Coffee

Coffee machines have not only grown in popularity, but have become much more sophisticated that the early models of old.

Today, you can program a coffee machine for early morning breakfast; utilize gourmet coffee machines to make a tasty cup of espresso or cappuccino; or use a simpler coffee machine wherein you can have a cup of java at any time of the day.

It is currently estimated that there are over 100 million cups of coffee drunk every day. In fact, the U.S. and Scandinavia boast the highest amount of coffee usage. Although percolators have almost been replaced by drip coffee machines, there are still individuals who utilize the former rather than the latter.

There may be a variety of reasons why some households still choose percolators over coffee machines. It may be that some drip machines to not maintain heat as well; or perhaps automatic coffee machines turn off at a certain point; or there is a problem with the decanter; or it may be that having a percolated cup of coffee tastes somewhat better than that which comes from a coffee machine.

Whatever the reason, today you can find coffee machines for a variety of households; from one cup to ten cups or more. In today’s economy, however, prices of food, milk, and especially coffee have risen. When you add to this the fact that many years ago drinking several cups of coffee was not considered a healthy part of one’s diet regimen; today the tide has turned once again and coffee is considered a good thing.

Coffee machines brought the emergence of flavored coffees from around the world. Though quite high in cost, nonetheless, individuals flocked to these coffee houses to have a cup of this rich brew. At the same time, percolators and drip coffee machines would continue to be used in households.

However, many of the well-known coffee houses who charged an exorbitant amount of money for a cup of coffee have now turned towards decreasing the cost due to an economic recession. Although individuals still choose to forgo making a cup of java at home and prefer, instead, to buy a cup of coffee on their way to work. Others, on the other hand, choose not to buy a can or bag of coffee but rather buy a cup at their local convenience store or coffee house.

It seemed inevitable, then, that because there are millions of people who drink coffee that technology needed to take a giant leap forward in order to accommodate coffee drinkers at large and offer a coffee machine that could be programmed to do everything except serve.

For those who still own percolators and who refuse to spend a handsome sum of money to purchase coffee machines, take heart. Percolators are still available, although you may need to research the internet to find them.

Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get free information on numerous topics including coffee and buying thermal mugs at http://www.whereyoucanbuy.com

Author: Craig Thornburrow
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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There are many methods of coffee preparation. Each method has its own unique traits suited to a variety of tastes and lifestyles. Here are some of the more popular and interesting coffee preparation methods, and the types of machines or apparatus for each.

One of the most familiar manners of brewing coffee is the use of the PERCOLATOR. Boiling water is repeatedly filtered through the coffee grounds. This is an old favorite, particularly when used with very mild coffee. One drawback of percolation is the resulting bitterness of the coffee which is caused by prolonged overboiling.

AUTOMATIC DRIP brewing tends to take much of the guesswork out of preparing coffee. Cold water is poured into a reservoir and is heated to the appropriate temperature; the water pulses through the ground coffee awaiting it in a filter. Some models have a switch which slows the pulsing of the water to allow a rich brew, even if only a few cups are desired.

MANUAL DRIP coffeemakers use a paper FILTER CONE similar to the one used in the Automatic Drip machine. Water is heated separately, and at first a small amount is poured over the coffee grounds, allowing them to “blossom” – to open up and release their flavor (See “Agony of the Leaves” in Tea Through the Ages – before pouring in the rest of the water to drip through the filter.

COFFEE FILTERS strain grounds out of the brew. PAPER FILTERS are efficient in keeping out some of the strong flavor, leaving a “clean-tasting” cup of coffee. GOLD, GOLD-TONE, STAINLESS, and NYLON FILTERS permit more of the coffee’s flavor to flow through. No matter what type of filter is used, it is not unusual to find minute particles of grounds floating in your coffee.

