Coffee Guide

If you have decided to roast your own coffee then your first port of call will be to consider how to select a coffee roaster that is right for you. This decision is probably one of the hardest coffee-related choices you?ll have to make ? there?s nothing worse than buying the wrong kind of roaster for your needs.

We?re going to be primarily looking at automated custom coffee bean roasters for the purposes of this article. But, it?s worth noting that you can roast your own coffee beans fresh at home without having to buy a roasting machine.

It is possible to roast beans in or on the stove, on a barbeque or fire or even, sometimes, in a popcorn popper. But, if you take your home roasting seriously and want some help with the process (the do it yourself approach can take a lot more time and effort) then a proper roasting machine may be your best option.

So, why do people roast their own beans at home? Well, it?s basically all about freshness and the quality of the roast you will ultimately get. If you buy green coffee beans ? i.e. beans that are unroasted ? you can simply roast them at home when you need to use them in batches so they?ll be ultra fresh. Green coffee beans are cheaper and last longer than ready roasted beans into the bargain.

The ability to roast your own beans is a desirable must with many coffee aficionados ? you can do away with stale coffee, get the level of roast you want when and where you want it and save yourself some money into the bargain!

In very simple terms there are two main types of machine to consider when you?re deciding how to select a coffee roaster which are Fluid Bed/Air Roasters and Drum Roasters.

Fluid Bed/Air Roasters

If you want to roast your own coffee beans at home then the first thing you should look at is getting hold of a standard fluid bed based roaster. These machines are small, can be compact and are primarily designed for small-medium home use. So, they will roast your beans for you fairly quickly and with minimal fuss ? you don?t have to stand over them for example, as you would if you were home roasting on the stove top.

These kinds of roasters kind of work like popcorn makers in that they use hot air during the roast process. You can see how the roast is progressing in most cases so you can control it more effectively and you will sometimes also be given pre-set roasts to choose from in any case. If you?re a home roasting ?newbie? then this kind of machine may suit you best as you will get a feel for the whole process as you go along ? you can always upgrade to a bigger and more complex roaster at a later date when you have more experience. These machines are also cheaper than other options and are relatively easy to use in the kitchen.

There are a couple of downsides with this kind of coffee roaster, however. You will find that some models won?t roast that much coffee at once and will burn out if you use them too often. Some models also don?t have such great controls or pre-sets (some don?t have any) ? so it may take a while for you to get used to using the machine if this is the case.

Drum Roaster

If the option of a fluid bed roaster doesn?t seem quite right to you when you?re thinking about how to select a coffee roaster then you could also look at drum roasting as an alternative. Drum roasters were once only seen in coffee shops and stores that roasted their own coffee beans but, nowadays, it?s real easy to buy machines for domestic use.

Drum roasting machines can basically roast more beans at once ? in most cases ? than fluid bed machines as they are bigger. Most will work on a convection or conduction method. With this kind of machine you place your beans in a drum, close it up, set it running and wait until the roast is done.

This is more of a pro machine ? although they are designed for use at home ? simply because they can be more complex to operate than fluid bed roasters. But, the majority of true coffee fans will prefer this method over time as it is held to produce better results in coffee taste terms.

The downsides with many drum roasters is that they don?t have a window so you can?t always look inside them as you can with most fluid bed roasters. So, you may have to rely on your sense of smell or hearing (as you listen to the coffee bean cracks!) to work out when your roast is perfectly done. This is one of the reasons why these machines may not suit ?newbie? roasters to start off with.

Some of these drum machines can also give off a lot of smoke so you may need to sort out adequate ventilation or even do your roasting outside if this is the case. And, as you might expect you?ll pay more for drum roasters than for fluid bed machines. At the end of the day you?ll need to think long and hard about how confident you are with the home roasting process ? if you haven?t roasted at home before then you may be better off starting off with a fluid bed machine but if you feel more confident and need the extra functionality then a drum roaster may suit you better.

