Senin, 15 Oktober 2012

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker



AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with zippered nylon tote bag and an Extra 350 Micro Filters (700 Total)

This is a great coffee maker - especially for someone like me who wants to make only 1 mug at a time. I've tried all different kinds of coffee makers, but they don't seem to be optimized for making a single ~8 oz mug of coffee. I always ended up brewing multiple cups of coffee and throwing the extra away to get the one good cup I wanted.

Minggu, 14 Oktober 2012

Professional Die Cast Conical Burr Coffee Grinder




KRUPS GX610050 Professional Die Cast Conical Burr Coffee Grinder with grind size selector, Saintless Steel

I started making espresso, I invested sixteen bucks in an antique cast-iron hand grinder because it was a cheap alternative to the burr grinder. It made quite good, even grounds, and I didn't have to worry about the blade grinder heating up the grounds, turning them to powder, and letting all the aromatics escape. Then I realized that I was starting to dread making more than one double-shot in an evening because cranking that thing was work intensive and time consuming. This made my family sad because they were getting used to barista treatment every night.

Selasa, 02 Oktober 2012

Hamilton Beach 80374 Custom Grind Hands


Hamilton Beach 80374 Custom Grind Hands-Free Coffee Grinder, Black

When my husband and I got married we EACH owned our own coffee grinder. Both of them were very dependable (one was a Waring, one a Brauning) and it took many years for them to both wear out. The Waring's plastic lid deteriorated by bits and pieces, but when we got this new grinder we still use it for a spice mill! But this one is the best ever---we just love it. It's much better than our old ones in every way. You can easily adjust the grind, and best of all the cup is detachable so it's very easy to get the coffee into the filter with NO MESS (that's one reason it doesn't need a long cord). It's even attractive-looking! We have nothing negative to say about this grinder---it's a great product.

Senin, 01 Oktober 2012

Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder



Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

This is a great $130 espresso grinder that can grind beans into a consistently fine powder suitable for most non-pressurized filter-basket home espresso machines. If the default factory "course" calibration does not provide a fine espresso grind enough for your needs, it can be calibrated at home for "fine" grind that adds the equivalent of an additional eight notches of extra-fine settings. I did this home calibration to get an ultra-fine clumpy powder that can choke a non-pressurized filter-basket commercial espresso machine. Why pay over $300 for a commercial quality Rancillio Rocky grinder when you only need it for medium use at home. If you are willing to spend less than 5 minutes and calibrate this machine at home, you get a truly professional ultra-fine espresso grind from a small footprint medium use grinder!

Sabtu, 15 September 2012

Bialetti 6799 Moka Express 3-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker



Bialetti 6799 Moka Express 3-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker

I bought this and the 1 cup Bialetti. I followed the instructions and threw away the first 3 batches of coffee. I then got to enjoy my first cup made on the stove and it was fantastic! The 1 cup is small enough for me to have a late afternoon coffee and the 3 cup makes a triple shot espresso that I have in the morning. It is fast and easy! I like to lift the lid and watch the coffee come up! I am debating whether of not to get a larger Bialetti for use if I have guests. But that is another topic. This is worth the little money I spent and I know I will enjoy this for a long time.


Jumat, 14 September 2012

Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker



Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker

Works great on the stovetop, works great when you're CAMPING..!!! No plugs, no cords, no nonsense -- fill the lower half with water to the indicated mark, put your grounds in the upper basket, join the two halves, wait for it to gurgle and you have EXCEPTIONALLY DELICIOUS espresso the way it ought to be made. The device is simple and beautifully made. I'd recommend the six-cup version, the smaller versions just don't make very much espresso -- I mean, get the six-cup version if there are two of you, since that will make an adequate amount.Really a brilliant product. I wish that everything was so well-designed and robust. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!


Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinders



Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinders

I've been through a couple of burr grinders - the Gaggia MM and a Melitta, so when it came time to buy a new one, I knew what I didn't want - a noisy, dusty grinder that wears out quickly. I've pretty much found it with the Capresso Infinity. I did some reading, and depending on what you need, it's amazing how much you can spend for a burr grinder - they range up to $400 and beyond. The main features I was interested in, though, were available in the sub-$200 range. I am pleased with the purchase. The "extra fine" settings will create a fine powder that is too fine for my machine. However, once I switched to the "fine" setting, it has worked great. The amazing extra benefit is how much better the coffee tastes - the fine, even grind makes for maximum flavor extraction. So matter what grinder you buy, go for one that grinds more evenly - you'll enjoy your coffee even more. For the price, I didn't find one that had the combination of features (and less noise and dust!) found in the Capresso Infin


