Coffee Maker – The Gourmet’s Guide

The dripping sound from your coffee maker makes waking up in the morning worthwhile. A good cup of coffee is not only for ending a glorious meal on a sweet note, but it also evokes a smell and tastes sensory experiences that all encompass rich, additive aromas, deep luxurious colours and full-bodied flavours.

“The fuel that empowers mankind!”

No true coffee lover would be caught dead drinking “instant coffee” or any freeze-dried concoction. For thousands of years, men have brewed pots of coffee bearing cultural and ritual overtones and much a part of the experience of coffee as the beverage itself.

“ Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love”

as quoted by Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, a French politician (1754-1838), best-described coffee – both a devil and an angel.

Understanding coffee

Every cup of coffee has its own unique taste depending on where the coffee beans originated, how they are roasted and eventually how your cup of coffee is brewed. People drink coffee for varied reasons. Some for the caffeine boost or for the end-of-meal desserts. What makes a good coffee and how you would evaluate the brew just as connoisseurs do? Here are four keys dimension every coffee-lover should know its unique features:

Aroma

Our sense of smell is very closely connected to our sense of taste. Ever noticed when you have a bad cold, your food seems bland and tasteless? Before your sensory taste takes you over, consider taking a whiff of the coffee steaming out from your cup and, let its aroma engulfs your face. The aroma hits you before you embrace all the favours in your mouth. It will send you to a kingdom high of coffee bliss.

Do you know the smell of your coffee?

A coffee lover would have no problem identifying some common smells such as fruity, nutty, spicy, carbon, smoky and caramel smell. But for a casual drinker, this strong brew is rather challenging and will not hurt you to ask your barista to describe the smell for you. You are now virtually on a journey to another dimension you’ve not experienced before.

Acidity

The many tastes of coffee which you can identify with can be directly attributed to the acids found in the coffee beans. The acidity is the bright and dry sparkling sensation in your mouth that is what gives its unique coffee taste. Having identified the acidic favours of your liking, then you’ll be able to buy your favourite coffee.

Other Things You Should Know

• Besides acidity, you would find the taste you want
• Identify where the beans are grown
• How the coffee beans are roasted to produce the acidic taste

The Citric and the Malic acid that provides coffee with the fruit-like acidic flavour can be found in arabica coffee. Quinic acid is attributed to the perceived acidity of coffee.

Body

As you drink your next cup of coffee feel how rich and intense the coffee texture is as it settles on your tongue. A thicker and more viscous will describe as “full-bodied” whereas a thinner and less viscous feeling in your tongue will term as “light-bodied”. This mouthfeel of the coffee’s body helps denote the measurement of its texture.

Just like aroma, there is no exact description of a coffee’s body but you will soon learn that there is a wide vocabulary that will capture the feeling.

Flavour

The flavours of coffee are as wide-ranging as you like to describe its body and smell. Commonly you would say the coffee is bitter or sweet but the true favour is simply in the taste. Can you figure out what your next cuppa tastes like? Do you taste caramel or honey? You can’t describe the taste of coffee without mentioning its acidity and body at the same time.

Type of coffee drink

There are simply too many variants of coffee out there. The different types of brews and beans are as varied as the different types of coffee drinks.

Black Coffee

Black coffee should be drunk pure black, a combination of water and coffee without milk. Without changing the aroma and colour of the coffee, you should not want to add other flavours to it. Then only you can taste the true flavour of the coffee. Adding cream, milk and honey will not only the colour of the coffee but also changes its aroma. But people have different tastes and preferences and that’s why we have various ways to serve this coffee.

Espresso

Espresso is the foundation for other drinks such as Cafe Americano, flat white, cafe mocha, cafe macchiato, cappuccino, and Caffe latte. Espresso is a thick coffee, concentrated, often with a layer of dense foam, only just made out of coffee and water.

All coffee comes naturally from the same source – the coffee plant. The only difference between coffee and Espresso derives from the way they are brewed and processed. Espresso beans are roasted until they turned dark. Espresso coffee brew is made by forcing high-pressure water to pass through a basket of tightly packed fine-grounded coffee beans for a few seconds.

Cappuccino

Cappuccino is ⅓ Espresso, ⅓ foamed milk, and ⅓ steamed milk. They contain equal parts of milk and foam, which is attributed to their stronger espresso flavour. This beverage can be served hot, iced, with milk or with cream, up to your fancy.

You can enjoy its variants by using cream instead of milk and add to its flavour by adding chocolate or cinnamon powder. Traditionally it is served using 150-180 ml cups but today it is served up to 600 ml by the fast-food chain.

