The Coffee Addict

Keurig B60 Single-Cup Coffee Maker

2009-10-29T14:56:00.000-07:00

Keurig B60 Special Edition Gourmet Single-Cup Home-Brewing System

I am an owner of the Keurig B60 single cup coffee maker and it is nothing short of amazing. Being able to serve various people different kinds of coffee of their choice is worth the price of this unit alone. The capability of controlling the size of your brew has been a really welcome feature for me. Remember though, the size of the brew and the kind of blend will how strong it is and you may prefer bigger or smaller sizes.

In my experience k-cup teas are pretty much pointless so I don't recommend those. Most of the kinds of tea you can buy as K-cups can also be bought at your local supermarket in big bags for much cheaper. And with the k-cup you can't really control how long the tea steeps for, the machine basically does it for you, so it's far easier to control how strong the tea is with regular tea bags. The same is true for hot chocolate, which can be bought for much cheaper in bulk or packets.

This is the best selling k-cup coffee maker and is very high quality. It is well-built and durable, and causes no annoyances like splashing. One thing to note that many people don't realise is that you can buy an add on for this coffee maker called "My K-Cup" which allows you to use your own coffee blend of choice, if you find the k-cup coffees too expensive or you just want your specific blend. This should give relief to some consumers who are worried that the only coffee they will ever be able to use will be k-cups.

Keurig 5060 27-Cup-Capacity K-Cup Spinning Carousel, Chrome

2009-10-29T02:50:00.000-07:00

The Keurig 5060 27-Cup K-Cup Spinning Carousel is a neat idea, and quite a cool little gizmo to have next to your Keurig single cup coffee maker. It is a little carousel on which you can hang k-cups, the single serving coffee capsules for use in Keurig coffeemakers. You can spin the carousel around browsing your choice of flavors, and when you see one you feel like drinking, you can just take it and insert it into the coffee machine. So it's a great concept and it's fun to use.

The downside is its durability. I don't actually own a K-Cup Carousel myself, but I have heard from numerous other people that after ordering the product online, it arrived broken, with the rings into which you insert the k-cups pulled off. Many consumers complain that it is flmsy and that the welding is not strong enough, causing parts to detach. It also doesn't spin smoothly, but is rather bumpy.

The product mght be somewhat flimsy, but a large factor in causing the damage was the shipping. Perhaps if you bought one of these at your local shop rather than online, you could simply be careful with it at home and it would avoid damage.

The bottom line to the Keurig 5060 27- Cup K-Cup Spinning Carousel is its shoddy craftsmanship. Which ia too bad since it's such a great idea for a product.

Keurig My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter

2009-10-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

Let's be real here, Keurig coffee makers may be great appliances, quick and efficient, ideal for someone who's always on the go. But they don't make an excellent serving of coffee, not even if you use the greatest k-cup coffee blends there are, it may be decent but by no means great. Consumers get them for the reason that they are speedy, tastier and less expensive than Dunkin Donuts. Its certainly no better or more affordable than making standard coffee with bean grinds and a filter, that's where you get great coffee. In addition to that k cups are about 20x as pricey.

Unless you're making coffee with the Keurig My K-Cup reusable coffee filter. You select the coffee, it takes just a little longer because you have to clean the filter once your done but it is tastier than any K-cup I've tried. On top of that it is green-friendly, since you won't fill any landfills with empty k-cups so you can feel guilt-free.

Purchase this reusable filter and save yourself a lot of money. It is quite cheap, but that doesn't imply cheap quality. I have used mine for more than a year and my wife has too. It prepares around four cups each day, as well as brewing loose tea, 100 times higher quality than the k-cup teas. This reusable filter works just as well as the day I picked it up.

The Keurig My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter makes a good coffee maker great. I seriously recommend you give it a try and find out if the taste and affordability don't make up for the small lack of convenience.

The Keurig reusable filter sells for $14.99 but is sold at a 50% discount from some online stores

Bunn Home Coffee Maker

2009-07-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

This Bunn Home Coffee Maker is the Bunn-O-Matic NHBX-B Generation Model Home Brewer. Its list price is $139.99 but can be purchased at a large discount online for $86.81. It is a lower-mid range coffeemaker, but it gets excellent reviews for value and quality.

Its main feature is its fast speed of brewing. Aside from that it is pretty basic in terms of features. But Bunn products such as this one require little maintenance and cleaning, and are made in the USA so you can trust that they are worth what you are paying for them. Some companies have no shame in charging you $150 for something produced in China for $0.50.

This machine does not sputter and leak everywhere like a lot of coffeemakers in the same price range. They may lack some "fancy" features of other models. But they are durable, usually last 5 years or more, and produce consistently great coffee quickly. That's rare in this day and age of outsourced junk!

Learn more about this Bunn Home Coffee Maker here.

Nuova Simonelli Microbar

2009-07-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

The Nuova Simonelli Microbar retails for around $5940. It is of course a high end unit, suitable for restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, and offices and homes that can afford it! It's a sleek, professional looking unit that enhance the atmosphere of any place of business.

It has two separate boilers, one for brewing and one for steaming and frothing. This means it can quickly produce drinks such as espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and Americano through multitasking. Two grinders are included with the machine.

It an automatic espresso machine suitable for busy businesses, but is much more compact than a typical automatic espresso maker.

Learn about there Nuova Simonelli Microbar Direct Espresso Machine

Nuova Simonelli Grinder

2009-07-25T05:56:00.000-07:00

If you read the last entry about Nuova Simonelli Espresso Makers, you know that NS produces top of the line products at very high premium prices. Their grinders are the same, reaching from mid range personal units at the low end, to extremely luxurious commercial units at the high end.

Nuova Simonelli Grinta

The Grinta is one of the more afforable coffee grinders from Nuova Simonelli, at a list price of $445. But ut's still expensive and still high quality. It is an automatic time-set dosing grinder. You place your filter holder under the grinder's coffee outlet, and the grinder will automatically grind and give you the coffee dose that you have pre-chosen as your setting. The advantage? You don't have to judge how much you need each time, so mistakes are less likely.

The downside of this grinder is that there is no storage area for the grinds, so you have to grind the beans every time you want to brew. That may not be practical if you have a big gathering or a lot of guests. But for a family or couple it's just fine.

Nuova Simonelli MDX

The MDX is the standard grinder model of Nuova Simonelli. It is available in both semiautomatic and automatic versions. Its list price is $985! And that's a cheap one relative to some other grinders from this maker.

It has both flat and conical grinders built in, with helical cutting blades in tempered steel. Its rotation speed is very low, which allows for very consistent and uniform grain size.

Nuova Simonelli Mythos

The Mythos is one of Nuova Simonelli's newer grinder models, and as far as I know its most expensive one with a list price of $3250!! It is a high quality commercial grinder that is intended for use in a busy cafe. It features a 58 mm tamper and digital dosing (you can select the amount you want grinded with a digital interface). You wouldn't catch me dead owning this grinder because of its price. But if I owned a gourmet coffee house full of wealthy customers I might give it a closer look.

You can read about each kind of Nuova Simonelli Grinder here.

You can find lots more Nuova Simonelli Products Here

Nuova Simonelli Espresso Machines

2009-07-25T05:06:00.000-07:00

One producer of espresso makers who you may not have heard of before is Nuova Simonelli Espresso Machines. The reason you may have never heard of them is that their market is the expert and the professional: coffee roasters and baristi (that's the plural of "barista" - a professional coffee chef). One of the company's machines, the Nuova Simonelli Aurelia, has been selected as the official espresso machine of the WBC/USBC/CBC, where the top baristas in the world compete for the title of World Barista Champion.

Nuova Simonelli makes professional equipment for pros. One of their machines, the talento, sells for $16,650! And one of their grinders, the Mythos Plus Grinder, sells for $3,250! Now that's the real reason you've never heard of them. You won't see their products on the shelf at Walmart!

