You are currently browsing the Espresso Machines weblog archives for April, 2009.
Archive for April, 2009
Tired of making daily treks to the coffee shop and spending more money than necessary? Then the Gaggia Titanium Espresso Machine is the answer. This is not a typical discount store espresso machine made of cheap plastic that produces inferior espressos with limp froth. This goes beyond the expectations and wows even the most hard core cynic.
All-In-One
The Gaggia Titanium Espresso Machine is an all-in-one espresso, cappuccino, and coffee maker. Using push button technology and a brilliant LCD display for alerts and programming tips the Gaggia is the simplest espresso machine available.
Other machines have a fairly significant waiting time between espresso making and frothing to allow the water to heat and steam to accumulate, not so with the Gaggia. Using Rapid Steam®Technology and two separate boilers, the Gaggia is ready to steam and froth milk while the espresso is brewing, not after. Wait time between espressos is barely noticeable.
Gaggia reviewers rate the simplicity of ease and minimal cleanup as key considerations when purchasing the Gaggia. Making a beverage is a one or two step process.
For coffees and espressos simply choose the appropriate push button: there one is for espresso, one for regular coffee, and one for large coffee, there is also one for hot water in case hot tea or cocoa is being made. Make adjustments if desired, such as strength of coffee, volume of water dispensed and temperature of the beverage, the Gaggia can remember the personalization for next brew.
If a cappuccino or latte is desired, froth the milk with the frothing wand or the automatic frother. The automatic frother takes all the guess work out of making the perfect steamed milk and froth. Simply insert cold milk into the frothing area and remove the thick foamed milk when it’s finished.
No Hassel Clean Up
Reviews of the Gaggia consistently brag about the no hassle clean up. The dreg drawer stores the used coffee pucks and alerts users when it is full. To empty, simply pull out the drawer and rinse out. The drip pan has a floatation device that rises as it fills up, when full, empty and rinse.
The brew unit needs a good weekly cleaning for heavy use or every other week for less heavy use and Gaggia made sure this would be easy to. Using the enclosed wrench, the plates on the front are removed to allow the brew unit to come out. The cleaning brush for the brew unit is part of the accessory package and makes clean up a snap.
Nothing Beats a Gaggia
Add together all the features of the Gaggia Titanium Espresso Machine with the savings accumulated from not going to the coffee shop on a daily basis and it is easy to see that the Gaggia will pay for itself over time. This is one case where the cost of purchasing is justified by the savings incurred elsewhere.
Article Source: EnzineArticles.com Expert: Sharon V Chapman
The VFA Gold Dome “1930″ 2- group, volumetric dosing espresso machine, features one steam wand as well as one hot water spout.
A blend of old-world classic design and modern technology is now available in the model “1930′
The latest model from VFA, Spain’s # 1 producer of espresso machines. More than 30 years of design and production of espresso coffee machines and a continued and familiar tradition have made VFA EXPRES the most reliable name sold in more than 50 countries.
Make this VFA espresso machine the centerpiece of your business. Your customers will love the classic look, reminiscent of European café’s,
You will love the speed and ease of use with the modern volumetric dosing buttons featuring 4 setting per group with manual over-ride.
The upper dome is made entirely of brass, the lower body is made of 18/10 stainless steel then brass plated.
Handcrafted in Florence, Italy in the traditions of quality, reliability, technology, innovation, and design, La Marzocco espresso machines have been brewing superb espressos since 1927. La Marzocco is highly regarded as the Gold Standard in the specialty coffee industry.
The La Marzocco GB/5 espresso machine boasts the most advanced technology in the industry: PID temperature controls, brew water pre-heating system, and adjustable steam flow. With its saturated brew groups and dual boiler technology in stainless steel, the GB/5 ensures maximum temperature stability for coffee brewing, with electronic monitoring of all the machine functions. The GB/5 is ideal for the most classic & elegant cafés.
La Marzocco’s dual boiler system provides ample milk steaming power while maintaining optimum brewing temperature. Introduced by La Marzocco in the original GS series in 1971, this system revolutionized commercial espresso machines.
A demitasse is a small cup or espresso cups (the name comes from the French for “half cup”), used to serve Turkish coffee or espresso.
It typically has about 60-90 ml (2–3 fl oz) capacity — half the size of a full coffee cup (a tasse a’ cafe of about 120 ml (4 fl oz)). Typically they are made of white pottery or porcelain and accompanied by matching saucer but some coffeehouses and china companies also produce brightly decorated varieties, and there is also a type of demitasse with a glass cup set into a metal frame.
