Espresso Machines – Getting That Extra Kick Needn’t Be Confusing!

09Jan07

There are so many different types of espresso machine on the market, with such a wide range of features, that it is no wonder that finding the right espresso machine for your business can be a perplexing task. But once you understand the basics, and the main differences between models, you will find that getting the best machine for you is much more straightforward than you might think.

First of all, it is important that you know exactly what an espresso machine does: once you understand this, many of the extra features that come with some machines will not seem so strange! Espresso machines are fitted with a metal filter container that is filled with ground coffee; this is tamped down to compact the coffee grounds, and the metal filter is locked in place in the machine. Water is then pumped through the coffee grounds in the filter, and this produces an espresso. Cappuccinos, lattes and other variations of coffee can also be made by adding various amounts of frothed milk to the basic espresso- espresso machines come with a steam wand and milk frother for this purpose.

Some of the differences you will find between machines include the number of steam wands (some have more than one so that you can steam milk for more than one cup at once), the number of ‘heads’ (the more heads a machine has, the more cups of coffee can be produced at one time), and the inclusion of extras such as cup-warming plates and drip trays.

So keep the basics in mind, research the range of machines out there and make sure you know exactly what kind of machine you can afford for your budget- then get ready to serve your espresso! Happy shopping!

Jin Ee recommends http://www.cofcaf.co.uk/ for sourcing Espresso machines online. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jin_Ee

Filed under: The Barista Coffee Times   |  3 Comments

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.

06Dec06

An ounce of an espresso shot can make a whole lot of difference in your drink.

  The Good

Good espresso has 3 layers if you look at it properly. Usually the bottom of the espresso is darker than its a dark brown body and topped with rich golden crema. It is usually extracted within 22 seconds. The timing’s just my recommendation. Other baristas prefer 22, 21 or 23 seconds. However, timing is just one of the criteria for good espresso. Other conditions that has to be taken into account is the pump pressure, machine pressure, oxidation of espresso ground/beans and the loss of temperature.

The Bad

Bad espresso is usually extracted after 26-27 seconds and it tastes horrible. You could tell a bad espresso from its distinct black body.

 The Ugly

The ugly side to espresso is a shot that is extracted too fast due to wrong method of tamping or the wrong amount of pump pressure.  You can tell an ‘undershot’ (less than 20 seconds extraction time) espresso by its reddish brown body.

 

 

Filed under: The Barista Coffee Times   |  8 Comments

Descale your Espresso Machine – Before it’s too late!

02Dec06

Descale your Espresso Machine- Before it’s too late!

My dear friends, I found this great video at YouTube that shows you how you descale your Espresso Machine regularly in order to prevent corrosion build-up. Now, I do not normally recommend descaling or repairing the machine on your own.

Call on the experts for maintenance or servicing to repair your machine’s corroded parts in order to prevent terrible steam pressure from your machine and electric failure that can cause you bodily harm.

You may watch the video here!

Filed under: Espresso Machines: $100-$200, Espresso Machines: Above $200, Espresso Machines: Under $100, The Barista Coffee Times   |  8 Comments

Braun Tassimo TA 1400 Hot Beverage System

26Nov06

Braun Tassimo TA 1400 Hot Beverage System

What a Beauty…

There is only one word that I could only use to describe the Bestselling Braun Tassimo TA 1400 Hot Beverage System.

Wonderful. Just simply, wonderful.

Besides its elegant design, the features of this machine are stunning.  Are you a fan of hot chocolate, tea, latte, espresso, cappuccino and even coffee? Well guess what, this machine could make these hot beverages for you at the touch of a button.

How?

This machine uses state of the art technology of Tassimo Discs (T-Discs) that measure the exact ingredient amounts of each drink, and uses a barcode system where the machine scans the barcode indicated for the prefered drink at that particular time of the day. Awesome, isn’t it?

Read more about it!

The Braun Tassimo TA 1400 Hot Beverage System

Filed under: Braun, Coffee Makers: $100 and above, Espresso Machines: $100-$200   |  2 Comments

DeLonghi

24Nov06

I haven’t really touched that much on the great aspects of Delonghi, but I’ll definitely do so now.

Originated from Italy, the country that first invented espresso, the Delonghi Group have lived up to their name of perfecting espresso from their coffee machines. Delonghi is one of the great companies that offers good coffee machines and have attained great reviews from experts and consumers alike.

One of the great things Delonghi constantly has is the great technological expertise, quality and efficiency in performing research and development in all of their products according to consumers’ preference.

One of their great innovations is the Delonghi Magnifica. I will be featuring different Magnifica products according to their super automatic awesome features and specifications. One of the coffee machines I am featuring now is the DeLonghi EAM3200 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine.

The EAM 3200 is one of the greatest super automatic espresso machines around. It offers a patented Direct-To-Brew system that can automatically grind your beans at the touch of a button. I love this function because it saves you the trouble of buying a coffee grinder, tamping grounded espresso and wasting espresso beans when the taste is not up to your standard.