You can learn more about Nuova Simonelli Espresso Machines at their website. And you can view the company video below.

Gaggia Classic Review

2009-07-25T04:27:00.001-07:00

The Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine retails for $599 at list price, but is available for $499 from Amazon and some other online retailers. It is a robust and high quality unit made of brushed stainless stell. It used to be called the "Coffee Gaggia" and has been produced in almost exactly the same design for over 20 years, but the name was changed to Gaggia Classic because of that (now there is a different machine called "Coffee Gaggia"). That kind of longevity indicates the popularity of this machine and customer satisfaction.

It is a home-unit, but based on commercial-grade machines. Its stainless steel housing, 58 mm filters, high powered 17 1/2 bar pump, and fast-heating boiler are all features required of a commercial machine. It also has a large 72 ounce resevoir, so it's good for groups, and that resevoir is removeable so you can clean it easily and quickly. It works with both coffee grinds and coffee pods.

This machine produces good coffee, but its steaming wand is its weak point. Its construction causes some spillage (not serious spillage, but a little bit of overflow, etc.). Some people complain of the plastic frother not producing fine enough microfroth.

But I enjoyed using this machine and thought it was a good value for the money. It also produced a nice cup of espresso, which is the one thing I really hope for in a machine.

Learn more about the Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine.

Krups KM4065

2009-07-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

The Krups KM4065 is a lower-mid range coffee maker that retails for around $120 at list price. It gets overalls quite good reviews, with some reports of malfunction and poor workmanship.

The KM4065 rates highly with customers for its attractive design, its ease of use, and good automatic features. It also makes a good cup of coffee. But it scored some negative points because it does not have a thermal carafe and the glass carafe provided is somewhat wimpy and easily breakable. There are some reports of the carafe melting when overheated! There are also reports of broken carafes being unreplaceable, since no replacement carafes are available for this machine (or they weren't at the time). The carafe also allows steam to exit the pot and burn your thumb!

There are also some reports of the coffee not being hot enough, and of the coffee maker being too loud, so loud that some customers actually returned the machine because of it.

So even though this machine makes a good pot of coffee, there are enough complaints about it that I wouldn't consider buying one. Krups has a lot of coffeemakers that get much better reviews.

Learn more about the Krups KM4065 here.

Conti Espresso Machine

2009-07-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

Conti is a producer of espresso machines that is located in Monte Carlo, Monaco, nestled between France and Italy. This is the heart of the true espresso world, so one could assume that Conti is serious about the quality and authenticity of its espresso makers.

Conti espresso makers rate very highly among restaurant and cafe owners, and if espresso is one your main attractions, or mediterranean atmosphere and cuisine is the focus of your business, then it may be great to have a Conti. But keep in mind that Conti machines cost thousands of dollars and aren't intended for home use, unless you're one rich bugger!

You can learn more about a Conti espresso machine by viewing their website here.

Wega Coffee Makers and Grinders

2009-07-23T08:39:00.000-07:00

One brand of coffee makers and grinders that you may have never heard of is Wega Coffee Makers. And that is a shame because Wega's machines are high quality commercial-grade machines that you can use not only at home but also at your office or cafe. They are more popular in the UK than in the USA, because they are imported to the UK by Pennine tea and coffee company. Wega is approved by the Italian National Espresso Institute.

Wega makes it easy to buy an espresso machine and start using it right away for your business, providing all accessories in one package, including 1000 cups worth of beans, paper cups, and saucers.

These are very precise machines, but not automatic. Automation doesn't allow for the precision of expert human judgement. So these machines are meant to be monitored by your staff, and the coffee prepared by the staff, not simply pushing a button. But if you are a high quality cafe serving gourmet coffee, the customers may appreciate this and know that they are not receiving some kind of phony instant espresso.

You can view some Wega Coffee makers (espresso machines) and grinders here.

White Coffee Beans?!

2009-07-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

White coffee beans?! I thought coffee beans are brown?! is what people usually say when I mention white coffee beans. But remember that coffee beans are not brown when they are first harvested, they are green. When coffee beans are roasted they change color, first becoming a tan yellow color, then as they are roasted further they become brown. Beans that are roasted only until they are tan yellow color are called white coffee beans.

Raw coffee beans have a lot of caffeine, and the longer the beans are roasted and the darker the beans get, the more caffeine is removed. SO the tan yellow "white" coffee beans have a very high caffeine content compared to brown coffee beans. They are therefore used mostly for espressos because of their strength.

White coffee beans require different preparation methods because they are harder than fully roasted brown beans. A special grinder is required, because they can break a standard grinder.

There may be some confusion about the term "white coffee" since there is the term "black coffee" that means without milk. So some people assume that "white coffee" means cafe au lait, coffee with milk. Around the world in various cultures, there are also various drinks referred to as "white coffee" so be sure to clarify what you are talking about if there is any doubt.

Krups KM1000

2009-07-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

The Krups KM1000 is a coffeemaker made of stainless steel, with a glass carafe. It holds 10 cups of ocffee in each pot. While some consumers complain of leaks from the glass carafe while pouring (an incredibly common complaint for glass carafes), I personally have had few problems pouring. I am used to simply pressing my thumb against the lid while pouring the make sure it stays as tightly shut as possible. Simple.

The KM1000 retails for $96 at list price, and in terms of features it is very typical of this price range. It has auto-features and a timer that allow you to wake up to a freshly brewed pot of coffee in the morning. It also features and auto-pause function, so when you remove the carafe to pour yourself a cup, the drip automatically stops until you put the carafe back in. These features are nothing revolutionary, just basic mid-range coffee maker features.

It also features a translucent water tank with water level windows so you can see how much water is in the tank. And its filter basket is easily removable and easy to clean. Again, just basic features here, but they're all reliably done.

The main complaints about the Krups KM1000 are due to breakage and trouble replacing the broken carafe. In today's era of outsourcing manufacture to developing countries, this is sadly all too common. Even if you buy your machine in the USA, the parts may all come from China or elsewhere, and the company passes the buck to its suppliers overseas. Hopefully all companies will realize that customer service and taking responsibility for product quality is what builds customer loyalty and ensures future purchases.

For the number of malfunction reports I have read about the Krups KM1000, you are probably better off buying a much cheaper coffee maker for the same quality. Either that or buy a higher quality medium range machine for the same price.

Read more about the Krups KM1000 10-Cup Stainless-Steel Coffeemaker

Krups Novo 3000

2009-07-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

The FNC311-42 Krups Novo 3000 is a premium espresso machine that retails in the range of $300. It is a decent introduction to Espresso makers, and at the low end of the spectrum this is a reasonable choice.

The Krups Novo 3000 mainly makes espresso, but also cappucino and latte. It is not automated like some of the more expensive units are, but it is fairly easy to make coffee and froth with this machine. It has a large 1 liter water tank so you don't have to constantly refill the machine.

Some common complaints about this machine are that it is too noisy, so you can't prepare a quiet cup while others are sleeping. To me that's no big deal. I'll gladly wake up my family for the sake of a nice espresso. Another complaint is that the espresso is not hot enough. But there is a trick to that: you have to heat up the machine first by running one cup of plain water through. Then you can prepare your espresso and it will come out at the right temperature. So this is not really a weak point of the machine, just a trick to making good espresso.

A few customers report some cracks and malfunctions in the unit, though that doesn't seem to be the norm. For such a low-priced espresso machine, the Krups Novo 3000 does a pretty good job of the main functions: making good espresso, and making good froth.