In May 2008 the international office of the Guinness Book of World RecordsTM confirmed the Ipswich City Council’s Mayor’s collection of 650 sets of demitasse cups (1500 individual cups) is the biggest collection in the world. The Mayor of Ipswich Cr Paul Pisasale has been collecting demitasse cups for over 15 years.
Article source: Wikipedia
The Saeco espresso machine is made in Italy using only the finest quality materials and comes with many very innovative features. Not only do they offer the user exceptional performance when it comes to making the perfect cup of espresso but also they look very stylish as well and would be perfect in any home today.
Besides this particular machine making perfect espresso’s it can also produce wonderful cappuccino’s and latte coffees as well. There are a number of different types of Saeco espresso machines available today including the Super Automatic Saeco espresso machine which is fully automated and will do every stage in order to produce a great tasting cup of coffee. This machine grinds the beans as well as carrying out all the other stages to help produce a cup of espresso at any time you want.
In fact all Saeco machines are considered to be some of the best in the world today. Yet compared to some of the more well known brands of espresso machines the Saeco models are much more expensive, however they really are worth what you pay for them.
Today Saeco espresso machines have become the preferred choice of many coffee connoisseurs the world over. This is because the internal components within these particular machines are very robust and this is down to the quality of the craftsmanship that is used to build them. But because they have a specialist feature on them known as the rapid steam technology, which can only be found as standard on other brands of super automatic espresso makers, this puts them one step ahead of their rivals for those people who want to make a great cup of coffee at home at any time they want.
This technology also means that not only can you make a great espresso but also provides you with the ability to make a great cappuccino or latte coffee just as good as those that you would buy in Starbucks or other coffee shop outlets whenever you want.
So when it comes time for you to purchase your first or a new espresso machine that is not going to cost you an arm or a leg but will provide you with everything that you need. Then really you should be considering purchasing a Saeco Espresso Machine.
Article Source: EnzineArticles.com By Ricky Lim
Espressione will soon introduce its long awaited latest edition of Espresso machines, the Supremma Super Automatic Coffee/Beverage System. Scheduled for a public release during the fourth quarter of 2009, the Espressione Supremma is certain to be a huge hit with espresso and coffee fans everywhere.
The beautiful Espressione Supremma Espresso Machine is a professional brewing system developed by Bianchi-the renowned Italian manufacturer of vending machines, which allows us to offer an unprecedented 10-Year-Limited Warranty on the brewing group (only). This well designed, full featured, super automatic coffee center is ready to serve your every coffee need with a simple press of a button. Whether for one shot at home, business meeting or social event, this all in one coffee power-house requires minimal maintenance. Professional performance in a super automatic coffee/ beverage center with an elegant refined design. Fully programmable incorporated professional ceramic doser and grinder, coffee essence system (CES), use with whole bean or ground coffee + BONUS CAPPUCINADOR included!!!
There is nothing quite like a good freshly brewed cup of coffee. Especially, if it is made with love and care. And who can take more care of a cup of coffee more than you, the at heart coffee lover.
Well, there are a few great espresso coffee makers that can assist you in making that labor of love. With your own espresso coffee, machine you can compete with the best coffeehouses. Coffee houses like Starbucks and your neighborhood 7 11. I would not consider 7 11 a coffee house, but if you need a quick pick me up they make a mean cup of coffee. But I also have to add, they don’t compare to Starbucks. Their brand of coffee does not even stand up or compare. Just to add, did you know that Starbucks actually sells an espresso coffee maker to the consumer market? So, you can get the same great taste of Starbucks at your home. Starbucks does not have the only espresso machine on the market. There are plenty of superior brands that are affordable and make a great espresso. Be sure to check out the Rancilio link, the Rancilio Espresso Machine is one that should catch your eye.
If you are really serious about purchasing a quality espresso machine for your home here are a few tips to look for when purchasing that perfect espresso machine.
A good cup of espresso is not possible without a good espresso machine. A Good espresso requires a clean machine of good quality. Not of excellent quality. ‘Good quality means: generates heat by boiler or thermoblock and is capable of producing pump pressure of 9 bar or better. Let me explain ‘thermoblock’. A ‘thermoblock’ heats water as it passes through the machine on the way to the pump. This feature is present in most middle tier machines on the market. Avoid the cheaper units that rely on steam to create pressure.
The Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine is one of the best espresso machines on the market and features most if not all of the tips just mentioned in the previous paragraph. The price of this machine will cost a little more but this machine is at the top of its class. It will be well worth the investment. Take some time and check out the features of this machine and I am sure you will make the right decision as well as a great cup of espresso.
Article Source: EnzineArticles.com Expert- Kenneth Elliott
In 1947, Achille Gaggia introduced the first pressure brewing espresso machine into the world.
