The Melitta Coffee Maker Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged 10-cup, coffee maker, Melitta Leave a comment

Melitta Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

Melitta is a lesser-known brand, but they offer a stunning coffee maker that looks like a high-end model – without the high end price. This model is very popular with 2,800 reviews and comes with either a 10-cup thermal carafe model or a 12-cup glass carafe model.

I will be reviewing the 10-cup thermal model, but they’re virtually the same, minus the cup quantity.

Build Quality

Made with stainless steel, the build quality of the Melitta is exceptional. It looks stunning and won’t break or crack like some hard plastic models can.

The thermal carafe is also a major bonus because it features a double wall design that keeps coffee warm even hours after brewing.

Click here to get the price of the Melitta Coffee Maker.

Design & Features

Full-bodied flavor and an intoxicating aroma is what this coffee maker is known for. You can even program it at night and have it automatically brew coffee for you when you wake up. It’s very convenient and offers:

10-cup brewing capacity
Thermal carafe with thumb activated pouring
Vacuum-sealed design for the utmost in freshness
Regular, bold and robust coffee settings
Cone-shaped filter for optimal coffee extraction
Programmable timer
Pause and serve feature

Offering the ability to brew 10-cups of coffee, this model makes enough coffee for the whole family. If you’re in a rush, there is a pause and serve feature that allows you to pour yourself a cup of coffee and resume the brewing process right after. If you’re always on the go, this is a great feature to have.

The carafe allows for thumb-activated pouring. When you make your coffee, simply choose regular, bold or robust flavors. If you like a full-bodied taste, this model uses a cone design to optimize the coffee ground extraction process.

You can even make iced coffee with this model.

Maintenance & Cleaning

There isn’t an automatic cleaning cycle on this model, so you’ll need to clean this model by hand. Just grab a sponge or a damp rag, and wipe down the exterior. The carafe can be cleaned in the sink.

Durability & Longevity

Made from stainless steel, this model is extremely durable. Longevity is not an issue with many owners still using this model after 3+ years of ownership. As long as you change the coffee filters and perform regular cleanings, you’ll be able to run this model for years.

Price

The Melitta looks like a high-end model and produces a full-bodied cup of coffee that’s filled with delicious flavor. This is a great model for any coffee drinker.

Pros

Stainless steel
Exceptional exterior design
Affordable
Programmable
Thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for 1 hour; warm for 3 hours

Cons

No automatic cleaning
Difficult to read the water gauge

Automatic cleaning would have been a nice added bonus, but it’s not a necessity with this model –especially for the price. Adding water and reading the gauge is a little difficult, especially when making less than 10 cups of coffee at a time, but you’ll quickly get used to it.

Melitta is a highly recommended coffee maker that offers durable stainless steel, programmable brewing and a thermal carafe that keeps coffee warm for hours.

Click here to get the price of the Melitta Coffee Maker.

Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker: The Keurig K130 Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers, Favorite Tagged coffee maker, k130, keurig 2 Comments

Keurig K130 Single-Serve (click to enlarge)

Keurig is one of the most recognizable brands in the coffee industry, and their single-serve brewers are some of the best around. That’s why I was so excited to get my hands on the K130 Brewing System. It’s one of the most affordable in the Keurig line-up, but it’s every bit as good as the other machines I’ve tested. It’s simple, but it does the job well. Let’s take a closer look at this model in my review.

Commercial-Grade Brewer

Did you know that the K130 is the same machine used in hotel and motel rooms all over the country? A coffee machine has to be reliable and well-built if it’s going to be used in the hospitality industry.

Click here to get the price of the Keurig K130 Single-Serve Coffee Maker.

Simple, Smart Design

Like all other Keurig machines, the K130 uses the K-Cup system. I personally love K-Cups because they’re so convenient. I never have to spend extra time grinding beans or measuring. All I have to do is just pop in the K-Cup and start brewing. And with this model, you also have the option of buying a reusable K-Cup holder, so you can use your own coffee if you want.

