Showing posts with label Coffee Maker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coffee Maker. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Coffee Maker Parts — Get to the Basics

Many different types of coffee makers exist—percolators, automatic drip-brew, etc.—but, because of the basic concept of water passing through coffee grounds or beans to create coffee, the coffee maker parts are very similar with each type.

Along the back of the heat pad a sometimes wide rectangular-shaped cylinder for water stock rises to an extended slip with a track underneath to support a filter cup. In terms of coffee maker parts, the basic coffee maker consists of a base, called a heat pad, on which sites a glass or ceramic pot.

Most machines, those differing slightly from brand to brand or make to make, are comprised with these five coffee maker parts: heat pad, water-stock cylinder, a slip with open flap and track, a filter cup, and a coffee pot. This slip typically has an opening with a flap at the top for pouring the water into the cylinder.

This white pocket of paper-like interwoven fiber is sometimes zigzag-creased and sometimes smooth, but it is always thick and heavy enough to support the weight of coffee grounds. Of course, a list of the coffee maker parts wouldn't be complete without mentioning the filter itself.

As exemplified by the convenience of the filter, the coffee maker parts in general work together to make that great rich cup of smoldering coffee - the best ever inhaled! After use, both soggy filter and coffee grounds are thrown away, so cleaning the filter for reuse is unnecessary. As exemplified by the convenience of the filter is that it is only used once. After use, both soggy filter and coffee grounds are thrown away, so cleaning the filter for reuse is unnecessary. As exemplified by the convenience of the filter is that it is only used once. After use, both soggy filter and coffee grounds are thrown away, so cleaning the filter for reuse is unnecessary. One innovative convenience of the filter is that it is only used once.

The process of brewing coffee, in the context of the relationship between the coffee maker parts, is a simple and easy process: Cold water is poured through the flap on the top of the slip and stored in the back cylinder until the machine is heated up.

When the water is at the right temperature and the pad at the bottom of the machine is hot, the water in the cylinder is channeled through the slip and down into the coffee grounds within the filter. Coffee then fills the otherwise empty pot below.

Only a few parts need to conduct this process efficiently, and when each part is working properly, the process is good-to-go! These coffee maker parts work like a snap—one, two, three!

Friday, October 23, 2009

How to Make a Good Cup of Coffee

There is one thing that most adults love first thing in the morning, a cup of good coffee. Nothing tastes better than a hot coffee, that is made well. There are a few things that go into great tasting coffee. I will explain what it needs to give you what you want, the best coffee possible.

First off, is the coffee grind, this is very important for a number of reasons. For starters you should realize that the finer the coffee grind, the more flavor that can be extracted from the same volume. It's important to buy the grind as fine as possible, or if you own your own coffee grinder that you grind it properly.

It is also important for you to follow the instructions outlined with your coffee maker or espresso machine. You should measure the water and coffee according to the number of cups you need to make, this will ensure you are adding the right amount of water in conjunction with the coffee grind. Another tip to consider, that many people don't realize is that if you reheat your coffee it will have a bitter taste. Coffee always tastes best when it is freshly made, reheating it the next day will give you less than favorable results.

I was mentioning the right amount of water to use, but it's also to important to use the right type of water. To get the best possible taste, you should use cold water that has been filtered through a water filter. Some people recommend actually using ice when brewing coffee, this is also supposed to enhance the flavor, never tried it myself though.

After the coffee is brewed, you add sugar but how much and what type? I recommend using light brown rather than refined white sugar, personally I think it gives the coffee a more enhanced flavor. Some people enjoy a little bit of milk in their coffee, make sure to warm up the milk, cold milk detracts from the hot coffee experience.

I have also read that adding just a pinch of salt to the coffee grounds will actually enhance the coffee flavor, this method is supposed to take out the bitterness out of your coffee. I haven't used that tip as of yet. And remember to clean your coffee machine thoroughly after after each and every use this will also give you a better tasting cup of coffee.

Lastly, the type of coffee bean you choose is very important. The coffee beans that you choose should be well roasted, not burned! For the best results I prefer to use 100% arabica beans, but this is just personal preference more than anything.

Chris Vorelli is a writer, providing info on all types of

Friday, February 27, 2009

Coffee Brewing Methods: Is Your Coffee Brewer Just a Drip?

Each night, millions of us coffee lovers pile heaping tablespoons of our favorite gourmet coffees into those paper filters, fill the tank of our coffee makers with water and set the timer so that our coffee is ready and waiting first thing in the morning. For most of us, brewing up our morning cup of coffee is more than just a necessity, it is a matter of convenience.

But why would anyone spend good money on the finest gourmet coffee beans or fresh ground gourmet coffees and use just any home coffee maker.

So if you are like me and you enjoy the finest gourmet and specialty coffees available, then you must also believe that they deserve the best and most reliable coffee brewing equipment available.

Here is a quick list of the most popular coffee brewing methods & equipment starting from the best:

French Press The French press coffee maker (or press pot) is universally recognized as the best brewing method, allowing for the truest coffee taste and aroma. This method actually brews the coffee in the hot water (as opposed to drip machines which only pass the water through the coffee and a filter). After a few minutes of brewing, a metal filter is pressed through the brew catching the coffee grinds and then trapping them at the bottom of the carafe. What is left over is full-bodied coffee with all its aroma and essences.

French Press

One of the main advantages to using a French press, other than great coffee taste, is the amount of control you have. You can control the water temperature (which incidentally should be around 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature that drip makers do not achieve), you can control the amount of coffee you want to add, and you can control the brew time. Four minutes of brew time and 30 seconds of "plunging" time is considered best.