Learn more about the Krups Novo 3000

Saeco Expresso Machine

2009-07-22T13:23:00.000-07:00

Saeco is a maker of coffee machines from mid-range to upper high-end units. Because some of their machines cost over $1000 and are out of the price range of most of my readers, I decided that today I would introduce one of Saeco's most affordable espresso machines, the Saeco 00126 Gran Crema Traditional Pump Driven Espresso Machine, which retails for $300 at list price, but can be purchased for as low as $179.88 on Amazon and some other online retailers.

The Saeco Gran Crema is built to last and exhibits the same durability as the more expensive Saeco machines. The difference is that this unit is built for the simplicity that beginners appreciate, without all the extra features that require extra knowledge, skill, and experience to properly utilize.

This basic Saeco expresso machine makes use of a pressurized style portafilter rather than a commerical style on, which is less precise but requires less control by the user. A lack of total precision is good when you don't know what you're doing, because the impact of your mistakes is limited!

This machine gives produces great crema and the pump and milk frother work very well.

The only downside of this machine is that is sometimes seems to get clogged after a few weeks or months of use. This is usually the result of the milk steam wand becoming clogged. To solve this problem you can place the wand in a glass of water and turn on the steam, which should clear it and eliminate the clogging problem.

If you are looking for a durable, commercial-grade Saeco expresso machine without a lot of expert features that might confuse you, then this Saeco 00126 Gran Crema espresso maker is a great bet.

Learn more about the 00126 Gran Crema Saeco Expresso Machine

Barista Coffee Makers

2009-07-22T06:56:00.000-07:00

What are Barista coffee makers? No, that's not the name of a line of coffee machines. A barista is someone who is qualified to make coffee professionally. Think of them as a coffee chef, skilled and schooled in the ways of the coffee bean.

To become a barista you need to learn about the subject at hand: coffee. You need to understand the various types of coffee beans, blends, and methods of preparation. You will also need to understand the many kinds of coffee equipment and how to operate them to make various hot drinks.

There are a lot of barista schools out there that will train you in how to make coffee effectively, and give you some of the knowledge required to work effectively in a coffee shop. The rest of your knowledge and skill, however, must be developed on the job.

I personally do not have any barista qualification or training, but if my dream of opening my own coffee house comes true in the future, then I will definitely undergo training not just to know how to make coffee, but to better understand the ins and outs of my business.

Krups Coffee Pots

2009-07-22T05:51:00.000-07:00

Krups of course producing a wide variety of coffee makers, and they also produce a wide variety of coffee pots, or carafes. I can't review all of them, so I've decided to take a look at 2 replacement coffee pots from Krups, one glass and one stainless steel. But before you buy one, make sure that it is compatible with your coffee maker. I will give a link to a variety of Krups coffee pots at the end.

First let's look at a glass Krups coffee pot. This one is compatible with Krups models 201,212,321,192, and 369. It fits 10 cups of coffee, and should be the same as the carafe that was included with your coffee maker. Most consumers are happy with this coffee pot, but some report that the glass is too easily shattered.

Next is a stainless steel replacement carafe for the Krups FMF5 10 cup coffee maker. These are much more durable than glass coffee pots. The main problem with this replacement product is its price. It retails for $42.74 on Amazon, whereas an entirely new Krups FMF5 coffeemaker can be bought for under $100. Many customers feel cheated by this proportionately high price for the stainless steel coffee pot.

See more replacement Krups Coffee Pots here.

Krups Filters

2009-07-21T23:05:00.000-07:00

Krups produces not only full unit coffee makers but also a wide range of coffee accessories, such as Krups coffee filters. There are of course two important kinds of coffee filters to think about, gold filters and paper filters. Let's have a look at both kinds of Krups filters.

These Krups 983 Replacement Filters are simple paper filters, oxygen-whitened (they are not bleached white). They are size 4, which is a large size for 10-12 cup coffee makers. These filters can be used with any brand of coffee maker, as long as it is intended for size 4 filters. This package of 100 Krups filters is $2.79. What else can I say? They're standard paper filters and will get the job done.

Next let's look at a Krups gold filter, specifically the 049-33 (I'll give you a link to other Krups gold filters at the bottom). In case you don't know what a gold tone filter is, it's a permanent metal filter that requires no coffee filter papers, saving you money in the long run and preventing you from running out of filters and missing your morning coffee. Gold filters also allow the coffee's oils to seep through into the coffee so they brew in the pot, providing superior flavour.

One thing to point out is that this gold tone filter is not machine washable like some expensive gold filters are. You have to wash it by hand (which is pretty easy, I don't know why anybody would machine wash their filter). Another thing to note is that if you use very fine coffee grinds, some will leak through the filter into your coffee. This is normal. If you find this very distasteful, you can use a burr grinder to change the fineness of the coffee grinds to be larger.

When buying permanent Krups coffee filters it's important to check if the filter matches your coffee maker. Some filters only fit into certain machines. The 049-33 filter is made for the Krups FME2-14, for example.

Learn about more Krups filters here.

Krups Kettle

2009-07-21T22:29:00.000-07:00

Krups is another great maker of kitchen appliances who are very active in the coffee maker and hot beverage sector. This Krups kettle is a popular unit you can use to make hot tea, cocoa, instant coffee (the thought makes me shudder, I must admit!), or use it to preheat water for your thermal coffee maker.

This Krups kettle has a capacity of 54 ounces, which is enough to serve a fairly large group of people. It is made of stainless steel, allowing for good preservation of heat over an extended period of time. The heating element is 1750-watt powered, so it heats quite quickly. It is cordless, so you don't have to worry about yanking it out of the electrical socket when serving. Electrocution always ruins my day, so I'd assume just avoid it. Other safety features include an automatic shutoff so you don't have to worry about the kettle running dry.

The kettle also has a built-in lime scale filter, so you don't need a descaler solution to remove scale from inside the kettle (more information on lime scale here).

The complaints about this kettle mainly have to do with the quality of construction. The top inch or so of the kettle is made of plastic, as is the lid. The lid can be somewhat awkward to fasten and can get stuck during insertion and removal, and a stainless stell lid could have helped. The spout also has an openable plastic door so you can pour from the kettle at will, but it is somewhat prone to breakage because it is plastic. The 360 degree swivel base is also a weak point in design, with many customers reporting that eventually the kettle's electricity will not start unless you move the swivel base to a certain angle. This is a sign of impendng breakage.

This kettle does the trick and if you are used to cheaper kettles then you might not realize the flaws of this one, and you may not be expecting years of durability. If however you like to buy only quality items with solid workmanship that will last a long time without issue, then you are probably better off with a different kettle. It's also my opinion that the list price of $90 is too high for a kettle of this quality, but that it is a reasonable value at the discounted rate of $54.99.

Read more about the 54 oz. Krups Kettle

More Krups Kettles here

Gaggia Syncrony

2009-07-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

The Gaggia Syncrony Logic Super Automatic Espresso maker really is an all-on-one coffee maker that does everything for you. It has a built-in grinder with 18 fineness settings, a large 58 ounce water reservoir (which is removable) so that refilling doesn't need to be done frequently, and a pannareollo frothing wand. It also has a hot water dispenser for other hot drinks, so that you can make coffee and tea or hot cocoa at the same time.

If you are as busy as I am, then automation is the key to a smooth lifestyle, and this Gaggia Syncrony Logic machine does indeed provide automation. All you have to do is push a button, and the machine will automatically make your coffee right from step one until your finished coffee is ready. It will grind the beans, tamp, brew, and dispense all automatically. It can dispense two cups simultaenously, so that you and your guest can enjoy your coffee at exactly the same time.

This machine is versatile, and can prepare commercial-quality espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and even tea. It is of course very durable and heavy duty, which you would expect for such a high price. That really is the only problem with the Gaggia Logic - its price. In the $700-1000 range, many espresso lovers will unfortunately find this machine to be prohibitively expensive. But for the coffee snob who has the money to spend on a commercial-grade home unit, this is about as good as you can get.