Aside from coffee, you can also brew tea, hot cocoa and even iced beverages in this machine. The versatility of the K130 is one feature I really like, and something that most Keurig single-serve machines offer.

The internal reservoir holds just enough water for a single 8oz. serving. But that’s all the water you’ll need as this brewer makes just one cup at a time. And pictorial instructions are included on the side of the machine to ensure you use it properly. A mug sensor and automatic shutoff feature are also included.

The K130 doesn’t come with a ton of features. It’s a simple design that works well, and it brews a great cup of coffee. At the end of the day, that’s really all that matters.

Minimal Clean-Up

Because the K130 is a simple machine, clean-up is easy. The exterior wipes clean with a sponge or rag. The reservoir isn’t removable, but it comes clean with a simple vinegar/water brewing cycle.

Maintenance is easy. Just be sure to keep the machine clean and follow the usage directions properly.

Highly Durable

Keurig designed the K130 for commercial use, so it’s built to withstand extensive use and abuse. I’m confident that if you take care of this machine, it will last for quite a few years.

A Price That’s Hard To Beat

Would you believe me if I told you the K130 is very affordable? Most machines in the brand’s lineup cost $100+. You can get your hands on the K130 for less than the cost of most entry-level coffee makers. And you still get the same Keurig quality.

Pros

Easy to use and clean
Brews just one cup at a time
Auto shutoff saves energy
Uses K-Cups for convenient, easy brewing

Cons

No programmable features
Only brews one cup at a time

It sounds silly, seeing as the K130 is a single-serve coffee maker, but I would have liked to have the option of brewing more than one cup of coffee at a time. Other Keurig machines (like the K45) give you this option, but the K130 doesn’t. However, the brew time is so quick, it really isn’t a major concern.

The Keurig K130 is a great brewer for single coffee drinkers. It’s quick, efficient and brews up a quick cup of great-tasting coffee. I highly recommend this machine.

Click here to get the price of the Keurig K130 Single-Serve Coffee Maker.

The Keurig K45 Elite Coffee Maker Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged coffee maker, k45, keurig, single-serve Leave a comment

Keurig K45 Single-Serve Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

A while back, I took the Keurig K45 Elite Brewing System for a test drive while staying at a neighbor’s house. I’ve always loved the simplicity of Keurig machines and the K-Cup system, and the K45 offers that flexibility that I’ve been craving in single-serve brewers. I’ll explain more in my review.

Keurig-Quality Construction

First, let’s talk about the quality of the K45’s construction. If you have any experience with Keurig machines, you already know how well-built they are. I’ve known people who have had their machines for several years and it still brews great coffee. The K45 is no exception.

Click here to get the price of the Keurig K45 Elite Coffee Maker.

Sophisticated Design and Convenient Features

Now, let’s get back to that flexibility I was talking about earlier. Unlike other single-serve brewers, the K45 Elite gives you the option of brewing 6oz., 8oz. or 10oz. cups of coffee. This means you don’t have to run two brewing cycles just to fill your travel mug for work in the morning.

Another great feature is the large 48oz. water reservoir. If you’re brewing a large cup of coffee or more than one person is making a cup, you don’t have to make several trips to the sink to refill the water tank. And the K45 even comes with a water filter kit, so you can enjoy fresh, pure coffee every time.

With the K45, you can customize your coffee with just a few clicks of a button.

The K45 is always ready to brew, and will make you a cup of whatever you want – coffee, tea, hot cocoa or even iced tea – in less than a minute.

And if you forget to turn off the machine, it will shut off automatically after a given period of time.

Easy to Clean

The Keurig K45 is really easy to clean. A damp sponge or towel can be used to wipe down the exterior of the machine. And to keep the machine clean, there’s a special descale program that will remove build-up and hard water residue.

Most parts, including the water tank and drip tray, are removable and easily washed by hand with soap and water.

