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A Strong Contender: The Cuisinart DCC-1200 Coffee Maker Reviewed!

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Cuisinart DCC-1200 Coffee Maker

Cuisinart DCC-1200 Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

Convenience is one thing I really look for when searching for a good coffee maker, and the Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central is the definition of convenience. Want to schedule your coffee to brew in the morning? Done. Want a machine that cleans itself? Done. The Brew Central has a lot to offer, and I’ll cover its great features in my review below.

Solid Construction

Cuisinart is a brand that’s known for producing high quality appliances, and the Brew Central is right on par with the brand’s other products. It’s sturdy, features brushed chrome accents, and its heating plate is scratch-resistant. There are no delicate parts to worry about either.

The Brew Central has over 5,000 customer reviews online – and the overwhelming majority are more than happy with this machine.

Click here to get the price of the Cuisinart DCC-1200 Coffee Maker. 

Convenient Features with a Sleek Design

What I really love about the Brew Central (and I think you’ll love too) is its convenient features. Cuisinart went the extra mile to make sure you get a great pot of coffee whenever you want and in a hassle-free way. Just take a look at some of this machine’s great features:

  • Programmable brew: With the Brew Central, you can schedule your brew up to 24 hours in advance.
  • Automatic shutoff: The machine’s automatic shutoff can also be programmed for 0-4 hours after brewing.
  • Flexible cup options: Brew an entire pot of 12 cups, or brew one or four cups at a time.
  • Brew pause: Pause mid-brewing cycle to pour yourself a cup of coffee.
  • Charcoal filter: Removes the impurities from your water that alters the coffee’s flavor.
  • Permanent filter: A permanent gold tone filter eliminates the paper filter taste and saves you money.
  • Adjustable heater plate: Choose from low, medium or high to keep your coffee hot and fresh.
  • Easy-pour carafe: With an ergonomic handle, the carafe is easy to pour and won’t drip.
  • Showerhead design: Completely saturates the coffee grounds for optimal extraction.
  • Ready tone: The Brew Central will beep five times after the brewing cycle is complete.

On top of all these great features, this coffee maker looks great. With a stainless steel exterior and black plastic accents, this machine looks great in any kitchen.

Self-Cleaning

Hate the idea of cleaning your coffee pot by hand? Cuisinart’s Brew Central has its own Self-Cleaning cycle that will keep your pot free of calcification in the water reservoir. The brushed chrome exterior wipes clean with a damp towel or sponge.

A Coffee Maker That Will Last

Who wants to invest in a coffee maker that will need to be replaced in a year or two? The Cuisinart Brew Central is a brewer that will provide you with years of use. I have many friends who have used this coffee maker for years, and it still runs as good as new.

Budget-Friendly

The Cuisinart Brew Central offers plenty of great features with a great price tag. That’s a fantastic deal considering this model has programmable brewing, automatic shutoff and a host of other convenient features.

Pros

  • 24-hour advance brew
  • Programmable automatic shutoff
  • Charcoal water filter and permanent coffee filter included
  • Can brew 1-4 cups, or 12-cups
  • Carafe is easy to pour and virtually dripless
  • Adjustable heater plate

Cons

  • A little heavy

The Brew Central is a little on the heavy side at 6.8 pounds, but it’s sturdy and well-made.

If you’re looking for a coffee maker that offers programmable features, a sleek design, a great quality brew and an affordable price, the Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central is a smart choice.

Click here to get the price of the Cuisinart DCC-1200 Coffee Maker. 
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Climbing My List: The BUNN BT Velocity Coffee Maker Reviewed!

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BUNN BT Velocity

BUNN BT Velocity Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

If you’ve ever stepped foot in a diner or restaurant, you’re probably already familiar with the BUNN name. While the brand is well-known in the hospitality industry, they also produce home brewers that work just as well – if not better – than their commercial machines. And after testing the BUNN BT Velocity Brew, I quickly became a fan of the brand.

Let’s take a closer look at the Velocity Brew in my detailed review.

Restaurant Quality Coffee Maker

As I mentioned earlier, BUNN is a name that’s well known in the restaurant industry. In fact, the brand has been producing commercial-grade coffee makers for more than 40 years. It’s safe to say that the Velocity Brew is well designed and built with high quality materials, including stainless steel.

