Top 10 Coffee References in Movies

There’s no denying it, the world’s addicted to coffee. It’s amazing how often the sweet, dark nectar crops up in movies- here’s our top 10, in association with Strong Vend coffee machines.

10. Amelie: Professional do-gooder Amelie engineers the frisson between cafe regular Joseph and tobacconist Georgette by spilling coffee all over her so she’ll dash to the bathroom while he’s in there. Not to forget her clever use of the coffee steamer to disguise the vociferous nature of their... Erm... ‘Fun’.

9. You’ve Got Mail: Tom Hanks gives a rousing speech on the ‘higher’ purpose of Starbucks for the indecisive of society: “The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall. Decaf. Cappuccino.”

8. Dante’s Peak- In the midst of a major natural disaster, Linda Hamilton’s character sets about wooing Pierce Brosnan with endless cups of coffee from her coffee shop which she personally delivers. Later in the film he admits: “I’ve never cared for your coffee.”

7. The Bucket List- Jack Nicholson’s character has a taste for the finer things in life, including one of the world’s most expensive coffees known as Kopi Luwak. Having refused to drink the coffee, Morgan Freeman later reveals its unpalletable origins: the coffee is made from the excrement of an Indonesian marsupial (the Luwak).

6. Best In Show: This movie pokes fun at the horrifying ubiquitous nature of the Starbucks coffee shop: “We met at Starbucks. Not at the same Starbucks but we saw each other at different Starbucks across the street from each other.”

5. Heat: The film that finally sees De Niro and Pacino on camera at the same time, even though they had both already starred in Godfather II. The movie culminates in a scene where the two adversaries reflect on their chosen paths over coffee in a truly memorable film moment.

4. The Devil Wears Prada: Never has an actress spent so much time running across New York collecting endless cups of hot Starbucks as Anne Hathaway for her nightmare of a boss, Runway Magazine’s Editor in Chief.

3. The Big Heat: In one of the most gruesome movie moments ever, the sadistic and cold-blooded Vince Stone throws a pan of boiling coffee over his girlfriend’s face. The audience never see the attack as the camera stays fixed on the stove the pan has been snatched from, however we hear her screams as the coffee splatters across her cheek, permanently disfiguring her.

2. Pulp Fiction: In a rush to clean up the ‘mess’ in their car, Vega (John Travolta) and Winnfield (Samuel L Jackson) head to Jimmie’s place. Whilst Winnfield compliments Jimmie on his exceptional coffee, Jimmie dismisses him: “I buy the gourmet expensive stuff because when I drink it I want to taste it. But you know what's on my mind right now? It AIN'T the coffee in my kitchen!”

1. When Harry Met Sally: Who could forget the infamous coffee shop scene in which Meg Ryan really shows off her lung capacity. The scene culminates in the immortal line: “I’ll have what she’s having.”

Harry Smith

Find out more about Strong Vend’s bean to cup coffee machines and products at http://www.strongvend.co.uk

The Coffee Pot And Its Variety Of Shapes And Styles

The shape and size of a coffee pot will vary. When coffee makers were introduced in the late 1950s, the look of the coffee pot changed.

Before that time, the family coffee pot was often a percolator, which was made of metal. The percolator was patented in 1865 by James Nason. Gravity funnels boiled water through the coffee pot until it comes in contact with coffee grounds.

Gravity then separates the beverage from the grounds, leaving the residue in a small basket of the coffee pot. The coffee was served from the same pot that brewed it.

Still, some people made coffee in a pot on the stove before the modern coffee maker came along, making a simple boiler their family coffee pot.

Most often the family coffee pot in today's homes is the carafe that is attached to the coffee maker. These drip coffee makers became popular in the early 70s. The coffee is placed in a filter. You pour the water from the coffee pot into the filter. Then the coffee is brewed and funneled down into the coffee pot.

The coffee pot that will come with the coffee maker you purchase is usually made of glass but many are made of Pyrex. A coffee pot made of Pyrex is very durable and will not break if it is dropped.

Some families have a coffee pot that have survived generations and is considered a family heirloom.

This coffee pot may be a part of the family china service and may be ceramic. The ceramic coffee pot often reflects the china pattern chosen an older member of the family. Some silver tea services that are handed down from generation to generation may include a coffee pot as well. Some of these tea services may be pewter instead of silver.

Some high-scale restaurants and coffee franchises use decorative carafes as a coffee pot. Some of the art deco coffee pots may look more like a vase than a coffee pot. This type of coffee pot may have a design and may be more colorful that a traditional coffee pot.

One of the latest trends is a coffee pot that resembles a thermos-like vessel. This type of coffee pot can brew coffee and is served from the coffee pot. The coffee pot is made of stainless steel that keeps the coffee hot. It is also convenient for travel. This type of coffee pot is great from those addicted to their daily dose of java and need to keep the beverage flowing.

Online auction sites and retail stores a coffee pot for almost any taste. If you are looking for a collector's item, look for a coffee pot at an antique store. Many pottery companies have a coffee pot that is unique and is considered a collectible. You can search for a collectible coffee pot online. The price collectible coffee pot could reach hundreds of dollars.

A coffee pot is often more than just a container for your java. Whether you need a practical coffee pot or you have a family heirloom, your own individual taste will determine your coffee pot.

M. Jedediah

Still looking for the perfect coffee? Try visiting http://www.AllCoffeeSite.com, a website that specializes in providing coffee advice, tips and resources to including information on coffee pot.

Time For A New Coffee Pot?

The time has come to toss out your old percolator and to go out and invest in a new one. There are many different types to choose from. You are part of the new trend that has been sweeping the nation-you have become accustomed to specialty coffee shops and their literally dozens of different flavors of hot and cold drinks made from coffee.

Now, what type of coffee pot should you purchase? The bottom line is that basically any model can make a good cup of coffee as long as you use decent coffee and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to make it.

So, what is available? There are manual-drip systems, presses, percolators, and pod coffeemakers that brew individual cups using ready-to-use packets of coffee, tea and hot chocolate. The most popular of these models is the automatic drip coffeemakers.

Coffee pots come in sizes from single servings to 12 cups, to 60 or more cups. There are many different types and styles ranging in price from $10 to over than $300. The more expensive the coffee pot, the more options included such as programmable start and stop functions, a water filter, frothing capability, automatic shut off and a carafe.

There are a few features you should consider before purchasing a new coffee pot. These include:

• A removable filter basket—this makes it easy to remove paper filters and to clean.
• A water reservoir that can be easily removed and carried to the sink for filling and cleaning.
• Brewing and temperature controls that can be changed, as needed, when using different types of coffee.
• A programmable timer so that you can set up your coffee the night before—this allows you to wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee.
• An automatic shut off feature—just in case you go to work and forget to turn the coffee pot off.

How do you decide which brand to purchase? Start by reading Consumer Reports, they rank all coffee pots and give you an honest opinion on each. Also, when at the coffee shop, see what company makes theirs, or check out the machine in the office or ask your friends. Another reliable source is your parents-they have probably been drinking coffee for decades and have their own preferences.

So, if you only drink one cup of coffee in the morning, you might want to get a single-serve drip or press coffeemaker. If you entertain regularly, you may need to have one that makes 10 or more cups at a time. The decision on which coffee pot to purchase is up to you and it is really not that hard to make an informed decision.

Make your own coffee and wake up to the smell of your freshly brewed coffee in your new coffee pot. Experiment with the different flavored coffees and find out which is your favorite morning, evening and dessert coffee. Add special flavored creamers and you will have a delightful tasting beverage for a fraction of the cost of what you were spending at the local coffee shop. You will be glad you made the decision to get purchase one and to brew your own coffee.

M. Xavier

Still looking for the perfect coffee? Try visiting http://www.AllCoffeeSite.com, a website that specializes in providing coffee advice, tips and resources to including information on the coffee pot.

Coffee Pot Extravaganza!

A coffee pot is a coffee pot, right? Wrong! Do you know that there are hundreds of different kinds of coffee pots, made out of a multitude of materials? There are antique coffee pots and glass coffee pots, as well as cleaning coffee pots and vacuum and glass coffee pots... the list goes on and on. There are just as many brand names for coffee pots and makers as there are materials to make them with. Some of the biggest names in coffee are Braun, Cuisinart and Krups, not to mention Bunn and Sunbeam and dozens more.