Built to Last

Backed by the Keurig name, the K45 Elite Brewing system is built to last. I’ve tested quite a few coffee makers, and you can tell by the weight and build of this machine that it will give you plenty of use. Some coffee makers feel “flimsy”. This one doesn’t by any means.

Won’t Break the Bank

Some Keurig machines can be expensive, but the K45 is very reasonably priced. Considering this machine gives you the flexibility to brew bigger cups of coffee, it’s worth the cost.

Why I Recommend the K45

Multiple cup sizes (6oz – 10oz.).
Large, 48oz. water reservoir, so you can brew multiple cups before having to refill.
Automatic shutoff feature.
Water filter cartridge included.
Comes with 12 K-Cups to get you started.
Brews in just one minute.

Minor Drawbacks

Not programmable

The K45 doesn’t offer any programmable features, so you won’t be able to wake up to a freshly brewed cup of coffee. But it takes just one minute to make a cup of coffee, so this really isn’t much of an issue.

The Keurig K45 is a sleek single-serve coffee maker that gives you the flexibility you crave. With multiple cup sizes and a large reservoir, this is a coffee maker the whole family can use.

Click here to get the price of the Keurig K45 Elite Coffee Maker.

My Favorite High-End Espresso Machine: The Jura Ena Micro 1!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines, Favorite Tagged ena micro 1, espresso machine, high-end, jura Leave a comment

Jura Ena Micro 1 Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

Looking for an espresso machine that’s sleek, elegant and brews the absolute perfect cup of espresso? You’re in luck – the Jura Ena Micro 1 is all that and more. It’s ultra-compact, but designed to brew espresso like a seasoned barista in an Italian café. This is the ultimate in premium coffee machines and I am so excited to be able to share my review with you!

Artisan Craftsmanship

The first thing you’ll notice about the Ena Micro 1 is its design. Sleek, compact and modern, this coffee maker is a work of art. It’s so small and compact, that it fits mostly anywhere in the kitchen.

But it doesn’t just look great – it works great too. It’s well-designed and built with the highest quality materials — something Jura prides itself on with every one of their models!

Click here to get the price of the Jura Ena Micro 1 Espresso Machine.

Designed to Brew the Perfect Espresso

The Ena Micro 1 is perfectly engineered to take most of the work out of brewing espresso. With just a few button presses, the Ena Micro 1 will get to work, brewing your preferred cup. From size to aroma level, you have control over the brew.

All of your beans are stored in a small compartment on top of the machine. The aroma preservation lid keeps your beans as fresh as possible, while the grinder gently grinds them to your preferred size.

Before the brewing even begins, the machine will preheat the water to the optimal brewing temperature. In one single brewing cycle, you can choose the strength and preparation for up to two cups. The coffee spout is also adjustable, so you can brew large or small cups of coffee with ease and without destroying the crema. The 15 bar pressure system is ideal for brewing espresso.

To ensure that your espresso tastes as pure as possible, Jura includes a water filter cartridge to remove impurities from the water. It also helps prevent scale.

And when you’re done brewing, the zero-energy switch will disconnect the machine from your power supply, so you don’t use energy while the machine is on standby.

The Jura Ena Micro 1 comes pre-programmed for three sizes, which are espresso, lungo and ristretto, and there are three settings for the concentration of beans.

Ristretto is the strongest and smallest cup of coffee and will be made with the most concentrated amount of coffee beans and least amount of water.
Espresso is with a little bit more water but still quite strong.
Lungo is more like a regular cup of coffee and will be using the largest amount of water.

The largest of the factory programmed water amount is about 6 ounces and you can quite easily manually program the Jura Micro 1 to give you even more water.

Jura packs all of these great features into one compact model that’s just 9.06” x 12.72” x 17.52”. This powerful little machine won’t take up much room on your counter, and will add a touch of elegance to your kitchen.

