Sunday, February 5, 2012

Coffee, Kona Coffee Festival And Barista: Hawaiian Perfection In The Cup

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Timothy_S._Collins]Timothy S. Collins
Recently, I was visiting a Barista friend in Hawaii which is the only American state where farmers grow and sell coffee beans commercially. Hawaii has mineral rich volcanic soil that produces some of the world's best beans. My barista friend paused to sip some freshly brewed 100% Extra Fancy Grade Kona specialty gourmet coffee before continuing. Kona coffee is harvested by hand. The family-owned farms are usually small. Kona coffee grows on the slopes of Hualali and Mauna Loa, located in the North and South Kona Districts of the big island of Hawaii. The Kona designation applies only to the beans from these Kona Districts.
The barista stopped to welcome a couple of regular patrons. He took their orders and explained that he was telling me the story of Kona coffee and the Kona Coffee Festival. The patrons expressed interest in the topic and asked how soon the festival would take place. Not until early November and it is well worth attending, said the barista. Before we get into details about the festival, let me share with you why Kona coffee is simply fantastic,
1. The soil conditions are basically coffee perfect.
2. Add to that recipe for success the sunny mornings, regular rainfall in the afternoons, cloud cover in the mornings, not too much wind and mild nights.
3. Kona snow, as we call the coffee flowers that bloom in February and March, are followed by green berries in April and finally red berries between August and January.
4. Each tree is handpicked and yields between 20 to 30 pounds of cherries. The cherries are processed through specific steps we can discuss in the future, if you would like.
The result is this great specialty brew worth every penny I charge!  Upon hearing his, everyone laughed hard and nodded that the coffee was delicious but it was expensive. Yes, the barista said, certified Kona coffee is expensive because the production is limited which makes the beans rare and in very high demand.
Okay, said one of the patrons. We agree that Kona coffee is priceless. What about this Kona Coffee Festival in early November? Should I plan a visit to the Big Island in November? In the Midwest, where I live, is cold that time of the year. A trip back to Hawaii sounds very appealing. The barista replied, November in Hawaii is also a great opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving like you have not done before. What makes the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival really fun is that it has a hometown celebration style.  Visitors mix with locals and you get a sense of belonging that is very special.
Because the festival is scheduled during the berry harvesting season, the scheduled events combine activities on and off the coffee plantations. What do you mean by that?, said the Midwesterner. Let me explain, said the barista. There are "cupping" competitions for the coffee growers to see who produced the best crop for the year. There are speed-picking contests that test strategy and agility for the fastest cherry picking. For coffee fans, there are workshops about cooking with coffee, tours of coffee plantations, the history of coffee and much more. What about hula performances, barista? Oh, yeah, there are hula performances by famous Hawaiian performers singing beautiful Hawaiian melodies.
The International Lantern Parade is an evening event that celebrates Kona's heritage with groups in colorful ethnic costumes. I love the colorful and energetic Bon dance that gets everyone going each year! The Little Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Pageant includes several crowning competitions for girls of different ages. The cultural programs include multi-ethnic entertainment, music, art exhibits, tasting the harvest of many Kona coffee estates, recipe contests, and great holiday shopping. The Kona Historical Society interpretive tour about the Kona coffee farm years from 1925 to 1945 is very interesting. The Kona Coffee Council Farm & Mill Tour is a neat experience visiting three working farms in North and South Kona. Wow, barista, sounds like a full schedule with something for everyone! Yes, indeed, replied the barista. Also, if you have the time, check out the Hawaiian Quilt Workshop and the Hawaiian Master Drum Maker & Wood Carver events.
Barista, coming to your place is always fun and educational. But it's time to go, the surf is calling. We will see each other soon for another great cup of freshly brewed 100% Extra Fancy Grade Kona specialty gourmet coffee!
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "The Gourmet Coffee Guy." He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Also visit: http://www.squidoo.com/thegourmetcoffeeguy-lensography
� Copyright - Timothy S. Collins. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Coffee,-Kona-Coffee-Festival-And-Barista:-Hawaiian-Perfection-In-The-Cup&id=6630318] Coffee, Kona Coffee Festival And Barista: Hawaiian Perfection In The Cup