Click here to get the price of the BUNN BT Velocity Coffee Maker. 

Modern Design with Versatile Features

I love the look of the Velocity Brew. It’s sleek, modern and simple. Nothing too fancy, but still looks great sitting on the countertop.

Looks aside, this brewer comes with quite a few versatile features, like hot water availability for tea brewing. Other features include:

  • Reservoir-style brewing
  • Makes up to 10 cups of coffee
  • Vacuum-insulated, stainless steel carafe
  • Internal thermostat
  • 800-watt heater
  • Sprayhead design for optimal flavor extraction
  • Carafe has a close-and-brew lid

What I really love about this BUNN coffee maker is that it brews 10 cups of coffee in just three minutes. If I’m running late or just in a hurry, I can still grab my morning cup of coffee before I head out the door.

Quick and Easy Clean-Up

Cleanup is simple and easy with the Velocity brewer. All materials are commercially-rated, and the machine has stainless steel accents that can easily be wiped clean. Even the internal water tank is stainless steel.

And there’s no additional maintenance to worry about either. Just keep the machine clean and follow the directions properly when using the brewer.

Commercial-Grade Durability

The Velocity Brew comes with a 3-year limited warranty, so your purchase is protected. BUNN also builds its home brewers with the same commercial-grade materials it uses with commercial machines, so you know it can withstand years of use. Durability isn’t something that’s easy to find with a drip coffee maker, and BUNN is definitely an exception to the rule.

Affordably Priced

Most coffee makers of this quality are priced in the $150-$200 range, but the Velocity Brew is priced even better. That’s a small price to pay for a coffee maker that will give you years of use.

If you’re the type who makes a trip to Starbucks every morning, this machine will pay for itself in a month.

Why I Love This Coffee Maker

  • Internal thermostat for optimal brewing temperature
  • Brews a 10-cup pot of coffee in 3 minutes
  • Vacuum-insulated carafe to keep coffee warmer for longer
  • Sprayhead design for optimal extraction
  • Leftover hot water can be used for tea
  • Comes with a 3-year limited warranty

What I Would Change

  • Like other coffee makers, the carafe sometimes makes a mess when pouring.

The carafe can be fickle at times and make a mess when pouring. But I found if I pour slowly and steadily, the coffee makes it into the cup without a drop spilled. Honestly, dripping and leaking carafes are common problems with drip coffee makers, but it’s one that’s easily fixed with the right technique.

The BUNN Velocity Brew is a great coffee maker for anyone looking for a solid brewer with commercial quality and durability.

Click here to get the price of the BUNN BT Velocity Coffee Maker. 
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My Runner Up: The Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine Reviewed

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Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine

Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is like having your own personal barista right in your own kitchen (or office). Packed with great features, the Barista Express makes home espresso brewing an effortless process. I couldn’t wait to give this model a test drive, and I was blown away by the quality of the coffee this machine brews. I’ll share more details of my experience with the machine in my review below.

Top Quality Construction

Over the years, Breville has earned a reputation for making some of the highest quality appliances on the market. So, I wasn’t surprised to find that the Barista Express worked like a well-oiled machine. With a stainless steel portafilter, conical burr grinder and sleek metal exterior, the Barista Express is a well-engineered work of art.

Click here to get the price of the Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine. 

Sleek Design with a Laundry List of Features

The Barista Express doesn’t disappoint in the features department. This machine is as close to fully-automatic as you’re going to get with a home espresso maker.

Here’s what the BES870XL has to offer:

  • Stainless steel conical grinder, for the freshest beans with each brew.
  • 1/2lb. sealed bean hopper.
  • removable water tank.
  • Purge function to adjust water temperature after steam. This ensures that your espresso is extracted at the perfect temperature.
  • 15 bar pump pressure with 1600W thermo coil heating system.
  • Filter size button lets you choose between single and double wall filter.
  • 54mm tamper for precise tamping control.
  • Hands-free grinding for an effortless brew.
  • Reprogrammable shot volumes and preset volumes for 1 and 2 cups.
  • Stainless steel water coil allows for precise water temperature control.
  • “Clean me” light lets you know when it’s time to clean your machine.
  • 360-degree swivel wand for steaming.
  • Cleaning kit included.

