Espresso Pots
Espresso pots are stovetop espresso makers that are sometimes referred to as percolators or Moka pots. Moka is a brand name that is made by the Bialetti Company. This company is named after the inventor of the stovetop espresso pot.
The espresso pot uses steam pressure to force water upwards through a metal strainer containing finely ground coffee. This forces the espresso into the top of the pot and ready for your enjoyment. The espresso produced won’t be as good as what you get at a café or with an espresso maker but it is an inexpensive alternative. The crema that is normally on an espresso also won’t be there but there is a method of creating it that is described here also.
How to Use an Espresso Pot
Make sure you have your coffee beans finely ground, sugar, and your espresso pot.
Fill your espresso pot with cold water in the bottom chamber. There should be a mark inside the pot to show you how far to fill, if not, fill up to the valve. When you put the strainer basket in the espresso pot, water should not come through it. This will create an undesired flavor in your espresso.
Next, fill the strainer with your finely ground coffee. Make sure to wipe the outside of the strainer if any coffee gets on it or it will wind up in your espresso. Insert the assembly into the pot and make sure you have a good seal. If the seal is not tight, check your espresso pot, the rubber gasket may need to be replaced.
Notes: a good seal is vital to or the water will spew when it starts to boil. Also, do not pack the coffee grounds down tightly like you would with an espresso machine. You do not tamp the grounds in an espresso pot.
Assemble the pot and then place over a low heat source or flame. The lower the flame or heat, the longer the brewing time which in turn increases the flavor of the espresso. You don‘t want to rush your espresso.
The next steps are not totally necessary but do create a nice foam that mimics the crema you get from espresso makers.
While the espresso pot is doing its magic, add sugar to a mixing container, about a teaspoon per cup of espresso. Next, as quickly as you notice espresso coming into the pot; pour some into the mixing container with the sugar. Don’t add too much, it is better to add too little than to add too much.
Begin stirring the sugar-espresso mixture until you get a mixture similar to a thin peanut butter. You can add a little more espresso if necessary.
When the espresso finishes brewing pour half of it into the mixing container with the sugar mixture. Begin stirring quickly to create a foamy top. Once this is mixed pour the rest of the espresso from the pot into the mixing container and stir quickly again.
This process takes practice but will produce a nice thick foam similar to crema. Pour your end product into heated espresso cups. You can use a spoon to dip the foam out and into the cups. Drink before it cools for the flavor.
Making espresso with a stove top espresso pot is not difficult. It takes practice to get the foam head correct but the taste is worth the time. An espresso pot is a great way to enjoy an occasional espresso without making a lifetime investment in an espresso machine. It is also an easy way to have your espresso even while on a camping trip. Practice makes perfect.
-Sharon V. Chapman
Automatic Espresso Machines- Saeco Odea Giro Orange
The Odea Giro sets itself apart with its unique display, fully integrated on the coffee spout to bring out the machine’s modern design. The large dial allows you to choose from 8 different coffee volumes, and Saeco’s Opti-dose system lets you choose your coffee strength by pressing the coffee bean icon button on the spout. Plus, the Odea Giro features the Rapid Steam system, allowing you to go from brewing to steaming without wait time in between. With a fast heating dual boiler system and a built-in steam wand, you can make just about any drink you want with the Saeco Odea Giro.
The Saeco Odea Giro has the ability to grind, tamp and brew automatically, so you only have to worry about deciding what type of drink you want to make. The machine’s easy-to-use controls give you access to a variety of drinks for you and your guests. Choose the type of coffee that suits your mood, and brew 1 or 2 cups at a time without worrying about re-programming your drink settings for next time.
Brew café-style espresso, cappuccinos and lattes with ease, thanks to the cutting-edge technology of the Saeco Odea Giro. Featuring the patented Giro design, this super automatic lets you adjust your coffee settings with a simple turn of the dial. The Saeco Odea line is made with a similar spirit and style to the Primea and Talea lines, with a choice of Orange or Graphite housing and an illuminated control panel to make it a great addition to any home kitchen.
Do you like to start your day with an espresso, but don’t want to have to clean up the mess? Just press the button and the Odea Giro will automatically grind your coffee beans, and dispense freshly brewed, rich and flavorful coffee into your cup. This machine allows you to choose the volume and strength of your coffee or espresso by simply pressing buttons on the control panel. Then it cleans up and is ready for the next order in less than 30 seconds. Press the brew button once for a single espresso or coffee. Pushing the brew button twice quickly will put a double shot of espresso or coffee in your cup.