Whichever type of machine you choose to buy do remember that it?s absolutely vital to read some user reviews on the Internet before you buy a roaster as these will tell you stuff the manufacturer won?t. These reviews are written by people who have used these machines and they will give you a real good idea of the pros and cons of any machine from people that have used them regularly.

Some example tips to look out with for fluid bed roasters include:

• How well do the programs (if there are any) work?
• How easy is it to use and what kind of functions does it have?
• How well made is the roaster?
• How evenly does it roast?
• How well can you see into the roasting chamber?
• How noisy is the machine?
• How easy is it to clean the machine/parts?
• What happens to the chaff?

Some example tips to look out with for drum roasters include:

• How well do the programs (if there are any) work?
• How easy is it to use and what kind of functions does it have?
• Does it produce a lot of smoke?
• Can you see inside the drum from the outside?
• Does the machine get too hot?
• What happens to the chaff?
• How easy is it to clean the machine/parts?

About the Author

Carol Finch enjoys writing about coffee bean roasters, organic coffee, and more at Coffee N’ Beans: http://www.coffee-n-beans.com

There is good coffee and absolutely abysmal coffee. Both may start with the same elements, but one cup can taste completely different to another. Freshness is the key to great tasting coffee. Here is the play by play smackdown of how to create a fantastic tasting cup of coffee.

1.Use good beans. Go to a local coffee roaster and buy only enough coffee beans to last you a week. Buying fresh beans is one key to good taste. When you buy beans make sure the beans are all relatively the same size and same color for even grinding and flavor. If you buy beans from the supermarket at minimum, check to see if the beans are Arabica.

2.Use filtered water. Even if your coffee maker has a charcoal filter it is best to start off with filtered water to ensure there are no impurities like chlorine or minerals to alter the real taste. Use cold water.

3.For the best tasting coffee ensure you have a coffee maker which can brew up to 95 to 98 degrees Celsius, just off the boil. This temperature is the optimal temperature to get the best flavor out of the bean.

4.The grind. Only grind as much coffee as you are going to need for that moment. The finer you grind, the more flavor you will receive. The grind has to be even to ensure even taste. If you are using a cheap coffee maker you should only use a medium grind to avoid the over-extraction. However, grind to your equipment?s recommendations.

5.Use two level tablespoons of coffee per cup. If you are making more than 10-cups of coffee you should use the strength meter on its highest position possible to allow more water to penetrate the grounds evenly.

6.Use unbleached coffee filters or ensure your permanent filter is free from all coffee sludge. When it comes to coffee, cleanliness is next to Godliness.

7.Stir the pot. Once the coffee is brewed, stir the pot to infuse the taste.

At bare minimum, these steps should always be used when making coffee. Think about the farmer?s in the field, if you skip a step are you doing their hard work justice? On a selfish note, missing one of those steps will affect the taste of your coffee, even slightly. Other things to make a great cup of coffee are:

1.Always ensure your equipment is clean. Old coffee sludge can really change the taste of coffee. Polident can clean your equipment to almost new.

2.NEVER reuse coffee grinds.

3.NEVER grind beans just taken out of the freezer. Let them thaw first.

4.Always store coffee in air-tight containers away from direct sunlight.

5.NEVER leave the coffee on a heater for longer than ? an hour. It gets a burnt taste and smell.

6.Always warm your cup and never reheat coffee.

The best coffee starts with fresh beans, clean equipment and clean water. Adhering to at least those three guidelines will give you great tasting coffee. Everything else is just gravy.

Kate Simpson is a freelance writer who contributes for the Coffee Bean Queen – http://www.coffeebeanqueen.com/ ? a website offering information on everything from coffee to coffee making, capresso coffee and more.

The island nation of Jamaica is known for its soulful, festive music, its hot vacation spots and its coffee. The reputation of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffees among connoisseurs has pushed it to the top of the price list, ranging on average from $26 to $40 a pound. To understand the price, one must shed some light on the process resulting in this uncommon grind.

