How to Select a Single Serve Coffee Maker

These kinds of coffeemaker are designed to produce - as you might expect - a single cup of coffee at a time and they are becoming increasingly popular amongst all kinds of coffee drinkers. An increasing number of us nowadays are wondering how to select a single serve coffee maker that will suit us best at home.

In the past we've been a bit limited in our choices of coffee maker - we've often, for example, had to make a whole pot of fresh coffee just to enjoy a single cup but things are different nowadays.

The Advantages

The Advantages

So, you won't need to make more coffee than you'll actually drink in one sitting. The advantages of single serve coffee stations are primarily found in the fact that they can make just one serving of coffee at a time and that they work real quick as a consequence in comparison to multi serve machines.

So, there'll minimal cleaning up and maintenance to do as well! And, if you choose one of the new single serve pod systems as your final choice here, then you can simply slip a small individual coffee pod into the machine, make your cup of coffee and then throw the pod away.

You can even pick and choose the kinds of coffee you want to drink with these kinds of machines as the pods can come in various types, roasts and flavors. Major coffee companies that make coffee for these pods currently include some big names in the sector such as Douwe Egberts, Melitta and Folgers - so you'll get a guarantee of coffee experience and quality at the same time as well.

Two Types

Two Types

There are basically two ways to use a single serve coffee maker. In the first instance you can buy a conventional coffee machine that uses standard ground coffee via a normal filter system but which only brews a single cup of coffee at a time rather than making up a whole big pot. It is worth noting here that some of these machines may sometimes be able to brew up two cups instead of just one which could give you a little more flexibility. In either case the machine here will brew up directly into your cup extremely quickly and efficiently. Some of these kinds of models even come with their own mug when you buy them!

As single serve machines go this kind of option is reliable but kind of uninspiring if you're looking for something a little different in your coffee drinking. But, if you're still wondering how to select a single serve coffee maker then this may be a good option for you if you simply want an affordable and compact coffee maker for one/two people. Some of these machines are real tiny nowadays and could easily just sit on the end of a desk for real ease of use without taking up too much space.

But, if you want something a little bit more exciting from a single serve coffee maker then you really should also consider something along the lines of one of these new pod systems we've already mentioned. These single serve machines (such as those in the Philips Senseo range, for example) are designed to take a single pod that contains a specific brand, roast or type of coffee at a time.

You unwrap the pod from its packaging, place it in the machine and it brews your coffee up for you into the cup. You can then simply throw the used pod into the trash. Again it's worth noting that some pod systems can be purchased that will make two cups of coffee at a time.

Variety - The Spice of Life

Variety - The Spice of Life

These machines are so popular now partly because they are so convenient and reliable but also because they allow you to buy different varieties, types and flavors of coffee pods. So, you can pick and choose which kind of coffee you will brew at any given time of day without having to keep a huge stock of different types of coffee in your kitchen cupboards.

This does prevent you from having lots of large unopened bags of coffee going stale in your cupboards because you simply cannot drink them that fast. These pods are also all individually sealed so you won't lose freshness as you may do once you open a bag of standard ground coffee.

One complaint that some pod machine users have is that the pods themselves are not always as cost effective as they may be. As you might expect you may have to pay a premium for convenience here so this kind of pod system may well work out to be more expensive to both buy the initial machine and the pods than if you were just buying a small single serve maker and regular bags of coffee.

One key thing to think about as you ponder how to select a single serve coffee maker is compatibility. Some pods can be used in other kinds of standard coffee makers so it's worth while checking on compatibility with your manufacturer. And, some coffee pod systems offer the ability to add a normal filter to the machine so you can use them as a standard single serve machine with your own ground coffee.

Flexibility is vital here as you don't want to buy a coffee maker or a pod system that limits your choices. Some pod systems, for example, will allow you to use other types of pods in the machine as well as those that are made for the particular model. This option is great as you get much more flexibility in terms of coffee drinking choice. However, some systems will only work with their own pods which could see you limited on choice and which could also cost you more in the long run.

It doesn't really matter which system you decide suits you best at the end of the day. You may even opt for both choices! One last thing to remember is that you can get great discounts and bargains on standard single serve coffee makers, pod systems and the pods themselves if you shop around. Many pod system users, for example, shop around on the Internet and then bulk buy pods when they find a bargain.

About the Author

About the Author

The Best Pot of Coffee I Ever Made

I think the aroma of fresh coffee in the morning wakes up your senses and starts the day off with a feeling of vitality. With no coffee in the morning a lot of people have a hard time getting started. Coffee jump-starts my day.

I have used just about every type of coffeemaker there is. The percolators make a fine brew as do the programmable automatic ones. Whether you use glass or prefer stainless steel the finished product is only as good as the water you started with. Too much iron in the water tends to turn it green. Chlorine or fluoride will give the coffee an odd taste. Good water is essential. If you are lucky enough to have an artisan well I am jealous. I get coffee water from my neighbor, he has an artisan well with no iron.

I generally use a French Press coffeemaker but my favorite way to make the brew is with an egg.You are probably thinking, an egg? Yes, an egg. My great grandmother made egg coffee and it is a real treat. I make it for special occasions or when I want to share a cup with someone who has never heard of egg coffee.

To make egg coffee you need a clean pot and fresh cold water. I use an enamel one. Measure your coffee grounds into a cup and add a beaten egg. Stir the mixture into the cold water and put the pot over a low heat. Slowly heat to a boil, stirring often. When it comes to a boil, turn off the heat. Let sit for about two minutes then strain it into a cup.

That may sound like a lot of monkey business but I think it is well worth the effort. Coffee made like this over a campfire in the outdoors is delicious. At Christmas we add a little Irish Creme for flavor. Santa sure enjoys it.

I am such a cooking enthusiast that I made a website as a tribute to five generations of country cooks. You will find other cooking tips at http://www.pothaven.com

http://www.pothaven.com

Employee Satisfaction - Bring on the Coffee Machine!