There are so many different kinds of coffee pots it would be impossible to name them all. Some drip, some brew and some produce coffee like you've never tasted before. Ever use a coffee air pot or a Turkish coffee pot? The number of different kinds of coffee you can make in any style of coffee pot is as varied as the types. Cowboy coffee, gourmet coffee, Turkish coffee, no matter where you are in the world, you can bet that there's coffee there.

A coffee pot can make strong coffee or smooth coffee, depending on the materials the coffee is made of. Some special coffee pots made out of clay enhance the taste of coffee with flavors that can't be found anywhere else in the world. No one knows when the first coffee was brewed in a coffee pot, but today, the coffee industry is booming, and will continue to grow. Like food, most people can't live without their coffee.

The timed coffee pot gets a lot of people up and going in the morning, and for some, a good stiff cup of coffee in the middle of the day helps them get through many a hectic afternoon.

A coffee pot doesn't have to be expensive to brew good coffee, though there are coffee pots and machines that can cost hundreds of dollars. An average coffee pot can be found at your local Wal-Mart for fewer than fifteen dollars. The coffee industry rakes in billions of dollars a year with roasted and gourmet coffees that can be made and enjoyed using a moderately priced coffee pot. A coffee pot can be small enough to brew only one or two cups at a time while others can brew up to twenty. But no matter what kind of coffee pot you buy, you have to keep it clean in order to produce that fresh taste that you've come to savor every morning.

Most coffee pots in the United States are made of glass, which allows them to be easily cleaned. Make sure to run hot water through the water reservoir occasionally however, to keep parts clean and free of buildup.

Some coffee pots made of materials like Pyrex or stainless steel are easy to keep clean while others require a little more care, like an antique coffee pot of a coffee pot made of clay or stone. No matter which kind you buy, one thing is guaranteed: you'll enjoy your coffee, no matter what kind of coffee pot it's brewed in.

Candice Sabrina

Still looking for the perfect coffee? Try visiting http://www.AllCoffeeSite.com, a website that specializes in providing coffee advice, tips and resources to including information on the coffee pot.

Get A New Coffee Pot For Your Machine

Replacing Your Coffee Pot

If you are a coffee lover like I am, then you know there is nothing worse than accidentally dropping your coffee pot! If I haven’t had my morning cup yet, then you shouldn’t even bother talking to me. If I accidentally broke my pot before my morning java, I’d be in tears for sure. Throw out my TV, short circuit my laptop, but please don’t break my coffee pot. If I were to break it, my husband would hear only whining until a new coffee pot safely reached my machine.

Although it is easier than it used to be to find a coffee pot replacement for a variety of different coffee makers, it still make take awhile to get to you. Once a friend’s pot broke and she flipped out. I didn’t really understand it at the time because I wasn’t such a big coffee drinker. I helped her search at over six stores until she found one that fit her machine. We didn’t get the right one till we searched out a tiny mom and pop store.

That was in the days before the Internet, but now it is even easier. You can find a pot online, but it may take awhile to end up at your doorstep. You might want to choose a reputable company to ship your coffee pot since they are so fragile. If you buy a pot on Ebay, then make sure your seller knows how to properly pack a coffee pot and buy shipping insurance.

You can search and find a pot in a local store, but it can be a pain. You need to the exact pot if you have the kind of coffee maker that pauses for you. Watch over the first pot of coffee that you make to ensure that everything is working well. You don’t want an accident with your new pot! Getting the exact model for your machine is the best option, but it can be tricky. Best thing to do is keep your pot safe at all costs!

Rob Carlton

Focusing on informating about coffee types, Robert Carlton publishes at large for http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com . His work on coffee makers are published on his site .

Coffee Hot And Fast With An Automatic Espresso Machine

For the passionate coffee lover – those who love their coffee pure and rich and strong - not much rivals the automatic espresso machine in terms of convenience. Whether you visit your local coffee shop where the air comes alive with the hiss and heat of steam or you invest in an at-home automatic espresso machine where you’re free to tinker with the perfect coffee recipe, the results are the same – the perfect cup of coffee and a very, very happy coffee lover.

The automatic espresso machine comes in two varieties; semi automatic and full automatic. Using a semi automatic espresso machine requires partial participation on the part of the user. Whoever is operating the machine must start it at which point the automatic espresso machine takes over. When the brewing process is complete, the user then shuts down the machine. The full automatic espresso machine does not require any operator participation. This is usually a larger and pricier automatic espresso machine due to its heightened complexity; but it brews completely on its own coordinating a system of water, grinders, and extractors.

Deciding which automatic espresso machine would best suit your needs depends on its intended use. For commercial use, a full automatic espresso machine makes more sense; there’s more space for a larger machine and the demand for multiple cups of espresso would make the need for heavy operator participation inefficient.

For at home use, a semi automatic espresso machine would be sufficient for private brewing. Its smaller size takes space issues into consideration and it is normally less pricey than its larger counterpart.

To find the model that works best for you, start your research on the Internet. You will be able to access thousands of consumer report records that will tell you which of the machines you are interested are performing the best.

Whether it’s in the local coffee shop – or in your home - an automatic espresso machine can readily brew the highest quality cup of coffee available.

Michelle Bery

For easy to understand, in depth information about espresso visit our ezGuide 2 Espresso.

Make The Most Of Your Coffee Pot

The humble coffeepot may be one of the most familiar items in every coffee-drinking household around the world. It is practically anywhere people drink coffee. Coffee pots may differ in shapes, sizes, materials, and treatments. From ancient campfires and hearths to the modern kitchen and breakfast nook, coffeepots are one of the more prominent figures.

As a Wedding Gift

Like the blender and the bread toasters, coffeepots are among the more popular items in a bridal registry. From the delicate china and glass to the stainless steel and brass variety, coffeepots are among those that do not fail to attract a couple's wish list. Wedding guests who want to make their gifts unique sometimes opt for the metal variety of coffee pots, because these pots can have an engraving and may last for decades without losing its functionality.

As Decoration

Over time, coffeepots were transformed into wonderful pieces of artwork. Shapes and sizes varies, some of which are clearly meant not only for practical use due to the more delicate treatment but as conversation pieces. The elegant design of many coffee pots, whether done on purpose or not, could add grace to any kitchen and complement match every conceivable design and kitchen motif.

Its ease of use, practicality and popularity gave way to another form of coffee pot.

Press-Style Coffee Pots

Another form of the coffee pot though was introduced in the middle of the 19th century, the coffee press pot. The coffee pot's progression into a press coffee pot came even after the vacuum brewer was already a popular coffee-brewing machine.

Contrary to what many people think and even with the popularity of different coffee machines and coffee makers, the coffee press pot, when used with a little preparation, can deliver the richest coffee ever produced. With proper preparation you may also have a very clean brew.

While an exceptional brew will always depend on the kind and quality of beans, the roasting process used, and the water, the one thing that you should never do when preparing coffee is to skimp on the grinder. That factor is vital with any other coffee-making machine as well. For the press pot, the grinding type is even more vital.

The common opinion is that modern electronic coffee making machines can produce higher quality coffee. It isn't true. When one uses a low-quality grinder that produces low-quality grounds, the most expensive coffee maker or coffee brewer can't produce a perfect cup of coffee. Hence the better grinder you have, the higher the quality of coffee that you can brew because it will allow you to extract the best possible flavor from your coffee beans.

To make good coffee with the coffee pot press, coffee grounds must be of uniform size. No cheap grinder can do that. Try it for yourself. What a coffee press pot needs is uniformly large grounds. Tiny grounds will make it hard for you to use the coffee press pot, as the press filter will clog. Mixed large and tiny grounds will clog the press filter as well. The coarseness of the grind is important.

The type of filter will also play a very important role in producing a fresh, clean brew. Metal and paper filters will not manage the finer grinds that nylon filters do.

To get the best out of the coffee press pot may require a little more preparation but the coffee press pot can serve a rich, clean, high quality coffee than is delivered by its more modern counterparts.

Richard Brown

Richard Brown is an author for several web sites, on products and shopping and tips for shopping topics.

Overview of Espresso and Espresso Machines

What do you think of when you hear the word “espresso”? Perhaps,

“Express – train; fast black, iron horse of rocket fuel!”