Learn more about the Gaggia SyncronySuper-Automatic Espresso Maker.

Coffee Machine Descaler

2009-07-21T00:36:00.000-07:00

What is coffee machine descaler? Well, "scale" or "lime scale" refers to the build up of minerals in areas of your coffee maker where water passes through. Sometimes you can look inside the water boiler of a coffee maker and see some crusty white scale attached to the walls of the boiler. This buildup also occurs in the pumps and any other araes where ot water travels or sits.

Don't worry, that lime scale is not harmful to your health. It is not fungus or bacteria, it is simply a buildup of minerals that became isolated from the water when it was hot. But lime scale can cause some functional problems for your coffee machine if you leave it for too long, which is why a coffee machine descaler is required from time to time.

A descaler is a solution that removes this lime scale from your machine. Most commercial descalers are made from citric acid, which is powerful enough to remove the scale but not so much that it will damage your machine. Some people improvise with a vinegar solution, but that can damage your machine. The descaler solution is run through the machine instead of water and coffee, and the lime scale is dissolved. The details of procedures varies from product to product, so please see the instructions for the descaler that you buy.

A few popular coffee descaler products are:

Gaggia descaler

Urnex Descaler

Durgol 0296 Express Multipurpose Decalcifier

Saeco 52400 Dezcal Descaler

Lime scale isn't an emergency so don't panic. But every year or so running a coffee descaler through your machine will keep everything functioning efficiently.

Gaggia Grinder

2009-07-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

This Gaggia grinder, the 8002 MDF grinder, is a true commercial grade grinder on par with those you find in the espresso bars of Europe. That is why it is priced at $250-300. It has 39 adjustable settings for different degrees of fineness. It has a 120 watt motor that powers 50-mm steel grinding burrs, which grind your beans with precision every time. The grinding is thoroughly even and consistent. The grinding burrs operate quietly, unlike the metal blade grinders you may be used to.

It has a large hopper that holds 10 ounces of coffee beans. This is one thing that sets it apart from the Breville coffee grinder we looked at in the previous entry. This means that you can conveniently grind more coffee without refilling the hopper. The interesting thing about the Gaggia MDF coffee grinder is that it can release automatic serving doses into a filter you place at the bottom of the unit. You pull the lever once and one cup's worth of coffee comes out. If you pull it twice, two cups, and so on. Unless you don't like the strength of the coffee that results, then you no longer have to measure out your coffee with a spoon and have grinds fall all over the place. This is an essential feature in a cafe or restaurant where a high volume of coffee is served.

This Gaggia grinder is excellent for making espresso. Belive it or not, the grinder makes a big difference to your espresso. The coffee grinds must be ground perfectly evenly with no bigger chunks, because espresso is pressed at high pressure with 200 degree water, and having bigger chunks will distribute the pressure unevenly. It also prevents coffee dust from grinds that ended up smaller than intended.

The only complaints I have heard about this machine really are that the automatic dosing compartment needs to be full in order to give you the right size dosage. Five servings need to be in the compartment to fill it. So if you are not planning on making five cups of coffee, you either have to leave the coffee grinds in the compartment so they lose a bit of freshness, or you have to deal with the risk of having your dose come out a little imperfectly. The compartment was really designed for use in a cafe, which is why its capacity is 5 cups.

This is an excellent commercial grade coffee grinder. If you have a lot of money to put into your coffee or you just love coffee enough to make big sacrifices for it, then this is a great unit. But at the price of $250, unless you take your coffee very seriously, a better medium range grinder might be the Breville coffee grinder mentioned last time.

Learn more about the MDF Gaggia Grinder

Breville Coffee Grinder

2009-07-20T15:59:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you right off the bat - this Breville coffee grinder is expensive! As is often the case with Breville products, you will probably look at the price think "What?!" and want to look at something else. But there is a reason for those high prices. Breville produces commercial-grade products, and markets them to the general population at a price that may seem high to you, but is much lower than commercial products. So if you look at it that way in terms of value for your money, then Breville products are very reasonably priced. And this Breville coffee grinder is no different.

The Breville BCG450XL is a conical burr grinder with a variety of adjustable grind settings. You can use coarsely ground coffee made for perculator coffee makers, or you can grind ultra-fine coffee for things like Turkish coffee (into which you want the fine grinds to seap. Unlike cheaper grinders, the BCG450XL Breville grinder grinds consistently and evenly, which creates a good consistent coffee flavour. Conical burrs with their slow speed of motion also maintain more of the coffee bean's flavour than fast-moving metal blades.

This is also quite a quiet unit, so you won't have to blow your eardrums out to make a pot of coffee. This is also a very durable machine, and most customers report this machine lasts a long time without malfunction.

This is a great grinder, even at its retail price of $100-150.

Learn more about the BCG450XL Breville Coffee Grinder

Mr Coffee Espresso Machine

2009-07-20T04:34:00.000-07:00

The ECM20 Mr Coffee Espresso Machinee is a very affordable coffee maker, and offers great value for the price. For that reason it is one of the most popular espresso makers around. It's definitely not the best espresso machine you can buy, but it's a good value.

First of all let's talk about the flavour of the coffee this machine produces. Even though this unit is very cheap, it produces good coffee and brings out subtleties of flavour. You can distinguish between different blends as you could with a more expensive model. Some people, however, report that their coffee is not hot enough. My experience is that if you take you coffee to drink right away after it's prepared, there's no problem. But if you wander off and let the finished coffee sit, then it may not be hot enough to stay hot until you come back. But basically no problems with the coffee itself.

Now onto craftsmanship. This is where this Mr Coffee espresso machine loses some points. The knobs and attachments can be a little awkward to manipulate, and buttons have been known to break off. Typical time of use before breaking down is somewhere in the range of a year, according to a cross-section of consumer reports. That's not terrible for such a low price, but you may find it troublesome to have to go shopping for a new machine in a year. Some consumers also complain about the quality of the milk frother, though I thought it was of decent quality.

One last thing to note is that true coffee fanatics are unlikely to be impressed by this espresso machine because it doesn't make true espresso, it makes moka. If you don't know the difference then you probably won't care, but needless to say that coffee snobs will frown down upon this machine.

But who cares what the coffee snobs think. If you want espresso but you're a bit short on cash, this machine will do the trick, at least in the short term. Then you can always buy a higher quality machine as your tastes develop and mature.

Learn more about the ECM20 Mr Coffee Espresso Machine

Breville BKC600XL Stainless Steel Coffee Maker

2009-07-20T03:44:00.000-07:00

When you see the price of the Breville bkc600xl stainless steel coffee maker you may faint from shock. It retails for $250-300, but if you can afford the steep price tag, this is most certainly a quality unit suitable for both your home and your business.

This is a single cup coffee maker that uses coffee pods/k-cups. But you can also just use your favorite coffee blend's grinds by placing them inside a refillable pod called "My K-Cup". This maker does, by the way, come with a collection of 18 k-cups to give you a chance to experience some of their various flavours. These do not include only great coffee, but also tea, hot cocoa, chai, etc. This really is a hot beverage maker.

As with any coffee maker, taste is of paramount importance. And this Breville BKC600XL does not disappoint. It contains a replaceable charcoal infiltration system that removes impurities from the water, improving flavour. The coffee produced by this unit is rich and strong, which is usually how coffee fiends such as myself like it!

It is extremely easy to clean up after this machine, and making coffee with the pods is so simple that you will really feel spoiled. I quite enjoyed trying out this coffee maker and wished I could keep it forever.