The machine has an instant reheat function, so you’ll never have to worry if your machine is at its optimum temperature for making espresso.

Read more about this product!

Proceed to: DeLonghi EAM3200 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine

Filed under: DeLonghi, Espresso Machines: Above $200   |  4 Comments

Need Help On Finding The Perfect Coffee Machine?

20Nov06

Everyone, what is going on?

Is your current coffee machine wearing you out? No matter how much you’ve tried, does the coffee you make turn out to taste bland or bitter? Ever dream of having the Perfect Coffee Machine?

 Well look no further, because this is the blog where you can find…

The Perfect Coffee Machine

In this blog, you will find articles on coffee machines from Great Commercial Brands such as Braun, Capresso, Melitta, Delonghi and Krups.

The reasons why I chose these brands because they have:

• Machines of Great Quality
• Machines of affordable prices
• Machines that have obtained numerous positive customer reviews and testimonials 

Imagine this…

What if you can find the perfect coffee machine that lasts for a long time?

What if your coffee machine can save you loads of money on coffee?

What if there is no more hassle in preparing a great cuppa at any time of the day?

Think about it…

Being a coffee lover and buying a coffee machine is a great start to being your own barista. Financially, you get to save more money, and you can make your own brew, espresso, cappuccino, americano or latte at any time of the day! Plus, having a great machine will get rid of the hassle you have gone through with a depreciating coffee maker like rusting, no water filtration, cleaning hard to clean areas, break downs and others.

Eliminate the frustration you feel within and feel free to look around this blog to find the machine that you want. Prices are categorized according to the specifc qualities of coffee machines as low as less than $50 to a measly $400.

So what are you waiting for? Feel free to look around now!

Filed under: The Barista Coffee Times   |  1 Comment

Capresso 441.05 MT-500 Plus 10-cup Coffeemaker with Metallic Alloy Body and Stainless Thermal Carafe

18Nov06

Capresso 441.05 MT-500 Plus 10-cup Coffeemaker with Metallic Alloy Body and Stainless Thermal Carafe

 Capresso is well known for their machines’ technology and design. If you acually went to Capresso.com there are many different types of machines with great designs. Capresso also takes great pride in their technology in having able to serve efficient coffee to the masses.I have found a great Capresso product, the Capresso 441.05 MT-500 Plus 10-cup Coffeemaker with Metallic Alloy Body and Stainless Thermal Carafe. This beauty of a Capresso does a lot more than just melting our hearts with its elegant design.Remember my article? Health Check: Water? One thing i really loved about this coffee maker is the ability to remove 83% of chlorine and other impurities with their charcoal water filter system. Also, it has a permanent GoldTone filter that is easy to maintain and use.Check what others had to say:

Best cup of coffee!!, October 30, 2006

By: PlaneOne

When I found out that my 8 cup machine from Starbucks was being recalled I was kinda sad. After reviewing the machine that they were offering as a replacement I decided to look else ware. I was worried about buying the Capresso machine because of the overspilling issue that many write about. I have to say, its not to hard to line the top of the craft up so that it will not overspill. Don’t worry about this, it is not an issue unless you are completely clueless. This machine is very nice, the coffee has to be some of the best coffee brewed! It is a great machine with looks and brew power!! Bottom line: Get it!
 

Find out more about this machine!
Capresso 441.05 MT-500 Plus 10-cup Coffeemaker with Metallic Alloy Body and Stainless Thermal Carafe

Filed under: Capresso, Coffee Makers: $100 and above   |  3 Comments

Espresso Or Cappucino – How To Add Some “Oomph” Into Your Cuppa! By Peter Lim

15Nov06

“Oomph is the intricate inner feeling of that touch of power, unexplained yet real, that comes with the drinking of coffee”

I had been a long term tea drinker, preferring tea to any other beverage for years, until one day, I had a new assistant. I was working as a dealer representative for stocks and shares at that time, and that means in a really stressful environment, being in the trading room all the time. So taking some time off to catch a cuppa and to be back to trading and watching the trading screens for the best prices was the perfect break anyone could hope for.

My new assistant was a young lady in her mid twenties, and it was interesting to see her prepare her drink.

No, she wasn’t a tea drinker like me. Instead, she was a coffee fan, perhaps even an addict to coffee, you may say. On her first day at work, she took out of her handbag three packs of instant coffee 3 in 1 – namely instant coffee, sugar and non-dairy creamer, and then proceeded to empty the three packs into one cup,adding hot water, making a strong coffee. She wasn’t through yet, because she also opened another pack of chocolate powder and sprinkled the chocolate powder on to her hot coffee, creating a tremendous aromatic smell that pervaded the trading room.

That was some “oomph” in her coffee.

After a period of three months, I found I was suddenly drinking coffee myself and wasn’t a pure tea drinker anymore. It was a subtle conversion process, and soon I found I really need that coffee in the afternoon trading session.