Or,

“Strong. Hyper-caffeinated. Bitter. What, me try it?” (is you a man or is you a mouse?)

Also, maybe,

“I like my coffee black, but not that black!”

Wrong. Espresso, when correctly made, is none of these things.

Espresso is a traditional coffee drink invented by the French, but perfected by the Italians. You can associate the word “espresso” with the English word “press”, for that is the fundamental action pertaining to both the ground coffee – which is pressed into a compact disc – and the machine used to make it, which forces or “presses” hot water through the disc of coffee. The result is a demitasse (very small cup) of all of the best characteristics of the coffee bean with none of the less desirable ones.

A well “pulled” shot of espresso is not bitter. The flavor is full, complex, and remains on the tongue for 10-15 minutes after drinking it. That flavor can be fairly accurately compared with the wonderful aroma present when the seal is first broken on a container of coffee. If your espresso is bitter blame the barista, not the drink.

Afraid of the shakes? Don’t be. Surprisingly, given the concentrated nature of the drink, a shot of espresso has only about half the caffeine of a normally brewed cup of joe. This is because the heated water is forced through the coffee too quickly (ideally in around 20 seconds) to liberate all of the caffeine present in the grind.

All of this wonderfulness requires a special type of machine to make. As already mentioned, an espresso machine’s express purpose is to press heated water (about 200 degrees) through a disc of pressed coffee. How is this accomplished? There are 3 basic designs: steam driven, piston driven, and pump driven.

Mechanically, the simplest is the steam driven machine. It employs steam pressure to force water through the coffee. Since there are no moving parts, this design is normally used for lower-priced home espresso makers. This principle was also used in early commercial machines but was abandoned by professionals when a better design came along in 1945.

That design is the piston driven machine. In this design, a long lever is pulled by the barista (hence the phrase “pulling” a shot) to drive a piston, which in turn forces the heated water out of a cylinder and through the coffee. A later refinement of this design was to interject a spring into the process between the lever and piston. The lever compresses the spring, which in turn drives the pistion. The purpose is to better control the pressure of the water (ideally 9 ft-lbs) as it is forced through the coffee.

An even better design was introduced in 1961, the pump driven machine. This design uses an electric pump to force the water. The benefit is more accuracy (and no arm-strain!).

Good espresso also has a “head”, like a beer does. The head is made up of concentrated oils from the coffee. It is dark reddish-brown, and should have enough body to support the weight of a teaspoon of sugar for about 2 seconds before it sinks into the drink.

The coffee itself is, of course, rather important. It should be of a medium roast; a dark roast has had too many of the oils and sugars cooked out of it. It also needs to be ground exactly right. A proper grind can be described as the consistency of talcum powder. The best bet is to have your espresso professionally ground at a good shop. They have the right equipment and know-how to make a perfect grind.

Need water quality even be discussed here? You don’t drink tap, so don’t brew tap. Enough said there.

Espresso is complex in both nature and process. It requires special equipment and exacting technique to make properly, but is well worth the effort. If you’ve never tried it, drop by a reputable coffee house and let them convince you. Chances are you’ll be hooked.

JoBeth Levina

If you found this article on espresso machines interesting you might also like to check out JoBeth's Gaggia coffee maker reviews and advice for getting the most out of your machine.

The Beauty Of The Office Espresso Machine

Nowhere is coffee more needed than in an office setting. You may have had your required morning cup at home or in the car on the way to work. But the coffee provided at the office is absolutely essential to getting through a day coherent and sane. It’s no secret that caffeine – in moderation – is a stimulant that gives a burst of energy and keeps our senses sharp. So it’s no wonder that the coffee that we drink at work has an undeniable effect on our level of performance.

The office espresso machine has the basic components of the standard espresso machine that you use at home but is designed to handle the demand of a busy office setting. Finding the perfect office espresso machine depends largely on the amount of people you have working in the environment. This can help you determine how many cups of coffee the office espresso machine will be responsible for brewing on a daily basis.

Convenience of use and ease of cleaning will also have an impact on the type of office espresso machine that you choose. The semi-automatic office espresso machine would require the user to add ground coffee to the machine each time they want a fresh cup. If you are comfortable with at least partial user participation, then this may be the appropriate choice for your office setting. If you are more comfortable with minimal user participation, then you may want to explore the fully automatic office espresso machine which requires no user participation as the entire process is machine operated. For larger offices with more people, a fully automatic office espresso machine is most likely the more efficient choice.

To find an office espresso machine, you can visit any number of office supply stores. If you have an office supply vendor with whom you’ve built a relationship, you may want to explore the opportunity through them of getting a price break on a machine. Do your research first – the Internet is a great resource – to learn more about the popularity and functionality of different brands. You can also determine the prices you are looking at paying.

The office espresso machine can be an important part of your office environment – even boosting the morale of the office staff. After all, what’s a day at the office without a good cup of coffee – or several even – to help you concentrate and get the job done?

Michelle Bery

For easy to understand, in depth information about espresso visit our ezGuide 2 Espresso.

Feel Refreshed Quickly With The Help Of An Automatic Espresso Machine

There are many people that have a difficult time going in the morning unless they have had there coffee. This essential caffeine boost stimulates the brain to become more active. This can be a lifesaver, if you were up late the night before. So if you love coffee, you will definitely love having an automatic espresso machine.

Coffee at Your Fingertips

The reason for most inventions is to make life a little easier. With all the hustle and bustle of life, it can be difficult to stop and wait for coffee brew. That’s why people are enjoying the speed of an automatic espresso machine.

Originally espresso machines were created to get a perfect combination of taste and intensity in coffee. Over time there were three types of espresso machines: the semi automatic espresso machine, the automatic espresso machine and the fully automatic espresso machine.

You need water, fresh ground coffee, and power to use a semi automatic espresso machine. You have to make sure you have the perfect amount of each thing in order to make a great cup of coffee. For an automatic espresso machine, you don’t have to worry about the proper amount of water being present. This is because the flow meter in the automatic espresso machine detects the amount of water and automatically stops the flow after each cup of espresso. With the fully automatic espresso machine, you only need to supply the coffee beans and press a button when you are ready for a drink. The machine has a grinder inside to grind the coffee beans and it automatically draws the water, without you having to do a thing.

How Do I Pick an Automatic Espresso Machine?

It is best to choose the machine based on the number of people that will be using the automatic espresso machine. If you live alone and only drink one cup a day, than the automatic espresso machine is the best choice. The problem with choosing the fully automatic espresso machine is that the coffee beans would be out too long and loose their flavor.

If you need an espresso machine for work, than the best choice is the fully automatic espresso machine. This machine was created for commercial use. It quickly produces multiple cups of coffee, so that people aren’t waiting around a long time for their coffee.

If you are a coffee fanatic who loves to make coffee as much as drinking it, than the semi automatic espresso machine is right for you. Since you will be putting a lot of manual labor into your coffee, it is important that you don’t mind the work.

There are a lot of automatic espresso machines available online. You are only a few clicks away from being able to wake up to a fresh cup of espresso everyday.


Mike Walker

Mike Walker is SEO of EspressoLand, providing latest info about Espresso coffee machine and espresso coffe. All about Esspresso, from the 3 categories to espresso coffe.

Top Tips: What To Look For When Buying An Espresso Machine

Buying an espresso machine can be expensive, so it is important that you are well informed when you make your investment. The following guide will give you some idea as to what you should consider when choosing the right espresso machine for your business.

• Water supply: mains or tank?

Some espresso machines come with their own water tank (or ‘reservoir’). This means that you do not need to worry about connecting your machine to the main water supply in the building (you just top the tank up yourself), so you can set it up anywhere you like. If you opt for a machine that does not have a water tank, make sure that you can connect it to the building’s plumbing system easily.

• How many cups?

Think carefully about how many cups you expect to be serving at once: if you think you will only need to make one cup at a time, there are plenty of machines out there that will do this. However, if you will be serving coffee for larger groups of people at once, you should consider purchasing a machine that will allow you to make multiple cups simultaneously. It is possible to buy machines that make six or more cups at one time: these are naturally more expensive, but they could save you vast amounts of time in the long run.

• What extras do I need?