Utilize the enormous flexibility of this machine’s programming options by varying the water volume up to 7 ounces and the ability to use up to 9 grams of ground coffee per brewing cycle. By experimenting with the water volume and grams of ground coffee you can fine-tune your coffee and easily program these parameters into the memory.
The new Saeco Odea Giro Espresso Machine is a low cost alternative to the higher-end machines Saeco offers, yet it is still packed with features. The innovation is in the control panel with the new coffee control ring that allows you to regulate the quantity of coffee poured into each cup with the simple turning of a knob to make any type of coffee. Simple, but stylish, the Odea Giro will have you conjuring up fabulous espressos, cappuccinos, mochas, lattes and all of your favorite coffeehouse drinks with the touch of a finger.
The Gaggia Titanium Espresso Coffee Machine
Home use espresso machines are typically cheaply made, hard to operate and break or malfunction within a short period of time. Coffee shops capitalize on this and are able to profit. However, Gaggia has the answer. The fully automatic Gaggia Titanium Espresso Coffee Machine.
More than just a coffee machine, this espresso machine makes it all, coffee, espresso, cappuccino and café lungo (espresso with more water volume for a larger drink). The milk island or frothing area rounds out the beauty of the machine by automating the process of steaming milk with a nice froth on top.
Beauty in a Box
Opening the box that the Gaggia Titanium Espresso Coffee Machine is packed in gives new owners the first clue that they have purchased a top of the line product. Securely package to prevent damage to the product, all accessories and manuals are also included in the packaging as well.
The brilliant shine of the titanium coupled with its sleek design make the Gaggia an instant eye-catcher in the kitchen. The Gaggia takes up very little counter top space. Utilizing a removable reservoir and a swivel base on the reservoir, placement can be beside a water source or across the counter, adding water is simple in either case.
Full Featured
The Gaggia Titanium Espresso Coffee Machines contains all the features expected in an espresso machine and more.
* Simple set up, users report having coffee in hand within 15 minutes of opening box.
* 2 Boilers for rapid production of steam and heated water, allows for faster brew time between brews or brewing an espresso and frothing milk at the same time. Most espresso makers have only one boiler.
* Large bean hopper with an airtight lid to keep beans fresh.
* By-pass doser for switching to different when desired.
* Manual frothing wand and automatic frothing machine for steaming and frothing milk
* Removable brew unit for easy clean up
* Programmable LCD push buttons for brewing beverage of choice and for personalizing brew adjustments.
* Adjustable temperature, coffee strength, and water temperature
* Easy clean up with alerts when the dreg drawer and drip pan need emptied
* Burr grinder – prevents burning of beans during grinding.
Easy to use, easy to clean and an excellent espresso or cappuccino , these features are just part of what make users of the Gaggia Titanium Espresso Coffee Machine willing to pay a little more to get a quality product.
Sharon V Chapman provides consumer information and reviews on Gaggia Baby Espresso Machines, Gaggia Titanium Espresso Machines, and Gaggia Syncrony Espresso Machines.
Gaggia Titanium Espresso Machines 101
Tired of making daily treks to the coffee shop and spending more money than necessary? Then the Gaggia Titanium Espresso Machine is the answer. This is not a typical discount store espresso machine made of cheap plastic that produces inferior espressos with limp froth. This goes beyond the expectations and wows even the most hard core cynic.
All-In-One
The Gaggia Titanium Espresso Machine is an all-in-one espresso, cappuccino, and coffee maker. Using push button technology and a brilliant LCD display for alerts and programming tips the Gaggia is one of the simplest espresso machines available on the market.
Other machines have a fairly significant waiting time between espresso making and frothing to allow the water to heat and steam to accumulate, it is not so with the Gaggia. Using Rapid Steam®Technology and two separate boilers, the Gaggia is ready to froth and steam milk while the espresso is brewing, not after. Wait time between espressos is barely noticeable.
Gaggia users rate the simplicity of ease and minimal cleanup as key considerations when purchasing the Gaggia. Making a beverage is a one or two step process.
For coffees and espressos simply choose the appropriate push button: there one is for espresso, one for regular coffee, and one for large coffee, there is also one for hot water for hot tea or cocoa. Make adjustments if desired, such as strength of coffee, volume of water dispensed and temperature of the beverage, the Gaggia can remember the personalization for the next brew.
If a cappuccino or latte is desired, froth the milk with the frothing wand or the automatic frother. The automatic frother takes all the guess work out of making the perfect steamed milk and froth. Simply insert cold milk into the frothing area and remove the thick foamed milk when it is done.