Friday, February 3, 2012

Go Ahead Have Another Cup of Coffee

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Labdar]Sarah Labdar
For over the past 100 or so years coffee has gained a bad reputation for being an unhealthy addition to the human diet. However, coffee stands, chains, stores, and cafes have popped up all over the world that are flooded by customers everyday. But for all the hype, people continue to drink coffee day in and day out regardless of the stigma. Maybe that's because coffee in and of itself isn't bad for you at all.
There are several reasons people drink coffee i.e. Taste, boost of energy, caffeine content, or even because its popular. Coffee is made from coffee beans, which are the components behind coffees health benefits. The beans contain nutritionally infused compounds known as caffeine and antioxidants. Both caffeine and antioxidants have different potential benefits to improve health and reduce the risk for chronic illnesses.
Each brew produces a different roast, aroma, and flavor of coffee. Everyone is partial to his or her own flavor, preparation and additives. Coffee is a natural stimulant, containing caffeine, which boosts the body's metabolism giving you more energy and uplifting your spirits. It's no wonder that coffee is the number one drink of choice for breakfast. Many people feel they can't wake up with out their daily caffeine fix, which drives the consumption of coffee and accounts for 80% of the worlds caffeine use. Caffeine's effects on boosting energy are short term regardless of the source consumed i.e. Coffee, caffeinated soft drinks, or chocolate. Therefore the aforementioned reputation of coffee can be squashed.
In actuality coffee can help you slim down and keep you healthy. Coffee's property as a central nervous system stimulant boosts metabolism helping the body to burn calories. Caffeine increases available energy, giving you more energy to function. In addition to being a stimulant, caffeine is a mild diuretic which increases the need to urinate. The more you pee the more water, toxins and waste is excreted from the body. Lastly, coffee in itself is very low in calories, it's when you start adding cream, sugar, milk, half & half, or flavoring that the calories and fat increases. A 6-ounce cup of black coffee has only 7 calories.
Coffee's health benefits are still being explored however the caffeine and antioxidants within coffee have been found to improve health. Coffee has not been proven to prevent any conditions; only to have potential health perks. Antioxidants within coffee are age fighting compounds, which help the body repair damaged cells from oxygen free radicals. Coffee has a very strong antioxidant capacity.
Caffeine has been shown to improve a range of symptoms such as mental decline, Parkinson's disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, extra weight gain, and depression. Caffeine has been linked to fewer cases of certain cancers, heart rhythm problems, and strokes. In most studies the recommended coffee intake to show a positive effect is a maximum of 4 6-ounce cups a day.
Study after study is being done to show the positive effects that coffee can have on certain diseases and disorders. The most recent research shows the link between drinking coffee and lowered depression in women. The study from the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that women who drink 4 cups of coffee a day are 20% less likely to show signs of depression or become depressed. The brain receptors that respond to the stimulant caffeine when entered into the body are concentrated in the basal ganglia. This area is important for determining depression and Parkinson's. Low dose, chronic stimulation caused by consumption of caffeine from coffee makes these receptors more efficient causing one to have less depressed feelings. This doesn't lower the risk of depression however it only protects against it.
Another disease shown to benefit from coffee consumption is Type 2 diabetes. There are more than 15 published studies showing solid data that people who drink 4-6 cups of coffee a day regardless of sex, weight, or location have a 28% lowered risk of Type 2 diabetes. Each additional cup of coffee drops the odds by 7%. The thought is the antioxidants in coffee help to prevent tissue damage. Additionally coffee contains the minerals magnesium and chromium. These minerals help the body to use the hormone insulin, which is the main problem in people who have Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can also lead to heart disease and stroke; therefore by lowering the risk for diabetes you are also preventing heart disease and strokes. Drinking coffee has been linked to lower risks for heart arrhythmias in both men and women and lowered risk of strokes in women. By drinking 1-3 cups of coffee you are 20% less likely to be hospitalized for abnormal heart rhythms and drinking 2 or more cups lowers your risk for stroke by 20%.
The research data on coffee also is very consistent on protecting against Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Caffeine has been shown to protect against certain neurotoxins, which lead to the development of Parkinson and Alzheimer's. A higher consumption of coffee is associated with a decreased risk of Parkinson's. Due to caffeine in coffee there is an 80% reduced risk of Parkinson's disease. Coffee has also been linked to lower dementia a leading symptom of Alzheimer's. When you drink 3-5 cups of coffee a day you reduce your risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's by 65%.
With the intense cancer research out there, data has been consistent between coffee and liver cancer. High coffee consumption has been associated with a decreased risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. There is an 80% reduced mortality risk of cirrhosis associated with coffee consumption. Additional studies are being done to confirm the positive effects of coffee on headaches, asthma, colon cancer, gallstones and cavities.
Despite the health benefits to the body, coffee is best drunk in moderation. High coffee intake can bring on headaches, increased heart rate, or cause insomnia. Heavy caffeine use can also cause problems such as restlessness, anxiety, irritability, and sleeplessness. Caffeine has also been known to raise blood pressure and because of its acidity it can worsen heartburn. If you experience any of these symptoms its important to wean yourself off of coffee to avoid any increase in side effects. Also consult your physician to determine if other factors are involved.
Graduated with a BA in exercise science and have worked in the medical field since. My focus is alternative medicine however all aspects of health interest me. Check out my health website! http://www.universalhealthinfo.com/Antioxidants.html
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Go-Ahead-Have-Another-Cup-of-Coffee&id=6629719] Go Ahead Have Another Cup of Coffee