Another great feature about the French press is that it is extremely portable and only requires hot water. You can take it camping or use it in places with limited kitchen space, like a boat or an RV. Some press pots can also be used to brew loose leaf teas in the same manner.

As an aside, you shouldn't leave your brewed coffee in the press-pot with the grounds after you brew it! Either consume it or transfer it to a carafe, preferably a thermal carafe.

Vacuum Brewer Vacuum brewers aren't very common, but they make coffee just about as well as a French press since the coffee and water are brewing together. A vacuum brewer has an upper and a lower chamber connected by a tube with a small filter inside. Coffee grounds are placed in the upper chamber, and water is placed in the lower chamber. As the lower chamber is heated, the water rises up to meet the coffee in the upper chamber where the brewing begins. After brewing, the water (now coffee) cools and seeps back down into the lower chamber leaving the used coffee grinds behind in the upper chamber. Ideally, the upper chamber is removed and the lower chamber is used as a decanter for the finished coffee.

Vacuum Brewer

Vacuum brewers can be electric, stovetop, or even used over a sterno can for dramatic tabletop brewing!

The Toddy Maker The toddy maker or Cold-Brew Coffee Maker uses an unusual cold-brewing method that creates a coffee concentrate. This concentrate is then mixed with hot water to make coffee. The concentrate can be stored in a refrigerator and used to make one cup at a time if you so desire. This method produces a low-acid coffee, which is doctor recommended for coffee drinkers with stomach conditions.

The Toddy Maker

Although this method of coffee brewing is sounds a bit odd, the result in taste is pleasantly surprising. One drawback is the amount of time it takes to brew. A good idea is to brew the coffee overnight. Once brewed, the concentrate can produce more than just one pot of coffee, so it's not a nightly event for a great cup of morning coffee!

Drip Grind Coffee Makers Drip Grind coffee makers are the most common and usual coffee brewing method that we are familiar with.

Drip Grind Coffee Makers

In this method, water is dripped over and passes through the coffee grinds and a filter and is caught by the coffee pot below. Despite being the most common brew method it also happens to be the one which produces a coffee brew with the least amount of flavor and aroma.

There are generally 2 filter options for the drip grind coffee makers.

Permanent filters : are just what they say, permanent. They are usually gold-plated so they don't add any unwanted metallic taste to your coffee, resistant to corrosion so they are dishwasher safe and economical because they don‘t need replacing. Permanent filters are preferred because they allow for better coffee taste as opposed to the second filter option, paper filters.

Permanent filters Permanent filters

Paper filters are the most common filter choice for the drip grind coffee makers. Unfortunately, paper filters can filter out more than just coffee grinds. Flavorful oils can be left behind in the filter and not make it to the finished coffee brew resulting in less coffee flavor and aroma. Since permanent filters allow for more liquid to pass through, the end result is a more flavorful cup.

Paper filters Paper filters

If you are one of these people, don‘t just splurge on gourmet coffee's, get a small French press maker, start experimenting and experience the truest coffee flavor & aroma in each cup. Since, mornings usually need to be made quick and simple, most people have never had their coffee brewed any other way. As you can see, the most common brew method happens to be the one which produces the least amount of coffee flavor and aroma.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

All About Coffee Makers

When everything seems to be ok on the outside, then the problem must be on the inside, so here are some tips to help you identify the most common problems and, if you are lucky, repair your coffee maker yourself. Sometimes coffee makers (as nearly everything) get broken for no apparent reason.

If your coffee maker to a different outlet, just to be sure this is not the cause. Possible causes and solutions: This may be caused by a burnt fuse, a defective power cord or something more important. Problem: The coffee maker does not lit, there are no sounds coming from it, and it never heats up.

If it still does not work, contact a coffee maker repairer.

Symptoms: The maker is on and heats up, but hot water is not coming out. Problem: The coffee maker is turned on but you are not getting any coffee.

If it unclogs, run water through your coffee maker a minimum of three times, in order to wash out the vinegar. Try using your coffee maker with vinegar instead of water. Sometimes water leaves calcium and other mineral residues on the tubes, clogging them after a while. Possible causes and solutions: The tubes may be clogged.

Problem: The coffee maker is turned on but you get only dirty cold water instead of coffee. Symptoms: The maker sucks water and pours it onto the coffee, but this water is cold.

Consider buying a new coffee maker. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do, as replacement coils are extremely difficult to find and install. Possible causes and solutions: The heating coil of your coffee maker may be dead or dying.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Coffee Making Without Technology

In this day and age, coffee making has become something of an art. Specialty coffee shops have sprung up all over, and it would be hard to drive down a city street without seeing at least one or two. These days, coffee is more than just brewing a strong cup on the stove. There are fancy coffee makers, espresso machines, and cappuccino machines, and a host of coffee flavors and different coffee additives, such as flavored creamers or syrups.

There are times, however, when making a fancy cup of coffee is out of the question. Perhaps you are out roughing it in the wilderness, you forgot your stove-top percolator, and you still want at least a good black cup of coffee but aren't sure what to do. Believe it or not, there is a trick to coffee making that doesn't include electricity or even a stove-top percolator.

Of course, even if you are lacking a coffee maker or a coffee pot, you are still going to need your basic ground coffee, and you are going to need a heat source. Hopefully, if you are on a remote camping trip, you still remembered the coffee, even if you didn't remember the stove-top percolator; and of course, most campers have campfires or camping stoves fueled by some type of gas. It can actually be a rewarding experience to use some old-fashioned ingenuity when it comes to the simple act of making coffee without a coffee pot; it helps us remember that we are not always slaves to modern technology.