The Barista Express leaves no stone unturned when it comes to convenient and practical features. And the most important ones, like temperature control and freshly ground coffee, really make this machine one of the best espresso makers you can buy.

Quick Clean-Up

Breville includes a cleaning kit with this machine, which is tucked away in a hidden compartment. And the “Clean Me” light will let you know when it’s time to run the cleaning cycle.

Backed By the Breville Name

If you’re looking for an espresso machine that will last, the Barista Express is a smart option. Backed by the Breville name, this machine comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

With a metallic exterior and high-quality engineering, you’ll be using this machine for years if you take proper care of it.

Great Features at a Mid-Range Price

The Breville BES870XL is a mid-range espresso machine priced. Compared to other machines with similar features and functionalities, this is a fantastic price.

The Good

  • Water tank is removable for easy cleaning.
  • Conical grinder is included, so you can grind your beans just minutes before brewing.
  • 15 bar pressure pump and precise water temperature control, so you brew the perfect cup of espresso.
  • Gives you the flexibility to choose the grind amount, filter size and number cups.
  • The “clean me” light helps ensure you keep your machine clean and working in tip top shape.

The Not-so-Good

  • The cost

The only real drawback with the Breville BES870XL is its cost. But compared to other machines of similar quality and function, the BES870XL is very reasonably priced.

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is one of the most convenient espresso machines I’ve ever tested, and it brews some of the best espresso I’ve ever had. If you’re searching for a machine that will give you the freshest brew at the best price, the BES870XL is the right choice.

Click here to get the price of the Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine. 
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My Favorite Coffee Maker: The Bonavita BV1800 Reviewed!

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Bonavita BV1800 Coffee Maker

Bonavita BV1800 Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

Finding a drip coffee maker that brews a good pot of coffee is not always easy to find. But the Bonavita BV1800 combines smart design with great engineering to create a coffee machine that produces some of the best coffee around. I’ve had the pleasure of testing this model personally, and it’s one of my favorite coffee makers of all time. I’ll explain why in my in-depth review.

Well-Engineered

The BV1800 is German-engineered and built to Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) standards. In fact, it’s one of just a few coffee makers that have earned the SCAA seal of approval.

With a smart design and great features, this machine brews up a fantastic pot of coffee.

Click here to get the price of the Bonavita BV1800 Coffee Maker. 

Smart Design and Features

Bonavita says the BV1800 will brew the “perfect cup of coffee, every time”. And they weren’t lying. So, what’s this machine’s secret? It’s all in the design.

First, the 1400W thermal block heater heats water to the optimal brewing temperature (around 205 degrees F). Once the water’s hot enough, it’s released through the machine’s “showerhead,” which distributes the water evenly over the grounds. The results? Optimal extraction and saturation.

It’s the showerhead design and the right water temperature that ensures the BV1800 brews the perfect cup of coffee. It’s not rocket science – just great engineering.

The BV1800 comes packed with other great features too, like:

  • Large water tank with wide opening and markings for easy filling and measuring
  • Glass or thermal carafe
  • Separate heater that keeps your coffee warm without overcooking it
  • Two-hour automatic shutoff
  • Brews up to 8 (5oz) cups of coffee in 5-6 minutes

I also wanted to mention that this coffee maker comes with either a glass or thermal carafe, which gives you some flexibility to choose the carafe you want.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

Let’s be honest – most automatic coffee makers are a pain to clean. But not the BV1800. I was so surprised by just how easy it was to clean up after brewing.

The basket is easy to clean, so you aren’t left with little grinds stuck in those hard-to-reach places. The lid and the showerhead can also be removed and washed in the dishwasher.

The water reservoir isn’t removable as far as I can tell. But a quick brew cycle with just plain water/vinegar (no coffee!) will keep the reservoir clean.

And because this machine is relatively simple, it’s really easy to maintain. Just make sure you keep it clean, and it should work perfectly for years to come.

Built to Last

With a high quality stainless steel exterior, thermal block heater and two-year warranty, this is a coffee maker that will provide you with many years of use. And it’s UL Certified for safety compliance.

Great Value

The Bonavita BV1800 is priced at a very interesting price-point with the glass carafe. If you choose the thermal carafe, you’ll pay just a little bit more. For an SCAA approved coffee maker, that’s a fantastic deal.