Different machines come with different combinations of features, so once you have decided on the basic machine you require, you need to think about the extras you are going to need. For example, most espresso machines come with a steam wand, but some are equipped with two or three- handy if you are making several cups of coffee at once. Other extras include warming plates, automatic milk frothers, and programmable size settings.


Jin Ee

Jin Ee recommends http://www.coffeeandcaffeine.com/ for buying Espresso machines

Brewing The Best With A Home Espresso Machine

There are those among us who have an addiction. It’s an all-encompassing fever that holds us hostage until we answer its call. It’s coffee; and hot or cold, black or light, sweet or bitter, we love it all. But sometimes an ordinary coffee just won’t do. When espresso is your caffeine fix of choice, it can be inconvenient and pricey to visit to a specialty coffee store every time you need a fix. For these moments – and for those who want to enjoy espresso at any time – a home espresso machine is the answer.

There are several different definitions of a home espresso machine; they generally fit into three categories.

The manual home espresso machine requires full operator participation; the user adds water and coffee grinds and maintains control over the beverage until it is completely brewed.

The semi-automatic home espresso machine is a combination of user and machine. The user actually starts the machine, the machine takes over to brew the coffee, and the user turns the machine off.

The full automatic home espresso machine requires no operator participation. The machine goes through the entire brewing process from start to finish.

Finding the perfect home espresso machine for you is as easy as visiting your local home goods retailer. There, you will find a variety of machines that vary in components, color, and price. Online shopping can also be a great alternative for finding that home espresso machine that works best for your space restrictions and lifestyle. You can also find a variety of consumer reports that can alert you to those brands that have performed well in the marketplace.

A home espresso machine means a new world of coffee self-sufficiency where the lines at the local coffee house need no longer call your name. Now, the perfect brew can be yours at any time of day, right in the privacy and comfort of your own home.

Michelle Bery

For easy to understand, in depth information about espresso visit our ezGuide 2 Espresso.

Find Out What To Look For When Buying An Espresso Machine

There are some enticing reasons to think about adding an espresso coffee machine to your list of kitchen appliances. If you are anything like me you will save loads of money by being able to make your own cup of espresso at home instead of forking out dollars at expensive coffee shops and restaurants. And besides you will be able to make cappuccinos and lattes as well - exactly the way you like them.

But before you go off down to your local kitchen accessories shop to buy one, there is a bit of information you might want to consider. The secret to making the best tasting Espresso at home is a bit more complicated than forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans. If you don’t do it right, then you may as well use the old battered coffee pot. The essential part of making the best espresso that doesn’t taste bitter is to extract the entire flavor while leaving out the oils in the beans. A good quality espresso machine will certainly get this right and reward you with that shot of flavor you have come to love and enjoy.

One of the best accessories that come with an Espresso Machine is a frothing wand. This accessory’s basic function is to force steam through the milk - it becomes all frothy so you can make delicious cappuccino style coffee. Also some models come standard with built-in grinders so you can produce your own fresh, fine grounds that are especially suitable for your new Espresso Machine.

Something else that is a bit special are the all-in-one espresso coffee machines. These let you choose between brewing straight coffee or espresso. The majority of these models are programmable so you can set them to start making the coffee at any given time of the day or night. This type of machine is pure luxury if you are the kind of person who looks forward to waking up to a freshly brewed coffee in the morning without having to go to the bother of making it yourself. Just set and forget and it will do all the hard work for you. All you will have to do is pour it into your best coffee cup.

There are of course alternatives to Espresso Coffee Machines. While Percolators seem to have been around forever, there are some excellent alternatives to these like coffee pots that make more than a half decent Espresso coffee. One of the better quality stovetop Espresso makers is the Moka pot which also comes in an electric plug-in version. This model has two chambers with a filter in between the water and coffee grounds compartments.

Basically how it works is the water heats creating pressure, which in turn forces the steam up through the coffee grounds and then into the top compartment where it combines to make Espresso. While Moka pots work reasonably well of course they won’t make as fine a cup of coffee as a dedicated espresso machine.

Another alternative to using a Percolator for making Espresso is the French press. Using this devise is as easy as heating water and pouring it just off the boil into a pot of ground coffee beans. Then all you have to do is let it brew for a few minutes before using a filter type plunger to separate the grounds from the coffee. In my opinion while the French press may be cheap enough to purchase as well as quick to use and provides a no fuss clean-up, it’s not really bees knees at making the perfect cup of Espresso. This is because the coffee grounds sit in the water for too long, which can create a rather bitter taste to the coffee.

As you can see there is a bit to know about espresso coffee before you go out and buy a new coffee pot or brewing machine. Oh and one last thing I should warn you about, once you own a coffee machine you could very well become addicted like me and refuse anything other than the real thing.

Enjoy!

John Falkinder

Author John is a self confessed coffee lover and is always in search of a better brewing experience. If you enjoyed this article then go to his main site at http://www.thecoffeebrew.com where you will discover many more interesting facts, hints and tips about the coffee culture.

5 Steps To Espresso Machine Heaven

So, you’re the proud owner of an espresso machine. But do you really know how to get the most out of it? Here’s a few tips to get you making the perfect espresso every time.

Tip One – Let your espresso machine heat fully

The components inside your espresso machine that contain water such as the boiler are typically made of metal. Allowing these components to heat by turning on your espresso machine at least 10 minutes prior to the first coffee will create a more consistent heat for your coffees. Also use this time to heat your espresso cups before use, use the steam nozzle in hot water mode to fill the cups. Some espresso machines have built in cup warmers that take a couple of minutes to heat up.

Tip Two – Use fresh water

With coffee, fresh everything is best. Tip out your espresso machines water container each day when you’re making your first coffee. Use fresh filtered water and you’ll taste the difference. Using filtered water will also extend the life of your espresso machine, reducing calcification and lime scale build up.

Tip Three – Use fresh coffee

If you don’t have an automatic espresso machine with a built in grinder then buy a separate grinder to go with your machine. Each time you use your espresso machine, only grind enough coffee beans to fill the filter cup. This will ensure a lovely deep crema on your espresso or espresso base. Store your beans in the freezer until you’re ready to grind them, this will help them to retain their flavour. Also store any ground coffee in the freezer.

Tip Four – Use the correct grind and correct tamping

Talk to your bean supplier about your espresso machine and check that he’s supplying the correct fineness of ground coffee. Preferably use your own grinder to achieve the optimum fineness. Softly tamp your ground coffee into the filter handle, not too hard or you won’t achieve a decent flow rate. A good rule of thumb is that it should take about 25 seconds for 30ml of espresso to be poured. Get the stopwatch out to get an idea of how your espresso making is going.

Tip Five – Experiment

There’s so many variables at work with an espresso machine that you’ll have to make many coffees to truly appreciate the different coffees you can make. The temperature, the beans, the grind and the flow rate will all give different tasting coffees. You’ll know you’re getting it right when your espresso machine produces a thick golden crema and a sweet, rich espresso. And most importantly, enjoy!!

Jim Storey

Jim Storey owns and operates Discount Coffee Machines based in Sydney Australia. Jim is always looking for the perfect espresso! Jim can be found at http://www.coffeemachine.com.au

Before You Purchase A Home Espresso Machine

Instead of running to your local coffee shop or favorite corner café for the perfect cut of espresso, consider making your own at home. If the thought of becoming a kitchen barista has you shaking without any caffeine, think again! There are a wide variety of espresso machines that are geared for home use, from the basic to the same machines used by the professionals. However, before you drop a couple hundred of dollars on that top of the line espresso machine, consider your options and needs. Also, if you are experiencing sticker shock from some of the higher end espresso machines, keep in mind that you are saving a great deal on a daily basis by avoiding high priced indulgences at coffee shops or cafes.

The first think you should know before choosing a home espresso machine is that there are several different varieties of machines. Each different type of machine will come with a different price tag and different capabilities. Although the top of the line machine may be nice, it may not necessarily meet your needs. Instead of buying an espresso machine simply because it is deemed the “best,” buy a machine that you can (and will) use on a regular basis. The different types of home espresso machines are:

Pump Espresso: Typically what you will find in a coffee shop, a pump espresso machine are usually made for commercial purposes, but can be used in your home. Be prepared to expand your budget if you are looking to purchase a pump espresso machine, since they are typically the priciest of the bunch. Also, pump espresso machines are usually the largest, heaviest, and noisiest of the options, but it produces a fantastic cup of espresso. These machines work by using a pump to keep the water pressure at an appropriate level.