The method you can use to make yourself a cup of coffee is to use a couple of paper towels, a regular pot or pan, and a cup - either a coffee cup or any cup that can hold hot liquid. Place a couple of paper towels over the cup, and then place some coffee grounds on paper towels. Heat the water over your campfire or on your camp stove until it is boiling, and then carefully, and slowly, pour the heated water over the coffee grounds and paper towels so that it filters into the cup. The more slowly you pour the water in, the stronger your cup of coffee should be. If you don't think the coffee is strong enough the first time, carefully remove the paper towels with the coffee grounds on top, pour the liquid from the cup back into the pan, put the napkins or paper towels and coffee grounds back on top of the cup, and repeat the procedure. It shouldn't take more than two times to make a strong enough cup of coffee. This may seem like a long and tedious procedure, but you'll get your cup of coffee, and you'll probably feel rather proud of yourself!

John Gibb is the owner of coffee making sources , For more information on how to make coffee check out http://www.cofeemaking-sources.info

coffee making sources http://www.cofeemaking-sources.info

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Coffee: The Big Picture

There's a lot of hoopla online that doesn't necessarily give you the big picture as to what the best coffee for you really is. Well the amount of knowledge that can cover coffee can fill up dozens of volumes of books. This won't surprise connoisseurs of coffee, but for the rest of us here is a very basic tip to enhance your indulgence of this fine drink.

If you buy your own coffee, it's critical that you buy it as fresh as possible. This means you do not want to buy in bulk (unless you are planning to feed a small army) at a time. Buy enough to cover you for the week. That ensures that you drink the freshest coffee possible.

Also one other thing you might want to consider when buying coffee, is to buy a little of each variety of coffee for the week. That way you can not only drink the freshest (and thus truest forms) of the coffee, but this will help develop you palate to become more discerning when it comes to the tastes of coffee.

Why would anyone go through all this trouble you ask? Well the point isn't so you can show off you knowledge to others (which merely a bonus in all this), but you will for the first time open your eyes to what "real" coffee should taste like. And fully appreciate it's evolution and it's history of bewitching mankind's taste buds.

Coffee maker parts relevant offerings and services are accessible at the author's website.

Coffee maker parts relevant offerings and services

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

French Press Style Coffee

Because of the filtering system there is always some sediment which some people don't like. It uses very coarsely ground coffee that basically steeps in the brewing water for several minutes allowing all the flavours to fully extract from the coffee grinds. The French press style of coffee making produces very rich, aromatic and tasty coffee.

There are some models of French Press that are insulated which is good for keeping things hot while it steeps. This plunger also serves as the lid. A French press coffee maker has two parts: a straight-sided container usually made of glass, and a filter-plunger that pushes through the water to filter out the coffee after it has steeped.

DO NOT press it down yet, it needs to steep for about four minutes (a little more or less depending the coarseness of the grind). You should now put the plunger/lid on the pot to help retain heat. You may wish to stir the coffee grinds around to be sure all of them are in contact with water. When ready, empty the carafe, add your coffee, and then add your brewing water. To brew coffee with a French Press, you should pre-heat the carafe while you boil your water.

Just take your time and it will work. The filter can jam on grinds that are too fine. If it doesn't want to go down, simply lift the plunger up slightly and try again. Do not force the plunger. Once you feel the coffee has brewed enough, slowly depress the plunger trapping the grounds on the bottom.

French Press pots are not well insulated and coffee cools off very quickly. The other main reason to pour your coffee off is to keep it warm. This will quickly ruin your coffee. If you leave the coffee in the French Press it will remain in contact with the grinds and keep brewing. Despite what some may say, it is usually best to decant the coffee into an insulated serving pot.

Once you've done that you will have some of the most tasty coffee anywhere. Play with the brewing time and grind coarseness until you get the taste that you like best.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Brewing a Perfect Cup of Coffee

Brewing a great cup of coffee depends on a number of things such as the quality of the coffee bean, the quality of the water being used, the type of brewing you are doing in order to make the best coffee possible.

Of course if the grind is too large and the water passes very quickly (like using French press grind in an espresso maker), very little of the caffeine and flavours extracted and will have poor flavour. If coffee is left contacting water for too long for its grind size, unwanted extracts emerge and make the coffee taste bitter. A French press coffee maker can take as much as 4 minutes and uses an extremely coarse grind. Espresso coffee is only exposed to water for 20-40 seconds and as a result is made using extremely fine grind coffee. This means that smaller coffee grinds need less contact with the water, and coarser grinds need longer contact. Generally speaking, the 'soaking' time relates directly to how coarse the coffee is ground.

Metal filters are also more environmentally friendly than the paper alternative. They also do not alter the taste of the coffee flavour, and some people claim they can taste the paper in the final coffee. They have very fine weave and filter out the coffee grinds very well. Metal filters are normally made from stainless steel or gold plated mesh. However they can absorb some of the coffee flavour, and some people claim they can taste the paper in the final coffee. Paper filters are quite good. Paper filters are the most common, but many people are also using metal varieties. Paper filters are the most common, but many people are also using metal varieties. Not only do they keep the grind out of your cup, but they also control how fast the water passes over the grinds. Of course filters play an important role in managing the balance between over and under brewing your coffee.

A decent quality metal filter will last years and save money in the end. Cheap filters often clog or not allow the coffee to brew properly. Whichever you choose, be sure to buy decent quality.

Start with fresh beans and good clean water and then match your brewing style to the proper grind and then mess around with the exact proportions and pretty soon your be brewing killer coffee every time. Brewing a great cup takes a little more understanding, but isn't any harder. Brewing a cup of coffee is not that hard.

Friday, December 19, 2008

The Power of The Coffee Break

Coffee is not only big business in the United States and the West in general but it is a national pastime that people like to get engaged in very frequently to get that instant buzz and also to feel like they're part of the larger culture.