Learn more about the Breville BKC600XL Stainless Steel Coffee Maker

The Pros and Cons of Single Serve Coffee Makers

2009-06-14T01:22:00.000-07:00

This article does a good job of summing up the pros and cons of single serve/one cup coffee makers. I personally don't use one cup coffee makers because I enjoy the freedom of being able to choose whatever coffee blend I want, not only those produced as coffee pods compatible with my unit. Also, I can't drink just one serving! Check the title of this blog again--I'm a coffee addict! I drink 9-10 cups a day. So a single serve maker won't cut it. But I'm not normal. For the average person, they are a good option.

1 Cup Coffee Maker - Why Choose a Single Serve Machine?
By Kim Cooper

Coffee drinkers from all walks of life choose specific coffee makers for various reasons. The one machine that is easy to love is the 1 cup coffee maker. There are several reasons this particular machine has become so popular. Whether you are a serious coffee drinker or enjoy an occasional cup, there is no doubt you will love them.

The Pros of Owning a Single Serve Coffee Maker

The biggest advantage of these little machines is that every cup will be its freshest. There is no more worry of having a stale cup from a pot that has been sitting around for hours. If you get the drip coffee maker, you have more control over the types of beans you use and the amount of coffee you want to brew.

Another advantage is the convenience. Most of these appliances take up very little space. You can fit them in a small area at home or at work. If you purchase the type that uses coffee pods, you have much less clean-up and no worries about grinding or measuring your own beans. You use one coffee pod per cup then toss it.

It is nice being able to brew a single serve cup and not waste an entire pot because you are the only one drinking it.

The Cons of 1 Cup Coffee Makers

The only disadvantage to having these types of makers is that the ones that use coffee pods require the use of the manufacturers brand coffee pods. This can be a hassle if those specific pods are not readily available in your local supermarket. Fortunately, many manufacturers have made the machines compatible with standard pods which means more variety for the user.

Besides that drawback, there isn't much reason to not own a 1 cup coffee maker. If you feel like your large version will go to waste, don't worry. Drag it out when you have company over. A single serve coffee maker would take awhile to use if you have several people over. I would also consider whether you would prefer drip brew or use coffee pods. I prefer to grind my own beans so a drip brew maker would work best.

Whichever type you choose, you will definitely enjoy a great cup of java!

Discover more about 1 cup coffee makers by visiting http://heavensbestcoffees.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_Cooper
http://EzineArticles.com/?1-Cup-Coffee-Maker---Why-Choose-a-Single-Serve-Machine?&id=2109800

How Can I Clean My Coffee Maker?

2009-06-14T01:16:00.000-07:00

Just today I was looking into how to clean my coffee maker, because when I looked inside the water tank I could see some kind of residue on the walls of the tank and I started to worry about getting sick, or my coffee just starting to taste bad. I found an article online that taught me how to clean my coffee maker easily. I was going to write an article for you on how to do it, but since the article I read was so good, I'll just reprint it here!

How To Clean A Coffee Maker

By Gary Gresham

Ever wonder how to clean a coffee maker the right way? Drip coffee makers need to be cleaned at least once a month to keep your coffee tasting good.Cleaning your coffee maker takes away hard water mineral deposits, old oils from previously brewed pots and other impurities that can make your coffee taste bad.

A mixture of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water is the best way to clean a drip coffee maker. Mix a full pot of the vinegar and water mixture, pour it in your water reservoir and turn the coffee maker on.

Once the mixture has run completely through, it's important to turn the drip coffee maker off and let it cool for 15 to 20 minutes.

Pour the vinegar and water mixture down the drain. If you are cleaning a coffee maker that hasn't been cleaned regularly, repeat this step again with a fresh vinegar and water mixture.Next, rinse the pot out thoroughly with warm, plain water. Then, fill the water reservoir again with clean water and turn the coffee maker on to start the rinsing process.

To make sure all of the vinegar and water solution is completely gone repeat the rinsing process one more time after letting the pot cool for 15 to 20 minutes.

This is how to clean a coffee maker the right way. Cleaning your drip coffee maker on a monthly basis will make it last longer and keep your coffee tasting the best it can possibly be.

This article is supplied by Best Coffee Makers where you can easily shop and compare coffee makers so you can purchase exactly what you’re looking for at great values.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Gresham

http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Clean-A-Coffee-Maker&id=57769

Cuisinart 12-c. Programmable Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe, White

2009-06-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

The Cuisinart 12-c. Programmable Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe is a high quality home coffee maker that is widely considered one of the best non-professional units. It is fully automatic and has a 24 hour programmable clock and timer, so that you can have your coffee waiting for you when you wake up in the morning. How great it that? Its 12 cup carafe is extremely effective, having a double wall inside that keeps your coffee hot, as well as a Brew-Through Pour-Through feature that keeps heat in and cool air out. These two features will keep your pot of coffee fresh for hours.

It features an automatic shut-off timer, as well as a water-level indicator so that you can prepare an exact amount of coffee with precision.

Buy a Cuisinart 12-c. Programmable Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe, White

KitchenAid 7-oz. Pro Line Burr Coffee Grinder, Nickel Pearl

2009-06-03T06:08:00.000-07:00

The KitchenAid 7 oz. Pro Line Burr Coffee Grinder is a top-of-the-line coffee grinder that you are likely to see used in gourmet coffee shops and cafes. It is a little pricey in the $200 range, but if you are a serious coffee connoisseur then you need a high quality coffee grinder.

The unit grinds at a low speed so it is quiet and avoids frictional heating of the beans. There are 15 different settings for the size of the bean grindings, and the machine automatically delivers the coffee beans to the burrs little by little, giving the resulting coffee a fine consistency and clean taste.

Buy a KitchenAid 7-oz. Pro Line Burr Coffee Grinder, Nickel Pearl

Bodum Ibis Ibis Mini Electric Water Kettle

2009-06-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

The Bodum 27-oz. Ibis Ibis Black Mini Electric Water Kettle is a convenient and easy way to boil water quickly, whether for cooking or for preparing hot drinks such as tea, cocoa, or coffee. It holds 27 oz. of water, which is more than enough for 2 medium sized drinks (a Starbucks tall size is around 12 oz). The water kettle heats very quickly, but it also has an automatic stop function so that you will never dry boil the kettle and cause a fire hazard. It is made with heat-reinforced polypropylene plastic and a stainless steel heating element, so it is safe, sturdy, and durable.

Click Here to buy a
Bodum 27-oz. Ibis Ibis Black Mini Electric Water Kettle, Black

Green Coffee Cup from Starbucks

2009-06-02T03:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a very simple Green Coffee Cup from Starbucks. It is a 12 oz. coffee mug, so about the same as a Tall-size Starbucks coffee. That's not enough coffee for an addict like me (I prefer Grande or Venti size), but that's a good size for the average coffee drinker.

I like the simple design. It's kind of a funky bohemian style, like a mug you might be served at a small cafe in rural South America or something. Very natural and earthy, like it was just baked in a clay oven.

If simple designs are your thing, then this Starbucks green coffee cup is an option for you.

Buy a Starbucks 12-oz. Script Green Mug, Green

Robusta and Arabica Coffee Beans

2009-06-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

Two main kinds of coffee dominate the global market, and those are Robusta coffee and Arabica coffee. What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee?

If you are American, then the kind of coffee you are most familiar with is probably Arabica. Arabica has a milder flavor that is more palatible to Americans. Arabica also has only about half the caffeine of Robusta coffee. Arabica beans grow on shrubs in wet tropical areas that have an annual average temperature of around 21 degrees C (70 F). The largest producers of Arabica beans are Brazil and Columbia, where they grew in areas of around 3000 feet altitude. 70 percent of the world's commercially produced coffee beans are Arabica.

Of course Robusta is the converse. The name "robusta" is related to the word "robust", which reflects the coffee's powerful flavour, which is more bitter and has less body than the more complex Arabica coffee. The majority of robusta beans are produced in Vietname, Indonesia, West Africa, and parts of Brazil.

