these individual coffee brewers have a built in filter. You just drop in a sealed cup or pod of your favorite coffee, hit a button, and in less than a minute, you have a fresh, steaming mug of java.

You can use your favorite cup with most of these, and some come with a thermal travel mug. There are compact machines that will even let you choose between coffee and tea.

If you do opt to go with a smaller version of the coffeepot, make sure you drink your coffee within 20 minutes, or it could turn bitter.

The one-cup coffee maker is perfect for your office at work, or for your desktop at home. You can have everything you need for a freshly-brewed cup sitting right in your desk drawer, never needing to interrupt yourself to get a quick coffee fix. The best part is that they are not messy, and cleanup is a snap. Any removable parts can be rinsed or thrown into the dishwasher.

Here are some favorites based on customer reviews.

o Melitta Single Cup - This sleek, modern-looking machine has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. A metered tank allows you to brew up to five cups before having to refill, and it comes in three color choices. Use your own mug and have a hot cup of coffee in less than 60 seconds, or a cup of tea in about 35 seconds.

o Keurig - One of the most popular brands of single-serve coffee maker today, the Keurig offers an adjustable brew size - up to 11.25 ounces. The programmable functions and removable water reservoir add to the ease of use, and its quiet brew and auto shut-off functions add to its appeal. Beginning at around $99, this is one of the more expensive single-cup brewers.

o Senseo - Another of the nation's favorites, Senseo's compact design allows you to use your favorite mug, and removable parts can go right in the dishwasher. Brew either four-ounce or eight-ounce cups with an auto-shut off feature. Priced at around $70, this one-cup roaster is a great bargain.

o Black & Decker - The little Brew-n-Go percolates fresh coffee right into a handy travel mug. The auto shut-off feature will give you peace of mind. This little bargain model is another customer favorite.

o Bialetti - This java maker lets you make the perfect cup of espresso at home. Just put your water and coffee into the specially designed pot and heat up over your stove. Starting at around $47, this little coffee pot gives you the choice of brewing two cups or four.

o Bunn - The fast brew option on the My Café not only gets your coffee ready in a hurry, but allows you to brew between four and twelve ounce increments.

If you choose to use your one-cup coffee brewer to make tea instead, there are two ways you can enjoy a steaming cup. One is to put the teabag into the filter, where the coffee pod would normally go. Fill with water, hit the start button, and let it brew. In just a few seconds, you will have a steaming cup of tea.

The other method is to run hot water through the machine and place your teabag inside your cup. Heated water fills the cup, allowing the tea bag to steep like it usually would.

Either way, you will have an enjoyable hot treat.

The only potential disadvantage to the one-cup coffee maker is the lack of variety in coffee choices. If you prefer to experiment with various flavors and roasts, you may find yourself wanting more choices with the one-cup option. With these little coffee brewers, you are required to use the appropriate cup or pod designed for your machine.

On the other hand, many of the coffee pods available on the market are of the gourmet variety, allowing you to taste some exotics blends and roasts without spending a fortune. The convenience of the packets makes them so easy to use. Simply toss into the trash when you are finished, with no loose, messy grounds to concern yourself with.

The one-cup coffee brewer may also be a perfect addition to your kitchen for those times when you are in a hurry, but really need that pick-me-up you get from a fresh cup of coffee. You only need to delay yourself for one minute, and then you will be ready to fly out the door, coffee in hand.

The units are small enough they hardly take up any room, making them easy to stow in a cabinet, desk, or cubby. Add one to your list of "must haves" for your office, or put it on your birthday list. When you discover the convenience of the one-cup coffee maker, you will be glad you did.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Coffee Consumption

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Coffee is heavily studied, but study results contradict one another. If science says that it is bad for you today, wait a day or two and another study will be published claiming the exact opposite findings.

The Good:

Coffee has had its medicinal purposes. My own ancestors used it to treat asthma. Certain chemicals in coffee have even be proven effective at stimulating bronchial dilation of people previously diagnosed with specific types of asthma. Some modern day asthma medications are even made from chemicals in the caffeine family.

Newly published findings suggest that men drinking caffeinated beverages, including coffee, have as much as a 3 to 6 times lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

The caffeine in coffee increases your metabolic rate, making weight loss faster and easier. It has also been associated with a reduced risk of suicide in women.

The Bad:

Women who drink more than one cup a day of decaf are considered at a much higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The theory is that the chemically decaffeinated products are causing the increased risk of autoimmunity. If you are going to drink decaffeinated coffee anyway, be sure that it uses a non-chemical based method.