Coffee has been so infused in our culture that we have a time of day called "coffee breaks" which occurs every now and then in every single workplace in the United States. It's something that we've just taken for granted because we've become so accustomed to it. In fact every time you gain new employment the first thing you look for during your break is to see if there's a coffee machine in the employee lounge.

People who have more expensive taste like to go downstairs and across the street to their local Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts or any number of a gazillion stores that offers some sort of coffee. Now this isn't just in the mornings but also the afternoons and evenings and really whenever the craving hits that people will reach out for the coffee and shell out a few bucks for their favorite blend.

It's become our main excuse to step away from our desks every now and then to just enjoy the sun and the weather every now and then. Can you imagine a culture where we did not have these "coffee breaks" we would not be leave our desks as frequently as we can and do.

Recall all those times a co-worker goes out for coffee and asks "can I bring you anything back". So not only is coffee kind of personal escape, it's also a very social activity as well that allows people to connect to each other every now and then and refresh their bonds.

Viable coffee maker parts guides and articles can be downloaded from our website.

Viable coffee maker parts

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Choosing A Coffee Maker - Tips On Finding The Right Features

There are some basic features to look for when choosing a coffee maker and some luxury features that may give you a better tasting cup of coffee The majority of coffee makers are generally quite good and you will notice no difference in the taste of your coffee from one brand to another. If you are going to spend money on your favorite coffee, you will want to make sure the coffee maker you choose is of good quality and has the features you want. Choosing a good coffee maker is not a decision to be taken for granted.

If you are considering a gold tone filter, it will give your coffee a richer taste, but the upkeep may not be worth the small difference. Cone type filters are generally less prone to spillage. You can choose a basket type filter seems to provide a longer contact time between the water and the coffee grounds, so if a basket filter is your preference, make sure you use coffee grounds that are fairly large. The first decision you must make in choosing a coffee maker is what type of filter you would prefer.

Make sure your entire hand can fit inside the coffee pot to make cleaning easy. If you cannot easily wash the coffee pot with soap and water, your coffee will taste stale over time due to the build up of residue that cannot be cleaned easily. Coffee makers with a pot that has a long neck will be harder to clean. A dark color will look new a lot longer than a white coffee maker. The color of your coffee maker is to remember that white stains easily and tends to look old rapidly.

The housing area in any good coffee maker should cover at least half of the coffee pot, the keep heat in. Many manufacturers are making the housing larger so that the coffee in the pot stays hotter. A feature that is often overlooked is the shape of the housing around the coffee pot. Timers will allow you extra time in the mornings and if you choose a coffee maker with an attached grinder, the noise would probably eliminate your need for an alarm clock. If you don't mind your coffee grounds being exposed to air overnight, a timer is a wonderful thing to have. Other than the basic features, which include color, filter, ease of cleaning, etc., there are some additional features that you may want to consider.

If you want a coffee maker with an attached grinder, Filtered water does tend to make the coffee maker harder to clean and the coffee beans are not always ground uniformly. Filtered water does tend to make the coffee taste better, but purchasing distilled or purified water can serve the purpose just as well as a built in water filtration system. If you want a coffee maker with a built in water filtration system. Filtered water does tend to make the coffee maker harder to clean and the coffee beans are not always ground uniformly. Filtered water does tend to make the coffee taste better, but purchasing distilled or purified water can serve the purpose just as well as a built in water filtration system. Filtered water does tend to make the coffee taste better, but purchasing distilled or purified water can serve the purpose just as well as a built in water filtration system. They make the coffee taste better, but purchasing distilled or purified water can serve the purpose just as well as a built in water filtration system. Grinders that are attached to coffee makers are a bit of a hassle. In general, coffee that is freshly ground tastes better.

Choose a coffee maker that meets your basic needs and any has additional features you desire. You will be able to find replacement parts and will be assured of an acceptable level of quality. Make sure you purchase from well-known manufacturers. Choosing the right coffee maker is not easy. Most of the better brand names will advertise the temperature you can expect your coffee to reach while brewing. In general, the less expensive coffee makers do not reach this temperature. For the perfect pot of coffee, the water temperature needs to be around 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

History of the Coffee and Espresso Machine

Without these machines, we probably wouldn't see such a large population that can easily and affordably prepare these common drinks. We are all aware of the fact that coffee and espresso machines, themselves. A large percentage of the population loves to drink both gourmet coffee and espresso drinks.

Where did the coffee maker come from?

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

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. It is believed that coffee was probably considered a type of wine and used to barter and trade.

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! The machine was constantly modified by coffee drinkers. Laurens came up with the first coffee-making machine in 1818. A man by the name of Mr.

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 has come a long way!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Coffee Connoisseur 101

Like most things in life, if you'd just delve into a particular topic, you'd be amazed at the rich tapestry of culture and stories involved with it. A great example is that of coffee. Now to the average consumer, they may not think too much of it. They know that it's widely accessible, and that it tastes good. And if you want to make some at home you'd just buy a coffee maker and some beans.

Well that is a great outline for the coffee culture, but you can literally expand on each specific element of coffee ranging from it's history, to how it's purchased, how to properly taste test coffee, roasting strategies, grinding techniques, brewing tips, serving styles, and how to grow coffee itself.

If you are remotely interested in coffee, then you owe it to yourself to get some books on this massively interesting topic. There are even entire careers beyond being a server within the coffee industry from the science of coffee, to business, and logistics. It's much more than meets the eye and yet it's something we take for granted on a daily basis.