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

5 Recipes For The Most Popular Coffee House Drinks

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Erika_Finks]Erika Finks
Many people start their day with their favorite cup of coffee. There are a variety of flavors of coffees and recipes that cafes and people themselves like to follow. Some of the top coffee-house drinks include Caramel Macchiato, Frappuccino, Cappuccino, Cafe Latte and Cafe Mocha. Each one has different ingredients which make them unique and delicious. if you do not have an espresso machine, use instant espresso bought from any grocery store. Follow these great recipes to make them at home:
Caramel Macchiato
If you want to make yourself a Caramel Macchiato, ingredients that you will need include two tablespoons of vanilla syrup, fresh brewed espresso, eight ounces of steamed milk and three to four tablespoons of caramel sauce. After gathering the ingredients, simply add vanilla syrup to a sixteen ounce glass and then add the steamed milk, espresso and caramel. Stir well to mix all of the ingredients together and enjoy.
Frappuccino
Next we have the ever popular Frappuccino. To create a Frappuccino, you will need to fill a blender half-full with the chopped or crushed ice. Then add the rest of the ingredients except for the whipped cream and blend until it is thick, but still icy. To serve, pour into four tall glasses, add whipped cream and drizzle the top with chocolate syrup. A Frappuccino is a flavorful cool drink to enjoy during those warm days of summer or as a treat after dinner.To enjoy a rich, creamy Frappuccino, you will need the following:
4 tablespoons of chocolate syrup
4 tablespoons of chocolate chips
4 cups of double-strength freshly brewed dark roast coffee
chopped or crushed ice
optional whipped cream
chocolate syrup to add drizzle (also optional)
Cappuccino
If you want to warm up on a cold night, then serve up a cappuccino for everyone to sip on. A Cappuccino can be made into a variety of flavors, but if you want something simple, you can follow this simple chocolate cappuccino recipe. You can leave out the chocolate for an unflavored cappuccino.
The ingredients to make a chocolate cappuccino include:
1/3 espresso
1/3 steamed chocolate milk
1/3 frothed chocolate milk
After you have all of the ingredients, simply stir them all together and enjoy the steamy drink.
Cafe Latte
Another favored coffee drink is the basic Cafe Latte. If you would like to create a basic latte for your friends and family, you will need the following items:
1 Shot of Espresso
Steamed Milk
A latte is easy to make. Once you have the ingredients, pour the espresso into an eight to twelve ounce cup and then fill it with the steamed milk. For the best taste, serve it immediately.
Cafe Mocha
One timeless coffee-house favorite is the Cafe Mocha. This can also be made easily at home. The ingredients listed below will be enough to make one cafe mocha. If you would like to make more, adjust the recipe accordingly.
1 shot espresso
1 oz chocolate syrup or chocolate fudge syrup
Steamed milk
Whipped cream (optional)
Cocoa powder for garnish (optional)
First, combine the espresso and the chocolate syrup together in a 12-ounce cup. Then fill the cup with steamed milk and top it with the whipped cream if you would like. For added flavor, sprinkle the top with cocoa powder. Service immediately for the best-tasting results.
By following some of these simple and delicious coffee-house recipes, you can enjoy your favorite espresso drink right at home. There won't be any need to visit a cafe when you can sip on coffee in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Erika Finks is the author is a self-proclaimed Queen of Coffee. If you would like to learn more about the easiest way to make coffee drinks at home without the fuss, check out the [http://www.boschcoffeemakercenter.com/Bosch_Tassimo_Coffee_Maker.html]Bosch Tassimo coffee maker. If you're fussy about the way your coffee tastes, like I am, you will want to go with a [http://www.boschcoffeemakercenter.com/]Bosch coffee maker.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Recipes-For-The-Most-Popular-Coffee-House-Drinks&id=6630458] 5 Recipes For The Most Popular Coffee House Drinks