Simple Cleaning and Maintenance

With a compact design, the Ena Micro 1 is really easy to clean and maintain. The water filter does a great job at preventing scale, but I recommend also buying the cleaning tablets that Jura offers.

On top of this, the machine also has a rinsing, cleaning and descaling program built in, so your machine will stay clean at all times.

A Timeless Espresso Machine

The Ena Micro 1 truly is an espresso machine that will give you years of use. It’s well-engineered and built with the highest quality materials.

Luxury Coffee Maker at a Mid-Range Price

I would recommend you get the Ena Micro 1 but this is definitely a coffee maker that’s on the higher end of the mid-range class, but it’s worth every penny for the convenience, compact design and fantastic coffee quality.

Why I Recommend the Jura Ena Micro 1

Single-serve 1-cup machine, which is great for single coffee drinkers.
Grinder built into the machine for the freshest coffee grounds.
Multiple cup sizes and adjustable spout make it easy to brew larger cups.
Compact design that won’t take up much room in your kitchen.
Automatic energy savings to cut your energy costs.

Some Drawbacks to Consider

Pricey

The Ena Micro 1 is a little on the expensive side, but for an upper-mid range model, it really is worth every penny. It brews an absolutely delicious cup of espresso, and the machine itself is so easy to use and clean. You’d have trouble finding another coffee maker of this quality at a lower price.

Click here to get the price of the Jura Ena Micro 1 Espresso Machine.

Most Affordable Single-Serve: The Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Maker

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged coffee maker, hamilton beach, single-serve Leave a comment

Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

Want a fast-brewed cup of coffee? That is exactly what the Hamilton Beach 49981A has to offer. This model is meant for the person that needs just enough coffee – up to 14 ounces – to give them that extra jolt they need to wake up in the morning.

There’s enough room to fit your travel cup or coffee mug right underneath the coffee dispenser.

High-Quality Stainless Steel

Hamilton Beach uses stainless steel with this model. Black plastic trim can be seen around the edges, and the top pops open to reveal the coffee filter. This is a very high-quality product at a very affordable price. It’s yet another example from Hamilton Beach, that a decent coffee maker can be affordable and still product great tasting coffee.

Click here to get the price of the Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Maker.

Features

Feature-rich, the 49981A offers bold and regular flavor options to ensure the perfect taste with every cup. This model features:

14-ounce brewing capacity
Built-in stand for coffee mugs
Stainless steel design
Regular and bold coffee settings
Labeled scoop filters
Adjustable cup rest

This very model won an award from Good Housekeeping in 2012 for being a “Very Innovative Product.”

What’s so innovative?

It’s all in the design. Starting with the coffee filter, simply push the top and the filter holder is exposed. After putting in your coffee grounds, adjust the built-in coffee stand to your coffee cup’s size. It’s simple and easy.

Then, you can choose your desired coffee strength – regular or bold – and start brewing.

Hamilton Beach even includes a mesh scoop filter, so you never need to buy paper filters again.

The stand also acts as a drip tray, so there’s never any messy cleanup to worry about. Brewing time is just 90 seconds or less for an 8-ounce cup. When you’re finished, this coffee maker will shut off for added safety.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

Before you go ahead and brew your first cup of coffee in this model, make sure you listen to the manufacturer’s suggestion of running two full coffee cycles with just water. This should be seen as starting maintenance to remove any plastic taste.

Scoop filters rarely need to be replaced. Even after 7 months of use, there was no need to replace the scoop filter yet.

If you want easy clean up, you’ll be in for a treat with this model. This is one of the easiest coffee makers to clean. Since there is no carafe to worry about, you’ll be cleaning the exterior and the filter with a damp cloth or sponge. If you want to be very thorough, brew a cup or two of coffee with just water to clean out the coffee spout.

Top-quality Durability

There’s literally nothing to break with this model. Made from stainless steel and not containing a carafe, you shouldn’t have any breakage issues ever.

Price

This is one of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market.

