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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.

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Tough Choice: Should I Buy A Manual Or Automatic Coffee Grinder?

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Do you grind your own coffee beans? Coffee is a part of people’s morning routine all over the world. While a lot of people buy ground coffee, others will grind their coffee beans for a richer, fuller taste.

The one choice you’ll need to make is whether to buy a manual or automatic coffee grinder. For me, I prefer automatic coffee grinders simply because they’re easier. With an automatic grinder, the machine does all of the work for you, and you don’t have to worry about the grind being too coarse or too fine. It’s always the same – depending on the setting of course.

Automatic Coffee Grinder

Automatic grinders come in two main types: burr grinders and blade grinders. The major difference between the two is the following:

  • Blade grinder: These models more or less shred the beans into uneven chunks.
  • Burr grinder: These models produce a consistent grind, which is ideal for espresso or fine coffee.

When you choose automatic models, you’ll find a variety of grind levels so that you can ensure you have the perfect grind every time you brew a pot of coffee. For me, this is the easiest option.

Simply add the coffee beans, choose the right setting and let the machine do the rest.

The one downside? Anything that is automatic will be a little more expensive than a manual option.

Manual Coffee Grinder

Manual grinders, often called hand grinders, are more affordable and easier to transport. You can put your manual grinder in your bag or bring it to work, but it is more difficult to use. With these models, you’ll be cranking a knob to break down the beans.

Does it work? Of course, and there are a lot of great manual coffee grinders on the market. But they’re completely hands-on.

The one benefit to a manual model is that you never have to worry about excess heat. When lower-end automatic models operate, they will often become hot due to the high-powered motor. If these models get too hot, they actually degrade the flavor of the coffee beans. Manual models will never have this problem.

Don’t worry, I will always provide an in-depth look at heat production in my coffee grinder reviews.

What Should You Choose?

Ultimately, your choice will come down to two factors: budget and time. There are a lot of great manual grinders on the market, but they take more time to produce same final result. If you don’t expect the same grind level each time, a manual is a good option.

If you want to grind coffee beans quickly with the same, even grind, or at a variety of grind levels for regular, espresso or Turkish coffee, I highly recommend automatic coffee grinders. These models are more expensive, but they always produce a similar grind and take much less time to produce the perfect grind for your next brew.

Honestly, it’s a personal preference. For me, it’s worth the extra expense to buy an automatic model that produces the same results every time – at a much faster speed.

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Simple Tips for Cleaning Your Coffee Maker

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After making pot after pot of coffee, you’ll want to thoroughly clean your coffee maker. This will allow you to remove any of the build-up, and if you’ve accidently burnt your coffee, remove the burnt taste as well.

It’s always a good idea to clean your coffee maker every few weeks.

In fact, the process is simple and straightforward. Let’s take a look at the most common types of coffee makers and tips on how to clean them properly.

Water and Vinegar

Water and vinegar is the go-to cleaning method for most coffee makers, including:

  • Drip models
  • Moka pots

In fact, virtually all makes and models can use this method.

It’s simple and easy, just follow these steps:

  1. Empty out all coffee and used filters.
  2. Add water and vinegar to the reservoir. Use a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water.
  3. Turn on your machine and let it go through a complete brewing cycle.
  4. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes.

Now, dump out all of the water and vinegar, and run just plain water through two complete brewing cycles.

There are a few points of caution when using this cleaning method:

  • Some people use a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar – it’s up to you.
  • If you taste the vinegar, make sure to run a full brewing cycle with just water until the taste is gone.

This is the recommended best way to clean a coffee maker or pot by baristas and even Martha Stewart.

Removable Parts

If your machine has removable parts, I recommend doing the following:

  • Avoid using soap on any areas where the coffee water will touch.
  • Soak parts in water and vinegar.
  • Use a soft sponge or rag to clean the parts.
  • Let air dry.

You never want to use harsh chemicals. Remember, all of these parts have a function, and if you spray harmful chemicals, they may end up in your coffee.

Baking Soda

Build-up on the outside of the machine or on the carafe can be easily removed with baking soda. This is a great trick if you’re experiencing a stale coffee taste and you don’t know why. Simply sprinkle some baking soda and clean with a soft sponge.

As always, when you’re done, make sure you rinse multiple times with water.

Table Salt, Ice and Lemon

An old trick that many baristas use when coffee is burnt is to add:

  • Table salt
  • Ice
  • Lemons (squeezed)

All of this is added into the actual reservoir that holds the coffee and swished around. Once you’ve swished the mixture around for a few minutes, clean with water.

The idea is that the salt works as an abrasive, and the lemon is able to help clean the inside surface. It’s a great trick that works extremely well. Just don’t try putting your coffee maker on at this time.

A clean coffee maker will produce delicious tasting coffee each and every time. Always clean your model every 2 – 4 weeks for best results. If any of the cleaning tips above produce an awkward coffee taste after brewing, make sure to rinse the model thoroughly with water, and even run a few brewing cycles with just water – no coffee grinds.