Monday, January 30, 2012

Drink Your Coffee From A Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker, You Will Be Glad You Did

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Susan_Bravero]Susan Bravero
There are many people in this world that cannot get through a day unless they have had a cup of coffee. If you are one of these coffee drinkers or maybe you are just someone who likes to give their taste buds a little bit of sensation in the early morning or at any other time during the day, you may want to consider getting the Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker. This machine is quite functional and very dependable, and at the same time it is well designed, which means that it will enhance the look of your kitchen, while giving you your heart's desire.
The Hamilton Beach brand is one that has been on the market for many years and they are the designers of many home appliances such as: indoor grills, coffee makers, ovens, ice cream makers, waffle bakers, blenders, and can openers, among many other appliances that make your life easier. The Hamilton Beach Company designs their appliances for both commercial and domestic uses as well. This company has been known to sell over 35 million appliances each year, which shows that the company's products are of the highest quality because people would not buy from them otherwise. They sell to people all over the world but their major clientele is in Canada, The United States of America and Mexico.
Their line of Hamilton Beach Coffee Makers and espresso makers are some of the best on the market and they have been known to redefine the art of brewing coffee. These machines will help you turn an ordinary cup of coffee into something fit for the queen; whether she drinks it or not. There are numerous different models of these coffee makers available on the market, which means that you will be more than able to find a model that suits you and your family's needs. To this day, it is known that Hamilton Beach has over 3 dozen different models on the market.
You may choose between a single cup coffee maker or you can choose a 40 cup coffee urn that is ideal for large offices and it will never slow down on you. However, if you have a large family of coffee drinkers, it is wise for you to get the Hamilton Beach Coffee maker that can easily make 12 cups of coffee at a time. This model is also ideal for when you are having friends and family over for a little celebration where the coffee is very important.
You may also purchase a coffee maker by this company that has stainless steel mugs and carafes instead of the more popular glass ones.
The Hamilton Beach coffee maker, a revolutionary design for a revolutionary society.
Susan Bravero is a power house when it comes to writing about her favorite subjects. If it can be used in your home, and give more help and fun to your life, then Susan will research it and write about it. From appliances to sewing machines and anything else domestic oriented, Susan Bravero will be finding out what its about. To learn more about the Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker just go to this website: http://www.hamiltonbeachcoffeemakers.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Drink-Your-Coffee-From-A-Hamilton-Beach-Coffee-Maker,-You-Will-Be-Glad-You-Did&id=6635160] Drink Your Coffee From A Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker, You Will Be Glad You Did