Those at risk of heart disease and stroke should avoid coffee. Drinking coffee interferes with your body's ability to keep homocysteine and cholesterol levels in check and can increase blood pressure. (According to a study done in the Netherlands, this is true even if the coffee is filtered.) Raised levels of homocysteine are as a factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. Australian researchers found drinking coffee has potentially harmful effects on blood vessels. The caffeine may cause a loss of aortic elasticity, the main artery supplying blood to the body.

The findings are disputed by the coffee industry and some studies, but it also appears to be associated with an increased risk for breast and endometrial cancer. This is due to an increase in estrogen levels.

Studies have also shown that caffeine in coffee can raise levels of stress hormones and can lead to heart palpitations, jitters, and nervousness. People with panic or anxiety disorders can be especially sensitive to the caffeine in coffee. Even in small amounts, the stimulant can exacerbate their symptoms.

Coffee relaxes the esophagus causing reflux.

The Ugly:

Pregnant and nursing women should never drink coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant drug that easily passes through the placenta to the developing fetus and is also transferred through breast milk. Fetuses have no ability to detoxify caffeine. Drink coffee increases the risk of miscarriage and various birth defects.

For more information, visit the following:

How Bad is it Really? http://www.mercola.com/2003/dec/10/coffee.htm

Coffee Drinkers Face Lower Parkinson's Disease Risk

http://www.mercola.com/2000/may/28/coffee_parkinson.htm

Coffee May Damage Blood Vessels

http://www.mercola.com/2000/sep/17/coffee_blood_vessels.htm

Coffee and Suicide [http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9603/coffee_suicide/]

Coffee and Diabetes http://www.thefactsaboutfitness.com/news/coff_diab.htm

Coffee and Reflux http://www.s-t.com/daily/03-97/03-11-97/b01ho075.htm

Coffee and Addiction

[http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=C1VYBJVSS04E2CRBAEZSFFA?type=healthNews&storyID=6369844]

Coffee Gifts - The Ultimate Guide to Giving Coffee Gifts

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Coffee gifts are great to give to the person who has everything. More practically, they're excellent presents for people who you don't know very well, or even for generic gift exchange events.

These days, you can't walk into a coffee shop without seeing hundreds of coffee accessories. At some point in time, coffee shops started focusing on selling something other than a hot cup of espresso and moved into the world of merchandising.

Nobody does this better than Starbucks. While there is a Starbucks on every corner (more than 13,000 in the world), you're going to pay a bit more there than at your local mom and pop shop. Because Starbucks has such a clever marketing scheme, their prices are significantly higher than the market average.

As a result, if you're looking for an affordable coffee gift of mugs, espresso machines or coffee beans, you may want to steer clear of the green logo. While coffee houses are fantastic places to get specialty beans and teas, if you're going to buy somebody an actual coffee maker you may want to look elsewhere.

Department and specialty stores are best for larger item purchases, and you'll save a lot of money if you go to one of those. Coffee houses thrive on impulse buys for those looking for coffee gifts. It's best to be smart about the situation and split up your purchases.

For example, go buy the cappuccino maker at the department store, where you'll save up to 30 percent. Then, head over to your local coffee shop and purchase the coffee gifts that you're looking for. Fill up a basket with chocolate covered espresso beans and a bag of fresh coffee.

When in doubt, gift cards make excellent coffee gifts. They can be used at any time toward just about any purchase, and they're as easy to use as cash.

Austin Coffee Shops - Top 3 Coffee Houses in Austin Texas

Image : http://www.flickr.com

There are a myriad of reasons to love Austin TX, with ACL and SXSW, Sixth Street, Hyde Park, Zilker Park, Lake Austin, beautiful hill country, thrift and novelty shops galore and Guadalupe St. it is difficult to pick out just one reason why Austin is awesome. Though for me, my love for Austin directly comes from the café's and coffee shops. On top of hundreds of reasons to simply love Austin there are hundreds of coffee houses as well, but I am just going to tell you about the best.

First and foremost is Halcyon. Halcyon isn't your grandma's coffee shop; it is a bar and a lounge, a great place for lunch, or a great cappuccino and with an attached cigar/smoke shop it becomes difficult to find a reason to ever leave Halcyon. Awesomely located downtown on west 4th just across the street from Oilcan Harry's makes Halcyon the perfect place to wind down with some coffee and a cigar after a night full of dancing and drag shows!

