Java Jim

Since 1973, Cuisinart have been making functional, affordable and well designed kitchen appliances. However, whilst their range of appliances is extensive, they are probably best known as manufacturers of coffee makers. With such a wide range available, deciding which Cuisinart coffee maker to buy is not easy.

If you are a lover of coffee and need to start your day with your daily fix of caffeine, it is likely they will have the perfect machine for you.

If space is at a premium, or perhaps you simply just want a couple of cups a day, their range of four cup makers could be just the thing. From traditional designs, to something a little more modern, these are very affordable at little more than twenty-five to thirty dollars.

If a slightly larger capacity Cuisinart coffee maker is necessary, the Coffee Bar is worthy of consideration. With a ten cup capacity, this automatic drip coffee maker is a traditional looking machine. Complete with a warming plate to ensure piping hot coffee through the day, these can be picked up for forty dollars.

If the smell of freshly ground coffee in the morning is your thing, the Cuisinart Grind & Brew Coffee maker would be the best option to go for. With a cup capacity of ten to twelve at any one time, and an automatic grinder, this does command a slightly higher price. However, even this is not too steep, starting at just $60, right up to the $150 region if a sleek brushed chrome design is desired.

With such a range of Cuisinart coffee maker’s to choose from, you are sure to find the ideal one for you. However, if you are after something a little more refined, or simply want more variety in your coffee, they also make an impressive range of Espresso machines.

All professional coffee makers have their idea of how to make a good espresso. Here’s one:

The first thing to consider is the water you will use. You may not be aware of it but water can become stale when exposed to mildew or if it has not been filtered properly. This can dramatically affect the taste of your coffee. Also the water needs to be hot, around 203F, close to the boiling point.

Next comes the coffee. Select arabica – whether from Brazil, Bogota, or elsewhere, grown above 3000 feet (915m) and delivered fresh for roasting. Either self-roasted or bought within a few days after, the coffee should have that ‘fresh food’ smell.

The robusta coffee bean is excellent for a nice hot cup of coffee to give you a boost for your day. This is because of its high content of caffeine. But these beans should not be used for espresso.

You want your beans to be ground in a burr grinder and not chopped. And the beans should be a French or Viennese roast because these are dark roasts best for espresso.

Good grinding is important. You want your grounds to be like sand. If they are like gravel they are not ground enough. If they are powdery they are ground to fine. You do not want your coffee grounds to have too much exposure to the air or they will begin to absorb smells and particles from the air and this will change the flavor and aroma.

And, last but not least, a good espresso requires a clean machine of good quality. ‘Good quality means: generates heat by boiler or thermoblock and is capable of producing pump pressure of 9 bar or better. A ‘thermoblock’ heats water as it passes through the machine on the way to the pump. Avoid the cheaper units that rely on steam to create pressure.

Now you have the basic elements. Next comes the process.

Pre-warm the equipment by running good water through a clean machine. You can turn the machine on, let the water heat, and run a cup through with no coffee to warm the surfaces and flush the system.

Add your ground roast and pack down slightly, as you would pipe tobacco. Just as with pipes, you should be feel some springiness, but the coffee shouldn’t scatter.

Replace the coffee holder into the machine and secure it well. Then replace your warmed espresso cup into the machine and you are ready to turn the machine on to start the process.

A coffee pod machine makes one cup of coffee, and is a popular home appliance. Brewing coffee at home, one cup at a time, lets you have the real coffee taste without a pricey setup. Nowadays, coffee makers are priced affordably and are available in a variety of styles.

The popularity of single cup machines is also due to the fact that they are very low maintenance. These coffee machines are also very user friendly for first time users. These coffee machines are closed system machines and you can only use the coffee that is made for that particular machine. If you like the coffee available, or are not very fussy, then this will not be an issue.

Popular brands of coffee pod machines are Nespresso and Douwe Egberts. Either brand requires you to use the matching brand of coffee.

Without a doubt, ease of use is the main reason for the popularity of single serve machines. The minor drawback of coffee brand limitation does not worry most people.

But for people who wish to work around this limitation, some makers are giving out instructions on how to make your own pods. At first the industry did not like this practice as it was considered a type of piracy, but are starting to embrace it more as it increases competition and thus, sales increase as well. Senseo are leading the way in custom made pods. It means you can use any type of coffee in the brewer thanks to coffee ducks and pod makers.

A novice is able to brew a terrific cup of coffee by using a single cup coffee maker. With these machines you will have a no fuss, gourmet cup of coffee without all the mess and machine maintenance. Best of all, you will save money brewing your own coffee and not paying the exorbitant prices at the local coffee shop.