Kamis, 13 September 2012

Technivorm Moccamaster Coffee Brewer With Thermo Carafe



Technivorm Moccamaster Coffee Brewer With Thermo Carafe - Technivorm 9587

I am a real coffee snob and have gone through at least 10 coffee makers and finally found this one. Was a three month wait to get it and finally got it. Makes great coffee and come out very hot. Brews very quickly. Don't like the carafe that comes with it. Got a Nissan -Thermos to keep it hot. Everyone who tries my coffee always asks what coffee I use. It not only the coffee but the maker also. Get this, it is expensive but well worth it for those who enjoy coffee.


Rabu, 12 September 2012

KitchenAid 7-oz. Pro Line Burr Coffee Grinder, Onyx Black.


KitchenAid 7-oz. Pro Line Burr Coffee Grinder, Onyx Black.

This is an excellent coffee grinder. It has a powerful, yet quiet motor and the grind selection dial is robust. The straight, vertical path of beans through the grinder makes it very trouble free. The only downsides are it is big, heavy and takes up a fair amount of counter space. This is a serious grinder, but it makes seriously good coffee.

Rabu, 05 September 2012

Bodum Bistro Electric Burr Coffee Grinder, White



Bodum Bistro Electric Burr Coffee Grinder, White


This grinder replaced my Capresso burr grinder. This Bodum is much, much better. It has a much more consistent particle size. The hopper is generous and can be removed for easy cleaning (good coffee beans are naturally oily). The best part is the glass receptacle, though. It's much less messy than the plastic Capresso. It doesn't have any corners that can trap grounds, and it doesn't have a static cling effect that always resulted in stray coffee grinds on my counter.

Buy from AMAZON

KitchenAid Pro Line Series Burr Coffee Mill



KitchenAid Pro Line Series Burr Coffee Mill, Onyx Black

After over two year's use (pretty much daily)this grinder continues to be a superior product. No problems whatsoever. I continue to be impressed with the quality of the grind 1/2 cup beans at 5 1/2 setting for medium roast beans and a 12 cup pot.
I especially like the pyrex carafe and metal toggle switch as opposed to the plastic ones in lower end grinder models we previously owned.

Selasa, 04 September 2012

Breville BCG800XL Smart Grinder


Breville BCG800XL Smart Grinder

This is my 2nd conical burr grinder. I used the earlier Breville grinder BCG450XL for a year, and while it gave me reliable daily service, it sure made a mess when removing the grinds container. Breville appears to have listened to its customers and totally redesigned this grinder. The grinds container is a sturdier translucent plastic with a stainless steel lid that seems to have solved the grinds sticking to the lid. There is absolutely no grinds scattering! The bean hopper holds 1 pound which is the size of freshly roasted beans I purchase at the local coffee shop. The ability to choose the size grinds and the amount is just outstanding.

Senin, 03 September 2012

Kyocera Ceramic Coffee Grinder


Kyocera Ceramic Coffee Grinder

I really like my new Kyocera hand grinder. I wanted to graduate up to a conical burr coffee grinder but was overwhelmed and confused by all of the mixed reviews for most of the electric models. They are also quite expensive, and since I am the only coffee drinker in the house, I couldn't justify spending upwards of $100-$150 dollars (minimum) for just 2 or 3 cups a day. 

Krups 203 Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder


Krups 203 Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder with Stainless-Steel Blades

This is an excellent grinder for home use and the one that I use on a daily basis. It is relatively quiet (so I can grind my beans in the morning without waking the kids) and large enough to process 8 or so cups (a full pot) of coffee. The only downside is that you have to practice the knack of when to stop grinding due to the lack of coarse control, but it makes up for it with ease of use. In my mind the quietness, ease of use and ease of cleaning (the black model is easier to clean than white) make this a must-have for coffee lovers.

Kamis, 23 Agustus 2012

De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker



De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

The DelLonghi EC155 is an excellent budget machine found for under $100 that is pump driven. I was happy with my old steam driven Delonghi, but once I received this I realized that I didn't even know what I was missing. This espresso is as good or better than anything you'll get in a nice Italian restaurant or at your local Charbucks. The chrema that this thing produced is flat out great (you'll get a nice 1/4 layer of tasty emulsified foam). The convenience of pulling a single shot is great too, and you really only need the machine to warm up a few minutes before you pull a shot.