Why I Recommend this Coffee Maker

There are so many reasons why I would recommend this coffee maker.

  • It heats the water to the optimal brewing temperature before it ever touches the grounds. You never have to worry about over- or under-extraction.
  • The showerhead design ensures the grounds are saturated for optimal flavor extraction.
  • Two-hour keep-warm means I can brew a pot of coffee in the morning and carry on with my routine knowing my coffee will still be hot when I’m ready for it.
  • A 5-6 minute brew time means I can still enjoy my coffee even if I’m in a rush.
  • A two-year warranty protects my purchase.

What Could Have Been Better

There’s not much to complain about with the BV1800. But I did notice one or two things other users complained about:

  • The thermal carafe doesn’t do a great job at keeping the coffee warm.
  • Some people had issues with the carafe leaking.

I never experienced either of these issues when using this coffee maker. In fact, I have nothing but good things to say about the BV1800. It’s a great little coffee maker that’s affordable and brews up some of the best-tasting coffee I’ve ever had from a drip machine. I highly recommend the BV1800 to anyone looking for a new coffee maker.

Click here to get the price of the Bonavita BV1800 Coffee Maker.
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Bodum Chambord 8-Cup French Press Review

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Bodum Chambord French Press

Bodum Chambord French Press (click to enlarge)

To brew the perfect French press coffee, you need the right coffee maker and a little know-how. The Bodum Chambord is everything you could ever want in a French press with high quality materials, a classic design and an affordable price tag.

Borosilicate Glass Carafe and Stainless Steel Frame

The first thing I noticed about the Bodum Chambord was that its carafe wasn’t made of plastic like so many other presses are. It’s made from borosilicate glass that’s heat-resistant. The handle is plastic, but it’s heat-resistant as well. The frame that holds the carafe and the filter are both stainless steel. This is a well-designed press made from high quality materials.

Click here to get the price of the Bodum Chambord 8-Cup French Press. 

Simple But Classic Design

It’s hard to get creative with design when it comes to French presses. But the sleek, elegant look of the Bodum Chambord looks great in the kitchen.

And while you won’t find any fancy features with this manual coffee maker, it still makes a fantastic pot of coffee. This particular model can brew up to eight 4oz. cups, which is enough to serve 2-3 people.

Inside, there’s a 3-part stainless steel filter for optimal extraction of the coffee’s flavors and oils. And the filter screen is fine enough for brewing tea leaves, so this press can double as a teapot.

As mentioned previously, the carafe is made of glass. The frame is stainless steel and the lid is metallic, so no plastic or rubber will be touching your coffee.

Easy Cleanup

Most French presses take a little more work to clean, but the Bodum Chambord is an exception. All parts of this press are dishwasher safe, including the lid, carafe, filter and stainless steel frame. A simple rinse is all you need before placing it in the dishwasher.

Designed for Years of Use

The great thing about a French press is that it doesn’t rely on mechanical parts or electricity to work. As long as you take care of the carafe and treat the Bodum Chambord well, this press will last you years – decades maybe. The biggest concern is the glass carafe, which is a bit fragile. If you handle it with care, damage, cracks or breakage shouldn’t be an issue.

An Affordable Coffee Maker

How much did you pay for your last coffee maker? If you’re like most people, you probably paid at least $50. The Bodum Chambord is better priced, and it’s a coffee maker that will last years.

Pros

  • Borosilicate, heat-resistant glass carafe
  • Stainless steel frame and metal lid
  • Three-part stainless steel filter that extracts the most flavor and oils from the coffee beans
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Easy to use
  • Makes eight 4oz. cups for multiple coffee drinkers

Cons

  • The carafe can be fragile

As I mentioned previously, the carafe can be a bit fragile, but that’s to be expected with glass. This won’t be an issue if you handle the carafe with care.

The Bodum Chambord is a beautiful French press that brews a great pot of rich coffee. With glass and metal components, you never have to worry about your coffee tasting “off.” I highly recommend the Chambord to anyone on a small budget looking for a great French press.

Click here to get the price of the Bodum Chambord 8-Cup French Press. 
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Must Read Review Of The Bodum Brazil 8-Cup French Press

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Bodum Brazil 8-Cup French Press

Bodum Brazil 8-Cup French Press (click to enlarge)

Bodum’s Brazil 8-cup French Press offers superior quality, easy dishwasher cleanup and affordability. With a 34-ounce capacity, you’ll be able to brew enough coffee for 2 or 4 people at a time, depending on cup size.