True to its name, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is grown in the Blue Mountain region of Jamaica, generally located between Kingston to the south and Port Maria to the north. Rising to 7,500 feet, the Blue Mountains are the highest point in the Caribbean. The area is characterized by cool, wet weather and dark, rich soil with good drainage, ideal conditions for cultivating coffee. Though coffee is not native to Jamaica, it is the chief export of the island.

The quality of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is so fiercely regulated that the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica even restricts the geographic area that can produce it to the parishes of St. Andrew, St. Thomas, Portland and St. Mary. The Board has also trademarked the distinguished name all over the world so that not just any grind can try to pass as Jamaican Blue Mountain.

Screens of various dimensions are used to sort beans by size. The theory behind the screening process is that beans from higher altitudes are larger and produce better-tasting coffee than the smaller beans from lower altitudes. The Coffee Industry Regulation Act has instated three calibers of Jamaican Blue Mountain, based on the screen, or size, of the bean.

The strict regulations of the board prohibit some beans that might be acceptable in other brews. The screening process also helps to eliminate maragogipe (elephant beans). The green, oversized beans are a mutant strain thought to have originated in Brazil, are porous and absorb the characteristics of the soil in which they grow. Opinions about their worth vary widely among experts, but they are considered unfit for Jamaican Blue Mountain.

At least 96 percent of the beans used must be of the same size and bluish-green tint. No more than two percent can stray from that standard in any way. Sour or black beans, or foreign matter of any kind, are considered unforgivable defects and do not fall under the two-percent rule. The most unbending benchmark is needed to maintain the traits that coffee drinkers have come to expect.

The body, flavor and aroma of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee have made it one of the most sought-after coffees on the market. The supply is limited due to the relatively small geographic location where appropriate beans are developed. Restricted quantity, along with the excellent quality resulting from meticulous cultivation standards, and the celebrated name that demands the attention of hard-core coffee addicts everywhere inspires the demand for this brew, and it is the demand itself that will undoubtedly continue to sustain the high price.

Corinne has written many coffee related articles. Find more articles and information at The Coffee Site along with information on gourmet types of coffee, one cup coffee makers and more.

If you?re currently wondering how to select a coffee bean grinder to suit you and your kitchen then you probably already know that there are various options open to you. In simple terms most coffee grinders will be spilt into two camps ? blade grinders and burr grinders. So how do you choose between the two?

First, it?s worth noting that you can buy both types of grinder as both electric and manual options if you wish. It?s becoming more popular for people to buy electric machines on the whole as there is a big added convenience here so, for the purposes of this guide, we?ll be focusing on electrical options rather than manual ones.

In simple terms the final decision you make when it comes to working out how to select a coffee bean grinder will, in most cases, come down to budget and to how seriously you think about coffee so this is worth bearing in mind as you read through this article.

So, let?s take a look some of the pros and cons of the two types of grinder.

Blade Grinders

Blade grinders ? as the name suggests ? use a blade to chop up your coffee beans until they are ground. Most of these machines work on a simple principle ? the longer the machine grinds, the finer the grind will be.

Pros

• Generally cheaper than burr grinders.
• Do an effective job of grinding your coffee beans.

Cons

• Can?t give a completely consistent or even grind (this can have an adverse effect on the taste and quality of the coffee you drink).
• The blades on some models may overheat ? especially if they are left on longer for a finer grind ? which can again alter the actual taste of your coffee.

Burr Grinders

A burr grinder ? often also referred to in some circles as a mill ? works on a different principle to a blade grinder. Here the beans are crushed between the machine?s moving wheel and its static surface. You decide on the level of grind by using pre-specified settings on the burr. Models vary between doser and doserless for coffee bean storage in the actual grinder.

Pros

• A burr grinder will give you a consistently even grind with no problems.
• These grinders and their grinding pres-sets are easy to use.