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Do Old Coffee Grounds Work As Fertilizer?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Linda_Murdock]Linda Murdock
First, what makes up brewed coffee, besides caffeine? Nutrition experts agree that coffee grounds contain magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese and trace amounts of calcium. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the ingredients necessary for garden soil. They coincide with the figures you see on most fertilizer bags. So coffee does have what plants need to grow.
There seems to be some debate about whether or not coffee produces nitrogen. Most agree that coffee grounds contain 1.5 to 2.2% nitrogen. However, some feel that the nitrogen is not available to the soil or the plants until the grounds themselves begin to decompose.
Others say you must compost the coffee grounds with other plants to release the nitrogen in the decomposition process. They recommend adding nitrogen to the soil if using only the grounds. The rotting grounds attract nitrogen-consuming microbes, thus, the need to add nitrogen if using only coffee grounds as a fertilizer.
So to be on the safe side where fertilizing is concerned, you may be better off tossing your coffee grounds along with other compost into the garden in the fall and winter to allow them time to be of best use for spring planting.
When I emptied coffee grounds on top of the soil last fall and spring, I did not include it in a compost. I did use 8 to 10 cubic feet of a peat and compost mixture in the spring that I emptied all over my garden, which is 13 by 33 feet. I turned the soil about 6-8 inches deep before planting. I've never had tomatoes produce so much in my four years of gardening.
How does the acid in coffee affect things? The coffee you drink is acidic, but the grounds afterward are closer to neutral on the pH scale. Some argue that they retain their acid level until combined with compost and its microbes, which neutralize it. Either way acid is great if your soil is low in it (alkaline). In the West, where I live, soils are alkaline and getting closer to neutral or increasing the acid content is a good thing for my strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and radishes. Keep in mind that you have to use quite a bit of grounds to make any real difference in the pH scale.
Coffee grounds have other benefits aside from being a fertilizer. They boost the heat in soil better than most composting materials, including manure. These high temperatures kill seeds from weeds or vegetables that may have made their way into the compost pile. If you are thinking about raised beds, consider lining the bottom edges with coffee grounds to prevent weeds from sneaking in.
Other benefits to using coffee grounds in the garden include its ability to attract earthworms, thereby improving soil structure. It even keeps cats from pooping in your garden. (Our neighborhood stray poops along the outside of the garden instead!) If tomato blight is a concern, there are some who think the copper in coffee grounds keeps this at bay.
Coffee grounds are also good at keeping away pests for both inside plants and outside flowers, like hostas, roses, lilies, peonies or those grown from bulbs. The caffeine discourages slugs and snails. You can add about 2 cups of grounds to a 5 gallon jug of water and let it steep overnight. Use it to water plants and don't be afraid to water the leaves, too.
So whether or not coffee grounds include enough nitrogen to be used as a fertilizer, its pest deterrent qualities and attraction to earthworms has more than sold me on its benefits. If you aren't a coffee drinker, just ask your local coffee shop if you can have their leftover grounds. It not only helps them dispose of waste, but it also helps create a more abundant, inexpensive and organic garden.
Copyright 2011 by Linda K. Murdock. Linda is a flavor guru, gardener and the author of A Busy Cook's Guide to Flavor-Packed Cookies & Bars. This book includes 63 different flavors with a cookie and bar recipe for each flavor, including Coffee, Eggnog, Lime (like key lime pie) and others. Smaller recipes, easy instructions and readily available ingredients attract busy bakers, who prefer more flavor and less sugar in their desserts. To learn more go to [http://bellwetherbooks.com/]http://bellwetherbooks.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Do-Old-Coffee-Grounds-Work-As-Fertilizer?&id=6635244] Do Old Coffee Grounds Work As Fertilizer?

