Coffee

Probably the most common coffee makers are drip coffee makers. Drip coffee makers tend to be considerably less expensive and easier to use than espresso maker coffee machines and come in a host of sizes, styles, color schemes and designs. You should have no trouble finding one that suits your kitchen if you take the time to shop around. Statistics indicate that automatic drip coffee machine sales are approximately 14 million on average.

One of the most prominent automatic drip coffee machines is “Mr. Coffee”. Other highly regarded brands include Cuisinart, Black & Decker, Proctor-Silex and Braun.

Drip coffee makers function by the passing of water through a filter containing an amount of ground coffee. There are two basic filter types for these types of machines, permanent and paper.

Both types of filter can affect the taste of the beverage. Paper filters are disposable, whereas permanent filters are.. well permanent in that they do not need replacing. Permanent filters are usually metal can accommodate coarser grinding of coffee beans than is required in a paper filter.

The features of automatic drip coffee makers vary from model to model depending on how high a particular model sits in the market. Higher end models take care of all the preparation that is needed to go from beans to cup – grinding the beans to brewing the coffee at pre-specified time intervals. Lower end automatic drip coffee machines have a filter basket, water reservoir and warming plate that keeps the pot heated at all times. Most of these coffee makers have a handy filter basket that can be swung or lifted out and have a single control to switch the power on or off.

Some additional features that are included in some models are digital display and/or control panel, timers, clocks, indicator lights, a brew-pause function, automatic shut-off and permanent filters.Higher end makers also include flavor settings, built in grinders and water filtration. Basic single cup machines are offered as well as coffee makers that can handle anything up to 12 cups!

Essential, Commonly Asked Questions (and Answers)

What is the ideal brewing temperature?

General consensus is 200 degrees, although coffee machines in public restaurants do often prohibit temperatures getting this high due to liability risks. If brewing at home it is often a good idea to experiment with different temperatures and test the results.

What are the crucial quality factors affecting a cup of coffee?

There are a number of things that can have an effect on the quality of the final brew. The main factors are quality of coffee beans, time since beans were roasted, the cleanliness of the equipment and quality of water used in brewing.

What is the best way to clean my coffee makers?

You should ensure your coffee machine is cleaned properly on a weekly basis in order to guarantee the quality and taste of coffee brewed and smooth running of the machine. Several common methods have been proposed by various experts. Some suggest using dish washing liquid and water, others mixing a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water through the brewing cycle, followed by plain water to remove waste buildups.

Are you able to use espresso beans in drip coffee machines? Sure. So resolve this for me… where did the term “Cup of Joe” really come from?

Legend has it that alcohol on ships was outlawed by Admiral Josephus Daniels, resulting in sailors drinking coffee as their beverage of choice. Other people will tell you the name is derived from 19 century slang for coffee referred to as “Joe” back then.

Visit our website to learn much more about drip coffee makers, espresso makers, office coffee machines and many more types of coffee machines. Espresso Makers Online.

Author: Charles R. Smith
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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For those who love coffee, I mean really truly love their coffee, as in they are passionate about what makes a good coffee, it can be a dilemma. The coffee aficionado will have their preferred cafe that they frequent because they know the Batista will make the coffee just the way they like it. The passionate coffee connoisseur can tell you if the coffee is burnt, the milk too hot, the type of coffee used acceptable and so it goes on. They know the difference between a Latte and a Cafe au lait, a flat white and a cappuccino.

So what happens when the coffee wise wish to bring the sacred brew into their own home? Many realise that the same results just cannot be duplicated at home. They know and understand the artist that is the coffee Batista and respect his craft. Others however will attempt to produce a great cup themselves and there begins the pursuit of the ultimate coffee making implement.

The truly dedicated coffee lover will have in his or her kitchen an assortment of coffee brewing devices. It is likely they will have a filter coffee machine. This appliance usually takes the form of a heating plate where a tempered glass pot is placed into which the coffee drips as heated water percolates through the coffee grounds, which are contained within a paper filter inside a filter holder. The coffee from these machines, I find is usually quite weak or “watery” and lacks richness or body.

They may also have a plunger or “French press”. Coffee grounds are placed at the bottom of a straight-sided glass jug then boiling water is poured over them. The coffee is then left to brew for a few minutes before the plunger is slowly pushed down forcing the water through a fine strainer. The coffee from this method is far superior to the filter maker in my opinion, but still not up there with my local coffee house.