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Brown’s Coffee Guide To Making Espresso Coffee

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Espresso coffee is beloved all over the world. Strong in taste, espresso is delicious, highly caffeinated and easy to make, but difficult to master. There are a lot of variables that go into making the perfect espresso, and these factors have a major impact on the taste of your final brew.

Let’s take a look at a few variables that go into the perfect shot of espresso.

Espresso Perfection Variables

Water

Possibly the most important variable. Water can contain sediment and minerals that make the taste of coffee and espresso a little off. Filters are recommended to ensure your water is as clean and sediment-free as possible.

Filtered water, not the bottle kind, is the best choice for brewing espresso.

Grind Grade

Espresso’s fine grind is what makes it espresso. If the grind is too coarse, you’ll be making coffee and not espresso. Ideally, you want a fine grind meant for espresso. If you’re grinding your own beans, you’ll want to choose fine grind.

A good trick to test the right grind measurement is:

  • Pinch the grinds between your thumb and forefinger.
  • Look at the grind in the spot where pressure was applied.

The coffee should be firmly clumped together in the center and gently fall off on the sides.

Temperature

The temperature setting you choose will have a major impact on the final taste of the espresso. If you like roasted flavors, a higher temperature is ideal. Most people agree that 194 – 200 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.

Making Espresso

I won’t go into detail on different espresso makers because not everyone is going to go out and buy a new model. Instead, follow these directions to make espresso coffee right the first time:

  1. Add the appropriate amount of water to your Moka pot, or respective coffee maker / pot.
  2. Add in your finely ground coffee beans to the filter.
  3. Tamp the grinds to ensure they’re packed perfectly.

Tamp is the practice of compacting the grinds in the filter. There are special tools for this, or you can use the back of a spoon. Simply press down on the grinds and make sure that they’re packed tightly together for the utmost in flavor.

Note: It’s recommended to add 7 grams of espresso coffee grinds for a single shot. Double shots can contain 14 – 18 grams of grinds. The more grinds, the stronger the taste will be, so adjust to your own taste preference.

At this point, you’ll either flip the switch on your coffee maker or you’ll need to tighten the top of your pot before putting it on the stove. If you have a temperature setting available, set your machine to 195 – 200 degrees, whichever you prefer.

For those that have a Moka pot, it’s recommended to turn your stove between high and medium when brewing. I like to test the different temperature ranges to experience different flavors. For a lighter taste, put your temperature setting closer to medium. If you like a roasted taste, put your temperature to high.

Once brewed, pour into your cup, and enjoy!

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Help! I Don’t Know What Kind Of Coffee Maker To Buy!

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Need a new coffee maker, but don’t know which one to buy? I’ve been there! With so many different types on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is the right choice. If you’re not sure whether to buy a single-serve, percolator or French press – don’t panic. I’ll walk you through each type of coffee maker, so you can find the right one for you

Drip or Filter

You’ve probably used a drip or filter coffee maker before. This is the most common type, and most can brew between four and 12 cups of coffee at a time. They come in variety of sizes, styles and price ranges.

Typically, drip coffee machines are the most economical, practical choice. Larger pots are great for homes with big coffee drinks, and smaller pots work great for homes with two or three drinkers. Even non-coffee drinkers keep a drip maker in the kitchen just in case guests stop by.

If you’re looking for something affordable and practical, a drip coffee maker is a smart choice.

Pod or Single-Serve

Pod, or single-serve, coffee makers are similar to drip machines, but instead of brewing a whole pot, it only brews a single cup. These machines use special pods or K-cups, which contain a single serving of coffee grounds.

Pod machines, like the Keurig K130, are some of the most popular coffee makers on the market because they’re convenient. And many can also brew tea or hot chocolate.

If you have only one or two coffee drinkers in your home, a single-serve machine is a great choice.

Percolator

Percolators were, at one time, the standard brewer until drip makers came along. But they’re starting to make a comeback. And some coffee lovers claim that percolators brew a richer, full-bodied coffee than other brewers. The only catch is you’re limited as far as variety and capacity go.

Percolators come in electric form with their own heating element, but you can also buy stove-top versions – which are great for camping. These are a great option if you want a richer cup of coffee or are looking for a brewer that doesn’t run on electricity.

French Press

The French press is common in Europe, and like the percolator, it brews up a rich cup of coffee. Unlike other brewer types, the French Press is a manual coffee maker. Boiling water is poured over the coffee grounds in the press where they steep in the water for a few minutes. Once the brewing is complete, you push the plunger down, let the sediment settle, pour and enjoy.

French press machines require a coarser grind, but they brew up a full-bodied cup of coffee. If you like the idea of a manual machine and enjoy a rich cuppa, the French press is your best bet.

Espresso Machine & Moka Pot

Prefer to start your day with a shot of espresso? Espresso requires a specialty coffee maker. Electric pump machines are a great option for anyone who enjoys straight shots, cappuccinos and other coffeehouse-style drinks.

A moka pot can also brew up espresso. This stove-top coffee maker pushes hot water up a funnel, over the coffee grounds and up into a filling chamber. If you enjoy espresso, but don’t have the budget for an electric pump machine, a moka pot is a great alternative.

