Archive for November, 2009

Espresso Coffee Machines In The Home

You may be worried about the cost of espresso coffee machines, but if you love coffee or need an extra pick up before leaving in the mornings they are worth the money. Espresso can give you that burst of energy you need to start your day, and you won't even have to pay two or three dollars per shot like you would at any coffee house.

It seems since making espresso in your own home has become popular there have been more espresso coffee machines on the market than other styles. This is not really true, but their popularity is soaring. How can you replace a personal shot of espresso in the morning? If you have a choice, you simply can't. But people also like them because they have become a sort of symbol for style and personal achievement in the kitchen. You should keep that in mind as well: what the brewer says about you.

There is more to consider when looking at an espresso maker than the case it comes in. There are models that do things that never would have been imaginable before, so you really need to know that is normal in these types of brewers.

Instead of grounds, espresso is made at home with "pucks," which are clean and easy to handle. Because of the pucks, it's important to make sure that an espresso maker does not have too much pressure, otherwise things could get messy. Also, make sure you pay attention to how fast the water boils, if just for convenience purposes.

Aside from the mundane, many espresso coffee machines also have frothers built in for anyone to be able to brew a high quality and frothy lattes and cappuccinos. Frothers come as attachments and can be put on or taken off at will. Some can also act as hot water dispensers at any time of the day, which can be very convenient if you like to drink tea as well as coffee.

If you think you might want to do more with your brewer later on down the line, look into brand lines that carry add ons. While there are not many that do this out right now, and the actual customization choices are limited, it is a good thing to keep in mind.

Espresso coffee machines are truly an example of how far both technology and coffee have come over the years. It used to not even be imaginable to have your own espresso machine at home, but these days it's possible, affordable, and readily available. Professional-style coffee whenever you want, how ever you want. It truly is a modern marvel.

Sick of heading to the local coffee shop each day and spending $4 or $5 per shot? Think about looking at espresso coffee machines to save yourself money in the long run.

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November 26 2009 | coffee | No Comments »

The Best Coffee I’ve Ever Had

Living in a busy city like New York has its ups and downs. While the cost of living is more expensive, there are some major benefits like the fact that we're home to so much great food. There's some great coffee here as well.

A few weeks ago, I walked by Stumptown Coffee Roasters, a place that I had heard about but never ventured to try. I had heard good things, but never realized just how much I'd grow to love their coffee in such a short time period.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters is apparently a chain with roots in Seattle and Portland, along with a few California locations. They recently opened up a branch in New York, connected to a hotel (this hotel also has West Coast roots).

I've tried both the iced house brew, as well as the regular coffee, and both are phenomenal. These are some of the best beans I've ever tasted, and they really give me quite the energy kick.

You'd be surprised to know that Stumptown coffee doesn't really cost any more than you'd pay at a major chain, which happens to be a great thing. The atmosphere, though it lacks seating in this particular location, also seems to be one entirely based around the quality of the coffee.

I've read reviews online after trying Stumptown's coffee to see if others feel the same way that I do. What I found was that many Seattle residents swear by the chain, calling it the best coffee that Seattle has to offer.

In a city like Seattle, there's so much great coffee. That's one of the city's claims to fame. If avid coffee drinkers are claiming that this is the best around, I'd say that's a pretty high quality endorsement right there.

If you have a Stumptown near you, consider yourself lucky and try it out. If you don't, hope that the chain expands, and take advantage of any traveling opportunity you may get and try it out.

Enjoy more of this author's work about acrylic panels and bathroom mirror frames.

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November 25 2009 | coffee | No Comments »

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