The “Ferrari” Of Coffee Makers: Jura Giga 5 Reviewed!

April 4, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers, Espresso Machines Tagged 5, coffee center, espresso, giga, jura Leave a comment

Jura Giga 5 Coffee Center (click to enlarge)

The Jura Giga 5 is the Ferrari of coffee makers. This model is not in everyone’s budget. But it is so advanced and creates one of the best coffees in the world. The Giga 5 should definitely be on every coffee aficionado’s must-have list.

Jura Quality

Made in Switzerland, Jura Giga 5 features a full steel exterior and is built to last. Jura models are meant to last for years without breaking. This model comes with a 2-year warranty, so you never have to worry about paying for a faulty part that breaks after a month of use.

Design & Features

Beautiful in design, this all-steel exterior model isn’t only aesthetically pleasing, it’s packed with a lot of features.

Click here to get the price of the Jura Giga 5 Coffee & Espresso Machine.

17 preprogrammed drink options.
Color display with rotary selection.
5 coffee strengths.
3 temperature levels.
Milk frother.
Adjustable spouts.
2 ceramic disk coffee grinders.
2 coffee bean containers.
15-bar pump.
20-ounce stainless steel milk container.
Descale options.
87-ounce water reservoir.
Water filter system.
Pre-Brew aroma system.

These are just some of the features included with the Giga 5.

The two burr grinders hold the coffee beans you prefer. Once ground, you’ll be able to choose between 17 preprogrammed coffee drinks from Espresso to regular coffee and Ristretto to Viennese Coffee.

It’s like having Starbucks in your kitchen – but better.

The digital display also allows you to choose size, strength and heating for your desired cup of coffee. The adjustable spout allows users to fill any size cup or travel mug. If any coffee drips out of the spout, it will be caught in the dishwasher-safe drip pan.

Want tea? There is a hot water spout just for that.

Using Thermoblock heating, drinks are prepared quickly. The aroma will also be preserved despite the fast brew time thanks to the pre-brew aroma system included.

Coffee doesn’t get much better than with the Jura Giga 5.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Maintenance was a design feature for this product. The machine does allow for the drip tray and coffee grind holder to be placed in the sink. However, the system also cleans:

The milk system.
The spouts.
The coffee system.

There are filters that need to be changed, and the descaling is also done by the machine itself.

Durability & Longevity

Jura states that many of their models have been in use for over 10 years and have produced over 12,000 cups of coffee. This machine will last you, granted you maintain it properly, for decades.

High-End Price

The Jura Giga 5 is not your typical coffee maker, and the price reflects the quality. Some people go all the way to Rome for an espresso. Now they don’t have to with Jura.

Pros

17 preprogrammed drink selections.
The highest durability on the market.
Specialty coffee made with the rotary display.
Ceramic disc grinders.
Unmatched pre-brew aroma system.

Cons

Priced out of most buyer’s budgets.

This is not a coffee maker for everyone, but it is the right choice for avid coffee drinkers. From the strong aroma to the thorough extraction and bean grinding process, the Jura Giga 5 literally redefines the way coffee is made.

Click here to get the price of the Jura Giga 5 Coffee & Espresso Machine.

The Amazing Jura Impressa C9 Reviewed!

April 4, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines Tagged C9, espresso, high-end, Impressa, jura Leave a comment

Jura 13422 Impressa C9 (click to enlarge)

Jura is a premium brand, and the Impressa C9 is one of the company’s top models. This coffee and espresso center has virtually every feature a person could ever want from their coffee maker – and more.

Build Quality

Measuring 16” x 11” x 13 ½”, the C9 is made with hard plastics, chrome accents and stainless steel. The storage area features a chrome-plated cup and even the burr-grinder is commercial-grade.

Jura ensures every piece and part of the C9 meets the highest quality standards.

Click here to get the price of the Jura Impressa C9 Coffee & Espresso Machine.

Design & Features

Impressive doesn’t begin to describe the immense feature set that this model boasts.

Coffee and espresso options.
Commercial-grade burr grinder.
14-ounce stainless-steel, thermal milk container.
18-bar power pump.
Two-step flavor extraction.
Programmable functions.
Dual temperature settings.
Three strength levels.
LED dialog display for: heating, fill water and clean unit.
64-ounce water reservoir.
8-ounce bean container.
Adjustable spout.
Water-care filtration system.