If you want your coffee a little more low key, nothing and nowhere beats Dolce Vita! A little further north in the always cool Hyde Park on Duvall near 43rd sits this little refuge full of amazing espressos and fantastic gelato. Dolce Vita falls short on outside seating so smokers may have to fight for a spot but inside is roomy and comfortable with tables, chairs, couches and divided rooms. Happy hour starts at 4pm and with an incredible selection of international wines, free internet and a pretty good menu Dolce Vita can easily consume your entire Saturday.

If you are more of a coffee-with-my-studies kind of guy then Mozart's is the place for you. The opposite of Dolce Vita, Mozart's has an abundance of outdoor space spread out on multi-level decks overlooking the hills on Lake Austin with fewer seats indoors (though still adequate). Not only does Mozart's have a wide variety of imported coffees it is also one of the best bakeries in Austin and the view from the enormous deck is unbeatable. Mozart's might be a little more out of the way on Lake Austin Blvd but you will never have to fight for a seat, the atmosphere is calm and perfect for studying and the cheese cake gives New York a run for its money. With a place like Mozart's around there is never a good reason to go to a Starbucks.

Barista Expresso Coffee Machines

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Barista Expresso Coffee Machines are very easy to control. They have excellent easy-to-press buttons and a colored power indicator that's easy to read. You can tell the machine is on because this indicator button will light up. This is just the beginning when it comes to the fantastic features of Barista Expresso Coffee Machines.

The portafilter on Barista Expresso Coffee Machines works well. It is a pressurized type of portafilter, so you get a 23-25 second brew time for a double shot of fantastic expresso, compared to an inadequate 10-11 second brew time on other lesser models. The portafilter is also easy to load and use. It does offer plenty of loading room for fulfilling espresso coffee shots, and it also holds heat well. This means you'll have the proper temperature for extracting espresso beans. This can make the difference from a good start in the morning to a great start!

For steaming and foaming milk, Barista Expresso Coffee Machines offer the ordinary wand. It is made from stainless steel, which is much better than plastic, but it only has single hole on the tip. The wand can make foam easily for your lattes, but some users have found it easy to use the wand in a swirling motion to create the really fine foam. This may be a picky feature that only espresso coffee aficionados look for, but if you are one of these aficionados, you will appreciate the difference this feature will make.

One thing all users of Barista Expresso Coffee Machines will appreciate is just how easy it is to move the steaming wand around. The wand is the perfect height and length, unlike other machines with their wands that are too short and low. These inadequate wands then force you to move your machine to the edge of your counter just to get your pitcher of milk in the right position. This can be awkward and dangerous. With the Barista, there is no such issue. You can leave the machine where it is and still fit the pitcher underneath.

Inexperienced users of Barista Expresso Coffee Machines, on the other hand, may have trouble at first using the wand. You might find the wand creating giant bubbles in your milk. This will happen if you put the tip in the wrong position. Of course, with practice, patience and time, you will be able to create those sought after tiny top bubbles for your latte. Then your local coffee house will be out of luck. You won't need to go there anymore.

Cleaning Coffee Makers

Cleaning your coffee maker is necessary to keep your machine producing great tasting coffee. Each machine type will require a different cleaning method.

Drip Filter

The Drip Filter brewer is very easy to clean. Just follow these 6 simply steps:

1. Dissolve 1 oz of citric acid in 4 cups of hot water.

2. Add 4 cups of cold water to the solution and pour the solution into the water chamber.

3. Turn on your coffee maker (without the filter) and let about half of the water solution run through the machine.

4. Stop the machine and let it sit for 15 minutes.

5. Start it up again, and let the rest of the cleaning solution run through the machine.

6. Rinse everything out by running 8 cups of cold fresh water through your machine at least 4 times.

French Press or Plunger

The French Press brewer is a snap to clean. Simply remove the plunger and empty the spent coffee into a rubbish bin. Use soapy water to clean the plunger and the glass jug.
Make sure all parts are rinsed well (ensure no soapy residue remains). Then allow all the components to air dry.

Espresso Machines

To clean an Espresso machine just follow these steps:

1. Remove the group handle from the espresso machine and empty the coffee puck into a rubbish bin. Rinse the group handle with warm water.

2. Pour your chosen cleaning solution into the filter basket in the group handle. With your espresso machine ready to brew, put the group handle in the espresso machine just like you were going to brew some coffee.

3. With a bowl under the group handle, start the machine and begin pulling the 'shots'.

4. Leave the machine on for about five seconds. Then stop for ten seconds, then on again for five seconds. Repeat this process another six times.

