Coffee

Coffee makers have been around nearly as long as coffee itself. The Turkish Ibrik is the original coffee brewer and is still used in the Middle East. This simple copper container with a long handle and grooved tongue produces a rather strong brew considering it does not filter.

But, for those who prefer to drink a beverage rather than eat coffee grounds, there are many different types available from simple to the inimitable deluxe makers. Here are some of the things you will want to look for in a coffee maker.

The lower priced drip model makes up the majority of coffee makers today. You simply pour water into the top and let the water pass through the grounds as it is heated by an electric coil. Of course, the pot is resting on a heated plate to keep it warm. This is the most common coffee maker. But, beyond this basic model, a few features on coffee makers are particularly useful.

The controls on coffee makers have transformed to the point that many resemble a stereo. Display screens show the actual time, the brew time, a timer, the temperature and several other useful pieces of information depending on the model. However, the “level of brew desired” is necessary control although more rather than less control may be preferred.

Another useful feature is the auto-shutoff, especially for those who often forget to turn appliances off. This may make these models of coffee makers the inimitable choice. Most today tend to be too busy to wait for the entire process to finish, so they often remove the pot before the water has completed draining. Coffee continues to drip and splashes onto the heating plate, at least it did in the past. Automatic shut-off now solves this problem. The water flow stops when the pot is removed, thus preventing this problem.

The lighted LCD screens are also useful in the dark, perhaps in the mornings, when you have not yet found the light switch or are still not quite awake.

Cleaning is also much easier with the invention of coffee pods, which are small, individual containers of coffee that water flows through. An extra benefit is that they provide good filtering for the ground coffee. Once brewing is finished, you simply pop the pods out and throw them away. Pods are terrific for the busy coffee drinker who does not have time to clean.

Some models even come with water filters which is a great added feature for the city dweller since quality water is very important to a good cup of coffee. Filters may be a bit expensive, but waking up to a delicious cup of coffee is invaluable.

Yes, you can get a permanent coffee filter but they are less important with pods. However, there is still some debate over the effect on the environment and taste from these pods. So, do what you feel is best.

Guy Morris publishes essentially for http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com an online site covering information on single serving coffee maker, one cup coffee brewer and other areas. You might see his comments on where to buy single cup coffee makers over at http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com/single-cup-coffee-maker.html and various other sources for where to buy single cup coffee makers news.

Author: Guy J Morris
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Coffee, Coffee what a wonderful thing. There is nothing like waking up in the morning to the smell and of coffee in the air and the sensation of that first sip. If you are like me it seems as if, the longer I drink coffee the more I enjoy it. But along with the enjoyment I have become picky about my coffee as well. I guess this is not a bad thing but it sure can get annoying sometimes. There is nothing worse than ordering a cup of coffee at your local coffee shop and having to toss it out as you walk out the door because it tasted like swill. Since I have acquired this coffee snob disease it has forced me to learn a little about what makes a good cup of coffee.

Having taken time to break down the elements that separates a good cup of coffee from a bad cup of coffee, I have narrowed it down to three things. Temperature, extraction time (or brew time), and water quality. Now I know there are some other variables involved here, such as bean quality, coffee freshness, and the coffee grind but for the sake of this article lets stick with strictly the brewing elements.

Temperature:

If you have had the privilege of tasting the same coffee at brewed at different temperatures then you understand this variable very well. It is a amazing that a coffee brewed at 185 degrees can taste completely different than the same coffee brewed at 198 degrees. By having a brewer that you are able to adjust the water temperature opens up another world for the coffee connoisseur.

Extraction Time:

This is the actual time that it takes for the coffee to brew. A lot of times if coffee brews too fast it will leave a sour taste in your cup. If it brews to long it can cause burnt or bitter notes to be present. By controlling this variable we can achieve a wonderful cup of coffee.

Water Quality:

If you have bad tasting water you are going to have bad tasting coffee. The way to correct this is to make sure your water is properly filtered or use bottled water when you brew your coffee.