There are 2 ways to prepare cappuccino:

• The classical way – or the traditional way, with a generous topping of milk foam. It follows the traditional way of equal portions of espresso, steamed milk and milk foam.
• The “latte art” way – it follows the same recipe as the classical way but it is served on smaller cups. The milk is gently poured in and the surface is done and finished with a beautiful pattern, commonly, a flower to complete the presentation.

Latte

Without a doubt, the latte is the favoured coffee brew across the United States and the world over. Its popularity is derived from the “latte art” phenomenon – that beautiful presentation of white milk arranged at the top, beautifully crafted in the shape of a flower. Today, a barista would come up with all sorts of unique shapes and patterns and turn your coffee into a painted canvas for you to marvel at its creation and enjoy a great coffee at the same time. Ah yes, it makes great Instagram pictures too, you’d want to share with your followers.

What about the ingredients and the preparation process that goes into it? A typical latte is 6 portions of steamed milk into one portion of espresso. For an extra kick add a double shot of espresso.

Macchiato (also known as Piccolo Latte)

Macchiato coffee is typically prepared by pouring a small amount of steamed milk to add to a shot of espresso. The main purpose is to have your coffee a strong full-bodied taste and not let your milk overwhelms you.

Flat White & Long Black

Both are Kiwis coffees, for the flat white, the creamy but not frothy steamed milk is poured over a shot of espresso, whereas in the Long Black, two shots of espresso are poured into the water. Long Black can be quite strong without any cream when added to taste.

Different Types of Coffee Maker

You might say that is it more convenient to get your daily fix at Starbucks coffee. No doubt you can get it on the go and it is so convenient especially if you’re in a hurry to rush to go to the office in the early-morning rush. But for some, there’s nothing to compare to the aroma of homebrew in the morning. The coffee is justified for what you wake up for.

There are a lot of choices when it comes to choosing your coffee machine. The features you should look for are the convenience and ease of use. Depending on what type of coffee you like and the coffee-drinking habits you’re, one of these brewing methods will suit your taste:

• Brewing using pressure
• Brewing via steeping
• Brewing using filtration or dripping
• Brewing via boiling

A. Pressure Coffee Brewer maker machine

Espresso Coffee Maker (Manual) – You need finely ground the coffee, tightly packed and give it good tight grinds. Just grind it for about 2 minutes to make a strong and rich coffee.

Manual Espresso maker machines are generally liked by espresso aficionados because the users can control the coffee-making process with a hand lever. DeLonghi Dedica EC680 15 Bar Stainless Steel Slim Espresso Shop at Walmart

Easily prepares latte and cappuccino with the Advanced Cappuccino System, for perfect drinks every time

Espresso Pump Coffee Maker Machines – It is the better-known type of coffee machine for making espresso and cappuccinos. The pump forces through the water at high pressure through a densely-packed container of finely grounded coffee beans. With that, it produces a stream of hot, rich, strong coffee without adding any flavour.

With a frother, other variants of coffee can be made, such as coffee latte and cappuccino. When choosing an espresso machine, pick one that has a bar pressure of a minimum of 15 bar, in order to produce a good foam, if not, the coffee made will taste bitter.

Mr. Coffee ECMP1000 Café Barista Premium Espresso/Cappuccino Shop at Walmart

The Mr Coffee Café Barista lets you be your own Barista right at home. With the touch of a button, you can choose between single or double servings of espresso, latte, or cappuccino. Featuring 15 bars of pressure to create delicious beverages

Verdict – If you prefer the pleasure to grind the coffee beans yourself, the pump espresso machine is right for you. No need to prepare one cup at a time, this machine can brew several cups all at the same time.

B. Drip Coffee Maker Machines

Perhaps the most commonly used in the home is the Drip Coffee Machine. A chamber filled with water is then allowed to drip through slowly a basketful of ground coffee, using a reusable filter or paper. As the water slowly filters through, the flavours and aromas of the coffee are slowly absorbed in the water. The filtered coffee is either collected by a carafe or a coffee pot. The heated plate on which the pots sit will keep the coffee warm and nice.

A drip coffee machine will cater to your needs, you can make either just one or two cups just enough for 2 persons or a large pot if you have guests to serve. One cool thing is that there’s no need to boil the water before you start dripping because the brewed coffee will eventually warm up in the pot.

Ninja 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer Shop at Walmart

• 12-Cup Programmable
• Custom Brew Technology: Classic & Rich Strengths
• Removable Water Reservoir
• XL Showerhead
• Thermal Flavor Extraction® Technology
• Paper Filter Kit

Verdict – A Drip Coffee Machine is certainly on your purchase list. It is ideal for making a quick and easy coffee.