No Hassel Clean Up
Reviews of the Gaggia consistently brag about the no hassle clean up.The dreg drawer stores the used coffee pucks and alerts users when it’s full. To empty, simply pull out the drawer and rinse. The drip pan has a floatation device that rises as it fills up, once it is full, empty and then rinse.
The brew unit needs a good weekly cleaning for heavy use or every other week for less heavy use and Gaggia made sure this would be easy to. Using the enclosed wrench, the plates on the front can be removed to allow the brew unit to come out. The cleaning brush for the brew unit is part of the accessory package and makes cleaning up a snap.
Nothing Beats a Gaggia
Add together all the features of the Gaggia with the savings accumulated from not going to the coffee shop on a daily basis and it is easy to see that the Gaggia will pay for itself over time. This is one case where the cost of purchasing is justified by the savings incurred elsewhere.
Sharon V Chapman provides consumer information and reviews on Gaggia Baby Espresso Machines, Gaggia Titanium Espresso Machines, and Gaggia Syncrony Espresso Machines.
The Joys Of Drinking Coffee At Home Are Huge
Whenever you happen to be touch sensation down and worn out and you want to get out of your sleepy personal manner then all you need to do to gain vigor yourself is drink a steamy cup of coffee. In regard to coffee, the joys of drinking coffee you can take heart from the fact that there is perhaps no better option when it comes to staying fresh and energetic than consuming a cup of coffee and it is also a great beverage to help you watch sporting action as well as movies. It is hard to imagine life without a daily cup of coffee because this is more than a beverage; it is medicinal as well.
No More Heart Attacks
According to research on coffee, the joys of drinking coffee it has been found that a cup of coffee helps to reduce the risk from heart attacks and as long as you don’t drink too much of this enervating beverage you can hope to stay in perfect health. To ensure that you get the most out of this beverage it is a good idea to purchase a coffee grinder or coffee maker or even an espresso or cappuccino machine which will then give you a better chance of drinking your coffee and get the joys of drinking coffee.
Modern coffee makers are able to produce fresh coffee that tastes good and which are easy to use. Even the Cappuccino and espresso machines do their bite to command that you get the most out of your each day dosage of coffee. In fact, in regard to coffee and the joys of drinking coffee the espresso and Cappuccino machines ensure that you always have something delightful to serve to your guests. There no doubts the fact that both espresso and Cappuccino coffee are immensely popular and so whoever you serve these types of coffee to will welcome being given a popular beverage to relax and unwind with. The best part is that the coffee machines do all the work for you and you have to do little more than switch on the machine and the pour out the drinks once they are ready. Now that is why coffee and the joys of drinking coffee make you want to serve only this beverage.
If you are even more concerned about learning about coffee and the joys of drinking coffee then you might want to learn to grind the coffee beans and so brew even more refreshing cups of this wonderful beverage that will provide a distinct taste to add to the immense joy that you will already have got from just preparing the coffee.
Today, with so many fantabulous options in so far as preparing your coffee go you can even get the demand tasting that you want and so get drink your coffee and get the greatest joy of drinking coffee. There is now no longer a need to depend on coffee shops for your coffee because you can easily create your own special tastes without even stepping out of the home.
The best part about coffee and the joys of drinking coffee is that modern coffee makers are not only easily available but their costs have come down and so you can save money in not having to buy your coffee from a coffee shop and also at the same time not have to pay too much to make the coffee at your home. Even more exciting is the fact that the modern coffee makers are smaller and more compact in size and so you don’t need to have a lot of space to store them in your home.
In dissemble to coffee and the joys of drinking coffee it must also be pointed out that modern coffee makers can brew enough coffee for a small assemblage of people (at most eight people) and so it does help you relish your coffee with friends and relatives without needing to go down to a coffee shop for the rejoice of drinking tasty cups of coffee. And, if you buy an automatic coffee machine then you get even more joy from your coffee.
How to Brew the Perfect Espresso
Espresso
The technical definition for espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage brewed by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee. For those who appreciate a finely pulled espresso the definition is pure bliss.
Espresso originated in Italy in the early part of the 20th century. It wasn’t until the later part of the century that it became the beverage that it is known as today. In the beginning espresso was created using steam pressure; however, the spring piston lever allowed for more commercialization and the espresso of today was born.
Characteristics
A truly good espresso pull (brew) has defining characteristics that are unique to an espresso. The consistency is much thicker than coffee due to the high amount of dissolved solids. The chemical components that make up an espresso quickly degrade and so it is served in small two ounce servings known as shots.
The most defining trait of an espresso is the crema. The crema is the top layer of reddish-brown foam that appears to float on top of the liquid. This element of is made up of proteins, sugar and vegetable oils. The flavors in an espresso are highly concentrated which is why it is the foundation for other coffee drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes.