Now, looking back, I have learnt a lot of techniques to add more “oomph” to my cup of coffee.

One way is to enhance the taste with some special add-on ingredients.

My most popular add-on ingredient is powdered ginseng. Ginseng is the traditional chinese herb which is a root, and american ginseng is preferred to korean or chinese ginseng. This herb makes one alert when taken, and is normally taken to strengthen one’s immune system or body. You can get the ginseng powder from the Natural Herb Store or in the form of capsules that you can empty into a cuppa when you need the “oomph”.

Be reminded that the ginseng root powder carries a somewhat bitter taste. So don’t equate quantity with more “oomph”. You just add sufficient to give you the enhanced aroma and the “oomph” you need.

Another way is to add the “tongkat ali” root powder, which may be slightly harder to obtain. This root is from an original plant in Malaysia and is a well researched herbal root with aphrodiasic features. The aborigines of the tropical jungles of Malaysia use this to enhance their “maniless” and this they prove by having big families. Commercially, you can get a bottle of this Tongkat Ali powder under the brand name “Power Root” throughout the world. Just add a small pinch and you will find the difference in your taste and feel the subsequent well-being.

Now you can have that extra edge and “oomph” when you next take your coffee, irregardless whether it is an espresso or a latte.

Peter Lim is a Certified Financial Planner and awowed coffee lover. To get more tips to brew your best espresso or cappuccino, and to discover the best coffee makers, visit his website http://saeco.revenuemonitor.biz

Filed under: The Barista Coffee Times   |  1 Comment

Melitta

14Nov06

Melitta is very well-known for their coffee filters and grinders. They have been well-established from their research and technology on the various types of filters needed for different grinds of coffee. The grind is very important because coarse grinds are more likely used for the French Press whereas extra fine grinds are used for example, the Turkish Espresso. It depends on whether you would like strong and heavy-bodied coffee or a weak and light-bodied coffee.

It is extremely important to have filters if you would not like the oil from your coffee beans to be in your cuppa because of health reasons (unnecessary increment of cholesterol intake). Another obvious well known fact about filters is to keep out coffee residues from getting into your cup. Melitta has invented filters that have the technology to allow more coffee taste and aroma into your coffee and at the same time, filter out unwanted coffee residues.

A ‘coffee mill’ simply means a type of machine to grind coffee beans. It is more commonly known as a grinder. One type of mill I found from Melitta is the Melitta MEMB1 Mill & Brew Coffeemaker.

Melitta MEMB1 Mill & Brew Coffeemaker

This machine allows you to grind your coffee as the way you like it.  A stainless steel filter is used thus you do not have the need for disposable filters and it can save you a lot of money. The unique thing is, you can set the machine to perform automatic grinding and brewing at any time of the day. Useful if you’re on the go!

Filed under: Coffee Makers With Built-In Grinder, Coffee Makers: $50-$100, Melitta, The Barista Coffee Times   |  Leave a Comment

Health Check: Water

07Nov06

To make coffee we need water. However, can you be really sure that the water you are using is not contaminated and have adverse effects on your health? Read closely to what I have to say.

In some countries, water is safe enough to drink from the tap. This type of water have previously gone through purification methods such as reverse osmosis, distillation, filtration and deionization, which is very important. But, there have been cases in other countries or states/provinces that do not process drinking water properly and it is very harmful.

I’m going to briefly state the harmful components of unprocessed drinking water.

High Chlorine Content: Chlorine is used to purify water. The question is how much chlorine is left in the water? High chlorine content is closely related to heart diseases such as atherosclerosis, colon cancer and stroke. Drinking chlorinated water is proven to kill good bacteria in one’s body and weaken the person’s immunity level.

Bacteria: The most common form of bacteria found in water is the E.coli from sewage, human or animal waste. E.coli is known to cause urinary tract infections and other extra-intestinal infections. In order to kill bacteria, bring the water to boil and leave it for 3-5 minutes. I recommend boiling water all the time and storing them into a drinking container.

Virus: The viruses found in water have been known to cause diarrhea, vomitting and cramps. There are also viruses that can trigger Hepatitis A and B.

Asbestos: Asbestos is known to cause respiratory problems and cancer.

Harmful minerals: Minerals such as lead, mercury and arsenic can dissolve in water through natural and chemical means. They are very dangerous when consumed. Other minerals such as calcium, sodium and magnesium are beneficial to our health, but only if consumed in the correct amounts.

Coffee is known to have great taste and other healthy aspects. But what good is a coffee to be drank everyday when it is made from contaminated water? I strongly recommend you check your local water treatment centers to check if they are properly processing the water available from your tap. Coffee companies have actually stepped up about the harmful effects of water and have even made coffee machines that could filter out these harmful materials.

Two of these machines are featured in this web log. They are the Krups Artese 92711-42 and the Braun KF600 Impressions. I hope this article has enlightened you.

Cheers.

Filed under: The Barista Coffee Times   |  4 Comments