Pros

Beautiful design
Extremely durable
Regular and bold strength brewing
Very easy to clean
Adjustable stand

Cons

Leaks if too much grounds are added

Many coffee makers will leak if you add to many grounds to the filter. This occurs because the grounds are packed so tightly that the water has nowhere to go. Always leave a little room up top to avoid this issue.

As far as taste is concerned, you’ll have a full-bodied cup of coffee in 90 seconds or less. The filtration keeps in the strong coffee flavor, and you’ll never spend more than 2 minutes cleaning the machine.

Click here to get the price of the Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Maker.

Top Buy! The Hamilton Beach 46201 Coffee Maker Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged 46201, coffee maker, hamilton beach Leave a comment

Hamilton Beach 46201 Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

Looking for a coffee maker that’s affordable and comes with a programmable clock? The Hamilton Beach 46201 may be the perfect choice for you. This model is not only backed by the reputable Hamilton Beach brand, but it also brews a delicious cup of coffee.

Hamilton Beach Quality

The 46201’s hard plastic and metal exterior are both durable and easy to clean. The carafe is durable, this model is on wheels for easy movement, and the coffee filter holder even swings out for convenient removing and replacing.

For a lower-priced coffee maker, Hamilton Beach definitely didn’t skimp on quality or features for this model. Below is a list of the core features:

Click here to get the price of the Hamilton Beach 46201 Coffee Maker.

Design & Features

There’s a lot to like with this model, including:

12-cup brewing capacity
Bold and regular brewing options
1 – 4 cup brewing options
Adjustable warmer
Pause and serve options
Nonstick warmer plate
Swing out coffee filter
Removable water reservoir

Hamilton Beach allows you to adjust the brew power for a bold or normal brew taste. You can choose to brew all 12-cups, or you can choose 1 – 4 cups for a faster brew on the go. If you’re in a hurry, there is a pause and serve option, so you can quickly grab a cup of coffee and continue your morning routine.

Pressing on the front of the machine, you can quickly access the swing-out filter to add your coffee and remove your old filter if necessary.

One thing that’s really nice about this model is that the reservoir comes out, and the entire machine is on wheels. So, you can quickly clean the reservoir and move your coffee maker near the sink with minimal effort.

Maintenance & Cleaning

There is no automatic cleaning cycle, but don’t let that deter you – cleaning is easy. First and foremost, the water reservoir comes out, so you can clean it with ease. I recommend using a damp sponge and water and avoiding soap as it can affect your coffee’s taste.

The exterior of this model needs a simple wipe-down to keep it clean.

Filters will need to be changed just like every other coffee maker on the market, and the carafe will need to be rinsed clean for optimal flavor.

Durability & Longevity

Hamilton Beach includes a 1-year warranty, but you hopefully won’t have to use it. A lot of users have been using this model going on three years without an issue. The one point I will note is that if there’s an issue, it usually occurs within the first few months of ownership when you’ll be able to use the product’s warranty.

Entry-Level Price

This is an entry-level coffee maker that has a lot of the same features you would expect to find at the mid-range price and higher.

Pros

Extremely affordable
Designed for easy cleaning and brewing
Programmable clock
Automatic shutoff
Wheels for easy transport

Cons

No self-cleaning mode
Slow brewing time

My one complaint is that this isn’t a fast-brewing coffee machine. If you’re in a rush, it’s probably better to go with a single serve model like the Keurig K130/B130. However, for 12-cups of coffee, you wouldn’t expect a lightning fast brew anyway.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the Hamilton Beach 46201. It comes with every feature an avid coffee drinker would want and has been known to last for years without breaking. This is a great model for every household.

Click here to get the price of the Hamilton Beach 46201 Coffee Maker.

