Coffee Guide

Espresso machines come in hundreds of varieties ? there are the simplest candle driven models to the very high technology, dual thermostat and multiple-chamber machines you see in today?s cafes. Despite these complexities, espresso machines have very basic cores ? they are either steam- or pump- driven.

Types of espresso machines

Steam espresso machines. These are the simplest kinds of espresso machines, as they work by pressure. How exactly do they work? Water boils in an airtight container below the machine. The water becomes steam, and then forces its way through the coffee grounds, and eventually into a coffee cup.

There are different types of steam espresso machines ?the stovetop version and the electric version. They work on the same principle, except that the stovetop machine only relies on the heat of the stove to produce steam, while the electric version uses an electric coil to heat the water.

Pump espresso machines. Pump espresso machines do not wait for the water to heat up and become steam. They pump the water through the coffee at a temperature that is a little cooler. Coffee experts say that pump espresso machines create more superior espresso than the steam machines, provided they are used correctly.

There are different types of pump espresso machines. There is the electronic pump that most modern coffee houses use. They are very accurate, because you can calibrate the temperature according to your liking. There are also pump espresso machines with manual levers. It takes a lot of skill to master this type of machine, so don?t invest in one unless you have a ?barista? background. For the less gifted, the automatic pump is the way to go. It does virtually everything by itself ? it grinds the coffee beans, tamps and pumps.

Espresso provides detailed information on Espresso, Espresso Machines, Espresso Equipment, Gourmet Espresso Coffee Gifts and more. Espresso is affiliated with Best Espresso Machines.

Gourmet espresso beans make excellent gifts for all occasions, especially if your recipient is a certified coffee lover. But how do you choose what gourmet espresso coffee bean to give when you know nothing about coffee? This crash course should help you.

Choose the best: Arabica beans

Arabica beans are all the rage in the coffee world, because of their distinct flavor, strong aroma and high caffeine kick. The best Arabica beans are grown in countries like Costa Rica, where the climate, weather and soil are ideal for growing superior coffee beans. Choose only Arabica espresso beans that are cultivated in volcanic soil, because experts agree that they have the richest and, at the same time, the most delicate flavor.

What are the characteristics of good gourmet espresso coffee gifts?

The key to excellent gourmet espresso is striking a balance between three things ? bitterness (sometimes referred to as acidity), consistency (it has to have smooth and fine body) and aroma (strong and seductive). Find these characteristics in the gourmet espresso gift you give, and your recipient will surely be unable to stop thanking you.

Why should I buy gourmet espresso coffee as gifts?

Gourmet espresso beans are not only ?safe? and ?classy? gifts, they are also very versatile. If your recipient does not particularly like espresso or does not know how to make it, the beans can easily be turned into a less complicated cappuccino, or even a latte. The possibilities are endless.

How much will it cost?

A good bag of gourmet espresso will set you back about $40, give or take a few dollars. Wrap it in a fancy clear or opaque paper and tie a ribbon around it, and you instantly have a very elegant gift for any occasion.

Espresso provides detailed information on Espresso, Espresso Machines, Espresso Equipment, Gourmet Espresso Coffee Gifts and more. Espresso is affiliated with Best Espresso Machines.

Among the new features on this machine are the durable 1200-watt stainless steel boiler that provides for continuous use or a lot of servings over a short time period, all new sleek styling, and the Saeco Brewing System that allows the user to experiment with water volume and grams of ground coffee to fine tune the flavor and easily program these parameters into the memory. With a push of a button the Incanto will automatically grind coffee beans and dispense freshly brewed, rich and flavorful coffee into the cup. Then it cleans up and is ready for the next order in less than 30 seconds.

The Incanto offers multiple controls that present the owners of the machine with enormous flexibility. To add a bigger kick to the coffee, the user may adjust the amount of beans to be ground for each individual cup. Adjusting from 6 grams to 9 grams will increase the strength of the coffee. 7 grams of ground coffee is the usual amount for espresso, 9 grams is used for coffee. Pressing the brew button once will produce a single espresso or coffee. Pushing the brew button twice quickly will put a double shot of espresso or coffee into the cup. The user may also choose Pre-infusion brewing cycle that allows to get the maximum flavor from the brewing process. This advanced system takes the newly ground coffee beans from the internal coffee grinder and correctly tamps the coffee. Next comes ?pre-infusion?. The grounds are pre-soaked and then brewed before being discarded automatically into the internal dump box. The machine then resets itself for the next brewing cycle. A powerful on-board water pump, delivering a maximum pressure of 15 bars, helps achieve perfect coffee extraction by pulling the maximum flavor from the coffee beans.