Robusta beans are cheaper than Arabica beans, because they grow more quickly and can be harvested more often. Robusta beans can be harvested within 2-3 years of being planted. Arabica beans require 4-5 years. Robusta beans can also be grown in a wider variety of climates, so there is more potential competition amongst coffe farmers.

Gourmet coffees usually consist of 100% Arabica coffee. Cheaper coffees may be blends of Arabica and Robusta, or 100% robusta. I personally enjoy both, but I get a different feeling from each one. Arabica makes me feel priveleged and professional, while robusta makes me feel like I'm backpacking in a third world tropical country. Totally different, but both have their place!

Baratza 8-oz. Maestro Plus Coffee Grinder

2009-05-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

The Baratza 8-oz Maestro Plus Coffee Grinder is based on the best-selling Maestro grinder, but as the "plus" would imply, it is a new and improved version of the Maestro with some added features.

It is a conical burr grinder, the highest quality type of grinder that makes less noise and rarely gets clogged, even when grinding coffees with special flavours and oils added. The Maestro Plus demands a premium price over other coffee makers, but its high quality more than pays for the money.

Some of the special features of the new Maestro Plus are its 60 second timer and a pulse button (a touch button that you hold down to keep the grinder moving for as long as you want without using the timer), a heavily weighted base so that the unit is steady while grinding, and 40 different grind settings so that you can make grinds suitable for any kind of coffee maker or brewing method.

It is clean without grinds spilling, and the coffee grinds are uniform in size and consistency. The Baratza Maestro Plus Coffee Grinder is a top-end unit, and if you love to spoil yourself with coffee you'll love using this exciting grinder.

I want to buy a Baratza 8-oz. Maestro Plus Coffee Grinder

Starbucks Coffee 16-oz. Plastic Tumbler

2009-05-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

This is a nice, sturdy Starbucks Coffee 16-oz. plastic tumbler. At 16 oz., it holds the same amount of coffee as a Grande Size coffee at Starbucks. If you like your coffee plentiful, then you should get a 16 ounce tumbler and not a 12 or 14 ounce.

Another good thing about this tumbler is that it has a handle, so you can carry it a little more easily and safely when your hands are full and you have to carry many things at once. The last thing you want to do is drop your coffee tumbler and have it crack or spill.

This particular model has a basic green color design with a wide appeal, so this makes a great gift for someone even if you don't know their exact tastes.

I want to Buy a Starbucks Coffee 16-oz. Plastic Tumbler

Starbucks Coffee 16-oz. Red Bean Holiday Tumbler, Red

2009-05-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

This is a great Starbucks tumbler for the winter and Christmas holiday season. With its solid red color contrasted with the green Starbucks logo it looks very Christmassy, and the image of a tree decorated with Christmas ornaments brings even more of a festive spirit to this tumbler. You can bring not only your coffee with you whenever you hit the road, but also a little bit of the Christmas spirit and holiday cheer.

This is a 16 oz. tumbler, containing the same amount of coffee as a Grande size coffee at Starbucks. So if you like plentiful servings of coffee and don't like to run out easily, then this tumbler is for you. Happy Holidays!

Starbucks Coffee 16-oz. Red Bean Holiday Tumbler, Red

Starbucks Coffee 12-oz. San Francisco Global Series Mug

2009-05-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

Here is another edition of the Starbucks Global Mug Series, representing the city of San Francisco. Like Seattle, San Francisco
is another Westcoast city that has a love affair with coffee, coffee shops, and people watching from the patio seats.

This mug displays an image of one of the most famous icons of the San Francisco Bay area, and that is of course the Golden Gate
Bridge. The bottom of the mug below the bridge is colored red, as is the inside of the mug, making this a bright and warm addition
to your mug collection.

And if you traveled to San Francisco recently and forgot to buy a souvenir for someone, this will do the trick!

Starbucks Coffee 12-oz. San Francisco Global Series Mug

Starbucks Coffee 12-oz. Seattle Global Series Mug

2009-05-01T02:09:00.000-07:00

There are a huge number of Starbucks mugs out there, but this is a special one that diehard Starbucks fans will love because it represents Seattle, the city from which Starbucks arose. The outside of the mug is decorated with the name of the city along with beautiful lush scenery from the Pacific Northwest. The inside of the mug is dark green, which matches the wooded colors of the scenic imagery.

This is a 14 oz. mug, giving you a little more coffee than the usual smallest 12 oz. size. But it's not so big that it will get you wired on coffee all day so you can't sleep! I received a 20 oz. Starbucks coffee mug as a gift and that thing is dangerous. 14 oz. is probably perfect. To give you an idea, a Tall size coffee at Starbucks is 12 oz. and a Grande size coffee is 16 oz., so 14 ounces sounds just about right.

Buy a Starbucks Coffee 12-oz. Seattle Global Series Mug

Hamilton Beach Aroma Express: The Cheapest Coffee Maker Around

2009-04-30T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hamilton Beach is a well known maker of coffee machines in wide range of prices. Today I thought I'd review one of their cheapest models, and one of the cheapest coffee makers around. It is the Hamilton Beach Aroma Express 2 - 5 Cup coffee maker. It sells in the $20-25 range, but $15.97 through the link here. It is a very basic coffee maker with a glass carafe (coffee pot) that holds 5 cups of coffee. It does not have a no-drip feature, so if you remove the pot during brewing, the coffee will continue to drip onto the hot plate below.

Some customers report spillage when pouring water into the unit from the pot, or pouring coffee from the pot into your cup. This is a small problem, but I find that if I press the lid down tight on the pot as I pour, there is no spillage.

Aside from that one problem, the only negative thing I can say about this coffee maker is that it is basic, without the extra features you would expect from a more expensive coffee maker. But for the price, I certainly can't complain, and this unit makes good coffee and that's all that really counts, isn't it? My coffee maker is indeed more expensive than this one, but if this is the only unit that fits your price range then don't worry, this is a good basic coffee maker that will get the job done.

Just press the lid down when you pour!

Buy a Hamilton Beach Aroma Express 2 5 Cup Coffee Maker

Which Pod Coffee Maker is the Best?

2009-04-30T02:28:00.000-07:00

Coffee pods are single serving cup packages containing their own coffee grinds and a built in filter. They are used in single serving coffee machines, also known as pod coffee makers. A lot of people have sent me emails asking me which pod coffee maker is the best. Here are my thoughts.

The two biggest names in single serve coffee makers are Senseo and Keurig. In general these brands are both trustworthy and high quality, but I prefer Keurig because of its flavours. I really like the Green Mountain blends that can be purchased as Keurig k-cups, while the Senseo pod flavors don't stand out as much to me.

The top selling unit from Keurig is the Keurig Special Edition B60 coffee maker. It is very simple to use. All you have to do is add the coffee pod, add hot water to the filter, and wait for your coffee. It is a good value in the $120 range, and gets great customer reviews. I used to own a Keurig B60 at my home in Canada and I was very happy with it.

Maxwell House Coffee Master Blend

2009-04-30T02:00:00.000-07:00

Maxwell House is one of the most trustest names in the coffee industry, and they can always be relied upon to deliver a nice
cup of coffee, even though it may not be anything particularly niche or creative. The Maxwell House Master Blend is a good example
of that, being pretty much a tradtional morning coffee. It is comparable to their standard house blend, though this one is known
for being somewhat richer and smoother.

There is nothing that really makes this coffee stand out as special, but it is simply a very good basic coffee that pretty
much everybody will be happy with. And it is significantly cheaper than a lot of specialty coffees and whole bean coffees
for sale. For these reasons it is one of the most commonly used coffees for communal brewing, at sports events or in large offices, etc.

If you love coffee that tastes like coffee and you don't need anything fancy, then Maxwell House's Master Blend is a great choice
and a great value.