In today's business world, with its connectivity and information flows, good employees are likely to be the targets of your competitors' recruitment drives.

Add to this the fact that in the knowledge economy, these employees provide your company with a competitive advantage, and you realise pretty quickly that you need them to be happy - but you already knew that didn't you?

Keeping them happy with more money, promotions, bigger offices, better located offices…(the list is seemingly endless) certainly helps, but then if your staff are good at what they do, you're in a bidding war with the company down the street who also recognises this. Employees who are unhappy or who leave, present the company with a cost that is often far greater than imagined. The question then is how to keep them happy?

Over the past few years the National Automated Merchandising Association, which represents vending stakeholders, has identified an increase in demand for higher quality coffee machines - coffee machines that use real coffee beans and provide a cup of really fresh coffee on demand. Take coffee for example. Smart companies have other ways of making staff smile.

Worse still, the last one to use it often has the task of preparing the next pot…so human nature takes over and that last cup sits brewing until it turns into sludge! The problem is that it then sits on the boil and after 10 minutes no-one wants to venture near it, fearing that bitter and burnt taste. Disappearing fast are the days of the pour-over coffee flask…you know the one…when freshly brewed, that little glass jar is the envy of all, and there is no shortage of people around the "lifesaver".

Enter the automatic coffee machine …great concept with beverages available at the push of a button, but the problem until recently was that it produced instant coffee and not very good at that. In desperation, usually early in the morning or during the night shift, the buttons did eventually get pressed, but grudgingly at that!

The good news for those who like decent coffee is that the coffee machine manufacturers have made great progress with automated fresh brew systems. Today you can put fresh beans into a coffee vending machine, along with really decent powdered cappuccino milk powders, and after 20 seconds the beans have been ground, the coffee drawn down and the dairy powder whipped up to provide a coffee shop quality cappuccino.

So it isn't surprising that companies are turning to softer employee satisfaction generators like decent office beverages to keep staff happy. Besides, as we all know, the coffee machine is a great place for interaction between staff and for sharing ideas.

Paul Jacobs, managing director of Office Angels, a UK based company, was quoted in The Scotsman as saying "pay packets are, of course, vitally important, but for many it's the little things that can really make the difference between a good working environment and a great one." The article concludes that many workers do long hours of unpaid overtime, so many employers are also enjoying the perk of having dedicated staff. Keeping staff happy can lead to better staff retention and smaller recruitment bills.

So many companies are investing in high quality bean-to-cup coffee machines because they not only provide a homely odour (the good kind!) but they keep staff on site. In a study by Wirthlin International entitled "Speciality Beverage Systems' Impact on the Workplace" (www.wirthlineurope.com), over 15% of staff were found to leave the office daily in search of hot beverages! With a good coffee machine there is no reason to pop down to the local coffee franchise which takes valuable time away from the office - and usually a lot more than imagined given the traffic jams and congested parking lots that epitomise our city cultures.

The Wirthlin study interviewed 76 procurement managers and 383 staff from a wide variety of companies about workplace coffee. It found that 83% of the staff stated that the provision of a wide variety of hot beverages was one of the most visible daily staff benefits and 86% said that companies that valued them were more likely to offer high quality beverages. Interestingly, over 90% of managers making decisions on office coffee services said that employees would be more productive if staff could obtain a beverage in the office and 96% said that the coffee machine offered a necessary break between activities. Valuable? I think so.

The fact that coffee from coffee machines was readily available was also seen as an important attribute, and for decision makers worried about abuse, how many cups of fresh brew coffee can you really drink a day! (before bouncing around the room on a caffeine high!). Of course coffee machines can also provide fresh tea, hot chocolate, espresso and a host of other specialty coffees like moccachino, café latte and the like.

That reminds me, we need one around here for our staff! I guess not. So is it surprising that there has been a rise in demand for these automated fresh brew coffee machines in the corporate world?

Why Is Coffee Not My Cup Of Tea? Is It Stale?

In many cases it is due to over stocking. How does coffee get to the point of being stale? Stale coffee can leave a bad taste in your mouth, but if you buy coffee that is guaranteed fresh when you brew it then it will taste smooth and refreshing. Stale coffee itself is horrible to drink. After some research it a cured to me that the problem is lack of freshness, and coffee that was brewed hours ago. So what is giving coffee such a bad rap? In fact, fresh coffee is smooth and tasty even undoctored. Fresh coffee is never bitter. Most everyone that I have talked to that does not like coffee said that it is the bitter taste they don't like.

Another problem is over stocking. This is the main reason coffee gets to the point of being stale. Poor packaging is when the product is not properly sealed from the manufacture, or the seal is broken then the coffee is exposed to the air, which dries out the coffee.

What about coffee that was brewed 4 hours ago? If you were to brew a cup of coffee will be horrible. I have worked for a grocery store before and I have seen products stay on the shelves for months. Do you see the problem now? It can vary, but the average length is about 6 months. How long can coffee remain fresh in a vacuum-sealed container? The problem is they can sit on that coffee for month, or even years until it is sold. Many distributors of coffee buy by volume to get the coffee at a cheaper price. When a store over stocks there products the product sits longer on the shelf or in the back and over time the freshness fades away.

How fresh is your coffee? My wife hates coffee because of her first bad experience, and after I roasted her a fresh batch she admitted that it was really good and not bitter. If it is not fresh don't drink it. The coffee can have a burnt taste that is also bitter. In many cases the coffee appears thicker because the water is vaporized over time.

Coffee Tips & Teazers

I hope you are able to enjoy them as much as I have. These are a few tips and recipes given to me by various people over the years. I want to introduce you to my Coffee Tips & TEAzers. Many people are sick of the same old routine, and want to try something different. I like my coffee fresh, hot, and black. It is said that change is good, but not for everyone.

Coffee Tip #1

It will keep your coffee & teas fresher longer. This prevents the air from making your coffee and teas stale. The only way to guarantee fresh Coffee & Tea every time is to vacuum pack your beans, grounds, tea bags, or loose-leaf teas. The only thing that beats a hot cup of coffee in the morning is a FRESH cup of hot coffee.