On my quest to find the best cup of coffee possible I stumbled upon a coffee brewer that is capable of controlling these three variables. It is the Breville brewing system made by Keurig. This brewer allows you to brew one cup at a time using the k-cup coffee technology. Not only can you brew one cup at a time you can adjust the water temperature. Another feature is you can control the extraction time by having four cup size options 6oz, 8oz, 10oz, and 12oz..This allows you to deliver the exact volume of water each and every time your coffee is brewed. This ensures the brew strength and taste is to your liking every time. Last, but not least, this machine comes with 60oz water reservoir that includes a water filtration system. This filtration system improves the taste and smell of your water guaranteeing that you will experience the best tasting coffee.

If you are ready to experience coffee shop quality coffee from the comforts of your own home. Then I would recommend doing some research online about the Keurig K Cup Brewers and about K Cup coffee in general. You will not regret it!

Author: Burke Lane
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Brewing the perfect cup of coffee takes some learning, but with time and a little determination, anyone can become an expert! There are several key elements you should pay close attention to when brewing. Your coffee is greatly affected by the water you use, the temperature of water during brewing, the brew time, the brewing turbulence, the filtration, and the cleanliness of your brewing area. Remember, coffee taste quality can be very subjective, but tweaking these elements will help you find the brew that best suites you! Holding and serving your coffee at the proper temperatures will help ensure that all the flavors are realized.

Water

Other than the actual coffee beans, water is the most important element of the brewing process. Ensuring your water is fresh and good tasting is essential because water makes up over 98% of your final cup! For the cleanest tasting coffee, filter your water before you brew. Filtered water typically holds the most ideal mineral content and will help give your coffee a fresh taste. Water temperature during brewing will affect your coffee’s flavor and extraction. The ideal water temperature during brewing is somewhere between 195Ú-205ÚF.

Time

The brewing time can be the most detrimental element to the taste of your coffee. Ideally, you will want to get proper extraction and filtration in the shortest possible time to create the best testing coffee. Coffee brewed for longer than the recommended time will taste bitter. Finding the best brew may require you to experiment with the coffee grind size, either more fine or more coarse, depending on your preferences. Fine grinds should be brewed between 1 and 4 minutes, coarse grinds should be brewed between 6 and 8 minutes.

Your coffee maker has a specific brew cycle time that will fit best with a specific coarseness. Experiment with finer and coarser grinds in your coffee maker to find the flavor you want for your coffee!

Turbulence and Filtration

Turbulence is the process of coffee grinds moving through the water while brewing. Ideally, the turbulence should create a uniform flow of water around the coffee particles and extract to create a great tasting cup. Filtration refers to the process of eliminating the coarser grinds from the brew before you drink it. Paper filters generally create the clearest cup of coffee.

Cleanliness

Make certain your brewing area is clean and free from lime and hard water deposits. Specifically, examine the serving area, spray head, servers, and water reservoir to ensure they are clean. Cleanliness is extremely important because when all other elements are perfect and your work area is dirty, your cup cannot reach its flavor potential.

Holding and Serving

Holding and serving your coffee at the proper temperatures will ensure your coffee is enjoyed at its peak flavor and aroma. The ideal holding temperature is between 175Ú-185ÚF and holding coffee in a sealed container can prevent the evaporation of your coffee’s most volatile aromatics. Coffee should not be held longer than 20 minutes in an open container and 60 minutes in a closed container. Ideal serving temperature is between 155Ú-175ÚF; at these temperatures, all of the taste in your brew can be realized.

To help experiment and find the best possible brew, you may want to consider buying a new grinder. A grinder with more coarseness levels will allow you to experiment with an array of blends and coffee recipes to hone in on the best possible taste for your coffee. Keep in mind, a high quality grinder used with moderate coffee brewing equipment can produce a better cup of coffee than a moderate grinder with a high quality brewer. Check out [http://www.ishopcoffeeequipment.com] to fulfill all your brewing needs!