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Top 5 Gagdets For Making Espresso Drinks At Home

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Erika_Finks]Erika Finks
Making your own coffee and espresso at home not only saves you lots of money, but it allows you to truly experience what really good espresso should taste like. After all, at home you are using all the best ingredients and you know exactly what you want your drink to taste like.
This is a big contrast to the shops that sell caffeine products that are questionable when it comes to ingredients. Keep you money where it belongs, in your pocket, and try the following gadgets to make your coffee and espresso time at home memorable and pleasurable without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home.
Bosch Tassimo Coffee Maker
This single serve coffee maker brews at the touch of a button making it easy to create a delicious cup of coffee on the fly. The T-Disc is used to pour coffee directly in to your cup so it is ready to go when you are. The best part is that there is no need to measure or fuss over the machine and there is practically no clean up involved!
Aerolatte Electric Milk Frother
Everyone who likes a good cup of espresso needs a milk frother. This hand held, battery powered milk frother is perfect for small kitchens that don't have a lot of space for table top appliances. The stainless steel frother gives you the results you want in less than 30 seconds. Both cold and hot milk can be used with it depending on what kind of drink you are trying to make.
Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker
This stovetop espresso maker will have up to three, two ounce servings of your favorite brew ready to drink within just five minutes. The durable aluminum material makes this a winner for camping trips too. The flip top and pour spout make this one convenient product that you don't want to miss out on.
Breville Smart Grinder
This thing has 25 different grinder settings to make espresso, French press coffees, drips, and percolator options too. The backlit LCD screen makes it easy to see what you are doing even in the wee hours of the morning. The bean hopper has an airtight lid so you can store beans in there if you prefer. It comes with all the accessories you will ever need.
Krups 20-Ounce Stainless-Steel Milk Frothing Pitcher
You can't go wrong with a frothing pitcher if you love espresso. This is one of those nifty tools that make the entire job so much easier. Cappuccinos and lattes can benefit from a pitcher like this as well. This particular pitcher holds up to 20 ounces of milk at a time making it possible to entertain with hot drinks. The easy grip handle and drip resistant lip keep things under control so there is minimal clean up.
How DO You Make an Espresso?
The first step is to grind whole espresso beans into a powder. You would then load the ground espresso powder into your stove top espresso maker. From there simply tamp the ground beans down into the maker so that it is somewhat firmly packed and then brew the beans, using clean filtered water of course. Once the brewing is finished, add your frothed milk and chocolate or other spices, like cinnamon, that you like then enjoy!
Erika loves to write about the comforts of home, including how to make homemade espresso drinks. To learn more about the easiest way to get espresso at home without all the fuss, check out the [http://www.boschcoffeemakercenter.com/Bosch_Tassimo_Coffee_Maker.html]Bosch Tassimo. If you like a really good cup of coffee and are picky (like me) about the flavor, I would recommend you go with a [http://www.boschcoffeemakercenter.com]Bosch coffee maker.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-5-Gagdets-For-Making-Espresso-Drinks-At-Home&id=6633124] Top 5 Gagdets For Making Espresso Drinks At Home

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Coffee Machine Reviews - Best Coffee Machine