Piston Espresso: If you are looking for a great, low maintenance espresso machine, consider those than run on a piston or lever system. Instead of a pump to create pressure, these machines use a level that must be maneuvered in order to create steam. Although a piston espresso machine is very quiet, they may require a great deal of arm strength to continually pull on the lever. Furthermore, the piston espresso machine is capable of making a great cup of espresso, but it may take practice to get the hang of the process.

Steam Espresso: Using steam to create pressure to make the espresso, these steam powered espresso machines are typically the type found in the home. With smaller machines that occupy less space and cost less money, steam espresso machines are quite quick and easy to use. However, keep in mind that the steam produced may not provide the appropriate level of pressure, so the steam level should be constantly maintained.

Moka Pots: Moka Pots are a stovetop method to producing espresso. The process is simple and easy, although the final product may be less than professional. Using specially designed two-part pot, the steam produced by the water boiling in the bottom of the pot is forced into the top part of the pot, where the coffee is boiling. It requires a great deal less pressure than the other types of home espresso machines, but there is no milk frothing or foaming attachments, so you may have to sacrifice that feature for price and size.

Any one of these different types of home espresso machines will allow you to make a delicious cup of espresso. Your choice should be based upon needs, usability, overall size of the machine, and of course the price. A high end espresso machine can run up a bill in the thousands of dollars.

John Marcus

John Marcus specializes in coffee coffee and espresso

Factors To Consider When Choosing An Espresso Machine

Price

Definitely a consideration for most people. As a general rule, you do get more for the extra money - more metal, less plastic, higher-quality workmanship, better support, more controls. On the other hand, if you just want an occasional cappuccino, or if you rather buy other things with your money, most cheap machines can make a pretty decent drink.

Espresso machines are definitely not cheap, but, compared to going to Starbuck's every day, it may not take long at all for a good machine to pay for itself. Spending $3 every weekday at the local coffee house translates to $750 over the course of a year. You could buy a great machine for that amount that will last for years to come. A handy Espresso Machine Comparison Chart organized by price ranges can be found here - http://www.coffeemakersetc.com/espresso-machine.html.

Type

Moka or Steam - Steam provides pressure to push water through a bed of coffee grounds. No real controls on pressure or temperature. Length of brewing time is controlled by operator.

Semi-Automatic - Pump provides pressure. Operator grinds, doses and tamps coffee into a portafilter. Brewing pressure and temperature are set and controlled by machine. Length of brewing time (and, therefore, volume) is controlled by operator.

Automatic - Pump provides pressure. Operator grinds, doses and tamps coffee into a portafilter. Brewing pressure and temperature are set and controlled by machine. Machine automatically brews to a predetermined volume.

Super-Automatic - Pump provides pressure. Machine automatically grinds, doses, tamps, brews to a predetermined volume, and ejects the spent puck, all with the push of a button. Some commercial super automatics can also steam milk automatically, depending on your brew selection. Some manufacturers of super-automatics are Bosch, Saeco and Solis.

Lever - Lever pushes down a piston to provide pressure. Lever pushed down manually by operator. Lever espresso machines are harder to operate, but provide greater control over shot. For those who enjoy the art of making espressos. The most widely-known lever machines are offered the original manufacturer - La Pavoni.

Design

The traditional espresso machine is somewhat square and boxy. If this is OK - great - there's plenty from which to choose. If you would rather have a machine with a more modern design, you might consider the Espressione Cafe Retro, the La Pavoni Cellini or the La Pavoni Pisa. For an old world design, you could consider a La Pavoni Lever Machine.

Boiler

The boiler heats the water for the espresso. Usually, it's made of aluminum, brass, copper or stainless steel. Aluminum heats the fastest, but brass and stainless steel retain heat longer. If you just want one quick cup in the morning, aluminum may work best. If you brew repeated shots, consider brass, copper or stainless. Over the years, aluminum may tend to corrode more then brass, copper and stainless.

Another consideration is boiler size. Smaller boilers (3-5 oz.) heat up faster and are great for 1 or 2 cups, but they generally require more recovery time and may not maintain temperature as consistently as a larger (7-12 oz.) boiler. As a general rule, the more expensive machine, the larger the boiler.

Bar Pressure

The amount of pressure the machine can produce for forcing the steam through the coffee grounds and making the espresso. Technically, only 9 bars are needed, so it doesn't make much difference if the machine produces 15, 16 or 18 bars.

Housing

Espresso machines are made with either ABS shock-resistant plastic or metal housing. If plastic bothers you, make sure you look for a machine with a metal housing. As expected, these cost more, and options in the lower prices ranges are limited.

Size

Remember to consider your counter space and how your espresso machine will fit on it and in your kitchen before buying. Don't buy a machine that's too big and unwieldy.

Paul Ballenger

Paul Ballenger has been selling coffee makers and espresso machines for over 5 years. A handy Espresso Machine Comparison Chart organized by price ranges can be found here - http://www.coffeemakersetc.com/espresso-machine.html

Enjoy Espresso From Your Own Machine

Coffee Makers For Different Times

The percolator used to be amongst the only variety of coffee makers in years gone by. Housewives would watch water heat up and rise through a small tube and over a basket of coffee grounds.

It was fun to watch, but the coffee wasn’t very good. Running boiling water over coffee grounds over and over can make your coffee less than perfect.

In the 1970’s, the drip method was introduced. This was fast and cheap and made the coffee taste much better. The grounds were placed in a plastic container inside a filter and the boiling water would drip through to produce a whole pot of coffee.

The pod is a more recent method to make coffee. Pods use internal spouts to pour the hot water in a consistent method over the pod of ground coffee at about 200F or 93C for a great cup.

Espresso makers became all the fashion in the 1990’s when European culture meshed with American ingenuity to create a great machine. The cost was lowered by the taste was still great. This machine forces hot water through the ground dark roast and in a short time you have a lovely espresso drink.

Simply add frothy milk to create a cappuccino or a latte. Play with your espresso maker to create all kinds of drinks.

If you want to try another European device, than you can by a French plunger. This is a metal rod that is positioned inside a glass cylinder with a handle. There is a filter that also fits inside. You simply put the coffee grounds in the cylinder and pour through boiling water. Press down on the plunger and you’ll have the perfect brew.

If you want a coffee making method that is great to be used at a dinner party for your guests than you can try the vacuum brewer. A vacuum brewer uses either glass or metal bowls. They are put on top of each other. When they are heated this will cause water to rise into the top bowl. Take away the heat and allow the liquid to cool off thus creating a vacuum. This will pull the hot water through the coffee grounds in the bottom.

One of the oldest methods to make coffee is the Ibrik from Turkey. The Ibrik is made of either brass or copper and has a handle and spout. You first boil water in it and then add the grounds. The coffee grounds are added without filtration. Very strong!

Take a whirl with a new method of coffee making today!


Clinton Maxwell

Clinton Maxwell pens normally for http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com , an online site with topics around espresso . You might discover his writings on coffee makers over at http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com .

How an Espresso Machine Works

An espresso is a beverage made by forcing water heated to just below the boiling point through a filter of tamped, finely ground coffee beans. A single serving of espresso is a 1.25 to 1.5 ounce coffee concentrate topped with a thin layer of foam (referred to as the crema). Valued for its rich body and aromatic flavor, the espresso's bittersweet taste lingers on the palette after each sip, resulting in flavor satisfaction for coffee lovers.

While possible to construct a crude brewing method by forcing boiling water through coffee grounds using the force of steam, a specialized machine is needed to brew the ideal shot of espresso. An espresso machine heats the water to the recommended temperature, controls the water's pressure, and may even offer a steam wand attachment to heat and froth milk to add to the beverage.

The typical home espresso machine has a reservoir where cold water is poured. There is also a removable handle connected to a filter (called a porta-filter), which is just above the platform where the espresso cup is placed. When the machine is turned on, the water from the reservoir is pumped into a heating element. Once this element heats the water to the desired temperature (around 190 degrees Fahrenheit), an indicator light informs the user the brewing process is ready to begin.