Coffee Tip #2

You have a hot cup of chocolate mocha! Presto! Then add whip cream and chocolate sprinkles. Stir completely until your coffee is a tan color. Then add a splash of half & half creamer. Try adding some chocolate syrup to your coffee. Try flavored syrups there are many different flavors to choose from and you can combine the flavors to make something unique. If you are board with the traditional way coffee is presented then I have some ideas that will give your coffee some pizzazz.

Coffee Tip #3

This is a unique recipe Cafe Speciale

· 4 teaspoons chocolate syrup
· 1/2 cup heavy cream
· 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
· 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
· 1 tablespoon sugar
· 1-1/2 cups extra-strength hot coffee

Put 1 teaspoon chocolate syrup into each of 4 small cups. Combine cream. 1/4-teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar. Whip. Stir remaining 1/2-teaspoon cinnamon into hot coffee. Pour coffee into cups. Stir to blend with syrup. Top with whipped cream. Makes 4 servings.

TEAser#1
The problem with tea bags is that you really don't know how fresh the tea is. With loose-leaf teas you can feel the texture and see the tea more clearly. The smell alone can be deceiving. Some companies have been known to spray their teas with scents that make them smell fresh, but are they really?

TEAser#2
Mango Tea (By The Pitcher)
Fill Pitcher with Ice
Add 5 oz. Monin Mango Tea
Fill with 50 oz. Water
Stir Well

Raspberry Tea (By The Glass)
Fill 12 oz. Glass with Ice
Add 1 oz. Monin Raspberry Tea
Top off with 10 oz. Water
Stir Well

Minted Mango Tea
1 cup chopped refrigerated mango slices
1-cup pineapple juice
8 green tea bags
2 4-inch mint sprigs
4 cups boiling water
1 to 2 tablespoons sugar
Ice cubes

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan bring water to boiling. Add tea bags, anise, and cinnamon stick. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 3 to 5 minutes. Discard tea bags and cinnamon stick. Stir in nectar, honey, and lemon juice. Heat through.

2. Pour tea mixture into four heatproof cups, floating a star anise on top of each. Makes 4 servings.

Don is the owner of several free information websites and the sole proprietor of Java Jakes Gourmet Coffee Co.

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.

how coffee pots determines the taste of your drink

Coffee pots are the best help one can get when serving coffee to guests or numerous family members. Presently, there are all sorts of items that even preserve the coffee warm for several hours; thus such coffee pots are ideal to be used both at home or at work. They come in various models and designs from the very classical, porcelain made ones to the most sophisticated thermo-resistant types. The most popular kinds of coffee pots are called percolators and they are usually made of metal; such vessels can be kept directly on the stove, and due to a very practical mechanism, fresh coffee is brewed and kept warm.

However, we need to make the distinction between the coffee pots used for brewing coffee and those in which it can be served. If the former needs to be made of metal only, the latter also allows the use of plastic, porcelain or glass as well. Though plastic may be cheaper, the recommendation would definitely go for coffee pots made of porcelain or glass since they are the most likely to preserve the purity of taste and flavor, not to mention that they are completely neutral materials.

The perfect coffee pots can sometimes be difficult to find given the large variety of coffee makers, brewers and cappuccino machines; after all, what is it that truly makes a good cup of coffee? Until the moment you pour coffee in the coffee pots, there is a long way of flavor building, and it often starts with the quality of the water one uses. Bottled or spring water could be the right choice to use in brewing coffee pots, as the level of purity is 99% in such cases. Two tablespoonfuls of coffee make the correct amount to use for every six ounces of water you add in the coffee pot; thus the coffee will be neither too weak or too strong.

In the absence of coffee pots that keep the coffee warm, it is not advisable to reheat the remaining coffee, since the flavor is susceptible to rapid deterioration. For instance, some people re-heat their coffee in the microwave, but there will be very little left to savor. As a general rule, no matter how special coffee pots you may use, within approximately thirty minutes after it's made, coffee already starts to lose the great taste you expect from this popular drink.

a look at a few ideas for removing coffee stains

Maybe, twenty years ago, coffee stains were labeled among the most difficult to clean type of dirt from all sorts of clothes; fortunately, due to the large number of modern detergents, stain removing has become both efficient and effortless. However, despite the existence of advanced chemical substances that eliminate dirt almost instantly, most traditional methods to remove coffee stains have been preserved. Here are a few things you can try when you have to improvise or find an immediate solution to fresh coffee stains, particularly when you have to take into consideration the nature of the fabric.

The only problem with chemical removers used to clean coffee stains is that after treating the affected area, you need to launder right away. However, this is not possible all the time due to a whole range of conditions and elements that depend on the situation. This is when a traditional solution may be applied: use some white vinegar combined with fresh cold water and apply the solution on the stain preferably with a sponge. The procedure should not be more complex than wiping the surface clean actually. Afterwards, you may do the laundry together with the rest of your clothes.

Two other ideas for removing coffee stains come from the same culinary field: this time we're talking about baking soda and egg yolk solution. First of all, baking soda triggers a chemical reaction that favors the elimination of stains by actually dissolving the coffee compounds from within the fabric. Moreover, the use of egg yolk in combination with a little alcohol and two spoonfuls of warm water, may also be a viable solution against superficial coffee stains. The only problem you may notice when using such domestic stain removing tips is that dirt not be eliminated completely from the clothes.