How to Brew
Brewing or pulling an espresso is not difficult but it does take practice to perfect. An espresso machine is required in order to obtain enough steam pressure to make the beverage. People who enjoy espresso will often visit coffee shops just to watch a good barista (Italian for bartender) pull espresso, much like watching an artistic performance.
First, the barista will fill a metal filter basket with the proper amount of finely ground coffee. There is not a bean that is specifically known as an espresso bean; however, the higher quality the coffee bean, the better the espresso will be. Typically, one-fourth to one-third of an ounce of coffee will make a single shot.
The coffee is then tamped down with a large amount of pressure. The goal being to compress the coffee into a tightly formed, smooth-topped puck of coffee. The filter basket is then placed back onto the espresso machine.
When the machine starts, it forces pressurized water through the filter and the resulting output is the espresso.
Factoring Agents
There are many factors that can affect an espresso pull, which is what makes a good barista an art form to watch. If the coffee is not tamped down properly the resulting espresso will not be of good quality. The crema is dependent on the amount of steam pressure used to force the water through the grinds. Some machines have a manual control that allows the barista to control this force and others are on a timer.
Espresso is a common drink in many parts of Europe while in North America it is more often used as a foundation for other coffee based drinks or to give a cup of coffee some added umph. No matter where espresso is pulled, there is as much pleasure in watching a barista pull it as there is in the couple of minutes it takes to drink it.
-Katya Coen
All About Cappuccino
Cappuccino is a coffee drink that is prepared with espresso, hot milk, and froth made from steamed milk.
Cappuccino is similar to latte but is made with less milk than a latte is. The foamy froth on the top of the cappuccino is a signature part and helps to retain the heat of the espresso and milk mixture.
Ingredients
In addition to a quality shot of espresso, the next most important ingredient is milk that has been steamed to just the right temperature and texture. When steaming milk for a cappuccino it is very important that the steaming wand add tiny bubbles to milk to create a microfoam.
This process makes the milk velvety smooth and adds a sweetness that would otherwise not be found. Making the perfect foam for a cappuccino requires practice and is what makes preparing them so difficult.
History
The name cappuccino comes from an order of Fransican Minor friars, the Cappuccini. These friars wore a hood with their outfit and in the Italian language, cappuccino means hood. Speculation is that the top layer of foam on the cappuccino could be said to be the hood of the drink, since the color of the friars habit is not the same of as the drink.
The cappuccino machine was invented in Italy by Luigi Bezzera in 1901 and helped to further the popularity of espresso, first in Europe then around the world.
Popularity
Due to its European origins, it’s no wonder that the taste for cappuccino was largely a European taste for many years. However, as more and more coffee bars and gourmet coffee shops started appearing in North America cappuccino became a favorite. Coffee drinkers and even some non-coffee drinkers helped to push the popularity of the drink upwards.
North American drinkers have a tendency to modify cappuccino and drink it differently than it was in its native Italy. Often it is served iced or made using methods other than with a cappuccino machine, something that is not see in the Mediterranean region.
It is also not uncommon to see cappuccino mixes on grocer’s shelves, although in truth these are nothing more than frothed coffee mixes. These mixes are also what make up the cappuccino machines that can be found in many convenience stores. These drinks bear little resemblance to a real cappuccino and a true coffee aficionado will notice the difference immediately.
Cappuccino’s popularity has increased so dramatically that it is not uncommon to see home cappuccino makers in friend’s kitchens. The creamy taste of a perfectly pulled espresso teamed up with milk that has been frothed to perfection is one that coffee lovers have come to enjoy.
-Katya Coen
Shopping for Commercial Espresso Machines
If you are starting your own coffee shop then you know that your main purchase is going to be your coffee makers and your espresso machines. The espresso machine will get more use than the coffee maker, simply because so many of the drinks you sell will be espresso based. This is not a piece of equipment for you to cut corners on, go for the gusto. It is an investment that will pay for itself many times over during the life of your business.
As you are looking into commercial espresso machines you also need to decide if you are going to need a one-group or two-group machine or more. It is not likely that you are going to have more than two shots being pulled at one time and so a two group will probably suffice.
There are basically three types of commercial machines to choose from and then within those choices are features or additions you can pick from. Your choice will probably boil down to how much money you
Types
Semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic are the espresso machine types you should be looking at.
Semi-automatic machines require the user to shut the steam off manually. This can make producing a consistent shot of espresso difficult.
Automatic espresso machines produce a more consistent espresso and have a cut-off timer. They can be programmed to cut off at anytime.