[http://www.ishopcoffeeequipment.com]

Author: Brett Pharis
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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You have gone to the coffee shop and had your best cup of coffee ever. Now you want to duplicate it at home. You try, but it is just not the same.

The following may be some of the reasons.

Keep in mind that there are only a handful of things you can do to make a premium cup of coffee at home. Most are simple should you choose to adhere to them.

First, you need the right equipment. You need a coffee brewer that will extract the best flavor from your coffee beans. Most people buy a $20 brewer from Walmart and think they have the best equipment. After all, it is new. Well, a cheap brewer brewer brews cheap coffee. Also, they think that the more expensive brewers just have more fancy bells and whistles that they just do not need.

You need a really good coffee brewer to brew good coffee.

There are two items to look for when assessing whether it is a good brewer or just junk.

First, it must have a high quality heating element. Coffee at most coffee houses is heated with brewers that have elements that will heat the coffee between 198 and 205 degrees. The cheaper brewer can only heat to 180 degrees. Hot enough for you, you say? Not if you are trying to brew the best cup possible. You need to heat your coffee near the 200 degree mark so that you can pull the great attributes out of the coffee.

Lower temps just will not cut it.

The second item to look for in a brewer is a quick brew time. Your water should only stay with your coffee for three to four minutes. You want your water to pull the best out of the coffee, and not sit with the coffee for longer than four minutes. After four minutes you pull the negative tastes out of the coffee.

I have seen Bunn advertise on the box that they have a three minute brew time. Most customers see this and think “I have one half hour to get ready in the morning and do not care that it is quick”. Fact is, it is telling the customer that the water does not sit with the coffee very long, not that you will have a quick cup of coffee in the morning.

That is about all you need in a good brewer. Above this, it is all bells and whistles. If you need a morning timer or a clock, get it. However, it does not help you make better coffee. As a rule of thumb, spend above $75 to get a good coffee maker. For goodness sake, they last 10 years. Bunn, Krups and Cuisanart have been consistent brands. However, beware even with these brands because they too will sell a crappy coffee maker.

The third important factor in making great coffee is in the water you are using. Coffee is 99.00123% water, and therefore, it is a very important factor. If you are using unfiltered tap water, (even if your city does have the best water), stop it. Put a high quality filter on the line under your sink, and do not forget to change the filter regularly. Using an on the counter filter system generally does not cut it. Use bottled water if you cannot have a high quality filter installed. The bottom line is use perfect water.

The fourth and final factor in improving your coffee is to use fresh coffee beans. We suggest that you invest in a burr grinder and grind the coffee just prior to brewing it. This can make a huge difference in the taste. While buying “gourmet” coffee off the shelves at the grocery store can make a huge difference in how your coffee tastes if you are using Folgers out of a can, I suggest you avoid what is on the grocery store shelf, especially the large bins of coffee that are unsealed.

Rather, locate a roaster of coffee in your area. What I am referring to is a place that buys the coffee beans in their green condition, and then roasts them on-site. Not only are you buying the freshest coffee possible, but you are keeping your money in your own community.

I suggest you find a roaster that will tell you the date that the coffee was roasted. Coffee is at its best within 14 days from its roast date. The quality begins to dissipate after this, although depending upon how the coffee is stored, it can last for 30 to 45 days after the roast date. With that being said, buy just enough coffee to get you through one week of home brewing. Generally this is between one and two pounds of coffee for most households.

Finding a coffee roaster that has a big selection of coffees and blends can be difficult. Start with the internet and see what comes up in your area. You never know, you may just start your very own Starbucks from the comfort of your very own kitchen.

The Jackson Coffee Company’s story is really quite simple: We have been roasting and brewing really great coffee since September 2006. Our coffee is roasted in small drum roasters in our downtown Jackson store, which is located in the heart of Jackson’s business district. We do this because we know that there is nothing better than freshly roasted coffee so long as you’re starting with great beans and roasting them with passion.