It goes without saying that the best way to make sure that all coffee stains are eliminated completely is by using a special remover available in stores. However, a tip is worth mentioning here as well, don't ever allow a coffee stain to set since it becomes a lot more difficult to remove under such circumstances. Even if you don't do the laundry right away, you should still try to get the item in fresh water so that the coffee stain may soak and be more easy to remove. Powder, spray or liquid stain removers all work well under such circumstances, allowing a complete laundry making after application.

how to maintain a coffee maker

If you have never done any upkeep on your coffee maker, the following can help get you started. In order to keep your coffee machine working properly and brewing great coffee, a few simple steps should be followed. Regular maintenance can add years to the life of a coffee maker, and knowing how to care for and perform even the most routine maintenance can help to revive an older coffee machine. Too many people overlook the maintenance of their coffee maker for too long. A coffee maker is a wonderful appliance and a great way to save time and money, but it does require a bit of maintenance. Regular Maintenance Cleaning the machine won't take too long, however the difference that it makes can be significant. Many of the maintenance requirements of a regular coffee maker only need to be done once every few months, but to get the best results (meaning pot after pot of great tasting coffee) attend to it each month. The maintenance that you perform will result in years of fresh-tasting coffee down the road. Try cleaning the coffee maker when you maintain the other appliances in your kitchen. Organizing a regular maintenance schedule is a great first step toward keeping your coffee maker in working condition. Clean the coffee pot and the heating plate underneath it with nonabrasive cleaners or with a solution of Rinse them thoroughly to get rid of any vinegar smell that remains after soaking. Clean the coffee pot and the heating plate underneath it with nonabrasive cleaners or with a solution of hot water and vinegar to help break up any buildup that they've accumulated. Rinse them thoroughly to get rid of any vinegar smell that remains after soaking. Also, it is a good idea to soak the baskets or metal filters in a solution of hot water and vinegar to help break up any buildup that they've accumulated. Also, it is a good idea to soak the baskets or metal filters in a solution of vinegar and water (ice, salt, and lemon juice will also work well to clean the inside of the maker or on the heating elements. Canned air will eliminate any dust that might be inside of the maker or on the heating elements. However, using canned air (which you can find at most hardware/office supply stores) once a month will do the best overall job. Quick tips such as dusting your coffee maker regularly can make a world of difference. Lime Scale and Water Deposit Removal At least once every three months the inside of your coffee maker should be cleaned to remove any lime scale and water deposits that may have built up. Cleaning solution specifically made for coffee makers can be purchased, or you can make your own with a solution of water and vinegar. Run the solution through a standard coffee cycle (or through several cycles if you're worried about a lot of buildup.) Once the cycle has finished, run several cycles of clean water (preferably filtered or distilled) through the coffee maker to remove any remaining deposits or cleaning solution. Make sure the water that comes out no longer smells like vinegar or cleaning solution before using the coffee maker to brew a pot of coffee again. Another way to reduce the buildup of lime scale and water deposits is by switching to filtered or distilled water to brew your coffee; or purchase a coffee maker with an in-line water filter. If you opt for the water filter, remember that the filter will need to be changed regularly. Again, a bit of a chore, but well worth the effort.

Inspection for Damage or Wear

When performing maintenance on your coffee maker, don't forget to take the time to look for any cracks that may be developing in the coffee pot or other signs of damage or wear. Common signs that something may be wrong: a cord has becoming damaged or frayed, burn marks, discolorations, or warping on the plastic components of the coffee maker, and/or water spots or streaks that might indicate a leak. Some of these damages may create fire hazards, so if you notice them send the coffee maker in for repair or consider buying a new one.

Additional Maintenance As Needed

Most households and offices use the coffee maker at least once a day, and a little bit of upkeep each day will ensure that the coffee you brew from your machine will be fresh-tasting and just how you like it. This may be as basic as replacing a cracked filter basket or cleaning up burnt-on coffee that spilled onto the heating plate, or it may require taking care of more serious problems such as a heating element going out or a major leak. Be prepared to perform additional maintenance as it becomes needed. Remember, not everything that goes wrong with your coffee maker is predictable.

If you have never done any upkeep on your coffee maker, the following can help get you started. In order to keep your coffee machine working properly and brewing great coffee, a few simple steps should be followed. Regular maintenance can add years to the life of a coffee maker, and knowing how to care for and perform even the most routine maintenance can help to revive an older coffee machine. Too many people overlook the maintenance of their coffee maker for too long. A coffee maker is a wonderful appliance and a great way to save time and money, but it does require a bit of maintenance.Regular MaintenanceCleaning the machine won't take too long, however the difference that it makes can be significant. Many of the maintenance requirements of a regular coffee maker only need to be done once every few months, but to get the best results (meaning pot after pot of great tasting coffee) attend to it each month. The maintenance that you perform will result in years of fresh-tasting coffee down the road. Try cleaning the coffee maker when you maintain the other appliances in your kitchen. Organizing a regular maintenance schedule is a great first step toward keeping your coffee maker in working condition.Canned air will eliminate any dust that might be inside of the coffee pot, especially if there's any burnt-on coffee in the bottom.) However, using canned air (which you can find at most hardware/office supply stores) once a month will do the best overall job. Quick tips such as dusting your coffee maker regularly can make a world of difference.Lime Scale and Water Deposit Removal

Inspection for Damage or Wear



Additional Maintenance As Needed

Most households and offices use the coffee maker at least once a day, and a little bit of upkeep each day will ensure that the coffee you brew from your machine will be fresh-tasting and just how you like it. This may be as basic as replacing a cracked filter basket or cleaning up burnt-on coffee that spilled onto the heating plate, or it may require taking care of more serious problems such as a heating element going out or a major leak. Be prepared to perform additional maintenance as it becomes needed. Remember, not everything that goes wrong with your coffee maker is predictable.

which type of coffee machine will suit your business

a) Traditional Espresso Machines

These machines incorporate the art and theatricality of coffee making, and therefore good barista training is essential to ensure a detailed knowledge of great coffee production. A barista is an expert at making espresso and a master of a variety of espresso based beverages. Once these skills have been mastered, a good barista can produce hundreds of drinks per day.
Prices can vary from around £800 to £6000, but remember, you get what you pay for, so make sure that the machine you choose is new and fully warranted, including full barista training and a good support service. The great thing about traditional machines is that there are no major moving parts so less to go wrong.

b) Bean to Cup Machines

A bean to cup machine does exactly what it says! The fresh coffee beans are placed inside the machine and on the press of a button the machine automatically grinds the beans and pours both coffee and milk into your cup. The machine automatically heats and froths the milk to produce the perfect latte/cappuccino etc. The milk is usually kept in a fridge or milk chiller next to the machine; a pipe from the machine connects into the fridge and when the drink selection button is pressed the machine draws the milk from the fridge and sucks it into the machine steams, heats it and drops it into the cup.