The Gaggia Classic has a robust stainless steel housing for great durability. The chrome plated drip tray and the drip grate and pan made of a durable plastic complete the professional appearance of this machine.
A commercial brewing group made of chrome plated marine brass for a long life, top quality brewing through high heat stability and component longevity. This coupled with a portafilter that meets the demands and quality of a commercial espresso machine with identical performance.
Today, the Gaggia Classic espresso machine is a best selling model, standing as a timeless piece of kitchen equipment that is applauded by coffee aficionados worldwide. With its commercial style portafilter, brew group, and three-way solenoid valve, the Gaggia Classic provides a combination of convenience and maximum productivity. By creating a virtually dry puck that is easy to knock out of the portafilter, these features help to make clean up simple and mess-free – unlike other espresso machines that feature pressurized style portafilters. Heat stability and retention are also unmatched with the Gaggia Classic, thanks to the full 1 lb of chrome-plated marine brass that makes up its commercial style portafilter. The Classic’s easy-to-use brewing and steaming controls are paired with a traditional appearance that matches stainless steel appliances and fits perfectly into any upscale kitchen, making this espresso machine a must-have for any at-home barista.
Credits to: CoffeeSnoop.com
While in the rest of the world we must often make do with Starbucks and the like, can there be anyone who has visited Italy without sampling the delights of a short dark cup of this delicious Italian espresso, I think not!
Espresso is to an Italian as a cup of tea to the English and while Starbucks do have their place in the world they lack three things – atmosphere, first class coffee and decent cups to serve it in.
And so if you can’t find good coffee in Starbucks, where can you find it? The answer is simpler than you think – why not serve it in your own home?
Anyone thinking of investing in an espresso machine should consider the Gaggia range. They are well made machines and their home range is descended from their professional coffee makers.
One of the most important things to look for in a home espresso maker is a pump driven system – that was the water is delivered to the coffee at a correct and uniform pressure, absolutely essential for a good espresso.
The choice for many people is the Gaggia New Baby espresso machine, unit that is compact enough for most homes – you don’t need the space for one of those chrome monsters you see in Italian bars – and has been manufactured by the Italian company since 1977.
Filled from the top with distilled water, the newly updated Gaggia Baby can be used with pods or ground coffee. Pods have the advantage of leaving no mess from the coffee grounds as they’re self-contained, but more expensive and give you a limited choice of coffee. So is the new Gaggia Baby a problem child or the perfect espresso maker?
In fact there is almost nothing wrong with the Gaggia Baby - it will require some maintenance from time to time and require a good deal of cleaning like all espresso machines. Probably the biggest drawback is that its case has a plastic finish rather than being chromed, but its recent remodelling means it still looks good in the home and provided that you have good coffee – I recommend Illy for best results – the coffee is perfect every time. My verdict – the Gaggia Baby is a solid espresso machine that performs flawlessly.
|
Article Source: EnzineArticles.com By David Leigh |
At times home espresso brewing equipment can seem overwhelming and be difficult to operate. Fortunately, beginning espresso crafters can quickly embrace a Solis espresso machine due to its simple operation.
The Solis Palazzo is one of the most popular machines of the Solis product line. It is beloved for its easy to grasp push-button operation. The user does little more than press a start button and the Palazzo will do the rest of the work, thanks to its automatic functioning. This includes grinding coffee beans (the Palazzo comes complete with a built-in coffee grinder), completing the brew process, and cleaning the inside of the machine after the drink has been prepared. Perhaps the best features of the Solis Palazzo are the two programmable drink volume buttons, which will remember the user’s preferred drink size and prepare those sizes each time you use the machine.
There are two of these programmable buttons so two members of the household can have their beverage information saved. The Palazzo’s built-in grinder can be adjusted in terms of coarseness so that you can easily prepare both robust and lighter drinks. You can also control the intensity of each beverage by adjusting the amount of grounds that are used in each drink. Anywhere between 6 and 9 grams can be utilized for each beverage. The cost of a Palazzo is approximately $1000; although, it does include a vast number of features for a machine in its price range, so if you decide that a Palazzo is in your budget, you can enjoy many features that you might not get with a comparably priced espresso maker.
The Solis Palazzo is a great machine for those who enjoy fully automatic espresso machines, but there are definitely traditionalists who enjoy using pump style machines. Solis has two models to suit these preferences. The Solis SL 70 and Solis SL 90 are both pump machines; the difference between the two models is that the SL 90 is automatic and the Solis SL 70 is semi-automatic. With the SL 70 you can control the espresso flow and steam with your hands controlling the switches as opposed to the machine controlling these functions for you. Both coffee grounds and ESE pods can be used by both models.
|
Article Source: Steve Turley EzineArticles.com |