Super-automatic espresso machines do everything for you. They grind the beans, tamp them, pull the shot, shut off when ready and even discard the coffee beans. While they do make pulling a great espresso super easy, they take the pleasure of watching the shot be pulled. Espresso enthusiasts enjoy knowing that the barista took great pains to make sure their espresso was just right. The super automatic maker removes that element. In addition to being super-automatic, they are super expensive.
Other Considerations
In addition to what type of machine to get, you need to consider some other important factors, after all this is for your business which in turn is your livelihood.
Boiler Capacity: The boiler capacity of your machine should be large enough to get you through the largest rush you could have. You don’t want to have to tell your customers that it will be a few minutes due to lack of hot water or steam. This is of course going to take some guesswork, however a 9-14 liter capacity should be large enough.
Warranty and Parts Availability: First you definitely want to make sure your warranty covers all the parts of the machine for at least five years. If offered, buy an extended warranty. Before your purchase the machine, ask about repairs. Is there a local repair shop that sends someone out? How long does it take to get parts shipped in if necessary? Do they offer same day repair service?
These questions are very important. Not having your espresso machine can cause you to lose a lot of money. Make sure there is a way to have repairs made as quickly as possible.
Grinder Hopper: You should make sure the grinder hopper is large enough to accommodate a large amount of coffee beans. You might also want to consider a machine that offers two hoppers, one for decaf beans and one for regular beans.
Water Softener: This option doesn’t apply to everyone, but if you live in area where you know the water is hard, you should opt for a water softener. This will keep you from having to have your machine de-limed due to build up. De-liming a machine is an expensive task.
Buying a commercial espresso machine is a huge investment that should be done with careful consideration to every aspect of the machine and to all the aspects of your business. The right decision can bring you years of great income and happy customers while a wrong decision can bring you years of grief and a loss of money. Choose carefully and wisely for the best espresso bar in town.
The Best Espresso Machines
If you have sat down and added up all the money you spend on coffee, espresso, and coffee based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos you have probably come to the conclusion that it’s time to get your own machine. With so many out there to choose from how do you know which one to buy? To keep you from having to purchase and return several machines, we’ve listed the top sellers for you along with why they are considered the best.
These machines have been judged using looks, quality of machine (consistency, crema, etc.), convenience, value and price.
The Capresso Espresso Pro
With a cost of around $250 this machine has a striving-for-art deco look, but it missed that mark slightly. On the other hand, it makes a fast espresso shot s without making a huge mess. The frothing wand actually siphons the milk out the tank and into the wand, unlike other machines that send the steam into a pitcher of milk.
Although the machine is small and relatively simple to use, most reviewers report that the espresso is bitter and has a burnt taste.
Krups
Already known for its other coffee makers, the Krups Novo 3000 is a bare bones espresso maker. It isn’t an art piece to be oohed and ahhed over, but it does make a high grade espresso. Priced at around $180, this machine is not entirely consistent in its production. When it does produce a good espresso, it is really good. Reviewers stated that its consistency is around 66% reliable. At other times the espresso came out watery or bitter.
Krups service department didn’t fare much better with reviewers. All in all, the machine is ahead of steam driven machines but espresso enthusiasts will want to opt for a more reliable, albeit more expensive model.
Starbuck Barista
Priced at $399 this machine is a little on the pricey side, but not near as pricey as some other models. Having the Starbucks name implies that this is going to produce an excellent espresso, and it doesn’t let you down. While there are more expensive brands that produce richer espressos, the Barista does make an excellent choice.
The Barista is easy to use, well designed and easy to master. The only drawback reviewers found was the steam wand is on l the left side of the maker. Most people will tend to reach to the right. This is simply a matter of becoming accustomed to reaching to the left. One final plus for the Barista is that Starbucks does have a wonderful customer service.
Gaggia Classic
This espresso maker hasn’t changed in at least 20 years and probably won’t for another 20 to come. The Gaggia, named for one of the early inventors of the espresso machines. That could account for why this machine makes such a great espresso with a very thick, wonderful crema. And all at around $499.
The Gaggia has simple controls that are easily learned and is also easy to clean and maintain. The only negative aspect reviewers reported was a small cup warmer and the length of time it takes to warm up.
Espresso machines are basically like most every other product; you get what you pay for. A $50 machine off the local chain store’s shelf won’t produce a quality espresso more than a few times, if at all. On the other hand you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to get a quality machine. The Gaggia makes a wonderfully thick, rich espresso with a golden crema and doesn’t cost as much as many other models.
-Katya Coen
