Java Jim

August 31, 2009

Getting Yourself a Classic Espresso Machine?

Does your kitchen come equipped with an espresso machine? If not then you are missing out and you probably will not realize it until you try it for yourself. Once you try a classic espresso machine, you will never want to go back to a regular cup of coffee again. This is especially true if you are someone who really values a fine cup of coffee.

How Does It Work?

You will want to make sure that you are reading through the directions when you are purchasing an espresso machine. This way, you will know for sure that it is a machine that you are going to be able to handle. Since the machine only does as it is set to do, you, as the operator, must make sure that you are using the correct adjustments for the perfect cup of espresso. If this is your first classic espresso machine, you may want to go with one that is fully automatic.

The espresso is made by the forcing of hot water through a finely ground coffee. The end result is a coffee that is thicker than what you would get out of a drip coffeemaker. It will also have a foam on the top of the espresso that is reddish-brown in color.

Due to the way the coffee is brewed, the flavors are quite a bit stronger. The use of espresso in making other coffee drinks such as mochas, cappuccinos and lattes is due to this very reason.

A classic espresso machine can make the difference in your coffee for the better. Instead of the bland, run of the mill coffee you get from your drip coffeemaker, you will have a rich, aromatic blend that will liven your senses and wake up those taste buds.

The History

The first classic espresso machine was invented in 1901 by Luigi Bezzera. While the initial construction was anything other than what we are used to today, it was responsible for the espresso that we have grown to love today.

This basis for the operation of the machine is still employed today. The first machine worked by pushing steam pressure through a filter that was clamped down containing the coffee grounds.

The Classic Espresso Machines of Today

One of the more popular espresso machines used today would be that of the Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine. It is a 72-ounce capacity machine that makes both regular coffee and espresso. The housing is stainless steel, the port filters are brass and there is a single and double shot filter basket that is made of stainless steel as well. The measuring scoop and the tamper are included with the machine.

Another wonderful machine would be that of the Capresso 113.05 Espresso Classic Luxe. It is black accented with chrome features and features a continuous output of nice hot water. The self-locking filter can be used for fresh grounds or store packaged coffee. It has a 40-ounce capacity and a dual frother, which allows both manual frothing and steaming.

The Incanto Classic Espresso Machine has a milk frother and a dip tray. This fully automatic machine is made of metal and it is a space saving design so that you should have no problem finding a space for it in the kitchen.

Out of all of the classic espresso machines out there, the Gaggia Classic seems to be the best selling as it has been sold to many satisfied customers. Included with the machine are one and two shot filter baskets. The port filter is based on commercial styles.

Because of its rugged construction and the performance level of it, the Gaggia 14100 Classic Espresso machine has been rated a “consumer’s best buy”. It is a machine that was built to last which makes it a great value. At 1250 watts, this is a high powered machine that will provide you with the fresh espresso you have always wanted to have at home.

Why You Should Buy One

There are several reasons for buying a classic espresso machine to use in your home. Probably the number one reason is that you are addicted to espresso. If you run out every morning and hit the espresso store for your cup, then maybe you should consider your own machine. This is the easiest way to have espresso at any time you want it. The cost will be cheaper in the long run if you buy an espresso machine.

How much do you estimate you spend each week on espresso? Think about that next time you are paying for your espresso and you will see it makes more sense to buy your own machine.

If you entertain a lot and would like to be able to serve espresso, this could really add up if you ordered enough for everyone. Make your own and save money. A classic espresso machine is nice to have when a relative comes that drinks espressos like they are going out of style. This can save a lot of trips to the nearest espresso shop. Whatever the reason, buying a classic espresso machine will allow you to have the most delicious cup of espresso you have tasted.

Brian Grimsley drinks a lot of coffee, and have a real passion for making the perfect cup. He also thinks that espresso is what coffee really is all about. His site is a resource for anyone who wants to buy a Classic Espresso Machine.

August 30, 2009

Organic Coffee And Fair Trade

Filed under: Coffee — Tags: — Ali Bautista @ 7:55 am

Good coffee comes freshly ground coffee beans that have been perfectly roasted. A good organic coffee bean can be grown in a sustainable manner. A clear conscience comes from knowing the beans have been sourced ethically and the proceeds have gone back to the farmer. It is possible for all these things to exist together.

The concept of Fair Trade goes back to the Dutch and protests about poor treatment in their trading colonies. Today the aim is to eliminate the middleman so that the farmer who grows the produce gets fair recompense for his efforts.

Some buyers have even gone so far as to pay part of their purchase in advance instead of waiting for delivery before paying. This is an attempt to keep farmers from needing to get loans between the coffee harvest through till time of payment.

There is a degree of natural allegiance between nations such as Peru and Vanuatu and organic farming methods. They tend to have low tech farming methods and the size of their farms. They therefore can not compete with major producers who have the volume monopolies. Instead organic coffee and other niche products are their natural focus.