Build Quality

Bodum uses a durable carafe that features heat-resistant borosilicate glass and a BPA-free base and handle. Ensuring the utmost in quality, this model also uses a 3-part stainless steel filter to extract every last coffee ground thoroughly.

Design & Features

What’s there to say about a French Press? There are no fancy electronics, but there are a few design features that ensure you’ll have a full-bodied cup of coffee after each brew:

  • 34-ounce coffee capacity
  • 2 – 3 person serving
  • 4- and 8-cup coffee measurements
  • 3-part stainless steel mesh filter
  • Dishwasher-safe parts
  • Glass carafe
Click here to get the price of the Bodum Brazil 8-Cup French Press. Enjoy this top seller today!

It doesn’t get any easier than this. Fill the carafe with water, put in your coffee, and put on the lid while it all brews to perfection. The real magic behind Bodum’s brewing process starts with the fine mesh filter. This filter extracts every last bit of flavor out of your coffee to ensure the richest, most flavorful cup of coffee.

Using BPA-free parts, you’ll never have to worry about tasting plastic when you brew a cup of coffee.

The safety lid also uses a patented technology that seals the lid tight to eliminate coffee spills and splashing.

As for the time it takes to brew a cup, this is really dependent on your taste. If you like a lighter taste, all you need is 5 minutes before your coffee is done. If you want a very strong taste, brew for 15+ minutes.

Maintenance & Cleaning

There are no filters or electronic parts to worry about. The entire coffee press is dishwasher-safe, so simply take out the plunger and put the whole thing into your dishwasher.

If you don’t prefer the dishwasher, you can always use a cleaning brush to get inside of the carafe, or use a sponge. The filters should be rinsed to ensure that no coffee grounds accumulate inside.

The only issue is that grounds are a little difficult to dump out after brewing.

Durability & Longevity

With a glass carafe, and plastic handle and top, there’s not much of a concern with longevity or durability. The only issue some users have is that the top doesn’t secure into place properly, but this has never happened to me personally.

Price

This is one of the best French Presses in terms of price and quality.

Pros

  • Glass carafe
  • 3 part mesh filter
  • Grounds don’t get into the coffee
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Grounds are hard to clean

There’s really nothing bad to say about the Bodum Brazil. All French Presses have some difficulty with grounds removal, so it is something to expect.

For an affordable French Press, Bodum is one of the best on the market. It’s easy to use, fairly easy to clean and the glass carafe allows for a pure coffee flavor. If you love French Press coffee, give this model a try.

Click here to get the price of the Bodum Brazil 8-Cup French Press. Enjoy this top seller today!
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Why It’s Important To Invest In A Good Coffee Maker

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There’s coffee – and then there’s coffee. We’ve all tasted watered down, horrible coffee before. The avid coffee drinker will know that they need a good coffee maker to make the best cup of coffee possible. There’s a lot of things people can skimp on, but if you like great coffee, a good brewer is a wise investment.

What is a Good Coffee Maker?

This is a very tricky question. Some people love French press coffee. Others will use a Moka pot, and others, a percolator. All of these coffee making methods work a little differently, which leads to a slightly different taste.

There are a lot of reasons why a good coffee maker won’t be found in the $5 aisle:

  • Durability: Manual and automatic coffee makers can break or rust. Good models will last long, sometimes decades, without needing to be replaced. The same thing cannot be said about budget models.
  • Taste: The taste of the coffee is of the utmost importance. It’s the main reason someone will buy one coffee maker over another – when the features are similar. If the coffee maker gets too hot, it will produce a burnt taste due to the heat degrading the taste of the coffee grinds. Good coffee makers will not have this problem.
  • Flexibility: Sometimes, you will want Turkish coffee or espresso instead of regular coffee. A good model will allow you some form of flexibility in the type of coffee produced, so you have more options to choose from.