Proper grinding is essential for quality coffee production. The Incanto has a built-in, conical type burr grinder with 18 different choices of grind, from very fine to coarse. The same type of grinders is used by the professionals. Pushing the brew button sets the cycle in motion with the grinder measuring out the correct amount of beans for the selection made and then grinding it to specifications. Conical burr grinders are made up of a cone-shaped grinding wheel that turns slowly enough not to burn the coffee beans (often a problem with low cost grinders). The heavy-duty steel of the grinding wheel promotes long years of excellent service and is strong enough to resist damage from the little stones that sometimes slip in with the beans. When the coffee grounds are spent, the machine delivers them to the internal dump box, which can hold up to 15 expended coffee portions and is easy to remove and clean. Whenever a change in the coffee routine is desired a pre-ground coffee funnel, which bypasses the coffee beans in the bean hopper, may be used. This feature is particularly useful when brewing decaffeinated espresso and the machine is filled with espresso beans with caffeine. The ground coffee goes into the funnel and the machine takes care of the rest. When it?s finished, it automatically resets back to the beans held in the machine.

Toping of cappuccinos or lattes is quick and easy with Saeco`s patented Rapid-Steam? system. This technology produces instant steam delivering the perfect foam to every cup, while other systems may require up to 45 minutes for the steam function to be ready.

Among other practical features, the Incanto offers the adjustable beverage dispensing nozzle, which moves up or down to accept cup sizes up to 3.5? inches high and can be moved aside during the brewing process, and an extensive system of operational lights and indicators that help monitor the brewing process and signal when the machine needs to be re-supplied with water or coffee beans and when it needs to be cleaned.

There is no question that Incanto is a great choice for home or office offering flexibility and convenience to its users with the rich warm aroma of truly fine coffee only a button away!

Date: September 28, 2005
Source: www.StudioLX.com

Lena Jouran – http://www.StudioLX.com
Saeco Incanto – Saeco Incanto Classic Image

There’s nothing like the perfect espresso. Finely ground, dark roasted coffee, pressed and percolated into a strong, rich coffee drink that delights the senses and perks up your day. In Italy, ordering a coffee means that you’re ordering an espresso. The Italians stop in their local bar once, twice, even three times a day for the perfect cup of espresso. But here in America, it’s not as easy to find espresso done right. The grind of the coffee, the right temperature, the pressing of the coffee and the foaming of the milk are skills that few people know how to wield properly on this side of the ocean. But now with espresso machines and coffee pods, the guesswork is taken out of making espresso at domestic bars or even in your own kitchen at home.

In Italy, most Italians wouldn’t recognize what we think of as a coffee maker. They use a machinetta, a contraption that looks like a metal hourglass that has a top like a pitcher. The machine has 2 chambers. Water and coffee go into the bottom chamber. The machine is placed on the stovetop and heated until the water boils, percolating through the espresso grinds and into the second chamber. The pressure on the grinds between the two chambers insures that the coffee is pressed – the word espresso means expressed – and the rich taste comes from getting as much of the flavor out of the grinds as possible. The milk is heated and whipped separately. But it’s easy to make a mistake in this process. Either by using the wrong amount of water or coffee, turning the heat on too strong or not using the right timing.

The growing popularity of espresso has meant that people want an easier, error free way to make it at home. So now you can find espresso machines that let you get the right combination of the necessary steps every time. There is a wide range of models to choose from, with different features and capacity. Some are designed for use in restaurants or bars, capable of producing large volumes of coffee in shorter amount of time. Unless you do enough entertaining at home to justify the cost, these probably aren’t the best solution for you.

Models made for home usually produce either one or two shots of espresso at a time. If you prefer your espresso macchiato, with milk, or you want to turn your espresso into a cappuccino, you will want to get an espresso machine with a nozzle that creates the steam and lets you froth the milk. Beyond these choices, you might want to consider a product that lets you use coffee pods. These pods look like large tea bags. They contain the exact amount of espresso to deliver a perfect shot every time. You simply put the pod into its slot, close it, and start the machine. When the cycle has finished, you just throw the pod away. It helps prevent any problems with measuring out the espresso and makes cleaning up absolutely easy.