I am sure that once you've learned more about the nuances and intricacies of coffee, your coffee days will never be the same. You will know that being a connoisseur is not just about being a pretentious know-it-all who makes others feel dumb, but someone who truly knows how to enjoy real coffee.

Commercial coffee grinder affiliated packages and services are available at our web page.

Commercial coffee grinder affiliated packages and services

Monday, November 24, 2008

The Art of Coffee Making

There are specific and significant components to making good coffee, and to all coffee lovers out there, this should be taken seriously. Okay, it's just coffee, but people, Americans especially, are drinking a lot of it, so why not brew coffee to the best of its potential? People all over the world are simply doing it wrong! The steps to brewing a better cup of coffee are so simple that there's no reason why you shouldn't try them out and see if you're satisfied with the results. All you have to lose is one pot of coffee, and that's only if you decide you don't like it and end up pouring it down the drain.

The factors of coffee making that you need to consider are the grind of your beans versus the type of coffee maker you are using, the water, the measurements of coffee versus measurements of water, and the freshness of your coffee bean. You may wonder what could be so important about any of these things, but they are simply the fundamentals of coffee making.

What type of coffee maker you are using will determine how coarse or fine your grind needs to be. The coarsest grind is used with French presses, and the finest grind is used with espresso makers. When grinding your coffee, simply follow the guide on the grinder or in the manual, or ask someone who would know how coarse or fine of a grind you need for your specific coffee maker.

Since brewed coffee is 98% water, then you should use clean and fresh purified water. Also, the water should be no less than 190 degrees and no more than 205 degrees for the brewing. Between those temperatures, the water will better extract the full flavor of the bean. Water that is too hot will result in coffee that has a burnt taste.

It is very important that you accurately measure the amount of coffee and water that you use. Normally you can be sure to do this correctly by simply reading the directions on your container of coffee. Generally, though, good coffee is brewed with two tablespoons of coffee per every six ounces of water. If this produces coffee that is too strong for your liking, then the best thing to do is add hot water (between 190-205 degrees) after it is brewed. This way you maintain the invigorating flavor, but at a milder strength.

The last, but not least, important factor to brewing great coffee is the freshness of your coffee bean. Grinding your beans right before you brew them truly helps make a fresher cup of coffee. Even if you don't do that, though, you can keep your coffee fresher by storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Maybe you didn't know that your coffee could taste better, but now you do. If coffee is what you wake up to every morning, or if you drink it throughout the day, you owe it to yourself to make it as good as it can be.

John Gibb is the owner of coffee making sources , For more information on how to make coffee check out http://www.cofeemaking-sources.info

coffee making sources http://www.cofeemaking-sources.info

Monday, November 10, 2008

Coffee Pods and Espresso Machines

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.

perfect espresso espresso machines coffee pods

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 .

it's easy to make a mistake wrong amount of water or coffee heat on too strong 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.

espresso machines

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.

coffee pods

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.

machine that uses coffee pods

Friday, November 7, 2008

Coffee Storage Myths; Freeze Your Fresh Roasted Coffee & Other Popular Misconceptions

It's now time to take matters into your own hands! You are financially outraged at the price of a single cup of designer coffee shop coffee. So you are finally fed up with that bland black liquid, you once called coffee, brewed from the finest can of generic supermarket grinds.

You splurge on several pounds of the finest fresh roasted Arabica bean coffee the world has to offer. Even the engineers at NASA would envy the bells and whistles on this baby. So you invest in the latest technologically advanced coffee maker, including your very own coffee bean grinder.

No more long lines and outrageous prices at the neighborhood café for you! You feel like a mad scientist as you adjust every bell and whistle on your space age coffee maker and you revel in this accomplishment as you finish your first cup of home brewed gourmet coffee. Your eyes widen at the site of all those shiny brown beans as you begin to grind your first pound of gourmet coffee. You pop open the vacuum-sealed bag and release that incredible fresh roasted coffee aroma.

Now it's time to store all those pounds of unopened packages of fresh roasted coffee beans and the unused portion of the black gold you have just ground. Then you remember what your mother told you; "Freeze the unopened beans & Refrigerate the freshly ground coffee".

"Freeze the unopened beans & Refrigerate the freshly ground coffee".

Having the best coffee beans available and using the most advanced coffee brewing equipment will do little to provide you with the best cup of coffee you desire if the beans are not treated correctly. At this point, it would be best if you just returned to the supermarket and purchase a stock of those generic grinds you had grown to loathe.

Looking at the facts, we learn that the natural enemies of fresh roasted coffee are light, heat and moisture. Storing your coffee away from them will keep it fresher longer. Therefore, an airtight container stored in a cool, dry, dark place is the best environment for your coffee.

But why not the freezer, It's cool & dark? This does make sense, but if it be the case, then why do we not find our supermarket coffee in the frozen food section?

But why not the freezer, It's cool & dark?

Here's why!

  • Coffee is Porous. It is exactly this feature that allows us to use oils and syrups to flavor coffee beans for those who enjoy gourmet flavored coffees. For this same reason, coffee can also absorb flavors and moisture from your freezer. The absorbed moisture will deteriorate the natural goodness of your coffee and your expensive gourmet coffee beans will taste like your freezer.
  • The coffee roasting process causes the beans to release their oils and essences in order to give the coffee its distinct flavor. This is the reason why your beans are shiny. These oils are more prominent on dark-roasted coffee and espresso beans and the reason why these coffees are so distinct in flavor. The process of freezing will break down these oils and destroy the natural coffee flavor. So unless you don't mind frozen fish flavored coffee, you should avoid using the freezer to store your gourmet coffee beans at all costs.