C. Coffee Capsule Coffee Maker Machine

Essentially, it uses a “pod” or capsule, containing a pre-measured amount of roasted blended and pre-grounded coffee to drop inside a compatible coffee machine; the machine is then heating up the water and forces it through the pod which is dropped in, thus extracting the full flavour of the coffee. To get the best flavour, it’s best to use the pod only once and the used one discarded. Not that you can’t use it to make an additional cup but you don’t get the same full flavour as the first shot. A pod usually can stay fresh for at least 9 months if stored in a cool dry place.

Pros and cons of a Coffee Capsule Coffee Maker Machine:

• Mess-free – easy and simple machine, that makes good espresso coffee. Using a pod or capsule requires no measurement and no spillage of coffee granules.
• No filter needed – save on filters
• Limited flavours – limited to the manufacturer’s range of coffee flavours
• Buy Online – required online purchases if they are not available at your local store
• Expensive – the exchange rate will make your online purchases more expensive

Breville Nespresso Pixie Single-Serve Espresso Machine in Electric Titanium Shop at Walmart

Pixie lives up to Nespresso’s reputation for high-end technology. Plus, a convenient tasting kit with 16 Nespresso Original capsules is included to get you started.

Verdict – A coffee capsule machine has the convenience to make a single shot of coffee. It is fast and it only takes a few seconds to brew. Despite the inconvenience of acquiring the pods, any coffee-lover will know how to buy in bulk to stock up.

D. Digital Control Coffee Maker Machine

For people who love to wake up to the smell of coffee and the coffee ready for you as soon as step out of bed, a programmable coffee machine is a natural choice. These smart coffee makers whether you prefer pods drip coffee or cold brew, offer customization and app control for your convenience so that you can have your beloved coffee whenever you want to satisfy your urge.

Many smart coffee makers today can preset all programs imaginable. It can let you choose the desired strength by filling up the desired amount of coffee. Some can let you brew up to 12 cups and even a single cup.

Krups® ET351050 Savoy Programmable Coffee Maker Shop at Walmart

Rowenta-Krups 221533 Savoy 12 Cup Stainless Steel Thermal Coffee Maker, Black Gloss

Verdict – For a lazy person, a programmable coffee machine can be set overnight, saving you all the hard work, fumbling with the knobs and placing in the coffee and water, as you tumbled out of bed. Some machines allow you to program up to 24 hours in advance. Some even grind the coffee beans for you!

E. Thermal Carafe

A thermal mug or a thermal carafe is a great way to keep your coffee warm and hot for a short period of time or longer. It is not good enough to keep your coffee warm using a normal glass pot. It will only keep warm for a while. A well-insulated thermal carafe can help keep your hot coffee warm up to three times longer.

The features you should look out for when considering purchasing a thermal carafe:

• Vacuum seal – double-wall lining for insulation for heat retention and cold retention for cold beverages. Some are designed to retain heat and cold for up to 12 hours and for almost 24 hours respectively
• Durability – stainless steel is rust-proof and it lasts for years
• Wide-mouth – makes pouring from the mug easy without spilling and makes cleaning the interior easy
• Single-handed – with a button on top of the handle makes it easy for one-handed use. A rubberized handle will keep you safe from slipping off
• Dishwasher safe – Its durable construction enables it to wash in a dishwasher
• Capacity – Smaller one, like a 32 oz will be suitable if you are using it in your home. For offices, where there are more people using it at the same time, a 68 oz or larger in size would be recommended

Ninja Coffee Bar Brewer System with Stainless Thermal Carafe Shop at Walmart

Verdict – A thermal coffee machine is an obvious choice over fancy glass carafes as the latter does not help to retain heat and cold for longer periods. It might be more expensive but you don’t want your favourite espresso to turn cold just as you needed it most?

Coffee Hack

No money to buy an expensive coffee maker? No problem. Fill up a pan and boil some water. When the water is boiled, add the coffee powder to your need. Turn off the heat and voilá you’ve got yourself an espresso!

Coffee Maker Buying Guide

If you’re sick and frustrated with the long queue and ridiculous prices at your local cafe, it’s time to check out and look for your own coffee-making machine. As mentioned above, the different coffee machine uses different brewing processes. I know that you aren’t sure where to begin. Well, I have done some checking for you and I scoured the internet and found a variety of coffee makers that one of them is right for you.