PLUNGER POTS, otherwise known as FRENCH PRESS coffeemakers, are rapidly growing in popularity for many reasons. They are frequently used at professional coffee tastings as they are as close as possible of making the “perfect” cup of coffee. The
plunger pot permits full contact between water and coffee, extracting more of the rich flavors.You are also in control of bringing the water to its optimum temperature, just below boiling, making for a hot cup and full extraction.

There are a variety of sizes and styles of the FRENCH PRESS, accompanied by a wide range of prices. They have a tempered glass beaker or carafe plus a stainless or nylon filter/plunger. Place ground coffee and hot water in the carafe, stir once, and allow to steep. The strength of the coffee is determined by controlling the steeping time, 3 to 5 minutes. As soon as the pre-determined steeping time elapses, slowly push the plunger down, pressing the filter screen through the mixture. Hold most of the grounds securely at the bottom of the carafe as you pour your hot, extremely fresh coffee.

For those coffee drinkers who prefer their brew stronger, more flavorful and intense, there are ESPRESSO and CAPPUCCINO machines. Electric machines with an internal pump and a cold water reservoir usually produce the best brew.

When making espresso, only a small amount of water is automatically drawn, heated, and then pumped through the coffee grounds at a very high pressure, extracting the essence, richness, and intensity of the coffee. These coffee machines can also produce cappuccino, cafe au lait, hot chocolate, and tea. See wide selections of espresso machines at http://www.niftykitchen.com/site/339522/page/49348.

Cappuccino is espresso, only topped with frothed milk. To get the best froth, use only a small amount of milk, in a small, cold stainless or ceramic pitcher. To make the froth,place the tip of the steaming tube just beneath the surface of the milk and turn on the steam, allowing the milk to aerate by swirling around the bottom of the pitcher.

Many stovetop units are not true espresso machines; one of these is known as a MACCHINETTA, a fairly inexpensive, traditional coffeemaker which dispenses coffee by boiling water and then causing enough steam pressure to climb through the grounds. The payoff for using a stovetop machine is that the higher water temperature creates a cup that is strong but somewhat thin and bitter, as opposed to the espresso from a pump-type machine.

Coffee prepared by the COLD WATER METHOD causes less stomach discomfort to those who are troubled by the acidity in coffee. Using the TODDY COFFEEMAKER, one pound of coarsely ground coffee is steeped overnight in water and the filtered into a carafe. This resulting mixture is combined with water to taste and then heated when ready to serve.

TURKISH coffee refers to both the preparation and grind of this Middle Eastern specialty. It is ground nearly to a powder, mixed with equal parts of sugar, and is then boiled in water several times until it becomes almost syrupy in consistency. The froth is served between boils. Drunk in small cups that usually contain some of the grounds, the brew is exceedingly strong. The coffeemaker used is called an IBRICK.

VACUUM coffeemakers are a double delight, Besides brewing wonderful-tasting coffee, these makers give a great show to watch. Consisting of two carafes, water is held in the bottom while the coffee grounds rest in the top. When the bottom carafe is heated, the water is forced to the top carafe, where it steeps with the coffee. When the heat source is turned off after a couple of minutes of steeping, the “filtered” coffee is forced back to the bottom, ready to be served.

The NEAPOLITAN is one of the more traditional drip coffeemakers. The part without the spout is filled with water, and the special filter fitting in this part is filled with coffee. When a bit of steam comes out of the spout, the heat is turned off and the coffeemaker is then turned upside down. The hot water slowly drips down to the section with the spout. Remove the top part containing the coffee and serve.

For those coffee drinkers looking for the bizarre in coffeemakers, try the COFFEE SOCK. It is usually made of cotton and does look like a sock. Simply put some ground coffee in this intriguing device and infuse it in hot water. You can even use your own socks! This custom of preparing coffee is popular in South America.

Terry Kaufman is Chief Editorial Writer for www.niftykitchen.com, www.niftyhomebar.com, and www.niftygarden.com. 2006 Terry Kaufman. No reprints without permission.

Author: Terry Kaufman
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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