5. Now remove the group handle from the machine and rinse with warm water.

6. Turn your machine on without the group handle in. This will fully rinse the group itself.

7. Now using the brush for your espresso machine, clean any residue from under the brewing group. Once complete, turn it on to give the group head another rinse.

Moka Pots

To clean a Moka pot is easy to clean. Just dismantle the Moka pot and rinse in warm water. Do not put the Moka pot in the dishwasher as it will discolor the pot.

So there you have it, the cleaning methods for the four brewing styles that are explored in our
coffee brewing styles article [http://www.the-java-cafe.com/Coffee-Brewing-Methods.html].

Once you have your brewing style right and you now know how to care for your brewer, why not start to experiment with new coffee recipes [http://www.the-java-cafe.com/Coffee-Recipes.html].

Beauty and the Bean

Back in the mid-80s (yikes, was it really 20 years ago?), I was a young teacher working in New Orleans. To earn extra money, I worked part time across the street from my Magazine Street apartment, at PJ's Coffee and Tea. Having grown up on instant Maxwell House, I was not the most coffee-savvy drinker in the world.

In the days before Starbucks, before coffee houses became trendy and common, I learned the basics about roasting coffee beans and serving coffee from experts. I learned about coffee's origins, roasting methods, and how to prepare the ultimate cup. In my opinion, the best cup of coffee can only be made with a French press, a glass carafe in which you mix ground coffee, boiling water, and use a simple plunger-press device to push the grounds to the bottom when you want to serve the coffee. This is the best way to make coffee because you don't "cook" the coffee as you would in a drip machine. Cooking coffee releases its acidity and makes it bitter. I was so in love with my French press, I used to bring it on camping trips. There's nothing quite like rolling out of your tent in the woods at dawn, wrapping your cold hands around a warm cup (not a paper cup, perish the thought!) and sipping slowly as you tend the fire for your morning breakfast.

I might also argue that the cold drip method is up there with the French press. This method produces a coffee concentrate that you can keep in your fridge, but it's slow and I believe best suited for iced coffee, which is how I learned it at PJs.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not anti-drip or anti-percolator. Heavens, no! For large scale convenience, there's nothing like machinery. I own a drip coffee maker and a Krups cappucino/espresso maker and use them frequently. When I'm bolting out the door in the morning, I fill my metal thermal mug (never plastic, ick!) with a dark, rich French roast. If it's a particularly good roast, I drink it black so as not to sully the flavor. If it's mediocre or I'm just in the mood for light coffee, I use Half-and-Half. No sugar in my coffee, thank you. My husband uses skim milk which upsets me to no end because it produces a grayish colored murky coffee I find unappealling. But hey, he likes it and as long as he knows never to use skim milk in MY coffee, we're cool.

Now about those flavored coffees...I often take flack for this, but let me say I am vehemently opposed to flavored coffee. Coffee IS a flavor, so adding additional flavor to it is like adding ice cubes and club soda to a pricey bottle of merlot. How would you possibly appreciate the personality of a bottle of wine if you added extra stuff to it? You'd change the entire personality of something elegant and simple and make it complicated and confusing. With coffee, as with many foods and drinks, simplicity is elegant.

Back in my coffee house days, we did not serve flavored coffees. We offered a dark roast, a medium roast, and a water-processed decaf to our customers along with an assortment of fresh baked goods, made from scratch by local bakers. We believed flavored coffees were just wrong because they covered up the true essence and beauty of the bean. Plus they weren't popular then. I know they are popular now. The rows of syrupy flavors in bottles lined up in some coffee bars are testimony to the popularity of flavored coffee. I'll pass, thank you.

To eat or not to eat with coffee? Again, keep it simple. Toast or an English muffin and a steaming cup of java comprise the ultimate breakfast. A medium roast in the afternoon with fresh biscotti is heaven. A demi-tasse of dark espresso with the tiniest slice of lemon rubbed around the edge of the cup allows me to linger and enjoy the afterglow of a perfect meal.

Ahhh, did I mention shortbread and coffee? Always appreciated, always appropriate, a wedge of Vermont Shortbread with your coffee is the ultimate in luxury and pampering. It's probably not something you'd eat every day, but for those times when you want to practice extra self-care, why not enjoy your coffee with the most elegant and simple of all cookies, shortbread?

