Coffee

Single cup coffee refers to the type of coffee that’s produced from single portion pods or containers – typically using single cup coffee makers specific to the particular brand or type of container. There are currently five main types or formats – Coffee Pods, Tassimo T Discs, Keurig K Cups, Nespresso Capsules and Nescafe Dolce Gusto Capsules, as we explain below.

First though, the common features…

They all allow you to brew a fresh cup of coffee, with only a minimum of waiting time and a minimum of preparation/attention required.

Single cup coffee making does away with the need to grind your own beans and reduces the actions to that of ensuring that there’s enough water in the machine, switching it on, then when hot (which normally only takes a minute of so) inserting the pod/capsule/disc and pressing a button to produce the freshly brewed coffee.

The machines are also typically quite compact, so don’t take up too much space on your kitchen counter or your desk! One thing to note is that it’s typically only the higher-end machines that can produce a true espresso, which is typically accepted as requiring a pressure of 9 bars or more, but may people find the drinks produced by the other machines perfectly acceptable, while being extremely convenient to use.

As mentioned above, single cup coffee comes in five main formats:

• Coffee Pods – While these are the most common, interchangeable option, you do need to be aware that the ‘standard’ pod size is the 62mm size, as there are also 44mm and 55mm pods/machines. If you stick to the 62mm machines, such as the Philips Senseo single cup coffee makers or the Krups Home Cafe range, you’ll find that you have the widest range of choices, from both the producers of the single cup coffee markers as well as from independent sources.
  - A main source for this type of coffee pod is the Senseo Douwe Egberts range, which currently has a number of sub-ranges, covering the traditional coffee strengths such as Decaffeinated, Medium Roast, Dark Roast and Expresso, featured blends such as Sumatra Blend, Brazil Blend, Kenyan Blend and Colombia Blend together with other flavors such as Breakfast Blend, Creme Brulee, Chocolate and Paris (French Vanilla).
• Tassimo T Discs – These work with the Tassimo range of single cup coffee makers, which are able to read the bar code on the discs, which allow the machine to adjust it’s processing according to the specific needs of the selected disk, including being able to use a ‘milk’ disc when making cappuccinos, etc.
  - The Tassimo system takes advantage of the capability to adjust the processing according to the particular requirements of the selected drink, so it’s able to dispense a range of drinks from premium coffees, crema coffees, real milk cappuccinos and lattes, espressos, hot chocolates and even teas.
• Keurig K Cups – These work with the Keurig range of single cup coffee makers and fit between the T Discs and the Coffee Pods, in that there are more flavors or variations available than for T Discs, but fewer than the ‘open’ Coffee Pod format.
  - Keurig have partnered with a range of independent companies to provide a huge range of K-Cup varieties, including coffee sources such as Green Mountain Coffee, Diedrich Coffee Roasters, Van Houtte and Timothy’s, Tea brands such as Celestial Seasonings, Bigelow’s and Twinings. They have a large range of blends, covering categories including Extra Bold Roasts (30% more coffee per brew), Dark, Medium & Light Roast, Flavored, Decaffeinated, Fair Trade Certified and Organicm as well as Teas and Hot Cocoa.
• Nespresso Capsules – As might be expected by now, the Nespresso Capsules only work with Nespresso single cup coffee makers, with the difference here being that these are the machines that can provide a true espresso, utilizing pressures in excess of the accepted minimum of 9 BAR to force the water through the ground coffee.
  - One thing to be aware of with the Nespresso system is that while the Nespresso machines are available in various retail locations, the Nespresso capsules are not, but rather have to be purchased directly from Nespresso, either online, via phone or mail or at Nespresso Boutiques. As a result, the ‘running costs’ tend to be somewhat higher than for other systems, which might need to be taken into consideration before purchasing a Nespresso single cup coffee maker.
• Nescafe Dolce Gusto Capsules – These are relatively new to the market, but are backed by Nescafe and Krups. There’s a certain overlap between Nescafe’s Nespresso range and this range, but the focus of the Dole Gusto range appears to be on the home market and allowing them to cup a wider range of drinks that just espressos, which is the focus of the Nespresso.
  - The Dolce Gusto capsule range include Caffe Americano, Mocha, Espresso, Chococino, Cappuccino as well as variations such as Cappuccino Skinny and Cappuccino Ice.

The Nespresso range is probably the option for the true enthusiast, although the Nescafe Dolce Gusto range also uses a professional-level 15-bar pressure system and is worth considering. If new to single cup coffee makers, however, it might be worth starting with a Coffee Pod machine such as the Philips Senseo before seeing if investing in a more expensive system is needed.

Finally, one tip – the results from all the systems can often be improved if you are able to ensure that your mug is warmed before adding the coffee – Give it a try!

For more articles on Coffee and Single Serve Coffee, see the Coffee Pod Guide.

Author: Gwyn Evans
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

Coffee is not only a delicious and aromatic drink but also a health beverage according to researchers from Harvard University. Their studies have revealed that coffee has therapeutic values and it can prevent, if not reduce the risks of certain diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes and heart ailments. Whether or not people are influenced by such findings, the average global coffee consumption is increasing every year. Popularity of coffee has strong positive impacts on the coffee machine market. Innumerable types and models of coffee makers are being developed by many manufacturers throughout the world. Coffee is consumed in several forms and it is necessary to design machines to produce those various beverages. Apart from conventional types of coffee, modern versions like espresso are widely consumed. It is the reason for the development of different types of both conventional and modern coffee machines. Machines helped to reduce time and human efforts involved in the process.