A Premium French Press: The Grosche Madrid Reviewed!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Favorite, French Presses Tagged french press, Grosche, madrid, premium, tea Leave a comment

Grosche Madrid French Press (click to enlarge)

Elegant, modern and luxurious are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of the Grosche Madrid French press. I recently had the pleasure of trying this coffee maker out, and I instantly fell in love with its design. It brews a pretty great pot of coffee too. Available in three sizes (11.8oz, 34oz and 51oz), the Madrid is a press every kitchen should have.

Premium Quality French Press

The Grosche Madrid has a borosilicate glass carafe with a sleek chrome housing. It’s minimalistic in design, but modern and elegant. The chrome housing and lid are sturdy and well-built. Of course, the glass carafe is fragile just like with any other French press.

Click here to get the price of the Grosche Madrid Premium French Press. This french press makes great tea too!

A Classic and Elegant Design

I love the classic French press look, but the Madrid offers something a little different in the design department. The housing is slimmer, sleeker and shinier. The handle is an extension of the frame’s design and made of chrome – not plastic.

The only plastic part of this press is the bottom part of the lid, which twists right or left to close or open the pot. This is a great feature because closing the lid will help keep the coffee hotter for longer.

The stainless steel plate filter is a three-part system, and a secondary lid is included on the lid.

With the Madrid French press, you can brew up to 34oz. of fresh coffee or tea. You can even brew blooming tea in this pot.

Cleanup is a Breeze

The Grosche Madrid has a relatively simple design, so it’s very easy to clean. The housing and handle are one piece, which makes it easy to remove and rinse clean. The glass carafe and lid come clean with a little soap and water.

I’ve never tried to wash any of the components in the dishwasher, so I can’t say it’s dishwasher-safe. But it’s so easy to clean by hand that this really shouldn’t be an issue.

Will Give You Years of Use

The Madrid is a French press that will last for years as long as you take good care of it. The chrome housing on this press is extra-sturdy, so I don’t see it bending, warping or breaking anytime soon. The glass carafe is a bit fragile, but that’s to be expected. Just take care when handling it, and it will stay in great condition.

Priced Just Right

Don’t let the word “premium” deter you – this press is more than affordable. The premium-quality Madrid is in the same price range as entry-level French presses.

The Good

Chrome housing, lid and handle for extra durability
Borosilicate glass carafe for a pure taste
Three-part stainless steel filter and second filter on the lid to keep grounds in the pot
Sleek design that looks elegant in the kitchen

The Bad

The second filter is plastic

The top of the lid is metal, but the underside (where the second filer is located) is made of plastic. Coffee purists may be concerned with the plastic altering the coffee’s taste, but I never personally experienced this.

The Grosche Madrid is a premium quality French press at an affordable price. With a glass carafe and sleek chrome housing, this press will be the star of the show at the breakfast table.

Click here to get the price of the Grosche Madrid Premium French Press. This french press makes great tea too!

Best Value Buy: The Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine Reviewed!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines Tagged 14101, espresso machine, Gaggia, italian Leave a comment

Gaggia 14101 Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

Gaggia is an Italian company that specializes in espresso and cappuccino machines. The company has been around since 1947, so it’s safe to say that they know a thing or two about building coffee makers. I have to admit that I had never heard of this brand before I tested the 14101 Classic, but I’m so happy to now be acquainted with Gaggia. The Classic Espresso is a pleasure to use, and I couldn’t wait to share my review with you.

Unmatched Quality and Craftsmanship

Gaggia takes pride in their craftsmanship, and it really shows with this machine. The exterior housing is made from stainless steel, which gives it a sleek, modern look, but also makes the machine more durable. Both the grouphead and the portafilter are brass, so you’re really getting a well-made machine with the Classic Espresso.

Click here to get the price of the Gaggia 14101 Espresso Machine.

Modern Design & Practical Features

The Classic Espresso doesn’t boast any fancy features. It’s a simple machine that’s designed to do one thing: brew a smooth cup of espresso.

The 72oz. water reservoir is removable for easy cleaning. It also eliminates the need to make several trips to the sink just to brew more shots of espresso. Plus, it comes with a single- or double-shot filter baskets (both made of stainless steel).