There’s also other features and considerations that will make one model better than another. A good model will include:

  • The right amount of cups produced. This is a big issue, especially with espresso makers. If you have a lot of coffee drinkers in your home, you’ll want a model that can accommodate this. Otherwise, you’ll need to make several pots of coffee for all drinkers.
  • Some include grinders. Some high-end models will include a coffee grinder built-in. This allows you to enjoy a truly fresh cup of coffee. You’ll also eliminate the need for a separate grinder, which is a nice added bonus.
  • This is not included in all models or a necessity, but it’s a nice added bonus. When timers are included, you can make sure that coffee is ready and waiting for you when you need it most.

Good models also come from brands you can trust. This means that if your machine breaks, you’ll be able to find replacement parts, or if there is a warranty, have it repaired for free. This is something that is especially important, particularly when a model is expensive. Always do a little research into the brand of coffee maker you choose before purchasing. This will allow you to see how customer service treats their consumers.

If your model does break within the warranty period, you’ll want to know that there is some recourse available.

Not only is investing in a good coffee maker a smart choice, it’s the only choice for an avid coffee drinker that wants the best tasting coffee.

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Why Having A French Press In The Kitchen Is A Must!

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A while back I had the pleasure of using a French press coffee maker for the first time. I was skeptical at first and it took a while to brew, but it was love at first sip. While I still have a standard coffee maker just in case guests come over, my kitchen will never be without a French press again. If you’ve never had the pleasure of sipping a cup of French press coffee, you’re missing out. Here’s why:

Easy to Brew

Brewing coffee in a French press may take longer, but it’s very easy to do. And it’s mostly a hands-off process. Here’s how it works:

  • Heat water to a boil in a tea kettle or small pot.
  • Grind the beans to a coarse grind and place in the press.
  • Fill the press with the boiled water.
  • Pull the plunger up, and let the coffee steep for 4-5 minutes.
  • Push the plunger down and wait 2-3 minutes while the sediment settles.
  • Pour and enjoy!

It’s that simple. Sure, it takes a bit longer, but the rich flavor it produces makes it well worth the wait.

A Richer, Smoother Cup of Coffee

You’ve never had coffee until you’ve had French press coffee. The flavor is richer, bolder and smoother than a standard drip brew. That’s because the coffee doesn’t pass through a paper filter before it reaches your cup. Filters catch the coffee grounds, but they also catch the oils that give coffee its full-bodied flavor.

Most brew methods pass water through the grounds quickly, which means you get a quick cup of coffee, but you also miss out on a lot of the flavor. Why? Take tea, for instance. If all you do is dip the teabag in hot water, you’re not really giving the leaves a chance to steep in the water and release all of its flavor. That’s why tea makers recommend steeping for 5-10 minutes, depending on the tea. With a French press, the coffee grounds seep in the water for 4-5 minutes, so you get complete extraction of flavor and saturation of the grounds.

Water temperature also plays an integral role in the quality of your coffee. And the French press excels here too. Because you heat the water separately, you have complete control over the water temperature.

Simply put, the French press brews a smoother, richer cup of coffee because it doesn’t use a filter, the grounds are completely saturated, and you can ensure the water is the optimal temperature for brewing.

Easy to Clean

A good quality French press has few (or no) plastic or rubber parts, which means it’s very easy to clean and won’t hang onto odors. Most presses can be disassembled and washed in the dishwasher, or you can hand wash quickly and easily. No more having to fill the coffee pot with vinegar and running it two or three times just to clean it.

With a French press, you can clean your coffee pot after each use for a better-tasting cup of coffee every time.

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What Is The Difference Between a Semi And Fully Automatic Espresso Machine?

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Buying a standard coffee maker is complicated enough, but buying an espresso machine is even more complicated. But if you’re ready to dive into the world of home espresso brewing, finding the right machine is crucial.

While there are quite a few different types of espresso makers, semi-automatic and fully-automatic machines are the most popular. But what’s the difference between the two, and how does each one work?

Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

Semi-automatic machines were invented in the 1940s by Gaggia, an Italian barista. It’s user-friendly and convenient, which is something its predecessor (the Piston-style brewer) couldn’t offer.

These machines have an electric pump, which generates a guaranteed 8-9 bars of pressure – the optimal range for brewing espresso. Like its name suggests, you’ll still have to do a little bit of work before you can start brewing. You’ll still need to grind and tamp the coffee, so it fits properly into the portafilter. But once you attach the portafilter, the machine will take over and continue the brewing process.