Percolators were the earlier devices used for making the beverage. It was a simple process in which water will be boiled separately and allowed to percolate through coffee grounds. Then came the drip coffee machine which worked with power. Coffee ground placed in a funnel lined with filter paper and boiled water will drip through the grounding machines. The brewed coffee will drip into the carafe kept to collect the same. It is an automatic process. Evolving technology helped to develop more sophisticated machines to make different types of coffee. Bean to cup coffee machine is now very popular in UK and in the continent.

Coffee beans are ground in small quantities sufficient enough for a cup or two of the drink, in a bowl within the machine. Such arrangement is to ensure that every cup of coffee will be prepared from freshly ground coffee. Electrically heated water will be pumped through the ground coffee beans to obtain strong beverage. In the case of espresso coffee machines, inbuilt pump will force the water or steam to pass through ground the beans at 9 to 18 bar pressure. Another variety is the coffee machines which are operated manually, in which a lever is used to force hot water through ground coffee beans. Advantage is that the machine can be controlled to increase or decrease the strength of concoction. A sophisticated machine is Pod coffee type. Instead of beans getting ground in the machine, readily prepared pod or capsule containing coffee grounds will be used. The quality of coffee will be ensured by the company supplying the pods or capsule which cannot be tampered with.

These are certain categories that are widely used by consumers. Several modern coffee makers are available in the markets with innovative features. Bialetti Brika machine is an espresso making one. Another one which is widely sold in UK is Keurig B60 which is a single cup coffee maker that can produce high quality beverage in a few seconds. Similarly Philips Senseo, Francis Francis espresso maker, AEG coffee maker and Braun Tassimo are among sophisticated machines offered in the contemporary markets. The above list is not exclusive. Innumerable brands and models are being introduced to cater the increasing market demands. Internet is a good source to gather information about the various coffee machines and the special features that are incorporated in them.

Compare coffee machine prices, find best coffee maker offers and read expert reviews on Baumatic Coffee Machines, Candy, Cuisinart, Haden coffee makers at UK coffee machine website.

Author: Fredrick Joy
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Thinking of shopping for a coffee machine, there are various different types from which to choose. Please read on for more regarding the varieties of coffeemaker readily available.

In addition to fresh coffee – either ground or beans – numerous coffee machines work by using ESE coffee pods (a flat disc of ground coffee beans in filter paper). A few require capsules, which usually are manufactured from either plastic or foil, and they are just about the size and shape of individual helping UHT milk cartons.

Pods and capsules – which will comprise of real coffee – might turn out to be costlier as compared to fresh coffee, but they are far easier to work with. Many espresso systems just take ground coffee, which you can find with no trouble from food markets.

On the other hand, you possibly can get a espresso grinder and grind beans in your own home. Using recently ground coffee beans may enhance the flavor, but pre-ground coffee is acceptable for the majority of palates.

Standard espresso makers

A good number of coffee machines have a motor powered pump in order to force the exact level of water necessary for one espresso through a thermo block that heats the water straight away then forces it through the gourmet coffee. In most cases, they crank out 10 to 19 bars of pressure.

However, you may also get more affordable pressure-machines, which in turn work at approximately 3-5 bars of pressure.

Choosing a coffee machine that will take ground coffee will give you the largest selection of options and there are many possibilities available for modest cost.

Bean-to-cup coffee machines

If you would like the freshest coffee achievable, a bean-to-cup coffee machine could possibly be the suitable choice.

Plenty of bean-to-cup coffee machines are automatic – you simply add espresso beans and the machine will mill them and measure and tamp the required volume by the simple press of a button. You have no requirement to make use of a porta filter – the coffee machine does all the work.

Bean-to-cup coffee machines are generally more expensive as compared to standard designs and they usually are noisy. Nevertheless they’re convenient to use and do make good coffee.

Capsule coffee machines

Capsule coffee makers are extremely fashionable. They provide espresso for the hi tech age group – and those of us who lead quite busy lifestyles. As an alternative to messing around with ground coffee, you merely place in a pre-packaged container of coffee to the device, press a button, and wait for espresso to push out from the spout.

Capsule coffee systems usually are user friendly and nice and clean, extremely easy and there are numerous selections well beneath the $400 level. Quality may differ however, so check coffee machine reviews to make sure you are buying the top machine.

The main downside is usually that a lot of capsule makers only use 1 style of capsule (eg Nespresso, Dolce Gusto). What is more, the coffee you will get from a capsule machine is costly.

Additional factors to take into consideration when scouting for a coffee maker

* Weight and size Before purchasing, have a look at where you are going to keep your coffee maker. If you are planning to stow it away, check out it’s actually lightweight enough to carry comfortably. When you choose a particularly large model, locate a shop giving home shipping.

* Drip trays All these need to be uncomplicated to raise up and lift off. Stainless steel trays need polishing together with cleaning.

* Stiffness of porta filtration system When you are in the store, find out whether you are able to comfortably fit and take out the coffee maker’s porta filter. In the event you find this tough, a capsule coffeemaker could be far better for you.

* Capacity For those who make coffee only sometimes, capsules or pods are actually practical – they make one measure at a time and additionally keep fresh for many months.

Choosing which coffee selection to try with your coffee maker

There are countless coffee blends you can purchase specialist sellers that you might chose from.

Owning an espresso machine means you’re able to try out flavors as well as roasts to find the mix that meets your current style. Several espresso blends have close to 15% of Robusta, which helps to build a greater crema (foam) and adds to intensity.

Espresso makers need to have finely ground coffee, which will creates the ideal balance to enable water to pass through at the ideal pressure. When you’ve got a coffee grinder, set it to grind extra fine.

Discover everything about the latest Espresso Machine Reviews for the best information before you buy at http://espressomachinereviewsblog.com.

Author: John D Carter
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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