The 17 1/2 bar pump and brass components help brew a fantastic cup of coffee. The frothing wand is great for making cappuccinos and lattes too. There’s also a nice hot water dispenser that you can use to brew tea.

As I mentioned previously, this machine doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles you’ll find with high-end automatic machines, but the focus here is really on the quality of the build and the coffee. And in this regard, the Classic Espresso is excellent.

Effortless Cleanup & Maintenance

With a stainless steel exterior, this coffee maker is very easy to clean. Just use a damp cloth to wipe down the sides and top of the machine. There’s no self-cleaning cycle, so you’ll have to clean the interior of the machine the same way you would a regular drip coffee maker.

The Utmost in Durability

With such high quality parts, I’m confident this machine will give you years of use. One online reviewer said their 15-year old machine is still brewing shots on a daily basis. Other reviewers have updated their reviews from 3+ years ago stating that their Classic Espresso Machine is still going strong.

Great Value

This is a mid-range espresso machine, but the quality of the coffee and the longevity of the machine make this machine worth the cost.

Pros

17 1/2 bar pump pressure, high-voltage boiler, and brass grouphead and portafilters for excellent temperature control and great-tasting espresso.
Single and double shot filter baskets for versatile brewing.
Commercial-grade quality.
Frother for making cappuccinos, lattes and other coffeehouse-style drinks.
Easy to use and clean.

Cons

The milk steamer can be fickle.

Gaggia has already addressed the issue with the milk steamer, and have replaced it with a newer, upgraded frother wand.

The Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine brews an exceptional cup of espresso and is well-engineered to give you years of use. I enjoyed every minute of testing this model, and I highly recommend it to any coffee lover looking for a great espresso machine.

Click here to get the price of the Gaggia 14101 Espresso Machine.

Frieling Polished 18/10 Stainless Steel French Press Reviewed!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, French Presses Tagged french press, Frieling, modern, stainless steel Leave a comment

Frieling Stainless Steel French Press (click to enlarge)

Not a fan of glass or plastic carafes? The Frieling French press is made of 18/10 stainless steel for a sleek, modern look that won’t alter the flavor of your coffee. I had the chance to test out this press recently, and I have to admit, I was impressed. I’m a fan of the classic glass carafe, but the Frieling press may just convince me to switch to stainless steel.

Polished Stainless Steel Housing

If you’re looking for a French press that’s sturdy, well-designed and infrangible, the Frieling press is a smart option. Made from 18/10 stainless steel, this press is solid and built to last.

A Modern Take on the French Press Design

Most French presses use a glass or plastic carafe, but the Frieling press takes a completely different approach. The 10” tall pitcher is double-walled and made of stainless steel. Just about every part of this press is made of stainless steel, including the mesh plunger and handle.

Click here to get the price of the Frieling Polished Stainless Steel French Press.

The exterior has a mirrored finish, while the interior has a brushed finish. The handle is full-length, so it’s comfortable to grip and pour.

What I really love about this press is that the carafe can also serve as an insulated pitcher, keeping your coffee warmer four times longer than glass.

Frieling offers four pitcher sizes: 8oz, 17oz, 23oz and 36oz. I only have experience with the 36oz, which brews more than enough coffee for two to three people.

Dishwasher Safe

Of all the French presses I’ve tested, the Frieling is the easiest to clean. All parts are easy to disassemble, and everything can be washed in the dishwasher. And if you need to wash the pot by hand, the stainless steel wipes clean with a little soap and water.

The Frieling press is virtually maintenance-free. There are no mechanical parts to worry about, and the stainless steel will stay in great condition providing you keep it clean.

Will Give You Years of Use

French presses with glass carafes have a bad habit of breaking prematurely. Whether it’s mishandling or the fluctuations in temperature, glass pitchers can be fickle and fragile.