  • Coffee is Porous. It is exactly this feature that allows us to use oils and syrups to flavor coffee beans for those who enjoy gourmet flavored coffees. For this same reason, coffee can also absorb flavors and moisture from your freezer. The absorbed moisture will deteriorate the natural goodness of your coffee and your expensive gourmet coffee beans will taste like your freezer.
  • The coffee roasting process causes the beans to release their oils and essences in order to give the coffee its distinct flavor. This is the reason why your beans are shiny. These oils are more prominent on dark-roasted coffee and espresso beans and the reason why these coffees are so distinct in flavor. The process of freezing will break down these oils and destroy the natural coffee flavor. So unless you don't mind frozen fish flavored coffee, you should avoid using the freezer to store your gourmet coffee beans at all costs.
  • Coffee is Porous. It is exactly this feature that allows us to use oils and syrups to flavor coffee beans for those who enjoy gourmet flavored coffees. For this same reason, coffee can also absorb flavors and moisture from your freezer. The absorbed moisture will deteriorate the natural goodness of your coffee and your expensive gourmet coffee beans will taste like your freezer.
  • The coffee roasting process causes the beans to release their oils and essences in order to give the coffee its distinct flavor. This is the reason why your beans are shiny. These oils are more prominent on dark-roasted coffee and espresso beans and the reason why these coffees are so distinct in flavor. The process of freezing will break down these oils and destroy the natural coffee flavor. So unless you don't mind frozen fish flavored coffee, you should avoid using the freezer to store your gourmet coffee beans at all costs.
  • There are some exceptions to freezer storing your coffee, but you should proceed with caution! Fresh roasted coffee will remain fresh for approximately 2 weeks. If you have more than you can use in this 2 week period you can, and I shutter to say, freeze your coffee but you should follow these steps:

    • Apply the Freeze Once Rule. What this means is that once you take the beans out of the freezer, they should never go back in. The constant changes in temperature will wreak havoc on your coffee. The frozen moisture on your coffee will melt and be absorbed into the bean, destroying the coffee oils and allowing absorption of unwanted flavors. When you put it back into the freezer, you are repeating the process and destroying your expensive gourmet coffee
    • Keep moisture out! Remember, moisture is coffee's natural enemy. If you have a five-pound bag of coffee to store, divide it up into weekly portions. Wrap those portions up using sealable freezer bags and plastic wrap. If possible, suck out the excess air from the freezer bag using a straw or a vacuum sealer. Remove the weekly portion when you need it, and store it in an air-tight container in a dry place like your pantry. And remember, Do not put it back into the freezer!

    • Apply the Freeze Once Rule. What this means is that once you take the beans out of the freezer, they should never go back in. The constant changes in temperature will wreak havoc on your coffee. The frozen moisture on your coffee will melt and be absorbed into the bean, destroying the coffee oils and allowing absorption of unwanted flavors. When you put it back into the freezer, you are repeating the process and destroying your expensive gourmet coffee
    • Keep moisture out! Remember, moisture is coffee's natural enemy. If you have a five-pound bag of coffee to store, divide it up into weekly portions. Wrap those portions up using sealable freezer bags and plastic wrap. If possible, suck out the excess air from the freezer bag using a straw or a vacuum sealer. Remove the weekly portion when you need it, and store it in an air-tight container in a dry place like your pantry. And remember, Do not put it back into the freezer!
  • Apply the Freeze Once Rule. What this means is that once you take the beans out of the freezer, they should never go back in. The constant changes in temperature will wreak havoc on your coffee. The frozen moisture on your coffee will melt and be absorbed into the bean, destroying the coffee oils and allowing absorption of unwanted flavors. When you put it back into the freezer, you are repeating the process and destroying your expensive gourmet coffee
  • Keep moisture out! Remember, moisture is coffee's natural enemy. If you have a five-pound bag of coffee to store, divide it up into weekly portions. Wrap those portions up using sealable freezer bags and plastic wrap. If possible, suck out the excess air from the freezer bag using a straw or a vacuum sealer. Remove the weekly portion when you need it, and store it in an air-tight container in a dry place like your pantry. And remember, Do not put it back into the freezer!
  • So when is it best Refrigerate Coffee? Simply put, Never ever, unless you are conducting a science experiment on how long it takes to ruin perfectly good coffee. The fridge is one of the absolute worst places to put coffee. The reasons why not to freeze fresh roasted coffee also apply here.

    So when is it best Refrigerate Coffee?

    Other Popular Coffee Myths Exposed.

    • Grind all beans before storing Absolutely wrong!. Grinding the coffee breaks up the beans and their oils, exposes the beans to air, and makes the coffee go stale a lot faster, no matter how you store it. This especially holds true for flavored coffees! For the best tasting coffee, you should buy your beans whole and store them in a sealed container in a dark place. Grind right before serving!
    • Vacuum-sealed packaging equals fresh coffee. Again, absolutely wrong. The coffee roasting process causes the coffee beans to release a gas by-product, specifically carbon dioxide. This gas release process continues for several days after roasting. In order to be vacuum sealed, the coffee has to first release all its CO² or it will burst the bag, which means that it must sit around for several days before it can be packaged and shipped. This sitting around begins to rob the coffee of its freshness. Vacuum sealing is best for pre-ground coffee, which we already know is not going to taste as good as fresh-ground coffee. The best method for packaging and shipping is in valve-sealed bags. The valve allows the carbon dioxide gasses and moisture to escape but doesn't allow oxygen or moisture in. Therefore, the fresh roasted coffee beans can be packaged and shipped immediately after roasting, ensuring the coffee's freshness and taste.