These various coffee machines are designed to produce anything from 50 cups per day to over 500 per day. The cost of these can vary from under £1000 to well over £10000, so it is important you make the correct choice.

c) Pod System

Similar to traditional, but you would usually only have 1 or 2 group versions and you wouldn’t need a grinder because you would use what are called pods. The advantages are that they are easy to use, producing good quality drink and nice aromas. The time taken to make the coffee is approximately the same as a traditional machine. The disadvantages are that they are more expensive per cup due to packaging cost. Typically a good quality pod will cost 20p per cup to produce. These machines will suit any small site and tend to be cheaper than the other machines, costing around £395 upwards.

d) Filter System and Bulk Brew System

These systems are for simply using filter coffee. A 2 jug filter makes great coffee for about 5 to 7 minutes, however if it’s left to stew for a while, as filter coffee usually is, the quality quickly deteriorates due to constant warming. Typically there can be waste, and so while the cup price is around 10p per cup, with waste, this could work out to be nearer 20p per cup. It can be used if there is a high demand for coffee over a short space of time such as serving 120 wedding guests after the dinner. A filter machine is always a back up to a traditional or bean to cup machine for use at very busy times or in case of a machine breakdown.

Bulk brew systems are large scale filter systems used in locations such as banqueting facilities, hotels and sporting events. There are hundreds of different coffee machine systems available depending on how many litres of coffee need to be served and in what time scale.

coffee machines

4 different coffee brewing methods

Here we explore the four most popular Coffee Brewing Methods: Espresso, French Press, Drip Filtration and Mokta or Stovetop method. Coffee Brewing Methods range from popular Espresso or French Press methods to lesser used methods like Turkish. Espresso The water then finds a path through the coffee grind it is referred to as the 'shot being pulled' through the group. The pressurized infusion process ensures that the water stays in contact with the coffee grounds long enough to draw out much of the coffee ground flavor. Super hot, pressurized water is forced through fine ground, tightly packed coffee. Probably the most popular of the Coffee Brewing Methods in recent times is making an Espresso using a machine. Using a course grind will still produce a good coffee, but it will taste more like a coffee produced using a Drip Filter coffee brewing method rather than true Espresso coffee. And if you didn't catch it when I started talking about Espresso, use a fine grind. Oils break down with time, and so a rich crema will be produced using fresh beans. This is produced by the pressurizing process and the oils of the coffee bean. Crema is the hazelnut foam that sits on the surface of the coffee. The sign of a good espresso, using fresh coffee beans, is the richness of the crema. French Press One of the simplest of all Coffee Brewing Methods is the French Press or Plunger. This is probably the easiest way to make great coffee! The French Press works by directly mixing ground coffee with near boiling water. The coffee flavors get drawn out into the water and then the press or plunger is depressed, separating the exhausted coffee grind from the brew. While the process has a similar taste to the Drip Filtration style, the French Press can extract more flavor from the coffee grind by extending the brewing time. Manual infusion requires you to get your timing right. If you let the brewing process run too long you may end up with a bitter coffee. Conversely, if you brew too quickly you will have a weak tasting coffee. One more point, use a course grind. You don't want fine ground coffee escaping through the metal filter and into the brew. A dusty cup of coffee is not an experience worth having. Drip Filtration
Let's start with the Drip Filtration style. Drip Filtration is probably the most popular method of all. The Drip Filtration machine works by spraying hot water across ground coffee that is held in a conical shaped filter. The hot water then slowly moves through the ground coffee. Once the water reaches the bottom of the conical filter, it drips into a container beneath it. The most widely used conical filters are made of paper, while expensive stainless steel or gold conical filters are also available. When buying paper filters, be sure to use oxygen bleached paper. Chemically treated papers may affect the taste of your coffee. Another point to be aware of with paper filters is that you may also have some of the flavorful coffee oils trapped by the paper filter. It is the oils that produce the rich crema when you make an espresso. The grind is also important with Drip Filtration. If the grind is too fine, you may clog the pores of your filter. You can avoid this by using a course grind (read about grinding here). Finally, if you do not expect to drink the full pot of coffee, either by yourself (all that caffeine....) or with friends, beware the constantly heated coffee. It loses its flavor and may even become bitter. And the golden rule....never reheat coffee.
Mokta Pot/Stovetop The Moka Pot style is also known as a Stovetop coffee pot. Moka pot's come in several sizes including 2, 4 or 6 cup capacities. The Moka Pot a simple 3 piece pot. The water reservoir is at the base, with a coffee basket in the middle and the brewed coffee ends up in the top.
The coffee brewing method is very simple. The pot is placed on a stove top which heats the water in the lower reservoir. As the water reaches boiling point, the steam rises and the water starts to push upward through the coffee grounds. This continues to travel up the central funnel and seeps into the top chamber where it comes to rest. The process finishes when the coffee stops moving into the top chamber. This should only take a few minutes to brew depending on the cup size of the Moka pot.

The grind should be a fine grind, similar or finer to that used in an Espresso machine. If you want to fill the coffee basket the way traditional Italian drinkers do, then heap the coffee grounds high in the coffee basket and screw the two pieces together. Don't worry about compacting the coffee. When the top half of the pot is screwed on, the grounds will be compacted by the filter screen. You should end up with a dry, compacted puck of coffee grounds at the end of brewing.

So there you have it. The four most popular Coffee Brewing Methods.

