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Flair Espresso Machine - 2 Grinders, 8 Programmable drink buttons, single touch grinding and brewing, hot water outlet and steam arm, adjustable height coffee dispenser, LCD display, self contained water tank, dispenses hot milk and foamed mild, dispenses hot water, MilkMate milk holder included, black finish. 115v |
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Tips for Buying Coffee Machines
Coffee Machines
Traditional automatic drip coffee makers are still the easiest and fastest way to make a pot of coffee. If you’re looking for simplicity, go with one that has extra features like a built-in warming plate to keep the coffee warm while you rush through the morning routine. Keep in mind that the coffee will start to burn on the plate after about 20 minutes, so to keep that fresh taste, an alternative is a thermo pot that insulates the coffee for a longer time. Some coffee makers also come with a timer, a pause-to-serve function, and automatic shut-off. A dual brewing feature is the option for family members that have different tastes such as regular or decaf. It’s also convenient if you often have guests in the house. If you’re the only one that drinks coffee in the house, then a machine with a 1-4 cup setting will guarantee the best quality taste.
A built-in grinder ensures the freshest possible taste in each pot. Even though a blade grinder is inexpensive, it results in unevenly grounded beans that will affect the taste and quality of the brew. It’s recommended to find a burr grinder that produces the most consistent grind.
A French Press is a manual coffee maker and the preferred machine for serious coffee lovers. Ground coffee and hot water are combined together in the canister, which is then stirred sealed with a plunger. The plunger separates the brewed coffee from the grounds. The only drawback? There is no warming plate so this device looses heat quickly.
The newest devices are Pod Coffee Makers. It’s similar to a drip machine, but it only makes a single cup of coffee from a pre-made small pod of grounded beans. It’s great for people on the go, but can be quiet expensive to purchase the pre-made pods over and over.
Espresso Machines
At-home espresso machines have grown in popularity in recent years, adding another layer of sophistication to entertaining guests at home and the overall coffee experience.
Steam espresso machines are the typically the most inexpensive and easy to use. Steam is used to create pressure that forces the water through the coffee grounds. The key with these models is the pressure control itself—not enough pressure and you end up with a weak drink, while too much pressure results in an overly bitter taste. Those steam machines with the most precise controls are your best bet for a nice espresso every time.
Pump-style espresso machines pump water into a tank, gradually creating the pressure required to make a consistent and properly-brewed espresso. These devices are more expensive than a steam machine but the quality is probably a bit better. Features like temperature and pressure gauges help you monitor the levels in the brewing process. Higher quality machines will also speed up the time boiler needs to heat up the water again when it has dropped below the recommended temperature.
Super-automatic espresso machines do everything for you. They grind the beans, press the grounds into the filter, brew the exact dosage of grounds needed and hold the waste in an internal bin for disposal. All you need to do is add the coffee beans and water. The machine measures how many beans it needs to ground to your exact taste. It’s definitely the most convenient, consistent and fast option, but there is a sense that these machines take the art and fun out of espresso making. Plus they can cost anywhere from $500 to $3000, making them not very budget-friendly.
Automatic espresso machines are electronically controlled as well. The machine measures the proper amount of water needed for a brew. It also has preset brew cycles that can make ristretto (a short shot espresso) or a lungo, (a long shot espresso) which requires more water. But as with super-automatic models, the user loses control over customizing their cup of espresso as they want.
Semi-automatic is the most common home espresso machine. It has an electric pump to regulate pressure, temperature, and steam. But it gives you the power to start and stop the duration of the brew cycle or water flow, so you have more control over the quality of the finished product. It’s ideal for someone who wants to learn about espresso-making and develop some skills like extracting the right amount of espresso and cleaning the portafilter where the coffee is held.
Manual espresso machines are difficult to use and require experience and skill. They have a distinctive lever that the operator uses like a pump to force the water through the grounds. It takes a lot of time and work to figure out the pre-infusion time, the amount of water to use, and the time to pull the shot, which determines the extraction of flavor from the grounds. But it gives you the most control in the process and once you master it, you’ll be excited to show off your skills to both family and friends.
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