Cons

• A burr grinder will generally cost you more than a blade grinder.
• Some models clog easily and can be harder to clean.

So, when you?re deciding how to select a coffee grinder ? as you can see ? you need to consider how important the quality of your grind and the resulting taste of your coffee is to you as an individual to a certain extent. This is what will dictate whether you opt for a blade grinder or a burr grinder at the end of the day.

Most blade grinders users will simply like a regular cup of coffee that has been ground at home for optimum freshness. If you simply like grinding your own beans for basic coffee drinking use then there?s no real reason why you should waste money on a burr grinder when a blade grinder will suit your needs just as well.

It?s very important to remember here that a blade grinder may give a more uneven grind but it still does an effective job. But you may not get the best grind ? and therefore the best tasting cup of coffee ? from the beans you buy in this case. One good tip that many blade grinder fans give is to give the grinding machine a little gentle shake every now and then as this will help distribute the bits of cut beans more evenly which may help your grind?s consistency.

If, however, your cup of coffee is real important to you and you want consistent brewing results each and every time you grind your beans, then you will probably be better off looking at buying some sort of burr grinder to meet your needs. These grinders are adored by coffee aficionados simply because they treat your coffee beans and the grinding process consistently and will therefore bring out the best taste for every cup by making sure that each grind is even across every single coffee bean.

It?s real simple to source and buy each kind of grinder ? both in stores or over the Internet. Major coffee maker manufacturers such as Braun, Capresso, Alpina, Mr. Coffee, DeLonghi, Russell Hobbs, KitchenAid, Krups and Solis will all have a grinder line of some sort to choose from.

You may find ? if you shop around a little ? that you may be able to afford to buy a more expensive grinder for your budget as there are often great bargains and discounts to be had all year round. For this reason it?s certainly worth while not rushing out and buying the first grinder you see but doing some price comparisons first to see what savings can be made.

It?s equally important to read reviews to find out how specific models have worked for other people in the past. The Internet is a great source for these kinds of user reviews so once you?ve identified a few models you can log on and see how these machines have worked for others in their homes rather than just relying on manufacturer?s ?blurb?. This will give you a real useful idea of how well a model/models may actually work in your own home rather than having to wait to find out once you?ve purchased a grinder.

There are certain things to look out for in these kinds of user reviews. For example, you should be looking to discover if other grinder users have found that their grinder:

• Gets clogged or blocked easily.
• Gets beans stuck in its mechanism.
• Overheats and leaves a bitter taste on the coffee.
• Is easy to clean and maintain.
• Gives a really even grind consistently.
• Is excessively noisy.
• Has a problem with static electricity.
• Gives you an easy way to pour out your ground coffee.
• Is well made and won?t fall apart after a couple of uses.

If you can get the right kinds of answers to these questions then the chances are you?ll find the kind of grinder ? either burr or blade ? that?s right for you.

Carol Finch enjoys writing about coffee grinders (burr and chop) and more at Coffee N’ Beans: http://www.coffee-n-beans.com

When you want to have a cup of delicious coffee, it is best to use coffee that is fresh and hot off the grinder. Most coffee lovers contend that it is best to let the coffee beans pass through a grinder first before brewing them in order to preserve the aroma.

Normally, ground coffee eventually loses its flavor when exposed to air for a long period, thus, the longer the ground coffee is exposed in the air, the lesser the coffee flavor.

That is why it is best that you grind coffee beans in minimal amounts or in quantities that are enough for your daily use. Do keep in mind that grounded coffee must be placed immediately in an airtight dry container to preserve its aroma and flavor.

In coffee making, these innovative coffee processors can be very useful when grinding whole coffee beans so as to facilitate an easier way of brewing them.

There are, basically, three types of grinders to be used on whole coffee beans. These are the electric blade, the conical burr, and the burr grinder.