Brewing can be done with either store-purchased coffee or with fresh beans that are ground to perfection in the machine’s conical grinder. Fine or coarse grinds can be produced with various degrees of control.

The 64-ounce reservoir is connected to a built-in water filtration system. This system removes chlorine and other water impurities that affect the way coffee or espresso tastes. The stainless steel milk container keeps milk cold for hours and will allow the frothXpress Plus system to make froth or steam milk for the perfect espresso.

Coffee strength and cup size can be chosen by the user. Want a specific type of coffee? Save the setting so you can instantly create the perfect coffee down to strength, cup size and more.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Maintenance and cleaning could not be any easier. Why? Jura has included every last measure to make sure users know when to:

Change the water filter.
Clean the machine.
Add water.
Descale.

There are even step-by-step instructions for you to follow. Self-cleaning is offered and takes just 60 seconds to complete. The rest is a simple rinse of certain parts, or using a damp cloth to clean the exterior.

Durability & Longevity

Under warranty for 2 years or 6,000 cups, this machine should have no issues lasting 6+ years. Many Jura users have been using this very model for 2+ years without any issue – it’s built to last.

Price

How much does premium quality actually cost? This is not a cheap model, but it provides one of the best flavor extraction processes in the world.

Pros

Very quiet
Easy to clean
A ton of features
Energy efficient
Comes with a DVD with tips on brewing, frothing and cleaning

Cons

Doesn’t work well with oily beans

The manufacturer warns that if you use oily beans, the machine will not operate properly. Normally, this will cause a leak. The leak will be fixed once the beans are removed. So, if you like oily beans, this may not be the best choice for you.

However, if you’re a coffee aficionado that will only settle for the best, the Jura Impressa C9 is one of the best models in the world. Period.

Click here to get the price of the Jura Impressa C9 Coffee & Espresso Machine.

De’Longhi Silver Lattissima Plus Nespresso Capsule System Review

April 4, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines Tagged de'longhi, espresso, Lattissima, nespresso Leave a comment

DeLonghi Lattissima Plus Nespresso Capsule System (click to enlarge)

De’Longhi is one of the most respected names in the coffee industry, and the Latissima Plus combines De’Longhi craftsmanship with the convenience of Nespresso capsules.

I was so excited to give this machine a test run, and I was really surprised with the results. Let’s take a closer look at what this luxurious espresso maker can do.

Artisan-Quality Craftsmanship

The Lattissima is just as beautiful as its name. It’s well-built with high quality materials and steel accents.

The design of the machine is elegant and looks great in the kitchen. De’Longhi is known for producing high quality machines, so you know the Lattissima will give you plenty of use.

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

Luxurious Features and Elegant Design

The Lattissima Plus makes it easy to brew espresso drinks right in your own kitchen. With the touch of a button, this machine can brew shots of espresso, lattes and cappuccinos.

Now, this machine only works with Nespresso capsules, so keep that in mind. Once the brewing cycle is complete, the machine automatically ejects the used capsule into the capsule tank for easy disposal. The tank can hold up to 10 capsules before it needs to be emptied.

Brewing is easy, too. Just load up a capsule, fill the milk container and slide it into place, and place a glass under the machine’s nozzle. Select what type of drink you want to brew, and you’re ready to go.

You can adjust the quantity of coffee or milk for each selection, and you can even program the machine to save your favorite drink settings.

The Latissima Plus heats up in just 40 seconds thanks to its ThermoBlock heating system. And when it’s done brewing, the auto power-off feature will turn the machine off to help you save energy. You can choose to have the machine automatically power down after 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.

Fuss-Free Cleaning

Cleaning the Latissima Plus is a breeze. The drip tray, water tank and used capsule container are all removable for easy cleaning. And with pods, you never have to worry about cleaning up coffee grounds.

Designed for Years of Use

The Latissima Plus is backed by the De’Longhi name and its reputation for producing high quality coffee makers. I’m confident that you’ll get years of use out of this machine as long as you take good care of it.