Here we explore the four most popular Coffee Brewing Methods: Espresso, French Press, Drip Filtration and Mokta or Stovetop method. Coffee Brewing Methods range from popular Espresso or French Press methods to lesser used methods like Turkish.EspressoWhen the water finds a path through the coffee grind it is referred to as the 'shot being pulled' through the group. And the coffee commences to pour into your cup. The water then finds a path through the coffee grounds. The pressurized infusion process ensures that the water stays in contact with the coffee grounds long enough to draw out much of the coffee ground flavor. Super hot, pressurized water is forced through fine ground, tightly packed coffee. Probably the most popular of the Coffee Brewing Methods in recent times is making an Espresso using a machine.Using a course grind will still produce a good coffee, but it will taste more like a coffee produced using a Drip Filter coffee brewing method rather than true Espresso coffee. And if you didn't catch it when I started talking about Espresso, use a fine grind. Oils break down with time, and so a rich crema will be produced using fresh beans. This is produced by the pressurizing process and the oils of the coffee bean. Crema is the hazelnut foam that sits on the surface of the coffee. The sign of a good espresso, using fresh coffee beans, is the richness of the crema. French Press Drip Filtration



Mokta Pot/Stovetop

the rise of the one cup coffee maker

The bottom line is, however, that fresh brewed coffee at home has become even more reliable and convenient. Overall, there are several reasons that the one cup coffee maker has risen in popularity and usage over the last few years. Overall, there are several reasons that the one cup coffee maker has become a common sight in kitchens and offices across the country. Overall, there are several reasons that the one cup coffee maker has become a common sight in kitchens and offices across the country. A one cup coffee maker has become a common sight in kitchens and offices across the country. As we all have learned, there is a distinct difference in taste between freshly brewed coffee, and coffee that has been sitting in a coffee pot for awhile. Or, if you are the only coffee drinker in the house, a one cup coffee maker allows you to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee without having to brew a whole pot or waste coffee grounds. Even if you are the only coffee drinker in the house, a one cup coffee maker allows you to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee every time. It is no revelation to state that people prefer their coffee fresh. A one cup coffee maker will cut your coffee costs because you will only be brewing coffee when you are ready to drink it. In addition, making one cup of coffee at a time eliminates the waste of having leftover coffee no one wants to drink. For the more planet conscious coffee enthusiast, a one-cup coffee maker also can reduce your impact on our country’s strained power structure and the environment. The machine itself is smaller and uses less power than larger models, which can save you money on utility costs. One cup coffee makers are economical not just in the initial cost of the unit, but in other ways as well. The specialty flavored coffee that is available to be purchased for a one cup coffee maker is another reason these machines have risen in popularity of late. This aspect falls in line with the personalization features that so many modern-day gadgets offer. It solves the problem of different people preferring different kinds of coffee, either at home or in the office. Clean up and maintenance with these one cup makers is a snap as well. Also, they take up next to nothing in space on a counter, table, or desk. Another byproduct of the one cups’ rise in usage is peoples familiarity with this particular kind of coffee maker. If you decide to give a coworker their own personal one cup coffee maker for a gift, due to the popularity of the item, they may already know what it is and how to operate it. If your kids drink coffee a one cup coffee maker would be a great present as well, especially if they are headed to back to college or are already attending and living on campus. A one cup coffee maker is a wonderful graduation gift to help freshmen begin the dorm life. Just imagine how many "incidental" dollars that will be saved for the student who doesn’t have to buy expensive cups of coffee from coffee shops, or the dining hall. Dorm rooms are notoriously short on space and a one cup coffee maker could fit well in a confined area, and help them through those late night study periods and early mornings. A one cup coffee maker is also an appropriate gift for the young person who is pursuing a career in another city, moving into their first apartment, or otherwise spreading their wings as independent young adults. Most will need a little a little help from parents and grandparents, other relatives, and friends in accumulating the necessary items for their new residence. Speaking of which, a one cup coffee maker is an ideal wedding present for the couple just starting out in a life together, and often their first home as husband and wife. The compact size and lighter weight of the one cup coffee maker is another appealing feature that has made it so popular. Your single friends would appreciate receiving such a gift. Your elderly parents or relatives, or the elderly neighbor from down the street could all use a one cup coffee maker in their homes. These one cup coffee makers are easy to operate and to clean for maintaining them. They are also easier for those with arthritis or decreased mobility to use safely. Take a look and discover for yourself why once cup coffee makers have risen in popularity in recent years. You can find one cup coffee makers to find the one priced and with the style that you like and want the most.

The bottom line is, however, that fresh brewed coffee at home has become even more reliable and convenient. Besides emerging as a great gift idea, the one cup coffee maker has risen in popularity and usage over the last few years. There is literally something for everyone. A one cup coffee maker is a popular gift idea, mostly due to the varieties and flavors of coffee that are available.As we all have learned, there is a distinct difference in taste between freshly brewed coffee, and coffee that has been sitting in a coffee pot for awhile. Or, if you are not the first to rise in your home, a one cup coffee maker allows you to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee without having to brew a whole pot or waste coffee grounds. Or, if you are the only coffee drinker in the house, a one cup coffee maker will insure that you can get one fresh cup of coffee every time. Even if you are the only coffee drinker in the house, a one cup coffee maker allows you to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee every time. It is no revelation to state that people prefer their coffee fresh.A one cup coffee maker will cut your coffee costs because you will only be brewing coffee when you are ready to drink it. In addition, making one cup of coffee at a time eliminates the waste of having leftover coffee no one wants to drink. For the more planet conscious coffee enthusiast, a one-cup coffee maker also can reduce your impact on our country’s strained power structure and the environment. The machine itself is smaller and uses less power than larger models, which can save you money on utility costs. One cup coffee makers are economical not just in the initial cost of the unit, but in other ways as well.The internet allows you to compare several makes, models, and suppliers of one cup coffee makers in your local stores priced quite affordably, although the selections may not be as wide as the selections in one cup coffee makers have risen in popularity in recent years. You can find one cup coffee makers in your local stores priced quite affordably, although the selections may not be as wide as the selections in one cup coffee makers in your local stores priced quite affordably, although the selections may not be as wide as the selections in one cup coffee makers that can be found online.

the filtration buys coffee seed which has roasted

Coffee roasts or that like to call that “fresh coffee” mean coffee which change roasting or make cooked already. To fully bring make drinkable by just bring grind brokenly or be powdery depend on the equipment that use in making. If ask that will buy coffee roasts what is the trademark? drink good the answer is do not know. Because depend on the liking of each person. On the other coffee buying will have in each time May different smack although will kind same coffee and buy from a shop originally no matter the reason has that to deliver a speech already in.