Before brewing, the user fills the porta-filter with ground coffee and tamps the grounds. The porta-filter is then put into the machine and locked in place. A switch is flipped by the brewer that signals the machine's pump to pressurize the heating chamber to around 220 psi, forcing the hot water out of the heating element, through the coffee grounds, and out the spout on the bottom of the porta-filter. Once the cup is filled, the espresso machine is switched off and a fresh cup of espresso is ready to be enjoyed.

Although most espresso machines use this basic process to brew espresso, prices can range from fifty dollars to thousands. Some of the added features found in the more expensive units are the ability to moisten the grounds before the infusion process begins, higher grade pumps able to produce greater sustained pressures, beefed up heating systems, integrated water filters, and frothing wands.

Achieving a good cup of espresso from a home machine does not have to cost thousands of dollars, though. Simple procedures can add to the flavor of the espresso even in lower end machines. Filling the reservoir with filtered water will keep unwanted chemicals out of the brewing process. The type of coffee bean and fineness of the grind has a direct impact on the overall flavor and should be experimented with to discover the perfect blend. Also, adjusting the compactness of the grounds in the porta-filter affects the emulsion process, the results of which are visible in the crema. Perhaps the most important quality of a good espresso is freshness. Using fresh grounds will ensure the full taste of the coffee comes through. The espresso should also be consumed within a couple of minutes of brewing to experience its full flavor.

With a little experimentation, the same quality ordered at a cafe can be enjoyed at home using a home espresso brewer. The satisfaction of having perfectly brewed your own espresso, however, will never be found on a Starbuck's menu.

JoBeth Levina

If you found this article on espresso machines interesting you might also like to check out JoBeth's Gaggia coffee maker reviews and advice for getting the most out of your machine.

How to Find the Best Espresso Machine

Are you a regular morning drinker of Starbucks or any other espresso? There's a huge amount of people out there who spend thousands on daily espresso shots when simply purchasing an espresso machine will pay for itself many times over in just a few weeks. But what makes a top of the range espresso machine? There are many elements involved in determining the best espresso machine and when you put those elements together you should not only get something that can deliver the perfect shot of espresso but also looks great in your kitchen. The first thing you need to do is set a realistic budget before you even start comparing espresso machines and features. $500 to $1,000 is a realistic budget for the best espresso machine. Before you hit the floor in shock at those figures sit down and do an honest evaluation of how much you really spend each year on espresso from your local coffee shop.

See? If we say an average espresso from a shop is around $3, then you'll have paid off your machine within 6 months if you stop buying from shops and use your machine. It makes a ton of sense to seriously look at purchasing your very own espresso machine.

When you finally figure out that what you really want in life is a good espresso machine, you are most likely going to want to take a good look around to find the right one for you. These babies aren’t cheap so plan and do your research ahead of time so you know exactly what you are looking for.

Making the right espresso, however, is a combination of science and art. A certain flair is desirable when making this characterful beverage. Making espresso does require a certain amount of talent.

Because of the value attached to the best espresso machine it only makes sense that your espresso machine should reflect not only its value but the savings it represents for years to come. Make sure your best espresso machine is something that you are proud to have and display in front of visitors and friends. The best espresso machine is something that makes a statement about you before you even start brewing the coffee.

Consistency Is Best

Cheaper espresso machines will often use a steam method to make espresso and this can be inconsistent and sometimes pretty terrible. When you are shopping for the best espresso machine always consider machines, and manufacturers, known for their ability to always produce the best shot of espresso possible and for their consistency. It's probably best to avoid inconsistent machines, unless of course they are beautifully designed and you're buying it with looks in mind. Also consider whether or not the espresso machine creates a creamy top to the espresso. Above all, enjoy shopping for your best espresso machine because it may be the only one you ever have to buy. And just think of those lifetime coffee shop savings!

Elizabeth T James

Elizabeth T James is a freelance journalist and health & nutrition enthusiast. For more tips on buying an espresso machine go to Espresso Machine Advisor

The Right Espresso From The Right Machine

Picking out the best espresso machine

When you are in the market for an espresso machine you need to know which are the most important features to make the right choice. Since almost every manufacturer has more than one make and model you need to be a saavy consumer. Coffee houses see what other houses are using when picking out their espresso machines or use their knowledge to pick the best. Sometimes even the most sophisticated coffee consumer might need some help in picking out the best espresso machines on the market. Read on to learn how to buy one for your kitchen.

You know you have found a good espresso machine if it has a built-in grinder. A grind dial is usually present as well so that you know you are getting the right kind of grind. You need to calibrate your grinder and your new machine if you don’t have a built-in grinder. Some grinder machines are set to a moka grinder which could be too coarse for your espresso machine. You might need to experiment with the right grind after a few shots of espresso. The right one should be about 2 ounces of espresso in 27 seconds from a double basket.

A good espresso machine should be able to take grinds that are of more than one thickness. You can tell if a machine is good because the grinds won’t become stuffed up or jammed if they are on the coarse side. The best machines will have a check valve that allow them to go through grinds that need more pressure. There is a best pressure for extraction and higher pressures don’t give this best flavor. You might even get a way too bitter espresso in this case.

The better your machine the less noise it should make. If your machine is too noisy it is not as good. You should always be able to hear your friend or partner in your kitchen when your espresso machine is going. If you can speak over your machine you can be able to tell your friends how yummy your espresso is before they even try it!

Jonathan Bakers

Johnathan Bakers usually edits detailed articles on issues relating to coffee and cappuccino. You can find his abstracts on expresso machines over at http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com .

Finding The Best Espresso Machine For You

You need to know what features are most important on a machine when looking for which espresso machines would best suit your needs. There are many espresso machines out there, with many manufacturers producing various makes and models. Upscale coffee houses use their wealth of knowledge and what their associates in the business say to discover which espresso machines are the best. Even they though, need some help when new makes and models are introduced to the market. What should a consumer do? Continue reading to find out.

One feature to look for in an espresso machine is the built-in grinder. These machines tend to have a special grind dial as well to help you the level of coarseness your grind produces. If you don't have a built-in grinder, then you will need to calibrate your separate bean grinder machine to correspond with your new espresso machine. Many of these grinder machines come preset to a certain grind, such as for a French press or automatic drip brewer, which may be too coarse. It may take several tries, and several shots of espresso before you achieve the grind that's perfect for your machine. Espresso experts suggest that two ounces of espresso be pulled between 17 and 23 seconds from a double basket.

If you're having trouble doing this grind test, bear in mind that good machines should be able to tolerate a variation in the coarseness of grinds. You can tell which espresso machines are the highest quality because they won't get clogged by grinds that are slightly too fine or too coarse. The finest machines have a safety valve that gives the machines a higher tolerance to force water through grinds that require more pressure, such as finer grinds. The espresso that is produced may not taste as good if the grind is not exact. Industry research has shown that there is an ideal pressure for extraction. Higher pressures from too-fine grinds can result in the shot taking too long to pull, which will result in espresso that is too strong and bitter. Grinding the beans too coarse will result in shots that finished too quickly, with a weak flavor and color.

Another thing that can indicate which espresso machines are highest quality is how loud the machine is. Premium brands should be relatively quiet. The best make of espresso machine is at the decibels of a whisper--in other words, a very low decibel. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to carry out a normal volume of conversation while your machine pulls a shot. That way, you can tell all your friends how fantastic your machine is before they taste it for themselves.


Richard Brown

Richard Brown is an author for several well-known online magazines, on product tips and shopping ideas topics.

What To Look For In An Espresso Machine

Espresso is an Italian form of coffee, made by running very hot water through exquisitely ground coffee beans in high pressure, giving it a nice strong, robust flavor and a thick consistency for immediate consumption. Generally, espresso beverages are tiny servings containing no milk or sweetener.

If you wish to get your own espresso machine, you should expect to pay any where from two to six hundred dollars or more for a good espresso machine for your personal use, although there are lower price models. You will find that the extra accessories you wish to add to your espresso machine do increase its cost.

• Frothing Wand: You can make other types of coffee beverages, by using one shot of espresso, such as cappuccino, cafes latte and mocha, which are very popular with coffee drinkers. Frothing wands steam and froth milk for these other types of beverages and is a great feature to have while preparing your beverages. Some models may also include a milk canister.