Aerobie 80R08 AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker



Aerobie 80R08 AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

This makes a good cup of coffee (Really an Americano but if you don't know the difference who cares). As far as an Americano, I found it to be very smooth, not too sharp and not too flat but just right. It really brings out the flavors in the beans if made right. As a snob, I have my favorite methods of brewing, and this, I would have to say, is number 2 or 3 in my book. It is very simple, and the clean up is awesome, but it is meant for one cup, and repeating the process for multiple cups can be a pain. I tend to share my coffee, or want more than one cup, so I don't mind the extra clean up of a simple french press or vacuum siphon. I would say that if you want to become a snob, this would be a good starter, but get some good beans.

Bodum Bistro Electric Burr Coffee Grinder



Bodum Bistro Electric Burr Coffee Grinder

I have been using Bodum Burr Grinder almost every day for a year now. It still works perfectly fine. I used to use those small blade grinder but it was so cumbersome and messy. This Bodum Grinder is so easy to use, not messy, easy to clean, and looks very elegant in the kitchen.

Selasa, 14 Agustus 2012

Cuisinart DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemakers



Cuisinart DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemakers

After buying a succession of cheap coffee makers which broke down after a year or two and made mediocre coffee, I decided to upgrade to Cuisinart.
I don't agree with the negative comments about this product.
The clock is easy to program and it's clearly indicated that you should either use paper or gold filter (twice in the instructions). It's also easy to pour water in the reservoir if you use the carafe. You can turn the coffee maker to the left, and the reservoir opening is easily accessible. Its opening is by no means tiny, as a reviewer described it.
The center funnel which holds the filter is well situated and there is very little risk of dropping coffee grounds into the water reservoir.
The carafe is well designed, with a comfortable handle. It pours neatly, without dripping coffee all over the counter, something which always happened with my old Mr. Coffee.
You do have to realize the lid snaps down on top of the carafe. This is not explained in the instructions.
Most importantly, it makes an excellent coffee.
There is a 3 year guaranty which is more than I have seen for others.
So far, I have no complaint, and I am glad I bought this product for a great price.

Cuisinart CPT-120 Electronic Cool Touch 2-Slice Toasters



Cuisinart CPT-120 Electronic Cool Touch 2-Slice Toasters

I bought this Cuisinart toaster about a month ago. Previously, I owned a cheap Toastmaster two slice toaster that I had since college.
This toaster is compact but has everything you could need. It has slots wide enough for homemade bread and bagels, a reheat and defrost button and a cancel button. It is a very powerful toaster for sandwich bread. The first time I used it I was too excited to read the instructions first so I set the LED dial at 5 which was the level I used on my Toastmaster. That was a mistake because I burnt the toast crisp. This toaster I only have to set to a 2 to get my toast a nice brown shade. It really puts off the heat. I don't eat bagels so I can't say how it does on them. On Toaster Strudels it works well at a level 4 or 5 setting. I love this toaster and would buy it again!

Senin, 13 Agustus 2012

Mr. Coffee Programmable Coffeemakers



Mr. Coffee Programmable Coffeemakers

Overall, this is a great little unit and it has inspired others in my office to purchase this model as well. Making my own coffee is much cheaper than paying a $1.00 for a 16 oz. cup in the cafeteria and I love the smell when the coffee is brewing. Having this unit allows me to drink the specialized coffee I prefer. The small size means making a second pot isn't so much of a chore on those days when one pot isn't going to cut it. I recommend the Mr. Coffee DRX5 to people who like fresh coffee with a minimum of fuss, either at home or at work.

Black & Decker DCM18S Brew 'n Go Personal Coffeemaker with Travel Mug



Black & Decker DCM18S Brew 'n Go Personal Coffeemaker with Travel Mug

This nifty little coffeemaker is difficult to find in stores, so I was glad to see it at Amazon. It saved my marriage because my spouse doesn't drink coffee (hates the stuff) and there's no pot to clean. Even though it comes with a huge mug, the coffee tastes best when you use it with a normal china mug or cup, and with beans that are ground fine. I'm on my second one -- it lasts about four to five years in daily use. Not bad for the money. I won't drink coffee that's been sitting for more than five minutes, so the Brew 'n Go is perfect. If you're the only Joe drinker in the house, it's an absolute must!

Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker



Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

After purchasing 3 other coffee makers, the 4th one is the charm! This coffee maker makes great tasting coffee. I never knew there was a difference -- it's worth spending a few more dollars on. It also has all of the features I was looking for such as: adjustable warming plate, 1-4 cup selection, water filter, programmable. It is a rather tall machine, but certainly not a problem as it fits fine underneathe most cabinets. Als, the carafe is well-made and has a spout that pours nicely without spilling. No complaints about this one!

Rabu, 01 Agustus 2012



Krups GVX Burr Grinder

One other reviewer stated that this grinder is ungodly big - soooo not true. At a little under 10 inches tall, 5 inches deep, and 4 and 1/2 inches wide, this grinder is WAY smaller than my previous Cuisinart Burr Grinder which just recently broke. And the noise! DECIBLES quieter than my Cuisinart!!! It is such a low sound for a grinder. Mainly sounds a little louder than a murmur....First time I grinded coffee, I nearly jumped for joy that the volume was loads lower than my other one! Grinds were also very even. I grind in between medium and fine, and I did not see extremely powerdy grinds or even course grinds. Everything was very even in it's texture! Great grinder. I love it already!!!



Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill (CCM-16PC1)

First off, the grind you get from a burr grinder is superior to a blade, hands down. This grinder makes a superbly uniform grind, and the fineness/coarseness is easily adjustable. For the price, this is an excellent burr grinder. Highly recommend it for your average coffee drinker. If you are grinding things finely, grinding spices or flavored coffees, or grinding lots of coffee, read on for important details.

I was a little disappointed with the plastic grind hopper. Burr grinders I have used in the past were glass, and while I didn't think plastic would be a big deal, extremely fine grinds tend to 'stick' due to static electricity.

When doing longer grinds (for larger pots of coffee, etc) the motor really starts to sound strained. I'm worried that with heavy use over a few months I might have issues with it. If I do, I'll update this review.

*most* of the grinder is very easy to clean... however, inside the base there are a couple of pieces out of reach, and really fine grinds tend to collect just inside the chute that dumps the grinds into the hopper. If you grind flavored coffees (or, in my case, fresh seed spices) and need to clean it, you might be a little frustrated.

Selasa, 31 Juli 2012


Bodum Brazil 8 cup French Press Coffee Maker, 34 oz, Black

This was my first French press. I have always enjoyed this type of coffee, particular after dinner. However, I was attracted to the plastic framework surrounding the carafe, as I can be clumsy at times.
This press has worked just as well as the more expensive, more traditional looking French press pots. I set the coarsest setting on my Braun grinder, and no grounds get through the screen. It is just perfect. I haven't ever run my press through the dishwasher, it isn't necessary with the easy cleaning with this one. I just put hot soapy water in the carafe, up-and-down a few times with the plunger and it's all ready to use again. I have heeded the warning not to stir with a metal implement; I use a wooden spoon.
I would heartily recommend this model of Bodum for someone who would like to experience French press coffee at home, inexpensively


Cuisinart DGB-900BC Grind & Brew Thermal 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker, Brushed Stainless/Black

I chose this grind and brew after reading all of the reviews for this and similar machines. Frankly, I am surprised by the negative comments. This is an easy to use machine once it is set up properly (the bean hopper takes a little of effort to snap in). The coffee tastes great and the parts are very easy to clean quickly. While the instruction book is not clear, Cuisinart was very helpful on the phone. The machine does not know how much water you put in, so if you set it to grind coffee for 6 cups and you have 8 cups of water in it, it will process all 8 cups of water. Other than this small quirk, the machine is a small wonder and I do not feel compelled to go out for coffee in the morning. The thermos carafe will keep the coffee quite warm for a few hours, even when the carafe is not warmed up with hot water. Wondering why it took me so long to go ahead and buy this machine. This is the best model; my neighbor has the first generation/second generation machine which is hard to clean and has a large footprint. Save your money and buy this model!

Minggu, 29 Juli 2012



KRUPS KM7000 10-Cup Grind and Brew Coffee Maker with Stainless Steel Conical Burr Grinder, Black and Silver

Great coffeemaker with very flexible grind and brewing controls to fit all tastes,  and my love for this machine has only grown. This is very easy to clean, and great individualized customer service if you have any problems, is worth the price!



Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinders

I have owned this unit for over 2 years and I believe it to be one of the best grinders out there in this price range. The unit is very well build and I have had zero problems with my unit which I use every day which is more than I can say for the variety of kitchen appliances I have lying around. It does a really good job consistently grinding coffee at your preselected grind between fine and course, although it might take you a couple of tries to get the grind to your liking.