Then there is the caffetiere. This handy little device is loved by people of European extraction everywhere. Frankly, I never could master the technique of making coffee with this utensil. Again, it is based on the steam and pressure principal. Water is placed in the bottom section with coffee grounds placed in a perforated container above the water. After screwing the top section on the caffetiere is placed over a flame. Once the water reaches boiling point it percolates through the coffee and up into the top section. Once all the water has gone from the bottom section your coffee is made. The caffetiere makes a nice strong coffee just the way I like it. But I was never sure whether I was then supposed to top it up with boiling water or hot milk and in the end I ended up leaving it in the back of my pantry.

Not so long ago I came across a wonderful new product which seems to answer all my wishes. It is called the AeroPress and it is quite an amazing item. It processes the coffee using steam and pressure and the coffee that results is rich and not at all bitter. To add to this is the price. This is an incredibly well priced device. This handy little appliance takes up very little space in my cupboard and I am not restricted in the choice of coffee I can use. What a great find!

To find out more about the Aeropress Coffee And Espresso Maker visit Really Good Coffee

Author: Lynne Schroeder
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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A coffee machine has become a very useful and important device in many homes. Many like to chill and relax with a cup of coffee, of their favourite make and taste. Now this can be made available easily, with the quality of the taste getting only better, with a coffee maker! There are many types, shapes and sizes of coffee makers in the market now. Certain factors have to be taken care of, while choosing coffee makers.

One of the main features that a coffee maker should have is the “Pause and Serve” feature. This allows the coffee pot to be removed from the stand, even before the complete coffee is dropped into it, and also without spilling it all over and making the whole place messy. This is a useful feature as the valve closes when the coffee pot is removed.

The latest in-thing in coffee makers is being pod compatible. A pod is a little prepacked disc of coffee powder which makes coffee easily and does not create a mess. Some models also come with a facility of using both pods and loose coffee powder. Also coffee makers have many digital controls in it that make it easier and effective to use. Features like LCD display, timer, if the time has to be set manually, a clock, auto switch-off feature; this reduces the energy usage. If the machine also has lighted buttons, then it would be more useful to view it in the darkness as well.

Some hi-fi machines have water filter that takes off the chlorine and iron tastes from the tap water. This is quite a good addition, but the maintenance costs and repair costs increase, and so is an expensive process. Also adding a permanent coffee filter to the machine, in case it does not have one, is also a good option. It is better to go for a metal or plastic mesh, as they prove more useful than a paper filter, which leaves a paper taste as well to the coffee.

Some machines also come with a coffee grinder attachment. This grinds the coffee seeds for instant use, thus giving fresh and strong flavoured coffee. This can be a very good feature for those who love drinking fresh coffee with that perfect aroma. However, it is expensive, but is definitely worth the cost.

Coffee machines are the perfect way to make a fresh, perfect cup of coffee for all the coffee lovers out there! Simple to use, available in interesting shapes and different sizes, they are definitely a must-have in all households.

Visit exclusive Coffee Machines Review website for Gaggia Coffee Maker, Philips and Morphy Richards Coffee Maker reviews.

Author: Victor Thomas
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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If you want to taste coffee in a whole new way, try making it with a French Press coffee pot. Most people are used to their coffee being brewed in an electric, drip coffee maker a la Mr. Coffee. This method has one flaw in the brewing process that takes away from the true essence of coffee: the paper filter. The paper retains some of the coffee essence, and deprives you of coffee’s true potential. Granted, we cannot simply dump ground coffee into a cup, pour in hot water and start drinking; the grounds must be separated from the liquid that is consumed. Coffee grounds are bitter, gritty, and stick to your teeth. The French Press method removes the grounds, but lets all of the flavor of the coffee come to life.

Although French Presses come in various shapes, sizes, materials and manufacturers, the Chambord model by Bodum is a good example of a ubiquitous style found throughout the industry . The handle attaches to the holder for the glass carafe. The carafe holds the coffee and hot water. The carafe looks like a beaker from a chemistry lab, with a spout for easy pouring. The “pressing” apparatus of the French Press sits atop the beaker. It consists of a dome which covers the coffee as it brews. The plunger is a skinny metal post with a plastic ball at the top that slides through a small hole in the middle of the dome. At the bottom of the post is the filter, a wire mesh disk.

A quick note about ingredients. A cup of coffee is made of coffee beans and water. Therefore, start with freshly roasted whole beans ground just before brewing. Whole beans maintain their freshness twice as long as ground coffee. The water is just as critical: make sure it is cold, fresh, and filtered.