Some would prefer an espresso-making machine, or a drip machine while others will fancy a capsule-dropping machine. If you don’t like to work hard in the morning, a smart coffee maker …

Keurig K55 Coffee Maker

“LARGE 48 oz. WATER RESERVOIR: Allows you to brew 6+ cups before having to refill, saving you time and simplifying your morning routine. The water reservoir is removable, making it easy to refill whenever you need to.”Source: Keurig K55/K45 Elite Single Cup Home Brewing System from Amazon

“Wake up to hot coffee! 24-hour programmable delay brew allows you to prepare your brew up to a day in advance.”

Source: Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker with Classic and Rich Brews, 60 oz. Water Reservoir, and Thermal Flavor Extraction (CE201), Black/Stainless Steel FROM Amazon
Keurig-K55 Single Serve Coffee Brewer Shop at Walmart

Moccamaster KBT Coffee Maker

“Easy use, one button Operation and 4-6 minute brew time for 40 oz of Coffee “Source: Technivorm Moccamaster 59616 KBG Coffee Brewer, 40 oz, Polished Silver from Amazon

Technivorm Moccamaster KBTS-741 Coffee Brewer – Polished Silver Shop at Walmart

The Technivorm Moccamaster Coffee Brewer is one of the few coffee brewers to be certified by the SCAA for proper brewing and extraction and has a 10 European cup capacity – 40 oz.

Cuisinart DCC 3200 Coffee Maker

“Fully automatic with 24-hour programmability, self-clean, 1-4 cup setting and auto-shutoff (0-4 hours)”Source: Cuisinart DCC-3200 14-Cup Glass Carafe with Stainless Steel Handle Programmable Coffeemaker, Silver from Amazon

Cuisinart PerfecTemp 14-cup Programmable Coffee Maker Shop at Walmart

Features Automatic Keep-Warm Function

Bonavita Glass 8-Cup Coffee Brewer with Hot Plate

An audible signal sounds when the coffee is ready. -Flat bottom filter basket for optimal coffee flavour extraction. Bonavita Glass 8-Cup Coffee Brewer with Hot Plate Shop at Walmart

An audible signal sounds when the coffee is ready. -Flat bottom filter basket for optimal coffee flavour extraction. -Non-stick coated warming plate shuts off after 40 minutes and is easy to clean. Optional pre-infusion mode wets fresh grounds to optimize flavour. 

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio 2 Coffee Maker

“The Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio 2 is an automatic capsule coffee machine, designed to perfectly fit your single cup, black and speciality coffee brewing needs with a small footprint” Source: NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine, Genio 2, Espresso, Cappuccino and Latte Pod Machine (Renewed) from Amazon

Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Coffee Machine

“Works like a traditional drip coffee maker but holds coffee in an internal tank No carafe needed “Source: Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Programmable BrewStation Dispensing Coffee Machine (47900)

Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker | Model# 49465R Shop at Walmart

Wake up to fresh coffee Programmable clock/timer lets you set morning coffee in advance with a 2-hour auto-shutoff. 

OXO Good Grips Coffee Maker

“Brews smooth, delicious low-acid coffee concentrate, which can be used to prepare hot or cold coffee. The easy-to-access switch activates the filtration process while keeping hands clean. Small countertop footprint and disassembly for compact storage “Source: OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker (32 ounces) with 50 Paper Filters

BUNN BT Velocity Brew 10-Cup Coffee Maker

“Unique spray head ensures even, complete coffee flavour extraction. Sprayhead design improves coffee-flavour extraction; hot water available for tea”

Source – BUNN BT Velocity Brew 10-Cup Thermal Carafe Home Coffee Brewer from Amazon

10-Cup Velocity Brew BX Coffee Brewer, Black, Stainless Steel Shop at Walmart

atomi smart WiFi Coffee Maker 

“Turn your Smart Coffee Maker on and off automatically and start brewing instantly whether you’re at home or not, always ensuring the perfect cup of coffee is ready when you are. Set on/off schedules using the free atomi smart app on your mobile device! “

“SMART APP, VOICE CONTROL OR TRADITIONAL OPERATION – There are so many options to use your atomi Smart Coffee Maker! Brew your coffee using the free atomi smart app on your smart device, use voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant or control directly from the coffee maker! “Source: atomi smart WiFi Coffee Maker 12 Cup, Black/Stainless Steel, Compatible with Amazon Alexa & Google Home, iOS and Android From Amazon

When are you going to brew yourself a cup of coffee?

Author’s Bio

The opinions expressed in this content are those of the publisher, not Amazon.

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