In 2007, 2008, and 2009 we won awards for “Best Coffee House” in Jackson. We have won every year since opening, beating out the likes of Biggby Coffee, three Starbucks, Bearclaw Coffee, three Tim Hortons, Dunkin Donuts, and 5 other independent coffee houses.

In 2007, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce awarded Jackson Coffee Co. the coveted Brick Award. In 2008, the Chamber awarded us the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. In the March 2009 edition, Jackson Coffee Co. was on the cover of Jackson Magazine, and was the feature article. Our commitment to coffee, as well as the remarkable flavor of our coffees and our commitment to our community, is the reason for our awards. It’s what we call “The J Way”.

Author: Brian Surgener
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Coffee gets people going every morning and is used by millions every day in the United States and around the world. There is coffee from all parts of the world offering different flavors and robustness. Regardless of where the coffee originates, the formula for a great cup of coffee is the same. The perfect cup of coffee is a delicate balance between the amount and type of grind of coffee beans you use, the temperature of the water, the length of time the water is in contact with the ground coffee and proper handling and storage of coffee beans.

Buying, Storing and Grinding Coffee

If you want to guarantee the perfect cup of coffee every time we have to go back to how we store our coffee beans. Buying coffee whole, in bean form is the best way to lock in the flavor and freshness. Once a bean is ground, it’s flavor and freshness are immediately compromised. This is why proper storage is crucial to a great tasting cup of coffee. The best way to buy beans are in air tight sealed bags. Stay away from bulk coffee beans because these beans are not stored air tight, thus compromising their freshness. If you buy beans from a roaster and they are not in an air tight bag, make sure you store them wrapped tightly in an air tight container as soon as possible. This will keep your beans fresh much longer.

Many people place their coffee beans in the freezer and then grind what they need and store. This is a bad practice. Freezing coffee beans allows for condensation to form on the bean itself, thus accelerating the loss of freshness. Only grind coffee at the time you plan to use it and never put it in the freezer.

There are several different grinds for different coffee applications. Espresso is a very fine grind, suited for a quick brew time while French press requires a very coarse grind suited for an extended brew time. The proper grind for drip coffee lies somewhere in between. About 10 to 15 seconds in an ordinary home kitchen coffee grinder will be good.

Water Temperature and Ratio to Coffee

Measuring your coffee correctly is extremely crucial to getting that perfect cup. You should use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. An average coffee cup filled just beneath the lip is about 9 ounces of water. For a normal mug of coffee 3 tablespoons of ground coffee is good. Water temperature should be around 190°F-205°F which is just below the boiling point. The best way to brew in my opinion is not in a coffee maker but in a handy Melita plastic coffee brewer, equipped with either a metal mesh filter for best results, or a paper filter. To keep coffee warm after brewing use a thermos carafe. It  will not burn the coffee like the hot plate attached to your coffeemaker will.

Coffee has a point at which it will release bitter flavors. This is the reason it is crucial to use the right amount of water to grounds. If you brew coffee through grounds that have already passed the optimal point for brewing, the flavors released from the remaining grinds are bitter and acrid. Many mistake this for coffee that was made too strong and counter it by using less coffee grounds, thus making the coffee even worse. Properly brewed coffee is supposed to be strong and robust, but not bitter or acrid.

In summary, brewing a great cup of coffee is simple. While at the same time, making a cup of bad coffee is just as simple. Hopefully you will take the time to make a great cup of coffee. Once you do it a few times the right way it will become second nature.

Chris has been writing articles for 4 months now and enjoys sharing tips and tricks he’s discovered that make his life and hopefully others lives easier as well. Read about Chris’s latest interest in kitchen exhaust fans at his website where he reviews Zephyr Range Hoods and the Viking Range Hood.

Author: Chris Rubenstein
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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