If you purchase a machine that uses coffee pods, you might want to consider whether or not it can also take either another brand’s coffee pods or regular loose espresso. Some machines do, but many will work only with the coffee pods that the same company also designs. Having the flexibility to use either the pod or loose coffee means you can still use it even if you run out of pods, which might need to be special ordered. Until these machines become more popular, it’s not likely that the pods will be carried consistently in local grocery stores. Plus, the choice to use either kind of coffee also gives you the freedom to experiment with other roasts or flavors of espresso to further indulge your love of coffee.

Jim Cheresly shows you what coffee appliances to use in order to prepare a fine cup of coffee at http://www.madcoffeemaker.com where you’ll find more about coffee roasters, grinders, coffee makers and espresso machines.

The espresso coffee maker is a unique coffee-making machine. It specializes in serving just the perfect cup of rich, creamy and frothy Italian coffee drink named espresso that is just so irresistible! The brewing technique implemented to make espresso coffee is very exclusive. In this particular brewing method you are forcing hot water through finely ground coffee at a high pressure to make the coffee.

So as to force the water through the fine-ground coffee, the espresso coffee maker utilizes pressure that comes from heating water inside a sealed vessel. The pressure can be generated by a pressure pump or by steam. Pressure pump fitted espresso machines are the best as they generate more consistent pressure at the optimal brewing temperature.

Most commercial espresso machines are pump driven while the majority of the home espresso makers are steam driven.

An espresso coffee maker brews your espresso quick and fast. It is convenient and simple to operate. Making espressos at home could never get easier than this. If you are a true espresso fanatic then you just can?t ignore this smart looking coffee making gadget!

The most important part of the espresso coffee maker is the pressure pump. The coffee liquid is subjected to optimum levels of pressure in a short time. The water that is passed under high pressure through the freshly ground coffee should be just below the boiling point. As a result the maximum flavor and aroma is distilled out into your coffee.

The coffee brewing principle used to make espresso coffee in the espresso coffee maker is ideal to make less caffeinated espresso coffee. The high pressure applied in the process actually sucks out bitter oils and discharges far less caffeine than the other brewing processes. So espresso coffee is much healthier than other types of brewed coffee. Forget all those caffeine blues when you are sipping into your creamy espresso!

The capacity of the pressure pump device fitted in the espresso coffee maker is expressed in ?bars?. A bar is equivalent to kg/square centimeter. A good pump can withstand pressures up to 15 bars or more. So it is essential for you to check these configurations before buying an espresso machine.

You must consider one very important aspect about enjoying a perfect cup of espresso. The creamy froth layer that forms at the top must stay as it is for a considerable period of time. So a pressure of around 7-9 bars must be passed through the coffee in the espresso coffee maker. Otherwise the froth will vanish as soon as it is formed making your espresso not worth a sip!

You can select from a wide range of impressive espresso coffee maker machines available in the market to suit your needs. These coffee making gadgets are offered at competitive prices in a variety of models. The espresso coffee makers are standard household appliances in most American homes!

You can buy a good quality standard espresso coffee maker without having to burn a hole in your pockets. A variety of low budget (less than $100) compact espresso machines are available. Some of the top low price espresso models are:

• Krups Caffe Duomo Espresso Machine
• Melitta MEX2B Espresso Coffeemaker
• DeLonghi Caffe Nabucco
• Krups Allegro Espresso maker
• Mr. Coffee Espresso machine
• Stove Top Espresso makers

However, for a more advance and superior quality espresso coffee maker you will have to shell out somewhere between $500-$1000. Some top brands in this price range are:

• Gaggia Syncrony Compact Espresso Machine
• Delonghi Magnifica Automatic Espresso Machine
• La Pavoni espresso machine
• Krups Orchestro Dialog 2-cup Espresso Machine
• Saeco Charisma Automatic Espresso Machine
• Francis Francis! X5 Espresso machine

Espresso coffee maker machines that are installed in coffee shops, coffee bars and restaurants are huge and much more elaborate than the home espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines require a higher level of operating skill and a more thorough knowledge of espresso making. A skilled barista is sure to create magic with any type of espresso device!

? Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy has more articles on coffee and coffee beans at The Ultimate Coffee Information Website such as Do Coffee Enemas Really Work?.

When asked to list essential equipment in an office people tend to think of computers, desks, chairs, photocopiers, printers, stationary and the such. While this is all very important, neglecting to include a coffee machine somewhere in that list would be close to incompetent. Why? Simply because a coffee machine is absolutely invaluable to both employer and employee. A coffee machine means more than just the obvious benefit of coffee ‘on tap’. In the workplace it can subtly act to substantially improve the employer-employee relationship.

Unfortunately, many businesses suffer from an unproductive, upstairs downstairs environment. In such circumstances it is common for company employees to feel resentment towards the management. This will reduce levels of cooperation and communication. By installing a coffee machine you are showing that you care about your employees, thus raising morale and loyalty to the company. Research irrefutably shows employees that feel their employers care about their needs and act accordingly are far happier, more loyal to the company and ultimately more productive. A more productive employee does more work in the same period of time, not only saving but actually making you money. In short a coffee machine will not only pay for itself but also help your profits.

What about the actual benefits to your employees of drinking coffee from a well selected coffee machine? Well, think about it! A coffee machine will save vast amounts of time, which is supremely important in a world where time means money. With a coffee machine the coffee will be ready made, no need for time to be wasted waiting for a kettle to boil. When an employee wants a drink they will simply pour themselves a mug of hot coffee and then happily get back to work without any significant interruption to their stream of thought. This will enable them to maintain a high level of focus.

The consumption of coffee also has many proven biochemical benefits. Concentrate, here comes the science part. Coffee contains caffeine, or trimethylxanthine to give it its medical name. Caffeine acts as a mild chemical stimulant, helping to quickly boost levels of concentration over a prolonged period of time – this will undoubtedly help to maximize productivity in the workplace.

To conclude, is it worth risking your business empire for the sake of a coffee machine? The benefits are much more far reaching than simply those of taste, time and availability. A humble coffee machine can be a real asset for your company, boosting; morale, focus, efficiency and all importantly boosting profits! What more could you ask from a single piece of equipment?

Jim Storey is the owner of Discount Coffee Machines. Jim discovered coffee when he had a desk job and never went back to his desk.

A large percentage of the population loves to drink both gourmet coffee and espresso drinks. We are all aware of the fact that coffee and espresso provide a boost of energy and they also warm your body up on those cold winter days. Most, however, are not familiar with the history of the coffee and espresso machines, themselves. Without these machines, we probably wouldn?t see such a large population that can easily and affordably prepare these common drinks.

Where did the coffee maker come from?

Since the days of the early Egyptians, coffee has been a staple beverage for most people. Though the Coffee bean originated in Africa, it quickly spread to neighboring countries, like Arabia and Egypt. The first method of bean preparation was to roast the beans on an open fire and then added to boiling water for consumption.

It is believed that coffee was probably considered a type of wine and used to barter and trade. Fermented in much the same as grapes, coffee was a source of energy and warmth for most, but some drank it because they loved the taste, too.

A man by the name of Mr. Laurens came up with the first coffee-making machine in 1818. The machine was constantly modified by coffee drinkers. The coffee machine was actually a product that had just as many patents by women as men, that was practically unheard of at that time!

Through the years, the coffee machine has become a reliable, dependable and easy to use product. In the 1960?s, the first filter machines were invented and the modifications have improved even more since then. Coffee making machines began as crude looking inventions, but have evolved into many different styles, making it possible for a Governor and a Harley biker to own the same style! Found in just about every home, the coffee machine is made by many manufacturers, including: Braun, Senseo, Kitchenaid, Krups and Pod.

Where did the espresso machine come from?

Discovered by a goat herder and developed by a tired, hungry traveler, the espresso drink has provided many with the extra energy they may need. The goat herder noticed the goats acting like they had an extreme boost of energy. As he searched for his heard, he noticed they were snacking on a red berry growing from shrubs. Curious, he ate a berry and felt as if he had suddenly gained more energy as a result. At the same time, a tired, hungry traveler witnesses the occurrences and jumped at the chance to try it for himself. Having the same reactions as the herder and goats, he knew that they were on to something. He took some berries and began to add them to drinks for those in his hometown, as the drink seemed to be a good source of energy. The idea took off from there!