  
  
  

• Hot Water Dispenser: This feature enables you access to hot water while in the kitchen.

  
  
  
• Water Filter: Although, this feature has a need for filters, it reduces chemicals from your drinking water.
• Cup Warmers: This is the flat surface at the top of the unit, which keeps the cups warm.
• Pod Compatibility: Pods are small packets of individual servings, which are very popular and easy to use for a quick cup of espresso. Check out the model you have chosen to see if it is compatible for pod use, as this will save you time when you are on the run.

• Strength Controls: These features allow you to control the amount of water and coffee ground, thus permitting you to adjust their amounts for the flavor you want in espresso and other coffee beverages.

  
  
  

• Pre-Moistening Cycle: Although, any brand may have their own name for this feature, it is a pre-cycle of moistening the grounds, before your beverage is prepared. This feature encourages oils of the coffee bean to rise, increasing the flavor of espresso.

  
  
  

• Bean Grinder: Although, not always an included features, there is espresso machines that include built in grinders. These grinders generally grind just enough beans per use for enjoyable espresso.

  
  
  

Other accessories you may want to look at are a removable water container for ease in filling. A removable drip tray because it is easier to clean. You should also check the depth of the drip tray to make sure it is not too shallow. Look for surfaces that are easy to clean, so check for any grooves or cracks within the unit's design. The controls of any espresso machine should be easy to understand and use. You might also want to check the filter basket holder to make sure it is easy to clean and that it holds the basket securely in place

Do your research - Read reviews of each machine you find favorable. This will help you choose the best espresso machine with the right features for you, your needs, budget and your coffee drinking pleasures.

Natalie Williams

Natalie Williams is the owner of http://CoffeeMachines101.com. Visit her web site for more information on espresso machines and other types of coffee makers.

How To Use An Espresso Machine

In order to produce a brew coffee drink of espresso – one requires a specialized machine that delivers a highly pressurized blast of hot water required for processing this particular kind of fine, powder-like ground coffee. With a thicker consistency than drip coffee, small amounts of espresso are usually served – often as a shot. However, it is quite common to see espresso mixed with other beverages, such as cappuccino and lattes, in an attempt to reduce the strong taste and level of caffeine.

With a history that dates back to the early 20th century in Milan, Italy – espresso has become a popular drink amongst coffee lovers. This trend has prompted an increasing amount of people to buy their own espresso coffee machines in order to bring home the taste they thoroughly enjoy.

Before you try to use your espresso machine (depending on your model), you will probably need to obtain an espresso grinder and espresso beans, demitasse cups, and water. When considering the issue of water in regards to using your espresso machine, it is advisable to keep in mind that bottled spring water is not the optimum choice for your unit. The amount of minerals found in spring water will spoil your espresso machine. Alternatively, it is preferable to use water that has gone through a process of filtration.

To get an idea of how to use an espresso machine, an example of instructions is posted below:

1. First, you will pour clear, cold water into the water chamber of your machine. The boiler cap on your unit should be closed. In order to create one shot of espresso – one ounce of water is needed. A double shot requires two ounces. Depending on your espresso machine, you may be able to produce up to four shots at one time.

2. Position the coffee basket in the filter holder, followed by lightly packing in the ground coffee. Most filters will provide a way to measure how much espresso you are creating.

3. Next, you will remove any grounds found on the sides and top of the filter. The filter holder is then placed in the espresso machine.

4. If your machine comes with a glass carafe, this is the time where you position the carafe under the spout. When no carafe is available, a cup is enough. Turn on the machine and in due time – the water is heated to the appropriate temperature and then forced through the coffee grounds.

5. The ideal espresso shot delivers brown foam (referred to as "crema") to the top of the coffee as it begins to flow into your container. When the foam starts to turn white, this is an indication that the liquid with the best taste is no longer exiting the machine. Quickly remove your cup or carafe.

When looking for the proper beans to use with your espresso machine, you should know that specifically selected and roasted options are found at major supermarket chains or coffee specialty shops. Hardcore espresso drinkers often buy an espresso grinder and produce their own ground coffee before brewing.

Natalie Williams

Natalie Williams is the author of http://CoffeeMachines101.com. Visit her site for more free tips on how to select the right coffee machine for your needs.

The Right Espresso Machine For You

Brewing an espresso coffee drink is different compared to most other types of coffee. In fact, the rise in the popularity of espresso coffee over the last 20 years or so has been very significant. Companies took notice and banked on the salability of espresso machines, competing for features and designs.

Due to this competition, espresso machines today come in varied forms, brands designs and sizes. That variation gives rise to another problem: Which espresso machine is right for your needs?

Espresso machines, no matter what the brand, will serve the same basic purpose. Espresso machines pump out steam through a finely packed puck of powdered coffee beans for about 20 seconds and produces a drink that is slightly thick and deep brown in color, with a foam layer on top.

Espresso machines may have a combination or may include all of the following components:

• Pump

• Heating Chamber

• Steam Wand

• Control Panel

• Reservoir

Espresso machines have four basic styles. Each type has its own positive features and each has its own disadvantages.

The pump style espresso machine

This type of espresso machines are of the larger variety and uses a power pump to provide the correct amount of water pressure. The pump style espresso machines are quite large and could be noisy. These machines are suitable for commercial establishments as they can produce more espresso coffee with settings. The machine is also the most expensive type, but produces the best tasting espressos. The disadvantage is that water deposits, which require regular and more vigorous maintenance, can clog the pump type espresso machine.

The lever style espresso machines

This machine is operated by manipulating the lever arm so that pressure is created that will force the steam through the coffee grinds. Compared to the pump style espresso machine, this espresso machine type is quiet, although it could be quite hard on the hands. Because this machine is manually operated, the quality of the espresso that is produced may vary. Compared to the pump style however, lever types have fewer parts and require less maintenance.

Steam powered espresso machines

The steam coming from the heated water creates the pressure for this espresso machine type. Because the pressure could be inconsistent and may not always be strong enough, the quality of espresso that may be produced may not always be good. The steam type espresso machine, however, is easy to use thanks to is smaller design.

The Moka Pot

The moka pot is the simplest and possibly the most ingenious way of producing espressos. The moka pot is placed on top of your stove and the burner is turned on. As the water boils in the bottom chamber of this espresso machine, a steam is forced through the upper chamber of the pot. Because the moka pot is not a mechanized espresso machine, the pressure produced from the process is weaker than its counterparts. The main feature of this espresso maker is its simplicity. As a disadvantage, it does not have attachments for foaming. The moka pot is the least expensive of all espresso machines on the market.

The sales of espresso coffee machines have been increasing. Espresso machines for home use, though, will naturally tend to be less bulky. The features mentioned above should be enough to determine the kind of an espresso machine that will suit your needs. Other features are merely bonuses.

Barbara Jackson

Barbara Jackson contributes articles to several web sites, on product reviews and shopping advice topics.

What Makes the Starbucks Coffee Experience Special?

Starbucks. When you say the name, it automatically conjures up an image: an upscale coffee bar with light wood, glass and chrome. The invigorating and inviting aroma of brewed coffee and the café atmosphere has made Starbucks the best-known specialty coffee roaster and server in the world. Starbucks has done an excellent job of branding their company - it is the only coffee brand that is on the list of 100 most recognized brands in the world. What makes the Starbucks brand and the Starbucks coffee experience so ubiquitous that it ranks up there alongside Google, McDonalds and Coca Cola in name and brand recognition?

Sheer size and Starbuck's number of locations has something to do with name recognition and popularity. With over 16,000 shops worldwide, Starbucks is certainly one of the most visible brands in the world. However, this is not a matter of the chicken or the egg - in order to become so visible, Starbucks had to start off with something special in the first place. It is that “something special” that defines the Starbucks coffee experience.

The Third Place

Since the opening of its first stores in Seattle, Starbucks has striven to be more than just a place where you buy coffee. Howard Schultz, company President and CEO, defined the atmosphere that Starbucks attempts to create when he said "We're in the business of human connection and humanity, creating communities in a third place between home and work."