When food and drink are pure, simple, and flavorful without being contrived, you will want to savor them slowly and purposefully. You will want to sit quietly with your steaming cup and your snack with your eyes gently closed and allow flavors, aroma, and warmth to dance their slow, sensual dance of comfort and nurturing. And guess what? The world feels a whole lot friendlier when you take the time to enjoy the simple beauty in your bean...or in whatever you're eating and drinking.

Brew Espresso Easy With Briel

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Some people enjoy espresso makers that have every special feature and setting imaginable, while others look for simplicity. Briel espresso machines are perfect for those wanting to create a shot of espresso as easily as possible and are ideal machines for a beginning espresso maker. Briel is a Portugese company that originated in 1978. In 1982, the company created its first espresso machine, and today there are several models on the market that will aid the at-home espresso maker in creating a perfect shot every time.

If you have never made espresso at home before but want to get started, the Briel Lido is a wonderful option. It is a small, basic, and inexpensive machine (it can be purchased online for under $200). The simple features will not overwhelm a beginner, but the lack of "bells and whistles" does not compromise the quality of the espresso it produces. If you enjoy using ESE, or easy serving espresso pods, the Lido can accommodate them, as well as traditional coffee grounds. The Briel Lido's Crema Master filter is a patented feature that enhances the crema that is produced so that you can create great crema even when you are learning how to become an expert espresso maker.

More advanced users will appreciate the affordability and features of the Briel Chamonix espresso machine. The Chamonix is also small (making it easy to store on a countertop), ESE compatible, and affordable (while the regular retail price is typically set at $250, many online retailers sell the Chamonix at a reduced price). A frothing attachment allows you to use the Chamonix for creating latte and cappuccino in addition to espresso. The Chamonix features an intuitive micro-chip that allows the user to regulate the amount of espresso that is brewed, so you can easily pick a volume between 2 and 8 ounces to suit your needs.

It is apparent why the Briel Lido and Briel Chamonix espresso machine are appealing to a beginning espresso brewer. As stated previously, both machines are available for purchase online.

Super Tips In Making Cappuccino Without Using Coffee Maker

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Cappuccino is beverage coffee owning separate history. Everybody love from the Foam of cappuccino. Witter above milk bubble and also feel the coffee which ossify to become a mixture which is full of harmonious. The problem is everybody can't make a cappuccino it self at their home. This matter because of inexistence of adequate appliance coffee maker. Or ready to have the coffee maker by self.

Becoming constraint is how to make the good from milk in making a cappuccino at your home. Mostly we can't make good foam to make cappuccinos. Because we not to be trained like "barista " in the art of properly frothing milk. The foam that we create is usually tasteless and large celled collection of bubbles that sit on top of the espresso like a meringue.

Here I gave you SUPER TIPS IN MAKING CAPPUCCINO without using coffee maker at your house.

Steps 1 ; it's important to start with COLD MILK that's just out of the fridge. Use the Fresh milk with FULL CREAM because we want to get The Foam from the Fat of milk. Pour the milk into the steaming pitcher and put into the nozzle ( if u have the coffee machine) BUT DON'T WORRY. U Just use your MICROWAVE !!! it is just about around 5 SECONDS ( with microwave) or until the milk reaches WARM TEMPERATURE .

Step 2 : Put your WARM MILK into the Plunjer ( coffee pot ) or MIXER ( pick one as you like to use it ) . And pump the WARM MILK several times in Plunger using the nozzle until you see THE FOAM . Or if you use MIXER just mixed it until THE FOAM appear itself.

Step 3 ; WOALLAH you get the FOAM . YOU ARE THE EXPERTS to make the good cappuccino and You can brag to your friends and family. WELCOME ABOARD IN THE COFFEE MAKER CLUB !!!!

Step 4 ; Pour the foam into the CAPPUCCINO CUP using the spoon after that fill up the HOT MILK until full . The good cappuccino it's contains;

1/3 from the cup is espresso

1/3 from the cup is hot milk

1/3 from the cup is foam

But you can make your own recipe as you like.

You don't' have to peep a "barista" that shows his skill of frothing milk with the coffee machine! He's been trained and probably takes pride in what he does. But you take THE EXPERT ways to use ordinary tools in your house. Enjoy your cappuccino !