Buy Maxwell House Coffee Master Blend 42 bags 1.25oz

Or an even better value is to buy a set of two 34.5 oz cans from Amazon. You lose some of the convenience of single serving packs, but you get more coffee for less money.

Nestle Carnation Dark Hot Chocolate

2009-04-30T01:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I'm not in the mood for coffee or tea, particularly in the evening when I want to relax with a sweet, dessert-like drink without worrying about caffeine that will keep me up late at night. I usually go for a nice mug of hot chocolate, and Nestle's chocolate expertise makes their Carnation hot chocolate series a safe bet.

This is not cocoa powder, this is a pre-sweetened hot chocolate mix to which you simply add hot water and stir. In my opinion though, preparing it with hot water makes the drink a little thin, so I prefer to warm up some milk in a pan on the stove and mix it with the hot chocolate mix instead of water. That results in a richer, creamier chocolate drink. You could also heat milk in the microwave and then mix it with the powder, but I personally prefer stove-heated milk.

You may not want to drink this hot chocolate every night, because it is sweetened with sugar and could make you put on a couple pounds if you drink it all the time. But it does make a nice treat and is a good coffee alternative when you want to relax and wind down, rather than wake up and get down to business.

Buy Nestle's Dark Hot Chocolate

Tazo China Green Tips Tea

2009-04-29T23:33:00.000-07:00

Tazo's China Green Tips Tea is a mixture of Chinese green teas grown up high in the mountains. Only newly harvested, light-colored green tea leaves tips of the tea plant are used in its production. Green tea can lose some of its flavour if it is not steamed soon after harvest, which is why Tazo steams the leaves without delay.

I live in Japan, near Kyoto which is renowned for its high quality green tea. But even I'm impressed by Tazo's China green tea and its complex flavour. I think it rivals the Japanese green teas except for the ones you can get prepared from fresh leaves on site at the tea plantation. It's as good or better than the widely available commercial teas. There are also a lot of Chinese green teas available here in Japan, but I have never tried one with the same consistent high quality as Tazo. Most Chinese producers' teas are inconsistent in terms of flavor.

Buy Tazo® China Green Tips Tea

Green Mountain K-cup Coffee

2009-04-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters produce most of their coffee in whole bean and k-cup versions. What are K-cups? K-cups are single serving units of your favorite coffee that are used in Keurig coffee makers (they are sometimes unofficially called coffee k pods). Keurig is the leading maker of single cup coffee makers and they are a subsidiary of Green Mountain. So of course Green Mountain makes sure to sell its blends in k-cup form.

K-cups are usually sold in cases of 24 servings, or 96. If you buy a case of assorted flavors, you will receive fewer k-cups, 88 servings in the case of the large packs. They give you a little less coffee for your money, but when I first bought a keurig single cup brewer I ordered a case of 88 assorted k-cup flavors to discover which ones I liked best. It's worth paying a little more for the privelege of sampling.

For the record, my favorite flavours were the Breakfast Blend, and the French Roast K-cup. Green Mountain also makes k-cup teas and hot cocoa as well.

Buy Green Mountain Coffee K-Cups

Green Mountain Breakfast Blend Coffee

2009-04-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

Green Mountain Breakfast Blend Coffee is the company's signature blend and one of its all time best sellers. Green Mountain makes a lot of dark roast coffees, but this is one of its lighter ones. Some compare it to Dunkin' Donuts coffee blend, but I much prefer this one. It is a combination of Central American coffees which provide its citrusy snap because of higher acidic content, and Indonesian coffees which provide its body and depth.

This is a great coffee to wake up to, and its classic morning aroma will get you on your foot and moving. It is pleasant both black and with milk, and with sugar if you like.

Green Mountain Breakfast Blend is an improvement on tradition, a coffee that's both familiar and innovative.

Buy Green Mountain Coffee Breakfast Blend 24 bags 2.2oz

Buy Green Mountain Breakfast Blend K-Cup Coffee

What Stores Sell Green Mountain Coffee?

2009-04-29T05:30:00.000-07:00

One coffee producer with a social conscience that is gaining more and more market share is Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. They are based in Waterbury, Vermont. They sell over 100 different blends of Arabica coffee, many of which are certified organic and fair trade certified coffees.

What stores carry Green Mountain Coffee? For the most part, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters sells to wholesale suppliers and not to retailers so it can seem difficult to find. But it can be easily bought online fron authorized Green Mountain Coffee vendors, such as CoffeeForLess.com
Bags of Green Mountain beans can also be bought online, and you can grind it yourself for home brewing.

It can also be bought at McDonalds, whose Newman's Own Organic blend coffee is supplied exclusively by Green Mountain.

And it can be bought in the form of Keurig K-cups wherever they are sold, at supermarkets and coffee specialty shops everywhere. Keurig is owned by Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and its coffee is entirely supplied by them. The k-cups offer single servings of delicious Green Mountain Coffee blends.

Now that you know Who sells Green Mountain coffee, I hope you have a chance to enjoy some of their unique blends soon.

Buy Green Mountain Coffee Here

Godiva French Vanilla Coffee

2009-04-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

Another one of the most popular Godiva Coffee flavors is Godiva French Vanilla Coffee. It is not a simple coffee, it feels more like a dessert and its rich flavour is more reminiscent of a creamy vanilla custard pastry than of a standard coffee blend.

It is an unsweetened coffee, and it tastes equal great as it is, and with added sugar for those with a sweet tooth. But in either case, the rich vanilla scent and aftertaste make this another quality masterpiece from Godiva. I love French Vanilla in general but the Godiva blend brings out the most subtleties of the Vanilla flavour.

Godiva French Vanilla Coffee 24 bags 2oz

Godiva Hazelnuts Coffee

2009-04-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

Godiva is not only a maker of gourmet chocolate, it is also a maker of delicious gourmet coffee blends such as the Godiva Vanilla Hazelnuts Coffee.

This is really a Godiva Hazelnuts Coffee with a Vanilla aroma, because the taste is mainly hazelnuts. But the added sensual smell of Vanilla adds a blissful atmosphere to your home. This is a lovely smell to wake up to in the morning!

I was first introduced to this coffee by my parents, who no longer buy anything else. In my mind I don't even think of this as coffee, I think of it as a treat more along the lines of hot chocolate, even though it is coffee regular without any sugar added.

Hazelnuts Vanilla Coffee is already a classic flavour, and Godiva is also a classic company known for its high quality and prefection. So this is one coffee that definitely deserves a taste.

Godiva Vanilla Hazelnut Coffee 24 bags 2oz

Tazo Chai Antioxidants

2009-04-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

Tazo Chai Tea is one of the most popular kinds of tea available today, and one of the best sellers at Starbucks. Its flavor is based on the traditional Indian drink called Chai. It is made from black tea, but the added spices are what gives it its special Chai flavor: Cardamom, Cinnamon, Ginger Root, Black Pepper, Cloves, Star Anise, and "natural flavour" (whatever that refers to--'cuz I don't know!).

An 8 oz. cup of caffeinated Tazo Chai contains 47 milligrams of caffeine. That's a typical amount, neither low nor high. But if you prefer to avoid caffeine, you can enjoy this most delicious tea by buying its decaffeinated version.

Chai tea comes from black tea leaves and, like many other teas, is a healthy drink containing antioxidants called polyphenols. Contrary to popular belief, darker teas do not contain any less polyphenols than white and green tea, even though darker teas have been processed more. The only teas that are thought to not contain polyphenols are herbal teas, which are not made from tea leaves and are technically not even tea.

What is not known is whether decaffeinated chai tea contains those antioxidants. The process of removing the caffeine may also remove some other elements of the tea, but this is neither proven nor disproven.