The Third Place concept informs the design of Starbucks shops. While coffee takes center stage, the design is meant to make customers comfortable. To further customer comfort and social interaction, most Starbucks stores mix upholstered chairs and sofas with hard-backed chairs around tables. Most Starbucks stores offer free electricity to their customers so that they can plug in their laptops and all U.S. Starbucks offer Wi-Fi access through AT&T. In addition, many Starbucks feature a well-stocked reading and game shelf to encourage customers to settle in and hang out with friends for a while.

The Coffee Experience

More than anything else, of course, Starbucks is about the coffee. The company started out as a premium coffee roaster, and they stayed true to their roots by serving nothing but excellent coffee. As of early July 2008, Starbucks announced that they would be changing the way that coffee is made and served in their stores around the world in an effort to provide the best coffee experience possible. The changes will be rolled in across the U.S. by the end of 2008, and include a commitment to grind and brew many coffee varieties to order, as well as to discard any coffee that has been brewed for more than thirty minutes.

In order to enhance the coffee atmosphere, Starbucks employees are requested to avoid wearing strong perfumes that might interfere with the coffee aroma, and nearly all Starbucks around the world are non-smoking indoors. The preservation of the coffee-centric atmosphere was the reason that Starbucks abandoned its short-lived foray into serving breakfast sandwiches. According to some sources, the smell of the breakfast sandwiches overpowered the coffee aroma, making the coffee cafes smell like diners - an image that the company does not want to present.

All About the Coffee

The Starbucks coffee experience extends to brewing your own Starbucks coffee at home. The coffee roasts that Starbucks have chosen for sale are those that best reflect the rich coffee flavor and aroma of your local Starbucks. Those roasts tend to lean heavily toward darker roasts, because it is easier to maintain consistency of flavor across batches when roasting darker. Darker roasts also tend to be more 'coffee' flavored than lighter roasts, which allow the variations of region and season to be more readily apparent.

Since 2000, the Starbucks coffee experience has also included feeling good about your coffee choices. That's the year that Starbucks started selling its line of Fair Trade Certified coffee. As of 2005, Starbucks was the largest single buyer of Fair Trade certified coffee in the world, buying over 11.5 million pounds of FTC coffee - about 10% of the entire U.S. volume of Fair Trade sales. The amount accounted for about 6% of the company's total coffee buying for that year. While some activist groups pressure Starbucks to increase the percentage of Fair Trade coffee that it offers for sale, company spokespeople point out that they pay above market price for coffee and that they also deal with many small growers who can't afford the cost of Fair Trade certification.

The Starbucks Coffee Experience

The Starbucks coffee experience can be summed up in just a few words: great coffee in comfortable surroundings served by an attentive staff and produced by a company that cares about our world. With great tasting drinks and a commitment to creating a fun atmosphere, it is no wonder why Starbucks has become a household name.

Stephanie Larkin

Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to the food and beverage industry often discussing specific brands such as Tassimo

Starbucks Coffee - the History and Background of Starbucks Coffee

While everyone recognizes the logo and knows of a local franchise, few people know where Starbucks Coffee got its name. The largest coffeehouse company in the world, Starbucks was named after the first mate in the book Moby Dick.

There are more than 13,100 Starbucks stores in the world, spanning 40 countries. The stores all sell drip coffee, espresso drinks, tea, blended drinks, coffee mugs and other coffee accessories. Interestingly enough, the prices found at Starbucks Coffee are significantly higher than the market average. The higher prices are a direct result of their ingenious marketing strategy.

Moving beyond beverages and coffee mugs and makers, Starbucks has started an entertainment division that features the Hear Music brand. Selling books, music and film, the brand is developing into something much larger than a Venti Frappucino.

Founded in Seattle, Washington in 1971, Starbucks Coffee began growing exponentially. During the 1990s, a new Starbucks store was opening somewhere in the world every single working day. This continued into the new millennium, however domestic growth has since slowed down quite a bit. Abroad, however, the brand is still expanding rapidly.

Starbucks Coffeehouses began to give consumers a different kind of feeling about drinking coffee. Even employees, called partners, get a different kind of experience than one a regular barista would expect. Between two and six partners are working at any given time.

Coffee Masters are partners that have gone through extensive training in tasting, roasting, purchasing and growing regions. Starbucks Coffee offers full benefits to partners, including vision, health and dental insurance. Stock option grands are also available, as is 401k with matching to employees who work 20 hours a week or more. In 2005, Starbucks was rated the 11th best place to work in the United States by Fortune magazine. The same can be said of the UK stores, which were voted among the top ten best places to work by the Financial Times in 2007.

Jennifer Harris

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History of the Coffee Bean

Whether you call it java, mud or a shot in the arm, an estimated 2 billion cups are consumed every day around the world - making coffee the most popular drink in the world. Coffee today is produced in over 50 countries and is the second most valuable export after oil. And to many of us - it's simply what we need to get us started in the morning.

Coffee is older than most people think - archaeological evidence suggests that humans were enjoying the taste of the coffee berry around a hundred thousand years ago. One legend has it that a goat herder in Ethiopia observed his goats eating coffee berries and he decided to taste them himself - noting the stimulating effect. Shepherds consumed the coffee by grounding the beans and mixing them with animal fat.

By around 600 AD, the coffee bean had made its way to what is now the country of Yemen, where it has been cultivated ever since. From 1000 AD, Arabian traders grew and cultivated the coffee bean on plantations - they called their new concoction qahwa meaning "that which prevents sleep". Arabia controlled the coffee trade for many centuries as they introduced a law that prohibited the exporting of beans that could germinate.

Despite this restriction, the coffee bean somehow found its way throughout the Middle East - to Persia (now Iran), Egypt and parts of Northern Africa. Coffee beans also found their way to the Mysore area of India - where descendants of those original plants flourished until the early 20th century. In many cases, the beans were literally smuggled out of Arabia.

At first, coffee was not enjoyed for its taste, but more as a supplement or source of nutrition. When the coffee bean found its way to Turkey, the Turks began to drink it for its flavor - frequently adding such things as cinnamon or anise. The Turks were also the first to roast the beans over fires and boil the crushed beans in water. And what is generally considered to be the world's first coffee shop was opened in Istanbul - known as Constantinople at the time - in the 15th century.

The Dutch were the first to transport and cultivate coffee beans on a commercial basis. With coffee beans smuggled out of Arabia, they established plantations in Ceylon and one of their colonies - Java. Today, Indonesia is the world's third largest producer of coffee.

The coffee bean was introduced to Europe during the 17th century. At one point, the beverage was more popular than tea in England and was used as an antidote to the widespread alcoholism of the time. Coffee houses sprang up in such places as Vienna, Paris and London, frequented by the wealthy and fashionable. The Austrians are credited with the practice of adding milk and sugar to coffee.

In France, Louis XIV built greenhouses to protect his precious coffee beans from frost. And in the New World, coffee was also a popular drink - the newly formed American colonies declared coffee to be the national drink. Not everybody approved; the Catholics declared coffee should be banned - despite the Pope confessing to being an avid coffee drinker.

Today, there are actually more than 60 varieties of coffee in the world, although the beans used for coffee are one of two types - Robusta and Arabica. Around 75% of coffee beans produced are Arabica and are cultivated in Brazil and Central America. Robusta beans produce a stronger blend of coffee and are cultivated in parts of Asia and Africa as well as Brazil.

Chances are high that your coffee beans come from Brazil, the world's largest producer of coffee. Brazil produces almost 30% of the world's coffee and also has some of the most advanced processing techniques in the world. In 2006, the gross value of coffee production in Brazil was almost 5 billion dollars and the industry employs several million workers.

Coffee isn't usually associated with Asia, but several Asian countries have started to cultivate the coffee bean. In recent years, Vietnam has become a large producer and some of the African coffee producing countries still produce excellent coffee - in particular Kenya and Tanzania

Some countries have also started to cultivate specialized coffee beans - Kenya produces a fruity coffee and Indonesia produces the Kopi Luwak - a coffee bean that has been passed through the digestive system of a civet. And Ethiopia - where the coffee bean was perhaps first discovered - is home to a bean that produces a coffee flavored with chocolate, ginger and orange.

So whether you prefer your coffee beans with milk, with sugar, strong or with no caffeine - take a moment and enjoy a cup of the world's most popular drink.

Grant Eckert

Grant Eckert is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to the food and beverage industry such as Coffee | Coffee Beans