The conical burr grinder works best in maintaining the aroma and flavor of the coffee. It makes a refined coffee texture. With its complex pattern of steel burrs, you can easily manipulate the speed of the grinding process, from high to a slower pace.

When using this type of coffee crusher, keep in mind that it is best to grind coffee in a slower speed so as to lessen the heat in the machine. This is because higher levels of heat applied to the coffee will eliminate its aroma and flavor.

Conical burr grinder is best for different kinds of coffee makers, percolators, espresso, or drip. Its maximum grinding speed is usually less than 500 rpm.

Burr grinder, on the other hand, is usually faster in grinding coffee beans as compared to conical burrs. Its actual grinding speed usually ranges from 10,000 to 20,000 rpm.

Because of its great speed, burrs are considered to be the most inexpensive way of achieving well-refined coffee grains. That’s why these are the types that are usually suitable for home use. Though, when compared to conical burr, burrs do not grind as fine.

Blade grinders are the fastest coffee processors available in the market today. Its maximum speed range from 20,000 to 30,000 rpm. Contrary to the first two types, blades produce coffee grains with a mixture of large and small granules.

Due to the coffee dust that accumulates in the blade grinder, the sieves in French presses and espresso machines are clogged. That is why blades works best in drip coffee makers and are not suitable for pump espresso machines.

Because of its fast speed, blade grinders can also be used in crushing different herbs and spices.

However, different types of coffee processors can also affect the results of your coffee grains. That’s why it is best to consider some factors when choosing the best machine to do the job. You have to consider the static, safety, noise, and the simplicity of cleaning the machine.

So, for coffee lovers out there, you do not have to purchase expensive ground coffee anymore. All you have to do is to look for the best coffee grinder available in the market that is suited to do the job you want in your coffee.

Just bear in mind to consider the different factors that may affect the coffee texture so as to preserve its flavor and aroma.

James Monahan is the owner and Senior Editor of GrinderSite.com and writes expert articles about grinders.

When it comes to coffee makers there are thousands to choose from. Among these thousands there are differences in price, functionality, warranty and style. Sure, you can go to the closest big box store and pick one up for about 20-bucks, but generally the machine is just plain boring. Why not spend some more cash for better longevity, better functionality and sexiness-factor? We all like to be sexy, so why not your kitchen?

The roasting drum roll please? The top 5 snazzy, sexy and sensational coffee makers for 2005 are:

1.The Cuisinart Grind & Brew Thermal Coffee Maker: Best of all is it?s timed grinding and brewing feature. You wake up in the morning to the sound, smell and taste of the freshest ground coffee. This model is very tall and looks exceedingly modern with all of it?s stainless steel. You have to ensure you have enough space in your kitchen for the Grind & Brew ? not only in terms of the overall length, but the lid, which is located on top, has to open to pour the water in. It has a thermal carafe, so it doesn?t burn your coffee and you can get warm coffee up to 2-hours later. It also uses charcoal water filters to clean the impurities out of your water. It has a 3-year limited warranty.

2.The Melitta Javapod One:One, Coffee Pod Machines: This is a space age looking coffee machine which makes one cup at a time. The only bummer with this type of coffee maker is it can?t be used in high elevations?or kaboom! It comes in five snazztacular colors: red, white, black, mango and kiwi. It makes one bold cup of coffee in about a minute. It can host many other brands of coffee pods, so you are not just stuck on one kind and it can also make tea. It has a 1-year limited warranty.

3.The Hamilton Beach Eclectrics Coffee Makers: These metal beauties come in the most fantastic modern-retro designs and colors. Colors really wow you with intensity. Think about this?we pick paint sometimes because we like the name and now you can pick a coffee maker for the same reason. The Eclectrics series comes in Intrigue Blue, Apple, Moroccan Red, Sugar (ok, this one?s white), Pineapple, Licorice (black) and Seabreeze. For color and design alone these coffee makers are snazzy, sexy and sensational. An added bonus is its warranty: 3 years, one of the best in the industry.