    Other Popular Coffee Myths Exposed.
    • Grind all beans before storing Absolutely wrong!. Grinding the coffee breaks up the beans and their oils, exposes the beans to air, and makes the coffee go stale a lot faster, no matter how you store it. This especially holds true for flavored coffees! For the best tasting coffee, you should buy your beans whole and store them in a sealed container in a dark place. Grind right before serving!
    • Vacuum-sealed packaging equals fresh coffee. Again, absolutely wrong. The coffee roasting process causes the coffee beans to release a gas by-product, specifically carbon dioxide. This gas release process continues for several days after roasting. In order to be vacuum sealed, the coffee has to first release all its CO² or it will burst the bag, which means that it must sit around for several days before it can be packaged and shipped. This sitting around begins to rob the coffee of its freshness. Vacuum sealing is best for pre-ground coffee, which we already know is not going to taste as good as fresh-ground coffee. The best method for packaging and shipping is in valve-sealed bags. The valve allows the carbon dioxide gasses and moisture to escape but doesn't allow oxygen or moisture in. Therefore, the fresh roasted coffee beans can be packaged and shipped immediately after roasting, ensuring the coffee's freshness and taste.
  • Grind all beans before storing Absolutely wrong!. Grinding the coffee breaks up the beans and their oils, exposes the beans to air, and makes the coffee go stale a lot faster, no matter how you store it. This especially holds true for flavored coffees! For the best tasting coffee, you should buy your beans whole and store them in a sealed container in a dark place. Grind right before serving!
  • Vacuum-sealed packaging equals fresh coffee. Again, absolutely wrong. The coffee roasting process causes the coffee beans to release a gas by-product, specifically carbon dioxide. This gas release process continues for several days after roasting. In order to be vacuum sealed, the coffee has to first release all its CO² or it will burst the bag, which means that it must sit around for several days before it can be packaged and shipped. This sitting around begins to rob the coffee of its freshness. Vacuum sealing is best for pre-ground coffee, which we already know is not going to taste as good as fresh-ground coffee. The best method for packaging and shipping is in valve-sealed bags. The valve allows the carbon dioxide gasses and moisture to escape but doesn't allow oxygen or moisture in. Therefore, the fresh roasted coffee beans can be packaged and shipped immediately after roasting, ensuring the coffee's freshness and taste.
  • A quick review for storing your gourmet coffee

    • Buy fresh roasted, whole bean coffee directly from a coffee roaster if possible
    • Look for valve-sealed bags, not vacuum-sealed
    • Store your coffee beans in a sealed container in a dark place
    • Grind your beans just before brewing
    • Enjoy!

    A quick review for storing your gourmet coffee
    • Buy fresh roasted, whole bean coffee directly from a coffee roaster if possible
    • Look for valve-sealed bags, not vacuum-sealed
    • Store your coffee beans in a sealed container in a dark place
    • Grind your beans just before brewing
    • Enjoy!
  • Buy fresh roasted, whole bean coffee directly from a coffee roaster if possible
  • Look for valve-sealed bags, not vacuum-sealed
  • Store your coffee beans in a sealed container in a dark place
  • Grind your beans just before brewing
  • Enjoy!
  • Thursday, October 30, 2008

    The Types of Coffee Machines

    Each has its own special features and most are available in a wide variety of colors, finishes, size and price. When you are craving a delicious, smooth, rich cup of "Joe", you may want to research and take note of all of the different types of coffee machines on the market today.

    Whether you need a coffee maker that produces one cup, or 20 cups and more, there are many machines to pick from. There's actually even machines that are combination; they posses both grinder and coffee making capabilities! These machines will either be hot or cold brew coffee makers. There are many types of coffee machines, including: automatic, French press, stove top, espresso, vacuum and the pod.

    They can be found to be made of a durable plastic or stainless steel and they usually contain a shatterproof glass carafe. These makers are offered in many colors, including: black, red, white and just about every other color you could want. Many companies manufacture machines used for making coffee, including: Bodum, Bosch, Bunn, Capresso, KitchenAid, Mr.Coffee, Jura, Saeco, Rancilio and Santos.

    Coffee machines can also vary in price, depending on your preference and functionality it will need to perform. The features offered include: electric timers, filters, frothing systems, thermal glass carafe, water reservoir, lighted on/off switch, digital/programmable, warming plate (some are metal and some are porcelain) and thermostat.

    There are so many different coffee machines out there, you should have no trouble finding one that will be perfect for your home or office! Once you decide your price range, make a list of the features you are looking for. One thing is for sure, when you are craving a great cup of coffee, espresso or cappuccino, you will want to put some thought into the type of machine you will need.

    Tuesday, October 28, 2008

    Making It Easy with Coffee Pods

    If you have not discovered the ease and popularity of coffee pods yet, you do not know what you are missing. Coffee pods are single serving, pre-measured coffee enclosed in little pods. The pods are specialty paper that is used to keep the roasted, ground coffee contained and look much like tea bags you might find in the stores. These coffee pods are typically perfect for making instant coffee.

    With coffee pods, you no longer have to measure the right about of coffee or even worry about that mess you might make with the grounds all over the counter. These pods allow you to simply skip all of that, saving both time and money on wasted grounds. They come in various sizes, which is perfect for whatever strength or amount of coffee you want and it even keeps your coffee machine that much cleaner, which lowers the amount of maintenance it needs.

    Coffee pods even have their own machines. These coffee makers are specific to coffee pods and cater to the needs of any fussy coffee drinker. Many people prefer the coffee pods to traditional means of making coffee because it just saves time and effort. All you have to do is fill the coffee maker with water, put the coffee pod right in, and turn it on. In just a few short minutes, you will have made a great cup of coffee, ready for drinking.