The first espresso maker is said to have originated in Italy in 1901, by Italian manufacturing company owner, Lugia Bezzer. He was simply looking for a way to help speed up his employee?s coffee breaks. He figured out that if pressure was applied in the brewing process, the drink could be made in a lot less time. Nicknamed ?The fast coffee machine?, the espresso machine patent was sold in 1905. The new owner, Desidero Pavoni developed an espresso machine that used a piston pump to force water through a tube and into the coffee.

Modifications on the espresso machine were halted by the onset of WWII. Production picked up after the war and in 1946, the commercial espresso machine was invented. Since that time, the espresso maker has been produced by many name brand companies, including: Juda, Mr.Coffee, Kitchenaid and Braun. Offering various features, styles, colors and prices, the espresso machine has come a long way!

C V is a freelance writer, providing articles and information on where to buy Bunn coffee makers, coffee roasters, Saeco espresso machines, coffee grinders, and more.

Espresso has long captivated coffee lover around the world. It is actually a type of coffee prepared with a special espresso machine and made from finely ground coffee beans. Espresso is taken in ?shots? ? a straight shot is about one to one and thee fourths ounces. Most espressos are topped with cream. Espresso is usually poured directly into the cup used to serve it.

Origins of the espresso

Espresso roots back to old Italy, as its name, Italian for ?express,? implies. The brewing involved in producing espresso has four steps. The first is ?macinazione,? which refers to the grinding process. The second is ?miscela,? which is the name for the produced coffee blend. The miscela then goes into the ?macchina,? or the espresso machine, and is finally produced and poured by the ?mano? that refers to the trained barista?s hand.

Espresso is an art

Coffee experts agree that the ability to prepare the perfect cup of espresso takes years to acquire. In fact, it is so complicated that it is considered an art form. Baristas are trained extensively, so that they can make superior espresso.

What is a perfect cup?

Espresso is characterized by exceptional sweetness, smoothness and thickness. The perfect cup also maintains a strong aroma and the character of freshly-ground coffee flavor. The perfect espresso leaves a superior aftertaste minutes after drinking.

The best espressos are made with only the finest coffee beans from Brazil, Panama, Mexico and Peru. These beans all have distinct bitterness, consistency and aftertaste. Usually, only trained baristas and active coffee lovers are able to balance espresso?s acidity, but there are a lot of self-help books and Internet tips available for those who want to try. The grinding process of espresso is complicated as well. If you over grind, you lose the flavor. The recommended grinding duration is very quick, usually around 25 to 28 seconds.

Espresso provides detailed information on Espresso, Espresso Machines, Espresso Equipment, Gourmet Espresso Coffee Gifts and more. Espresso is affiliated with Best Espresso Machines.

Making espresso is more difficult than making regular coffee, and you need special espresso equipment if you like a shot or two every morning. But with all the espresso machines on the market, picking one out can be quite daunting. What features should you look for in an espresso equipment? These tips should help you out.

Features that all espresso equipment should have

Cup warmers and hot water dispensers. This might sound a bit too simplistic, but this simple (and often overlooked feature) can help you keep coffee warm during a hectic morning. Cup warmers are usually right on top of the machine. Just place your cup, and you?ll always have warm coffee. The same is true for hot water dispensers that can really save you a lot of time, because you never have to lug out the kettle whenever you want a warm drink.

Easy to use controls. Your espresso machine should be equipped with ?strength controls? that let you manage how much water and grounds you want to use for each pull. This is a must for true blue espresso lovers, because you can more accurately create the precise espresso you want.

Water filters. Invest in an espresso machine that has fitted water filters that sift out iron or chlorine from the tap water you use to make coffee. This s a very useful (and sensible) feature, although it can be quite difficult to maintain, because you need to clean or replace it regularly.

Finally, frothing wands or canisters. Your espresso machine should definitely have frothing wands if you like to make lattes and cappuccinos. Some higher-end espresso equipment actually has a whole canister for milk.

Espresso provides detailed information on Espresso, Espresso Machines, Espresso Equipment, Gourmet Espresso Coffee Gifts and more. Espresso is affiliated with Best Espresso Machines.