These are the most popular types of coffee makers. The right one for you will depend on your coffee drinking habits and your budget.

If you need more help finding the right coffee maker, check out my post on the best coffee makers of 2015.

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Are Used Coffee/Espresso Machines Worth Buying?

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We’ve all been there – you see a coffee machine you like, but think you can snag a better deal by buying a used model. And you really might save some money by going this route, but is it really worth buying a used coffee or espresso machine? There are some good and not-so-good aspects to buying a pre-owned machine.

The Good

The first and most obvious benefit to buying a used machine is that it costs less. You can go on eBay, Craigslist or Amazon right now and buy a used Keurig system for half the price of a brand new one. If your budget is the biggest issue, a used machine could save you quite a bit of money.

If you’re looking at pre-owned coffee machines, you may be able to score a commercial machine for the same price as a mid-range home coffee maker. That’s a major bonus for espresso drinkers. Commercial machines tend to be the better option for espresso, and home machines can sometimes be expensive. In this case, buying used may be the best option.

Oftentimes, you can get your hands on a used machine that’s still in great condition. Some might as well be brand new. This means you can save money and still get plenty of use out of the coffee maker.

While a pre-owned coffee maker may be an economical choice, there are some drawbacks that you need to consider.

The Bad

One of the biggest concerns with buying a used machine is its quality. How old is the machine? How well did the previous owner take care of it? Sure, you might save some money by buying a used coffee maker, but if it doesn’t work properly or stops working altogether, was it worth buying? Probably not.

The age of the machine is really important. Why? Because if an old machine breaks, you may not be able to find replacement parts.

How the machine was stored and taken care of will also determine whether or not it’s a good buy. If the previous owner kept the coffee maker in the garage and only used it once or twice over the last year, it may not work properly. Water can corrode the internal components of the machine. Scale buildup can also cause issues.

Missing parts and pieces can be an issue as well. If you’re buying the machine in person, you can do your homework ahead of time and make sure no parts are missing. But if you’re buying online, you’re taking a gamble.

Buying a used coffee or espresso machine can save you money, but you’ll have to do your homework ahead of time to make sure it’s worth buying. If an older machine is missing parts, you may not be able to buy replacements. If the machine wasn’t well taken care of, it might stop working shortly after you buy it. But if the machine is newer, in great condition and not missing any parts, it may be worth buying. And in some cases, you may even be able to purchase a used commercial machine that brews top quality coffee.

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Are Expensive Coffee Makers The Best? A Must Read…

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Are expensive coffee makers really the best? If you’re like me, you probably assume that the higher the price, the better the machine – and the better the coffee. But that may not necessarily be true. Sure, there’s a reason high-end machines have high price tags, but you can still get a top quality cup of coffee with lower-mid tiered models. Here’s how:

Buy the Right Brand

The brand and model you choose will have a major impact on the quality of the coffee. Some machines are better than others at heating – or not overheating. And if could care less about the extra bells and whistles (like auto-programming and heated mugs), you can snag a fantastic coffee maker for less than you’d think.

Of course, finding the right brand isn’t always easy. Some brands are well-known to coffee aficionados, but not the average person. That’s why I recommend that you take the time to read through my coffee reviews. I talk about some lesser-known (but respected) brands with great models that are more than affordable. Again, choosing the right brand and model is crucial if you’re looking for a top quality coffee maker that doesn’t cost a fortune.

Know What You Want

More isn’t necessarily better. And in a lot of cases, expensive coffee makers come with extra features that you may or may not need.

Take the Jura Giga 5, for example. This machine is known as the “Rolex of coffee machines”. Why? Because it costs over $5,000. And it can brew just about every type of coffee under the sun from espresso to cappuccino, macchiato and latte. It comes with dual coffee grinders, and every bell and whistle you could imagine. I’m sure it makes a great cup of coffee, but do you really need all those extras? Those “extras” are what push the price tag up so high.

Compare that machine to the Bonavita BV1800 (my favorite coffee maker by the way), which heats water to the perfect temperature for optimal extraction. It makes a darn good cup of coffee, and it costs less than $200.

The bottom line: If you can look past the “bells and whistles,” you can get your hands on a fantastic coffee maker for a very reasonable price.

Choose the Right Coffee

A lot of the time, the quality of your coffee has more to do with the type of coffee you buy than the machine itself. Put low quality coffee beans in the Giga 5, and you’re probably going to get a very mediocre (maybe even bitter) cup of coffee. But the right beans in even a cheap coffee machine can result in a delicious cup of joe.

Coffee aficionados recommend buying whole beans and grinding them just before you brew. Burr grinders will give you the most even grind and tend to be preferred over their electric counterparts.

Bean type is also important. Arabica beans are milder, less bitter and more aromatic than Robusta beans.

While expensive coffee makers will definitely brew up a great cup of coffee (providing you use good quality coffee), lower-mid tiered models can also give you top-quality coffee if you buy the right brand and model.