    Coffee pods come in a variety of your favorite coffee flavors. You can choose from Irish cream, hazelnut, or vanilla. Of course, traditional coffee flavors such as regular or decaffeinated coffee can be found in coffee pods as well. Depending on the flavor of the pod, as well as the specific roast types, the prices will vary accordingly. Coffee pods can be found in the aisle of your favorite coffee shop or local supermarket.

    If you want to read more about coffee pods, visit Danny Brown's site at http://www.Full City Coffee.com.

    coffee pods, http://www.Full City Coffee.com.

    Sunday, October 19, 2008

    The French Press Coffee Maker: Connoisseur Equipment

    Coffee lovers all over the world mostly agree that the French Press Coffee Maker coffee is the answer you'll get, in nine cases Coffee lovers all over the world mostly agree that the French Press Coffee Maker coffee is the answer you'll get, in nine cases out of ten. Coffee lovers all over the world mostly agree that the French Press Coffee Maker coffee is the answer you'll get, in nine cases out of ten. Coffee lovers all over the world mostly agree that the French Press Coffee Maker coffee is the answer you'll get, in nine cases out of ten. Coffee lovers all over the world mostly agree that the French Press Coffee Maker coffee is the answer you'll get, in nine cases out of ten. Coffee lovers all over the world mostly agree that the French Press Coffee Maker coffee is the answer you'll get, in nine cases out of ten. Coffee lovers all over the world mostly agree that the French Press Coffee Maker coffee is the answer you'll get, in nine cases out of ten. French Press Coffee Maker coffee is the answer you'll get, in nine cases out of ten. Ask any connoisseur how he likes his coffee.

    A French Press Coffee Maker, you can manually control the water temperature and exposure time that results in a steaming and tantalizing rich cup of coffee.

    The French press is an example of this last technology, and is said to preserve most of the natural aroma and flavor of the coffee beans. There are several methods of brewing coffee - boiling (think Turkish coffee), pressure brewing (espresso being an example), drip brewing (as in the electric percolator), and steeping.

    Other methods that use faster grinding techniques stand the risk of heating the ground coffee too much, making the delicate flavoring oils to evaporate. This prevents the grinding from generating too much heat. High-quality French presses most often use conical burr grinders as their source of ground coffee, because these grinders rotate at low speeds (usually not more than five hundred revolutions per minute).

    © Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

    Sunday, October 12, 2008

    coffee gifts the ultimate guide to giving coffee gifts

    More practically, they're excellent presents for people who you don't know very well, or even for generic gift exchange events. Coffee gifts are great to give to the person who has everything. At some point in time, coffee shops started focusing on selling something other than a hot cup of espresso and moved into the world of merchandising. These days, you can't walk into a coffee shop without seeing hundreds of coffee accessories. Because Starbucks has such a clever marketing scheme, their prices are significantly higher than the market average. While there is a Starbucks on every corner (more than 13,000 in the world), you're going to pay a bit more there than at your local mom and pop shop. Nobody does this better than Starbucks. As a result, if you're looking for an affordable coffee gift of mugs, espresso machines or coffee beans, you may want to steer clear of the green logo. While coffee houses are fantastic places to get specialty beans and teas, if you're going to buy somebody an actual coffee maker you may want to look elsewhere. Department and specialty stores are best for larger item purchases, and you'll save a lot of money if you go to one of those. Coffee houses thrive on impulse buys for those looking for coffee gifts. It's best to be smart about the situation and split up your purchases. For example, go buy the cappuccino maker at the department store, where you'll save up to 30 percent. Then, head over to your local coffee shop and purchase the coffee gifts that you're looking for. Fill up a basket with chocolate covered espresso beans and a bag of fresh coffee. They can be used at any time toward just about any purchase, and they're as easy to use as cash. When in doubt, gift cards make excellent coffee gifts.

    More practically, they're excellent presents for people who you don't know very well, or even for generic gift exchange events. Coffee gifts are great to give to the person who has everything.At some point in time, coffee shops started focusing on selling something other than a hot cup of espresso and moved into the world of merchandising. These days, you can't walk into a coffee shop without seeing hundreds of coffee accessories.Because Starbucks has such a clever marketing scheme, their prices are significantly higher than the market average. While there is a Starbucks on every corner (more than 13,000 in the world), you're going to pay a bit more there than at your local mom and pop shop. Nobody does this better than Starbucks.They can be used at any time toward just about any purchase, and they're as easy to use as cash. When in doubt, gift cards make excellent coffee gifts.

    filter coffee

    Coffee is one of the most accepted drinks in the globe - perhaps because it's so versatile. From simple coffees like espresso and filter coffee, to more composite recipes like cappuccino, coffee can be as simple or as complicated as you want.

    The coffee filter is nothing but a glorified strainer. A coffee filter is generally made out of paper or steel frequently steel and is used in coffee brewing devices to filter out the soaked grounds.

    A coffee filter can be prepared by using different types of materials. Some examples are paper filters, gold filters, cloth filters, and the normal strainer kind of filters.

    When you go to purchase a coffee maker there are lots of choices it's hard to know which one to pick. First, you have to make a decision of what type of filter you want. The major two types of filters are a basket type filter or a cone shaped filter. Each filter has their own compensation but cone type filters are a little less prone to spillage.

    There are lots of suggested methods of brewing a high-quality cup of coffee. The filter cone method involves pouring the hot water through ground coffee that has been measured into a filter set inside a cone. Over recent years this method has become more and more accepted. Connoisseurs prefer to use gold-washed metal filters but paper filters are suitable and easy to use.

    Garraways supply a broad variety of filter coffee machines for commercial purpose. The range of filter coffee machines includes; pour and serve machines; bulk machines, and air pot coffee machines which all use fresh ground filter coffees.



    coffee filter







    filter coffee machines

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