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stuart_Riley]Stuart Riley
What could be better than a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the comfort of your own home?
Well, if that's something you love, a coffee machine could just be the perfect addition to your kitchen. However, there is so much choice out there that finding the best coffee machine for you can be difficult.
From well-known brands like Tassimo and De'Longhi, high-end brands like Jura, to niche brands like Francis Francis and Ascaso.
Not only that, each brand offers a plethora of models and types. There are traditional espresso machines, more expensive automatic bean-to-cup machines, and the increasingly popular pod and capsule type. Not forgetting the good old filter machine of course.
Once you've decided what kind of machine to go for you then have the headache of trying to find a model within your price range.
With such a lot to consider let's see if we can clear things up and look at some of the main brands and machine types in more detail in the following coffee machine reviews.
Espresso machines are still very popular despite being around for a long time now. Ground coffee is used in these machines, which means that you can brew an espresso just the way you like it, and to coffee shop standard, using your favourite coffee.
The problem with this is that you need to do everything manually from measuring the correct quantity of coffee to put into the machine, and tamping down the coffee just enough to get the desired result, to having to clean the machine after every use. So it really depends on what's important to you - if you want full control over the brewing process, including pressuring the correct amount of water through the coffee to extract just enough flavour in order to get the best possible espresso, then an espresso machine could be for you.
However, most modern espresso machines can accept coffee pods, which contain pre-prepared ground coffee that you just place in the machine. While this simplifies some of the issues above it does narrow the choice of coffee you have and the control over the brewing process.
Most coffee machine companies produce espresso machines, such as the De'Longhi Icona ECO310. In terms of price it really depends on what you're looking for. The Krups XP5240 might be a good choice if you're simply looking for a no-frills machine that delivers a good espresso. If build quality is key the Cuisinart EM200U is a good choice - it'll go forever and produce great coffee. Maybe design is the most important factor? Then how about the stunning Francis Francis range or Ascaso Dream - but you'll pay a premium for looks.
If you want your morning coffee quicker and with less fuss, a pod or capsule system could be the answer.
Whilst being simple and cheap to use these machines produce a good cup of coffee and are becoming increasingly popular in busy homes.
They also often offer a lot of choice as you can buy capsules that can produce an array of different drinks, from lattes and cappuccinos to teas and hot chocolate.
These machines have their own range of capsules which are specifically made for that particular system.
A sealed amount of ground coffee is contained in each capsule which is simply popped into the machine, which in turn usually reads a bar-code on the capsule and then produces the drink through a set of pre-programmed stages. All very clever, simple, and clean.
Each capsule is simply removed from the machine after use and disposed of.
There are many well known producers of this type of machine such as Tassimo (Bosch), Dolce Gusto (Krups), and Senseo (Philips). They all offer a more affordable option than the last type we'll look at - automatic bean-to-cup machines.
As the name indicates automatic bean-to-cup machines produce coffee directly from coffee beans. Also, as the name suggests, all this is taken care of by the machine. You simply have to feel the container on top of the machine with your personal choice of coffee beans, set the machine up with your individual settings, and the machine does everything else - it grinds the coffee beans, measures the correct amount of grounds, tamps the grounds, extracts the flavour from the grounds at a professional 15 bar (or higher) pressure, and also froths milk if required.
The great thing about automatic bean-to-cup machines is that they provide great coffee like an espresso machine and yet offer the simplicity of a capsule machine.
But that comes at a price. High-end machines like the Jura S can set you back a pretty penny, while the popular De'Longhi Prima Donna and Magnifica models, while still expensive, will cost considerably less. The Krups Espresseria EA8080 offers great value at a similar price to a top of the range espresso maker.
So you pay your money and take your choice, but with so much choice on offer there really is something for every taste and every budget. [http://coffeemachineexpert.com]CoffeeMachineExpert.com is a high-quality online review site covering a large variety of coffee machines, providing genuine and in-depth reviews.
At Coffee Machine Expert you'll find [http://coffeemachineexpert.com]coffee machine reviews of all the latest brands and models, and every type of machine including bean-to-cup, espresso, filter, nespresso and pod and capsule. You'll also find great deals and competitive prices from a host of major suppliers. So whether you're looking for a humble filter coffee machine or a state-of-the-art bean-to-cup machine you can find whatever you're looking for. This online review site is very easy to use, clearly laid out, and extremely user-friendly so don't worry if you're not technologically minded or an internet whizz.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Coffee-Machine-Reviews---Best-Coffee-Machine&id=6628308] Coffee Machine Reviews - Best Coffee Machine