The suggestion in coffee buying.
1. Buy in fair quantity in 1 week.
2. Smell that have no other which smell is mixed up and still the stink of coffee.
3. should avoid the buying coffee seed roasts from a shop in supermarket at sell coffee seed roasts adjoin the food that have power smell such as pizza , bread and kind food fries all because coffee is will formed absorb those smell comes to keep at itself this proof can prove. If you go for a walk to area the department store in the foreign countries and try to observe see in a shop or in the counter sells the cosmetic, perfumes kind, you will notice that there is the utensils packs coffee seed roasts to lay near with perfumes and if you ask the customer assistant you will have alike answer be for absorb perfumes smell that spread in that area.
4. Taste and remember the smack takes to keep and you will know that what kind are you like coffee? Which smack and what is the trademark?
5. should not buy coffee has which to grind succeed already or give the vendor grinds to give but should buy come to grind by oneself and should grind in enough quantity makes in each time make as soon as grind finished. Should not pick coffee which grind to keep long too ago because will lose the smack.
6. Coffee which buy to come to should keep in vacuum bottle use the tongue and your nose are quality proof and the smack of coffee. Let’s believes in yourself and if you are a person likes to drink your coffee can judge with yourself that coffee is what kind, which trademark, delicious and tasty you. Your time makes coffee to give the other drinks let’s observes to see the reaction from drinking his you will know that how is making craftsmanship and cooking your?

Seed coffee buying has that to roast already and pack appeared the tube skirt give try observe see these messages because be messages that imply the quality of coffee.
Fair Trade - valuable tall coffee and have to pay attention to in growing.
Shade Grown - coffee which grow under the tree shade which believe in that be coffee which have good smack.
Single Origin - coffee which is of good quality select the grade and have no the compound of kind other coffee.

Read more http://coffee-cup-shop.blogspot.com

http://coffee-cup-shop.blogspot.com

coffee grinders are the choice of people who are truly in love with coffee

Preparing fresh coffee can mean lots of things for different people: you can either buy it ground or prepare it at home just as fine or as coarse as it pleases you. Coffee grinders are very often the choice of people who are truly in love with coffee and want to make sure that flavor and the aroma are unique, authentic and the most intense one they can get. The problem with pre-ground coffee is that it loses the flavor within days after the manufacturing process, not that it would become tasteless, but you don't discover the same intensity of the original in it.

On the other hand, those who choose to buy whole coffee beans and prepare them with the help of coffee grinders at home know that the freshness and the strength of the taste will remain present for weeks on end. However, there is one other advantage of using coffee grinders beside that of flavor preservation: I'm talking about the possibility to control the strength of the coffee depending on the way you choose to grind it. For instance, largely ground coffee works excellent for after dinner occasions when you don't need to make the coffee drinks too strong; on the other hand, in the morning, one may definitely need a super fine grind to prepare an espresso and get the maximum of caffeine out of it.

There are many types of coffee grinders on the market, how can one know which to choose? Some of these special machines are created to grind large amounts of coffee that are used in cafés for instance; but this is not the case for a regular person who needs a lower capacity to use at home. When buying coffee grinders, people should ask themselves several question to make sure that it is worth making the investment. First of all, what is your budget? How often do you need to grind coffee? Who else drinks coffee in your house?

Usually, there are two types of coffee grinders to choose from: blade grinders and burr grinders. Blade coffee grinders are less expensive and fit very well in any kitchen due to their reduced dimensions; yet they cannot grind coffee the super fine way that is necessary for a Turkish coffee for example. Furthermore, they are quite difficult to clean, but that is not an operation you'll do too often. On the other hand, burr coffee grinders are the choice for true coffee lovers; the aroma of the coffee is thoroughly preserved, and though they are more expensive, users claim they are definitely worth the money.

why coffee pods are the best coffee solution for the office

More and more employers are finding that the very best way to give their employees something they will enjoy is by bringing coffee pods into the employee break room. A break room well-stocked with a variety of coffees and other beverages is high on the list of perks that employees are looking for. A number of Fortune 500 companies have discovered that one of the most treasured perks they provide for their employees is something they might never expect - coffee! The answer might be surprising. Many employers often wonder what their employees want, besides a raise of course.

Take a look at what some of the best makers of single serve coffee makers with coffee pods offer your office. Why choose coffee pods for your office break room? Today, coffee machines that use coffee pods are among the most popular office coffee machines on the market, and with good reason. The critics were not kind about the coffee either, but all that has changed. At the time, they were expensive and there were few varieties available. Coffee pods first made their appearance on the market about a decade ago.

Consistently Good Coffee

Consistently Good Coffee

The coffee maker does not pick up all the oils from the brewing process either, meaning that you get fresh, clean coffee every time around. Also, because you are only making one cup at a time, there's no coffee to turn to burnt sludge in the bottom of the pot. Also, because you are only making one cup at a time. Each pod is pre-measured with the precise amount of coffee, tea or cocoa to make one perfect cup at a time. With coffee pods, those issues are grievances of the past. That was partly because the pot inevitably sat on the burner and scorched the coffee, and partly because the pot inevitably sat on the burner and scorched the coffee, and partly because the machine just didn't get cleaned often enough. No matter how good the coffee you started with, it soon turned into oily black sludge. Previously, many workers felt 'office coffee' was synonymous with mud.