Mid-Range Price

The Latissima Plus offers automatic espresso and coffeehouse drink brewing – for a fraction of the cost of most high end automatic machines.

Pros

Automatic espresso, cappuccino and latte brewing.
Convenient coffee capsules.
Great tasting coffee.
Easy to clean.
Heats up in just 40 seconds.
Comes with a pack of Nespresso capsules.

Cons

Pods can be expensive and limiting

Pods can be more costly than regular coffee and your selection is limited. But the quality of the coffee is fantastic.

If you love a good espresso, cappuccino or latte, the De’Longhi Latissima Plus is your go-to choice for a home-brewing system. It’s an affordable, automated brewer that’s durable and looks great in the kitchen.

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

The De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Reviewed

April 4, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines Tagged de'longhi, ESAM3300, espresso Leave a comment

DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Espresso (click to enlarge)

De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica is a high-end automatic coffee and espresso maker. The ESAM3300 includes everything you could want in a coffee maker.

It makes coffee, espresso and cappuccino. This model is even able to create froth, grind beans and has a double boiler system if you want to make two consecutive drinks – minus the wait.

Top Quality

Made with hard plastic and a stainless steel front, the De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic is a top quality coffee maker with no expense spared. Check out these top features it sports below!

Click here to get the price of the De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Espresso/Coffee Machine.

Design & Features

Wondering what makes the Magnifica magnificent? Let’s take a look at the features:

Cappuccino system
Rotary display
Programmable settings
Conical burr grinder
Direct-to-brew system
Double boiler
Instant reheat
Cup warmer
Adjustable spigots

The magnifica makes brewing coffee as simple and easy as possible. Starting from the top, users can add beans into the coffee grinder before choosing their desired setting. Now, users will fill the 60 ounce water container and will be ready to brew their first cup of coffee.

Featuring a direct-to-brew feature, the Magnifica will grind the beans and start brewing immediately for optimal freshness.

The spigots are adjustable to fit your mug size, and there is a double boiler design. This design allows you to brew a cup of coffee followed by espresso or cappuccino without having to wait for the water to reach optimal brewing temperature.

Want froth? There is a milk wand that is included and will create the perfect froth for your drink.

Users can also brew two cups at a time, or one cup if they wish.

Easy Maintenance and Cleaning System

Cleaning is essential if you want this model to last a lifetime. You’ll be alerted when it’s time to descale, and you’ll want to perform a thorough cleaning at least once a week for optimal flavor.

The bean and water container are removable to allow for easy cleaning.

Durability & Longevity

Many customers love the De’Longhi brand, and I am among them. I do not own this model personally – although I wish I did – but I know people that have owned the 3200 for nearly 10 years. While an older version, the newer version comes at even a higher quality than the 3200 and is far superior in my opinion.

This is definitely a great buy if you’re in the market for a long-lasting coffee machine.

Price

This high-end machine is priced for a mid-price range, which is low for a high-end model of this quality.

Pros

Direct-to-brew makes making coffee a breeze.
Delicious tasting coffee, espresso and more.
Cup warmer makes cups ready for espresso.
Milk frothing wand and cappuccino system.

Cons

Small water reservoir.
Slow customer support.

I would have really liked to see a larger water reservoir included. Many high-end models hold double the water amount. The only other issue is that if you need a repair, customer support is very slow. However, this only happens when a machine may have a defect off of the assembly line.

Aside from the slow support, this is the perfect model. The burr grinder is precise, the froth is delicious, the brew cycle is quick, and the taste is top-notch.

Click here to get the price of the De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Espresso/Coffee Machine.

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

March 22, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Blog Tagged espresso, fully automatic, semi-automatic Leave a comment

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.

What Is All The Hype About Moka Stovetop Espresso Makers?

March 22, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Blog Tagged espresso, moka, stovetop Leave a comment

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.

Brown’s Coffee Guide To Making Espresso Coffee

March 21, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Blog Tagged espresso, how to Leave a comment

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:

Add the appropriate amount of water to your Moka pot, or respective coffee maker / pot.
Add in your finely ground coffee beans to the filter.
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!

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

March 21, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Blog Tagged drip, espresso, french press, moka, percolator, pod Leave a comment

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.