Regardless, regular Tazo Chai Tea remains a healthy and exotic drink that we can all enjoy. Treat yourself to a pleasant sensual experience while investing in your future health. Click the links below to Tazo Chai Tea and have it conveniently delivered to your doorstep.

Tazo Teas 48-pc. Caffeinated Chai Filterbags, Chai, Filterbag

Tazo Teas 48-pc. Decaffeinated Decaffeinated Chai Filterbags, Tazo Chai Decaffeinated, Filterbag

Where Can I Purchase Tazo Tea?

2009-04-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

A lot of tea-lovers wonder where they can buy Tazo Tea when they move to a new city. Tazo is one of the most popular tea companies in the world, so there is probably a tea specialty shop or import grocery shop where you can buy Tazo Tea in your area. And you can always buy it at Starbucks (though at a significant markup). But the simplest way is probably to purchase Tazo Tea online and have it delivered. In today's internet age this is cheap, fast, safe, and easy. It's actually easier than browsing in a shop for something that may not be in stock.

My favorite kind of tea is Tazo Apple Red Tea, and I usually order it online and have it delivered because sometimes I can't find it in the shop.

Buy Tazo Tea Online

Bodum Tea Press

2009-04-27T06:10:00.000-07:00

The Bodum 4 cup Assam Assam Tea Press is one of the best-selling Bodum tea accessories. A tea press is a combined tea pot and filter, so that no tea bags are required. Tea presses are easy to use, with the only required steps being to add the desired amount of tea, add hot water, and push down the plunger when you think your tea has reached your desired strength. This is a professional quality tea press that you may see on your cafe or restaurant table.

The tea press is transparent, which is great for watching your tea steeping and see how dark it is, giving you an idea of when it's ready. Customer reviews also suggest that this tea press maintains heat very well, so that you're never drinking a lukewarm cup of tea. It is also easy to clean.

If you appreciate making high quality tea with ease, the Bodum Assam Assam tea press would make a great purchase.

Click on the photo for more information.

Bodum Columbia Coffeemaker

2009-04-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

The Columbia Thermal Coffee Press by Bodum is one of the most uniquely designed and easy to use coffee makers in use today. It looks like a simple coffee pot, and from looking at it you'd never guess that this is actually where the coffee is brewed! Its sleek stainless steel design is attractive and makes the coffee press fit in wherever you place it.

To use it you simply add one tablespoon of coffee grinds for every 4 ounces of water. Easy! It is available in 12-oz, 32-oz, and 50-oz sizes. Make your life easier with this all-in-one system.

Bodum 12-oz. Columbia Columbia Thermal Coffee Press

Bodum 32-oz. Columbia Columbia Thermal Coffee Press

Bodum 50-oz. Columbia Columbia Thermal Coffee Press

Starbucks Filter Pack

2009-04-27T05:13:00.001-07:00

When you're travelling on the road and don't want to carry around bags of coffee that could spill all over the insides of your suitcase, a good option to bring with you could be a Starbucks Filter Pack for each day you'll be away. A filter pack is a sealed filter that contains pre-prepared coffee grinds so that all you have to do is add hot water. They're a convenient way to make a pot of coffee with measuring out scoops or worrying about mess. They make a great gift for coffee lovers too.

Starbucks Coffee 120-pc. Medium Starbucks® Decaf Coffees Decaf House Blend Filter Pack, Decaf House Blend, Filter Pack

Calories in Starbucks Latte

2009-04-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

How many calories are in a Starbucks Latte? Starbucks' drinks nutritional information can be found on their website at StarbucksStore.com

The number of calories in a standard Grande size Cafe Latte with 2% milk is 190. For a tall size it is 150 calories. On the Starbucks website you can change a number of variables for the drink of your choice, such as the type of milk used, the size, etc. and get a specific caloric reading for your gourmet coffee of choice

For more information on Starbucks drinks and their nutritional information visit the Starbucks website.

Mini Travel Coffee Makers

2009-04-16T05:50:00.000-07:00

We all love an aromatic mug of freshly brewed coffee in the morning. But what about when you're on the road, either on vacation or on business? Sure, maybe your hotel has a restaurant and maybe there's a Starbucks nearby. But you might want to have a coffee in your room first thing in the morning, and you might have a preferred blend that you like to make for yourself. But there are a number of mini travel coffee makers that allow you enjoy a cup at your own convenience.

If you think you'll have access to a kettle or water heater, one option is a plastic cone filter. One example is the Melitta Ready Set Joe Mug & Cone coffee maker set. This set includes a plastic cone, into which you insert a paper coffee filter, and a regular plastic mug. If you plan to have a drink at your place of accomodation, this is probably sufficient.

If you want to bring coffee with you when you leave the hotel, then a better option might be the Melitta 64013 Ready Set Joe Travel Mug Coffeemaker set. This set includes a plastic cone to hold the filter, but rather than a regular plastic mug it comes with a travel mug with a lid, that you can carry with you. It is shown in black on the left.

If you are not interested in a manual coffee maker like the above cone makers, then you can choose an automatic machine like the one below.

One of the most popular automatic travel coffee makers is the Voltage Valet Quick Cafe II. This is a very standard but very conveniently-sized travel set that gets good reviews from travellers

I hope that gives you a few ideas for your travels. Now all you need to remember is a pack of filter papers and a bag of your favorite coffee. Happy travels!

Top 10 Coffee Makers

2009-04-16T00:37:00.000-07:00

Having a home coffee maker is one of nicest yet most affordable luxuries in life. Anytime you like, you can kick back and relax with a nice rich cup of fresh coffee and let the scent of roasted coffee beans waft through the air. But what are the best home coffee makers?

According to surveys of coffee lovers and according to the number of coffee makers purchased online, there are 10 top coffee makers.

The number 1 coffee maker is the Black and Decker Spacemaker. It is a large pot, 12 cup coffemaker, yet is very affordable in the $60 range.

The number 2 unit is the Keurig Special Edition B60 Coffee Maker. It is the most popular of the single serving coffee makers and is widely reported to be easy to use. It sells in the $120 range.

In third place is another Kuerig unit, the B70 coffee maker. It is another single cup filler, but is considered the top-of-the-line unit and better than the B60. It sells in the $150 range.

In fourth place is a much cheaper unit, the Hamilton Beach Michael Graves Design 40304 coffee maker. Selling in the $40-50 range, it is a great value for the price and brews quickly and with little leakage.

Number 5 is the Kuerig Elite B40. Selling in the $100 range, this is another popular single cup maker. It has less bells and whistles than the B70, but has all you need for quality coffee in a hurry.

Number 6 is the Saeco Aroma Espresso Machine. This unit costs around $300, and though it has some fancy features a lot of people report being disappointed with it. It's hard to live up to the expectations set by that kind of price.

Number 7 is the Cuisinart PRC-12. This is a 12 cup coffee maker which generally sells in the $60 range. While its design is revolutionary, some customers have complained that it is not very durable and may not last very long.

Number 8 is the Hamilton Beach BrewStation 47214. A 12 cup coffee maker that dispenses coffee cup by cup rather than into a pot, it sells in the $75 range. Quality reports seem mixed, with some customers loving their unit, while others report frustraion with coffee leakage.

Number 9 is the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine. This is an expensive machine with an average price of around $750, but its quality reviews are impeccable. People who have lived in Italy and become accustomed to authentic high quality espresso report that this is the only coffee maker that can impress them. Probably the only thing that keeps this unit from being higher in the list is its price.

Number 10 is the Cuisinart DGB-600. It is a 10 cup coffee maker with a thermal pot. It sells for between $110 and $200, and by most reports is a good quality coffee maker and a good value for the money, but with no special features to make it standout. And that's just fine. Simple and good is much better than fancy but flawed.

These are the 10 best coffee makers, based on online sales. I hope you can find a unit that suits your own personal needs and lifestyle.

Privacy Policy

2008-03-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

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