Let’s assume a 12 oz. cup is being prepared. Using 1-1 ½ tablespoons of whole beans, set your grinder to coarse. This produces the largest grounds possible, and allows water to extract the maximum flavor from the coffee. It also reduces the amount of smaller grounds that will end up in the bottom of the cup.

Dump the ground coffee into the carafe. Before adding hot water, take a moment to inhale the aroma of the dry coffee. The aroma of freshly ground coffee will take you to a better place.

Next, heat your water (12 ounces). The optimal brewing temperature is 195-205 F. If you don’t have a thermometer, simply bring your water to a boil and wait thirty seconds.

Pour the water into the beaker and stir for a couple of seconds. This will agitate the mixture and allow the coffee to brew more completely. Place the plunger apparatus on the carafe, but do not depress. Set a timer for four minutes. This amount of time allows all of the flavor and oils to be extracted perfectly from the coffee.

At four minutes press down the plunger completely, then pour the freshly brewed coffee into your mug.
Look at the coffee before adding any condiments. The coffee will appear more complex (richer) than if it were brewed in a drip coffee maker. There will even be a thin layer of crema (light brown froth) resting on top of the liquid. Put your nose close to the cup and breathe in the aroma. The smell is stronger, more pure than if the coffee passed through a paper filter. Taste the coffee before adding sugar etc. When you reach the end of the cup you will notice some residue. These are simply micro-grounds that made it through the mesh filter.

You can purchase French Presses that double as travel mugs. There are also double-walled glass, and stainless steel thermal units as well. Some are beautifully crafted and look like museum pieces. The reason for this is that coffee made in this manner is the height of the coffee brewing experience. So, if you love coffee, you owe it to yourself to purchase a French Press and make the best-tasting coffee in the easiest possible way. Prices start at around 13 dollars for a two cup (12 oz.) unit.

Brent Kloster is co-owner of Falls River Coffee, which sells fresh roasted coffee, loose leaf tea, and brewing equipment online at http://www.FallsRiverCoffee.com.

Author: Brent Kloster
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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If you are interested to know which brand is a perfect pod coffee maker, then you might first want to think about the definition of “perfect”. In short, what is a perfect single serve coffee maker?

There are probably tons of definitions out there, but mine goes like this: As long as the pod coffee maker can brew many types of coffee blends, it would be perfect, don’t you think so?

The single most daunting thing about single serve coffee maker is the closed system and their lack of coffee varieties. Pod coffee maker are already easy to use and are also very easy to clean, add in the element of variety, no coffee makers can match them in capability!

Just imagine owning a senseo, this machine is easy to use and maintain, which are great. Now, imagine having the ability to use any types of coffee that you fancy that is a very good thought right?

Unfortunately, till now, senseo is still a closed system like many other single serve coffee makers. Which means you would have to use douwe egberts if you are brewing coffee with a senseo.

There is however a machine that can mitigate this situation. It is known as the perfect pod maker. Its sole purpose is to make coffee pods that are applicable for coffee makers like senseo.

Rather than highlighting which brands would be able to use this great piece of machine, I would share which brands would not be able to use coffee pods from this perfect pod maker.

They are Nespresso, Keurig and Tassimo. This is mainly because these 3 companies are using their own special pods and not the standard coffee pods. So, other than these 3 brands of pod coffee maker, the rest of the brands theoretically have the ability to brew any coffee blends using the perfect pod maker.

And this pod maker similar to the single serves coffee maker concept, easy usage. All one need to do is to choose a coffee blend they like, and then filled it into the paper filter that is provided by the perfect pod maker.

The amount of coffee is really up to individual, but I would recommend a 8-10 grams for a strong and intense coffee. After filling the filter paper, simply press down this pod maker and wait for approximately 8 seconds and you would get a coffee pods that you can use.

There are not much things that you need to take note while using this perfect pod maker, although, it would be important to check that your coffee pods are properly sealed as any breakage (especially inside your coffee maker) could be disastrous.

For optimum taste, many users of the perfect pod maker feedback that it is better to wet the pods prior to inserting it into the single serve coffee maker, the feedback is that wetting the pods allows the hot water to seep better thus providing a better tasting coffee.

So, while this is not a pod coffee maker per se, this is a machine that can really better your coffee experience with a single serve coffee maker, right?

Ebenezer Heng, the owner of On Coffee makers does the research for on any machines related to coffee. As long as you are looking for a machines to better your coffee experience, chances are you can find it at http://www.oncoffeemakers.com and you can also learn more about pod coffee maker.

Author: Ebenezer Heng
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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