The Frieling press will give you years of use. Stainless steel is rust-resistant, durable and so easy to care for. I don’t see a reason why this press wouldn’t last you years – decades even.

Great Value

The 36oz. Frieling press is a bit more expensive than other presses. However, the stainless steel pitcher is far less fragile and will keep your coffee hotter for longer.

Pros

Stainless steel pitcher and plunger for a pure coffee taste.
Double-walled interior keeps coffee warmer 4 times longer than glass.
Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe.
Sleek, modern design.

Cons

Cost

The Frieling is a bit more expensive than other French presses, but its high quality stainless steel construction makes it worth the cost. You never have to worry about the carafe shattering or cracking like you do with glass carafes. I was surprised by how great the coffee tasted in this brewer, and I highly recommend the Frieling coffee maker to anyone looking for a French press.

Click here to get the price of the Frieling Polished Stainless Steel French Press.

My Favorite Espresso Machine: The De’Longhi EC155 Reviewed!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines, Favorite Tagged affordable, de'longhi, EC155, favorite, popular Leave a comment

De’Longhi EC155 Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

De’Longhi is a well-known name in the coffee industry. Based in Treviso, Italy, De’Longhi makes some of the best home and commercial espresso brewers on the market. That’s why I was so excited to try out the EC155 for myself. This is a great entry-level espresso maker that won’t break your budget – but will give you a fantastic shot of espresso. Let’s dive right into the details and take a closer look at this model in my review.

Small But Sturdy

The EC155 is small, but sturdy. It can literally fit in any small area within your kitchen or office. With silver metallic accents and a solid black plastic body, this machine is extremely well-built. De’Longhi is well-known for producing high quality coffee makers, and this brewer is a testament to that claim.

Click here to get the price of the De’Longhi EC155 Espresso Machine.

Become Your Own Barista

With the EC155, you can become your own barista – no experience necessary. Not only can you brew espresso, but other coffeehouse drinks as well, like lattes and cappuccinos.

Here’s a rundown of this machine’s features:

Swivel jet frother, so you can make cappuccinos and lattes like a pro.
Dual function filter holder lets you brew ground coffee or pods.
Self-priming operation for easy start-up.
Two separate thermostats that control steam pressure and water separately, so your espresso is always brewed at the perfect temperature.
15 bar pump pressure and stainless steel boiler.
water tank.
Cup warmer.
Brews two cups at a time.

The self-priming feature is really great because you don’t have to wait around for the boiler and element to reach the right temperature.

Easy to Keep Clean

Some espresso machines are a pain to clean, but the EC155 is quick and easy. The water tank and drip tray are both removable, so you can clean and descale with ease. I never had any issues disassembling and reassembling the machine either. The entire process was so quick and painless.

Enjoy Espresso For Years to Come

The De’Longhi EC155 is an espresso machine that will give you many years of use. The boiler is made from top quality stainless steel, which is resistant to rust. De’Longhi is a common appliance brand in Italy, and the company is known for its quality.

Excellent Value

Semi-automatic espresso machines (which is what the EC155 is) come in various price ranges, but most are pretty pricey. That’s not the case with the EC155.

What I Love About the De’Longhi EC155

15 bar pump pressure and water temperature control for the perfect shot of espresso.
Is compatible with both ground coffee and coffee pods.
Swivel jet frother allows you to make cappuccinos, lattes and other coffeehouse drinks.
Durable stainless steel boiler will give you years of use.
Self-primer function eliminates wait time, and lets you start brewing as quickly as possible.

What Could Have Been Better

The knob control is a little confusing.

The machine’s main control knob is a little confusing at first mainly because it uses symbols rather than text to describe each function. This really isn’t a big deal. Just make sure you read the instruction manual to learn how to control each setting.

If you’re tired of spending $4 on coffeehouse drinks, start brewing at home with the De’Longhi EC155. It’s easy to use, quick to brew and makes one mean shot of espresso.

Click here to get the price of the De’Longhi EC155 Espresso Machine.