Easy Cleanup

Easy Cleanup

Coffee pods also mean no more messy drips and grounds on the counter of the break room. The coffee grounds are completely contained in the pod. When the coffee is done, you just eject the pod and throw it away. Your coffee room will stay clean, making it a more inviting place for your workers to brainstorm and work together.

Save Money

Save Money

When the best coffee in town is right there in the break room, your employees are far less likely to wander off looking for a coffee shop. More time at the office and less time spent standing in line waiting for a cappuccino at the local shop is good news for you. Your employees will be happier and more productive. At the same time, they will be saving money on all those specialty coffees bought over the counter. Even if you decide to establish a coffee fund, they will be paying far less per cup for coffee pods at the office than they will for a paper takeaway cup from the local shop.

Everyone gets what they like!

Everyone gets what they like!

One of the best things about replacing the office coffee pot with a single cup brewer and a coffee pod system is the selection of beverages available in coffee pods. With selections of coffee ranging from light breakfast blends to full-bodied espressos, everyone in your office can have the style and flavor of coffee that they like best. Coffee enthusiasts can find flavored coffees among varieties such as vanilla, hazelnut, mocha and even blueberry. Even better, most of the single serve coffee systems that use coffee pods are not confined to just making coffee. Depending on the supplier you choose, you may be able to also receive an assortment of flavored teas and gourmet hot chocolate drinks as well.

The Best Coffees Available

The Best Coffees Available

As single cup coffee makers have gained acceptance and popularity, the selection of coffees available in coffee pods for brewing has grown exponentially. The biggest reason for that is the number of nationally known fine coffee roasters who have jumped on the bandwagon to offer a variety of their coffees in pod form so that you can enjoy the same coffees that you love at the coffee shop. Among the coffee roasters who now offer their coffee in pods are Seattle's Best, Starbucks, Melitta and Baronet. Java One offers a wide variety of coffee blends, and Senseo, makers of the Senseo single serve coffee system offers their own line of a dozen different coffee varieties that range from a light, tart Brazilian that will please most American palates to their latest gourmet offering, a rich, sweet, dark coffee appropriately named Café Noir, with just a hint of chocolate in the finish.

A coffee pod system can pay for itself in happier workers and increased productivity, and your staff just may vote you supervisor of the year. Your office staff will appreciate the investment in a coffee pod brewing system.

a few suggestions about how to make some excellent coffee drinks to spoil yourself with

With coffee being one of the most popular drinks all over the world, there's no wonder that there are a great deal of combinations that use it together with other flavors for some of the most delicious of results. Just as coffee has become an important ingredient in many types of dessert, the same observation can be made about the large number of coffee drinks that are served in bars, restaurants or in the coziness of your home. Here are a few suggestions about how to make some excellent coffee drinks to spoil yourself with or to impress family and friends at parties.

One of the most frequent coffee drinks relies on the combined effect of caffeine and alcohol, with the impact of the latter drastically reduced. Some great beverages are based on coffee and rum or cream liqueur varieties; chocolate also works great in the combination, particularly the dark kind, with at least 55% cocoa content. All you need to do is prepare some fresh coffee and add the rum or liqueur as well as the hot chocolate and mix them. The best way to serve it is warm, and you may also feel like adding a little cream for both the aesthetic effect and the taste it gives to such coffee drinks.

Among the large number of coffee drinks that are served in pubs and restaurants, we also need to mention a the sugar-caramel latte that also works great for home making. The best type of sugar to be used for the matter is cane brown sugar; add it in some milk while stirring with a whisk, then pour coffee and caramel sauce continuing to mix the combination. From the coffee drinks you may have tried, this one really works great either served cold or warm, not to mention that it is both tasty and easy to prepare.

Amaretto is one more of the many coffee drinks worth mentioning here; it mainly relies on the flavor and properties of very strong coffee, served hot in combination with whipped cream, or milk froth. You may add sugar depending on the taste, but the sweeter you make it, the more likely it is that the coffee flavor should fade. The latest trend in bars is to serve this kind of coffee drinks in wine glasses, preferably with a straw, otherwise you may enjoy drinking it with a mustache and have fun with your friends.

valuable tips on how to store and prepare green coffee beans

If you'd go to a restaurant and you'd be shown some green coffee beans that would have to make you a tasty coffee, you'd surely make a very serious and distrustful face. Save any comments for the moment you'll taste the coffee, and then you're completely entitled to complain, if you still feel like! Many people who have drunk coffee made from freshly roasted green coffee beans have often declared that these strange looking beans make the best drink they've ever tasted. Where's the secret here? There is none actually. The problem with roasted and pre-packed coffee is that it starts losing its flavor immediately after being prepared.

There are coffee drinkers who'd never use processed coffee; many actually improvise and roast the green coffee beans in popcorn machines, then grind and prepare them. However, though with greater flavor qualities, green coffee is almost half cheaper than regular roasted coffee you find in supermarkets; the only problem here would be the availability of the green coffee beans. Normally, they are to be found in special shops, or larger amounts could be ordered on the Internet. Besides offering regular commercial services online, web sites often provide very valuable tips on how to store and prepare green coffee beans.

If you don't have a popcorn popper, a pan would also do for roasting the green coffee beans; yet, true enthusiasts would rather buy special roasters, which though a bit more expensive allow a great control over the roasting level, not to mention that there is much less smoke. In case you don't have time enough to roast and grind the green coffee beans at home, you could simply purchase small amounts of coffee from special shops that grind daily, so as to still enjoy the fresh coffee flavor.

How do you know when the green coffee beans are properly roasted? Under the heat action, the water inside the beans evaporates and causes the appearance of some cracks on the surface of the former green coffee beans. As the aroma spreads all around the house, it will seem like the beans are shrinking; during the entire roasting process, green coffee beans are actually losing almost 15% of their initial weight. There are two stages to recognize in the roasting process: during the first one, the beans have a light brown color, and when ground they resemble cinnamon. On the other hand, the last roasting stage is complete when a full dark color has been resumed and you can almost feel the taste of an exquisite drink.