4.Kitchen Aid Pro Line 12-cup Coffee Makers: So you like coffee and you like lot?s of it. This machine will be your Godsend. It comes with a portable second warmer. This second warmer is great for those winter Sundays, where you can put it on your bedside table to read and drink coffee all day long, without having to get up. It is also great if you want to brew two types of coffee like decaf (it even comes with an orange lid) and regular at the same time. It?s made of die-cast metal, has a timer and a two temperature heat setting. For great tasting coffee this gem comes with a Ion exchange water filter. It has a 2-year warranty and if you, for some reason, get a replacement the replacement has a 2-year warranty.

5.Capresso CoffeeTEAM Luxe Coffee Maker : Capresso coffee and espresso machines are simply the cr?me de la cr?me of coffee makers. This pearl has a programmable grind and brew feature, it holds a quarter pound of coffee beans and it has a filter indicator to tell you when your water filter is pooched. It brews to over 200 degrees, so it really extracts the flavor from the beans. It has a one year warranty, but I doubt you will need it. It only comes in black or white.

There you have it, 5 snazzy, sexy and sensational coffee makers to make your kitchen smile with pride. Do yourself a favor, buy a good coffee maker. It will last longer and it looks good in your home?best of all your coffee will taste better.

Kate Simpson is a freelance writer who contributes for the Coffee Bean Queen – http://www.coffeebeanqueen.com/ – a website offering information on everything from coffee beans to coffee makers and specialty coffee types.

The coffee market offers a vast array of beans of every origin, in every degree of roast and grind. With so many options to choose from, how does one go about picking the best bean for making espresso?

It is best to start with the basics. Cappuccinos and lattes are variations on espresso. They differ only in their ratio of espresso to steamed milk. Neither requires its own separate kind of bean.

The inexperienced shopper could easily be fooled into thinking that there are countless assortments of beans to chose from and be overwhelmed. Sometimes, unscrupulous marketers with take advantage of this common myth so they seem to have a larger inventory. In reality, there are only two types of beans available commercially: Arabica and Robusta.

Arabica is a high altitude bean, grown at 2,400 feet above sea lever or higher, characterized by a smooth, yet slightly acidic, taste. It is usually grown in eastern Africa and Central and South America. Robusta grows in the lower altitudes of Southeast Asia, central Africa and Latin America and has a more potent, sometimes bitter taste.

There are many methods and opinions about the best way to roast beans, but the basic process involves exposing green, raw coffee beans to high temperatures, usually about 480 degrees Fahrenheit, for seven to 12 minutes. The heat alters the beans, manipulating their natural bitterness and acidity. The beans become more bitter and less acidic the longer they are roasted.

There is no one right way to roast or grind beans for espresso. In fact, espresso is usually made with a blend of beans of different colors and consistencies. It is not uncommon for different geographical areas to favor a specific blend. For example, in northern Italy, they prefer espresso roast in the medium range, while California tastes lean toward the darker, French roast.

You are not likely to find the freshest beans in a grocery store, and you can bet on that when in comes to pre ground coffee. The best you can do in that situation is pay close attention to the expiration date. You should have better luck finding fresh beans in a coffee house, especially one that roasts in house. Naturally, they will need to roast more of the most popular, fastest selling bean more often, and it is probably the most popular for a reason. Perfect freshness comes from grinding your own just roasted beans immediately before brewing.

Quality beans are a good place to start, but by no means is that the only factor to consider when making espresso. Other things to think about are the time lapse between grinding and brewing, the time lapse since roasting, the condition of equipment and water quality. What makes the best espresso will likely be an endless debate, but the endless options ultimately boil down to a matter of preference.

Corinne Waldon has written many articles on the subject of coffee. Corinne writes for The Coffee Site where you can find many gourmet coffee resources at your finger tips including coffee related forums, directories, reviews and more.