Espresso Makers - From A to Z Foam

Image : http://www.flickr.com

There are actually quite a few different types of espresso makers, and which sort is best for you is... well, totally up to you! Check out these different types of espresso makers:

· Stovetop Espresso Maker - A stovetop espresso maker is just about as simple as they can get, and the name is pretty much self-explanatory. A stovetop espresso maker is one that you use over the stove. This is, of course, a benefit since it does not require electricity. It can therefore be used easily by campers and the like. Of course, a stovetop espresso maker is not ideal for everyone, especially since it is usually of the "one-cup" variety, and it will not give you the foam layer top. But, a stovetop espresso maker does give its user one great shot of espresso at full concentration.

· Piston Driven Espresso Maker - This fine sort of espresso maker was invented in 1938 by Italian Achille Gaggia. A piston driven espresso maker forces water to flow over the coffee grounds at a very high pressure. This produces the foamy top that is so unique to espresso. Of course, the piston driven espresso maker is likely more often seen in an antique shop than a person's home, these days.

· Pump Driven Espresso Maker - A pump driven espresso maker is similar to the piston driven espresso maker, but it is more widely used today, especially in commercial settings. A pump driven espresso maker does not use manual force, but rather a motor-driven pump that heats the water as it filters through the coffee. Oftentimes, a pump driven espresso maker is hooked up directly to a building's plumbing.

· Semi Automatic Espresso Machine - A semi automatic espresso machine delivers water by a pump, not manual force. The coffee grinding and other such steps are all still prepared manually.

· Automatic Espresso Machine and Super-Automatic Espresso Machine - Automatic espresso machines are, of course, becoming more and more popular. People like to have things as easy as possible, and on this list of espresso machines so far, this is the easiest to use. An automatic espresso machine does practically everything for you. It will produce essentially the same espresso shot every time. It will even grind the beans and dispose of the spent grounds. All you need to do is turn it on!

Once you have decided which sort of espresso maker is perfect for you, all you need to do is go and buy it! Then you can make your own, fresh espresso daily, rather than heading to the local coffee shop and paying them big bucks to make it for you.

If you are a caffeine junkie, then you most definitely need to have an espresso maker in your own home. Otherwise, you will continuing putting money down the drain, buying your espresso from Starbucks.

Of course, now that you have decided which espresso maker you want, you now need to decide which coffee beans to buy! This can be an even more difficult decision!

Super Tips In Making Cappuccino Without Using Coffee Maker

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Cappuccino is beverage coffee owning separate history. Everybody love from the Foam of cappuccino. Witter above milk bubble and also feel the coffee which ossify to become a mixture which is full of harmonious. The problem is everybody can't make a cappuccino it self at their home. This matter because of inexistence of adequate appliance coffee maker. Or ready to have the coffee maker by self.

Becoming constraint is how to make the good from milk in making a cappuccino at your home. Mostly we can't make good foam to make cappuccinos. Because we not to be trained like "barista " in the art of properly frothing milk. The foam that we create is usually tasteless and large celled collection of bubbles that sit on top of the espresso like a meringue.

Here I gave you SUPER TIPS IN MAKING CAPPUCCINO without using coffee maker at your house.

Steps 1 ; it's important to start with COLD MILK that's just out of the fridge. Use the Fresh milk with FULL CREAM because we want to get The Foam from the Fat of milk. Pour the milk into the steaming pitcher and put into the nozzle ( if u have the coffee machine) BUT DON'T WORRY. U Just use your MICROWAVE !!! it is just about around 5 SECONDS ( with microwave) or until the milk reaches WARM TEMPERATURE .

Step 2 : Put your WARM MILK into the Plunjer ( coffee pot ) or MIXER ( pick one as you like to use it ) . And pump the WARM MILK several times in Plunger using the nozzle until you see THE FOAM . Or if you use MIXER just mixed it until THE FOAM appear itself.

Step 3 ; WOALLAH you get the FOAM . YOU ARE THE EXPERTS to make the good cappuccino and You can brag to your friends and family. WELCOME ABOARD IN THE COFFEE MAKER CLUB !!!!

Step 4 ; Pour the foam into the CAPPUCCINO CUP using the spoon after that fill up the HOT MILK until full . The good cappuccino it's contains;

1/3 from the cup is espresso

1/3 from the cup is hot milk

1/3 from the cup is foam

But you can make your own recipe as you like.

You don't' have to peep a "barista" that shows his skill of frothing milk with the coffee machine! He's been trained and probably takes pride in what he does. But you take THE EXPERT ways to use ordinary tools in your house. Enjoy your cappuccino !

Espresso Coffee - How to Make an Excellent Espresso at Home

Image : http://www.flickr.com

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).

How to Make Cuban Espresso

Image : http://www.flickr.com

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/