I’d Really Like a Coffee Espresso Machine!

Jul 7th, 2009 Posted in Coffee Espresso Machine | No Comments »

I would say that I am definitely an enthusiastic coffee lover. In fact, what better way is there to enhance your enjoyment of coffee than by buying a good coffee espresso machine? There are so many different models to choose from that it makes choosing one very difficult. Basically we can divide the various espresso machines into three main categories. First is what you could call the fully automatic version. The fully automatic espresso machine essentially does everything for you. You load it with coffee, water, etc. and then just push the button. The second category is semi-automatic. This machine requires some intervention on your part and only some of the process is automated. The main benefit to the semi-automatic machine is that it allows you to have more control over how you want the coffee extraction to go. Last, but not least is the manual machine. The manual espresso machine is probably my favorite. Personally I don’t really need any automation, just give me a machine with a handle press and I’m ready to go!


You may be wondering who makes a good coffee espresso machine? Well, there are quite a few specialty manufacturers with machines on the market and prices can reach into the thousands of dollars. However, even the more well known coffee machine makers have product lines that are reasonably priced. Krups, Bosch, Capresso and others make very good coffee machines. What attributes should you be looking for in an espresso machine? Well, if you are looking at a fully automatic machine, it should definitely have an integrated burr grinder, high-capacity bean hopper, high-wattage heater, high-pressure pump and automated cleaning cycles. It should probably also have an integrated frother for lattes. If you would prefer a semi-automatic model, then look for high-quality components such as large boilers, stainless steel components, high-quality portafilters, etc. If you prefer simplicity and quality like myself then try to choose a manual model with stainless steel or chrome plated parts for durability and minimal interaction with the coffee and water. I just don’t like plastic components coming in contact with very hot water or coffee. Plastic parts really should be avoided if you are a true espresso coffee lover.

If you are coffee fanatic and only the very best will do for you, then you really should give careful consideration to buying the best coffee espresso machine that you can fit into your budget. The investment will be well worth it in the long run because you’ll enjoy the very best espresso coffee for many years to come.

Coffee Gifts Make Perfect Gifts for a Coffee Lover

Jul 1st, 2009 Posted in Coffee Gifts | No Comments »

Coffee gifts are perfect if you know your intended recipient loves coffee. I personally would love it if people sent me gifts of various coffees and such. There is a huge variety out there and we’ll explore the options.

When giving any gift, you should at least know something about the person you are giving the gift to. If they love coffee, that’s great, but what else do you know about them? Do they have one of those instant coffee machines like the Keurig coffee maker? If they do, great, you can get them coffee gifts with an assortment of the various cartridges in them. How about things that go with coffee? I could think of lots of things I eat with my coffee. Here are a few suggestions: biscotti, chocolate, cookies, biscuits. Hmmm… I love biscotti with my coffee. Presentation is important as nothing ruins a nice surprise like a poorly presented gift. If you are shopping online for your coffee surprise, make sure they have pictures of the final product to assure it is up to snuff. If you are getting chocolate to go with that coffee, then I highly suggest dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants and is actually good for you. Another side benefit to giving chocolate is that it does not expire immediately so you don’t have to worry about spoilage.

Coffee gifts are perfect seasonal gifts. During the holidays each year, it is pretty safe to give the gift of coffee. You could also give a fruit basket and a cheese basket to cover all the bases. There are many things you could give and it is easy to go crazy. Fortunately, coffee lasts longer than cheese or steak, so keep this in mind if your intended recipient is out of town a lot and/or doesn’t eat at home that much. Now that I think of it, Valentine’s Day is a great holiday to give chocolate and coffee gifts. Women love chocolate so what better accompaniment is there than coffee? Need I say more?