People sometimes wonder how coffee beans are decaffeinated ? is there a naturally caffeine-less variety of bean grown, or is decaffeinated coffee somehow chemically stripped of its caffeine? In some cases, the answer is ?neither.? There have been a variety of decaffeination techniques used over the years, some of which made use of natural or chemical solvents which left very few or no residues in the beans themselves. Since some of these chemical solvents were later determined to be carcinogenic, there are only a handful of decaffeination methods in use today.

The most obvious option is water decaffeination ? however, water alone cannot be used because it absorbs too many of the substances in coffee which provide its rich flavor and aroma. Because of this, in most cases a chemical solvent such as ethyl acetate (found in small quantities in fruit) or methylene chloride is used to strip the caffeine out of the water, and the water is then brought back to the beans and dried, returning the flavor-enhancing compounds to the 96-98% decaffeinated beans. These processes are guaranteed to leave no more than the legal limit of solvent (typically under 10 parts per million) and are certified by the US Food and Drug Administration to be safe for human consumption.

Some health-conscious coffee drinkers cringe at the idea of any chemical solvent being used in their coffee, whether it is naturally derived or not. For these folks, there is the Swiss water method of decaffeination, in which the beans are soaked in hot water, and then the water is run through filters (such as activated carbon or charcoal) to strip away the caffeine. The water is then returned to the beans before the beans are dried, returning some but not all of the flavor and aroma to the beans. This method is considered more environmentally friendly, and many decaf drinkers refuse to purchase beans processed any other way. However, given the flavor reduction, it isn?t ideal for many coffee lovers.

The last, and some would argue the best, of these three choices involves the use of compressed liquid carbon dioxide instead of water as a solvent ? the liquid CO2 is pumped into the beans after a light water soak, and then it is drained off of the beans. Because of its molecular characteristics, CO2 is able to absorb the caffeine while leaving behind the flavor components in the coffee. This method is generally considered the most environmentally friendly, and provides the most flavorful decaffeinated coffee with absolutely zero residual chemicals remaining in the final product.

So whether you are interested in lowering your caffeine intake or you just want a late-night cup of coffee without the caffeine rush, now you can make a decision as to which type of bean processing you?d prefer as an informed consumer and coffee connoisseur!

Kate Simpson writes for the coffeebeanqueen.com ? a wonderful online magazine with delightful tidbits of information regarding the history of coffee, Espresso machines, Kopi Luwak and more.

Most avid coffee drinkers will concur that an espresso coffee machine is the one and only piece of kit you can purchase that will deliver the perfect cup of coffee. You will be surprised, then, that many of these coffee fans don’t actually own an espresso coffee machine. There are a number of different types of machine. Knowing where to start can be confusing so here is an overview of the main types available on the market.

Espresso Coffee Machine Buying Tips.

In total there are three different types of espresso coffee machine. These are manual, semi automatic and fully automatic. In order to decide which one is best for you, one needs to consider what balance of how easy it is to use versus the degree of control over the coffee making process. Knowing the difference between espresso machines is vitally important in this respect.

Manual Espresso Coffee Machines

This is made up of a pump driven machine for frothing. Some of these are also semi automatic for speeding up the process.

Semi Automatic Espresso Machines

These are much easier to use than their manual counterparts. Use of these involves starting the pump and then waiting for the extraction process, which literally takes twenty to thirty seconds. This version of the espresso coffee machine is highly popular and a breeze to use compared with the old style machines.

One Touch Systems

This involves pressing a pad to initiate extraction. Once the required volume of espresso has been delivered using this machine, it automatically switches itself back off without the need for manual intervention. This type of machine is often used in commercial outlets such as cafeterias or restaurants.

Super Automatic Espresso Machines.

These machines are very quick and integrate both water and coffee grinders into the process that are activated with the press of a button. Everything is programmed including the amount of coffee required/delivered. This type of machine is very popular and has many obvious advantages over the others outlined above.