Co-operatives are a common occurrence to allow an economic mass to be gathered. Sense of community is enhanced and it allows money to be directed back to the community for medical or educational purposes.

Making Fair Trade Organic Coffee an economic reality for some communities has lead to a decrease in the cultivation of drugs. Where these were once the only viable crop, coffee and good prices are driving farmers away from undesirable outputs.

Good coffee and ethical trading can work together.

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August 29, 2009

Things To Consider Prior To Procuring A Coffee Maker

Filed under: Coffee — Tags: — Jim Samposzi @ 9:29 am

The process by which coffee is made is one that was considered simple. The only thing to do was add boiled water and ground beans in a pot. After this, the maker had to sit and allow the coffee to brew for several hours. After enough time for brewing had passed, the coffee was finished and they could add the creamer and sweetener. This method was made more simple with the invention of the coffee maker. Upon purchasing one of these devices, you may want to take into account the following:

* Size – The dimensions of the device should be one of the first factors you check. If only a couple of people are drinking coffee, then small coffee-maker would suit you best. However, you will need a larger unit if you make coffee for more than just you and another. A few of the units make espresso, for those of you that like a strong brew; it is an all together in one machine. By purchasing such a model, you will save space in your kitchen, but you will also be paying less than an expensive espresso unit. Additionally, these combination machines can make between 8 and 10 cups.

* Water filter – A water filter will remove iron and chlorine from faucet water, and make coffee taste better. If taste doesn’t matter to you, then this feature would not be needed because it will add to the care taking and repair cost if the unit were to break down.

* Coffee filter – As an alternative to paper filters, you might want to look at coffee makers that have a permanent filter basket. These permanent filters are not only durable, but also eco-friendly. Furthermore, permanent filters help enhance the flavors in the coffee.

* Bean grinder and roaster – These extra features do not come on most normal coffee machines. Though, some of the more expensive coffee makers include a grinder and/or roaster. As the name suggests, the beans are roasted in the roaster, while the built-in grinder will take fresh beans and crush them into grounds so you can brew them.

* Digital controls – A large LCD screen, timer, and clock are not necessary to brew a mug of coffee. However these advantages make the coffee maker more user-friendly. Auto-off is a crucial control for some of us absent-minded folks.

Millions of others on this planet regularly partake of coffee. Due to this, there must be a fast and easy method to have your coffee in the morning. Many people purchase a cup of coffee every day unaware of the fact that making coffee at home saves so much money. This is brought to us by coffee makers and a lot of them include so many advantages that you will feel like every day, you are your own barista.

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August 28, 2009

Did you See the Pink Cuisinart DCC-1100 Programmable Coffeemaker

Filed under: Coffee — Tags: — Brannon Bert @ 6:10 am

Get up in the morning and head for that strong cup of coffee to wake up your senses!!! We all know this feeling. Coffee tastes best when it’s well-brewed. How can you make sure that the brew is perfect everyday?

Check out the Pink Cuisinart DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker for the most excellent coffee brews everyday.

You may ask, what’s so special about this coffeemaker? The first thing is the quality. With this coffeemaker you get that perfect brew that you will relish with enjoyment everyday. The gold-tone coffee filter and charcoal water filter in the maker, offers you the best ever coffee taste. Enjoy sittings with your friends, family or your office colleagues with that perfect aroma that only the Pink Cuisinart DCC-1100 can make.

Another unique aspect about the coffee maker is its ergonomic handle and dripless sprout because of which you feel so much more comfortable in using it. The handle gives you a firm hold and the spout ensures that there are no accidental spills.

Now this is not all. As the name suggests, the Pink Cuisinart DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker can be programmed. This means you can use its 24-hour programmability feature to set the timer to brew coffee whenever you want, at any time of the day.

We all know what its like to want just a half cup, but we get a full cup because that’s how the coffeemaker works. Not with the Pink Cuisinart DCC-1100. This coffeemaker gives you four distinct cup settings which make only that much as you want to drink. So, you can pour out only how much you wish to drink and enjoy the best tasting coffee wherever you want.

Oops!! The power got cut, when I brewed my coffee you have to do the brewing all over again. You don’t have to worry about this with this coffeemaker because it has a 60-second reset feature, which continues the brewing right where it left off when the power went out.

The Pink Cuisinart DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker comes in a very distinct pink color. The unique design, lovely shade and optimal ergonomics makes it a piece that you simply must have in your kitchen.

Enjoy the luxury of the best coffee brews with the Pink Cuisinart DCC-1100. With this coffeemaker from Cuisinart, you can make 12 cups at a time. It has a 3-year warranty on it as well.

If you are looking for an interesting present for someone close to you, consider getting them a Pink Cuisinart DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker. It will surely surprise them as it will also be very useful for them.

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