Semi-automatic machines are what I personally have the most experience with. They’re the most popular type of home brewing machine and tend to be the most affordable option. Plus, they also give you the option of brewing tea or café Americanos.

Fully-Automatic Espresso Machines

Fully-automatic machines are very similar to semi-automatic machines. The only real difference between the two is that fully-automatic machines are a one-touch brewing system. Simply turn it on, and the machine will control the volume of water pushed through the coffee grounds. Once the pre-determined amount of espresso is brewed, the machine will stop automatically.

A fully-automatic machine is a great option for multitaskers. If you plan on doing other things while you’re brewing your coffee, this might be the right option for you.

Fully-automatic machines are used in commercial coffee shops because they free up the barista’s hands, allowing them to prepare multiple drinks at once.

As far as quality is concerned, fully- and semi-automatic machines are right on par with each other. The one advantage semi-automatic machines have is that they’re more affordable. Selection of fully-automatic machines for home brewing is also limited.

Aside from semi- and fully-automatic espresso machines, you’ll also find super-automatic. These brewers take it one step further by adding in a burr grinder. With just one touch of a button, the machine will grind the beans and brew up a fresh cup of fresh, delicious espresso. Of course, you also have the option of choosing between other drinks (sometimes dozens), such as cappuccino, latte and macchiato.

In short, semi-automatic machines take a lot of the guesswork out of brewing espresso. Simply grind the beans, tamp and attach the portafilter. The machine takes care of the rest. Fully-automatic machines take it one step further by automatically controlling the volume of water pushed through the grounds.

While fully- and super-automatic machines are really convenient, they come at much higher prices than semi-automatic machines. If you have the budget, the added convenience may be worth the extra price. But for the average espresso-lover, a semi-automatic machine is a smart option.

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What Is All The Hype About Moka Stovetop Espresso Makers?

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If you’re an avid espresso drinker, chances are you’ve heard about Moka pots or espresso makers before. Mokas are very popular recently, but they’re not a new concept by any means. In fact, if you enjoy the rich flavor of a truly authentic espresso like the kind you would drink in the heart of Naples or Rome, chances are a Moka pot was used to brew your shot.

What is a Moka Pot?

Patented in 1933, a Moka pot is more about the way the pot brews coffee than its look. Invented by Luigi di Pointi, these pots make coffee or espresso in a unique way. Let’s take a look:

  • Water is placed in the bottom portion of the pot.
  • Grinds are held in the middle of the pot.
  • The upper chamber is kept empty.

From here, the bottom water will start to boil when on the stove and water will be pressurized by the steam. This pressure causes water to be forced into the filter and up through the top chamber of the pot.

Luigi’s creation would be mass-produced by Alfonso Bialetti, owner of the famous Bialetti brand.

There are stovetop versions as well as electric Moka pots.

Why is the Moka Pot So Popular?

This is a very good question. To fully understand, you need to know that when the Moka was created, in the 1930s, espresso was not brewed in a person’s house. This was a drink that had to be purchased at a coffee house.

Originally aluminum, now available in stainless steel, the Moka allowed people to brew espresso in their home during the economic downturn in the 1930s.

The true “hype” of the Moka is not new to Europe, but it is new to other parts of the world.

Why? The truth lies in our culture. People believe that European espresso, mainly Italian espresso, is some of the best in the world. The Moka pot is a way to bring this tradition into homes all over the world. Does it taste better? That is up for debate. Many people swear by Moka stovetops, and others believe they have a metallic taste.

It’s a personal preference.

Flavor also plays a big role in the Moka’s popularity. When brewed properly, the Moka will produce a fuller body, nuanced flavor of espresso.

There are also a few price benefits of this style of espresso maker:

  • The non-electric versions last for years, or decades.
  • There’s no need to buy a new filter as the stainless steel filters last years.

When talking about the actual brewing process, the Moka is more hands-on than other espresso makers. The “proper” method of brewing, according to baristas, is done by:

  • Boiling water in a teapot.
  • Placing the water in the bottom chamber of the Moka.
  • Filling the filter with coffee (never tamp).

Then, you simply put the pot on the stove and wait for the espresso to fill the top chamber. It’s very important not to tamp the coffee grinds. Instead, add more grinds if you prefer a stronger, bolder flavor.