Article by Richard Davies at Espresso Coffee Machine. For more free information on finding the best coffee machine for you, visit => Espresso Coffee Machine

Few quests in human history have so captivated men and women from around the world than the search for the perfect cup of coffee. Yes, believe it or not, coffee connoisseurs have dedicated entire lifetimes in the pursuit of finding that one cup of the most heavenly coffee ever made. If you’re like most people, however, you’re just looking for an easy way to make a great-tasting cup of coffee to help get you started in the morning. The following 10 Timeless Tips to a Perfect Cup of Coffee should help you on you your mini-quest.

1.You Get What You Pay For

When it comes to coffee makers, quality counts. If you buy the cheapest coffee maker on the market, chances are you’ll end up with an equally discounted flavor in your cup. To assure yourself of great tasting coffee day after day, check out the Bunn, Cuisinart, Mr. Coffee, Krups, and Senseo brands. Alternatively, check out a French press. For that personal cup of coffee, you can never go wrong with a French press!

2.Clean as a Whistle

You wouldn’t cook your favorite entr?e in a dirty pan, would you? So, why are so many people surprised by how bad their homemade coffee tastes when they use the same coffee pot every day out without ever cleaning it? Try baking soda and water for great cleanse after every pot you make.

3.It’s All in the Bean

If you aren’t grinding your own coffee, where have you bean? The best tasting coffees come from freshly ground, top quality beans. You can savor the flavor of gourmet barista-style coffees right in your own home by simply grinding up small batches of your own brew. To top off the perfect cup, you’ll want to use Arabica beans-simply the best in the world! Store your beans and ground coffee in an airtight container in a cool, dark place at a temperature between 50? and 70? F.

4.Roasted and Toasted-Making the Most-est Flavor

Once you’ve decided upon the highest quality beans, you’ll want to consider how you like your beans roasted. Roasting releases the flavor of the bean and helps determine whether your coffee is mellow, rich, or smooth. Experiment with a variety of roasts and choose which one you like best!

5.Grind It Up

Despite the fact that many store-bought coffees say For All Coffeemakers, selecting the right grind for your coffee maker is key to crafting that perfect cup. A general guideline for grinds includes:

?Automatic drip: medium grind
?Plunger or French press: coarse grind
?Percolator: coarser grind
?Espresso maker: fine grind

6.What’s in Your Water?

When it comes to coffee, fresh is the name of the game and, believe it or not, fresh water will make a world of difference in every cup. Think about it: Since your coffee is 99% water, you’ll want to make sure you choose the best tasting water you can find. Bottled, distilled, or purified water seems to do the trick for H2O-conscious countless coffee connoisseurs.

7.Measure It

To assure yourself of perfection every time, you’ll want to make sure you spoon out the correct amount of coffee grinds. Of course, your personal taste preference should be the ultimate judge, but a general rule of thumb is 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every six ounces of water.

8.Bling, Bling in Your Coffee?

While we’re not talking diamonds or platinum, using gold (or stainless steel) mesh filters in your coffee maker will go a long way toward keeping your cup of coffee tasting great. Many paper filters release bleaches, chlorine, and dyes that can leave you with a bitter cup of coffee. If you must use paper, go with unbleached filters for the best results.

9.Brew It Up Right

A key to great tasting coffee every time is making sure your water is off the boil-a fancy term that simply means not quite to boiling. To achieve this water temperature, bring your water to a boil and then let it cool down for few moments (195-205? F) and you’ll assure yourself of a perfect cup every time.

10.Drink It Down in Style

Drink your freshly brewed, gourmet coffee in a glass or porcelain mug. Unless you like the bitter taste, avoid reheating your coffee in either the microwave or on the stove.

If you keep brewing with these ten timeless tips in mind, you’re sure to find your cup runneth over with great tasting coffee every time!

Jon Butt is the host of The Coffee Guide, an innovative website dedicated to all things coffee. From beans to gourmet, espresso machines to coffee makers, espresso cups to just great tasting coffee