Coffee Machines

<p>A regular morning in Italy does not begin without the &quot;stand up espresso or cappuccino&quot;&nbsp; at the local coffee bar, usually accompanied by a cornetto, a sweet, horseshoe shaped pastry; easy to eat, handed to you by the &quot;barista&quot; ( the bar man ) in a paper serviette.<br />You can grab a table if you want and pay triple or you can be part of the &quot;entire blend&quot; not just the coffee, by standing at the busy bar, part of the local culture, the interaction,where it’s all happening, hearing a string of &quot;buon giorno’s &quot; from the barista’s to the continuous&nbsp; stream of customers; at lighting speed he empties and refills another round metal container with fresh coffee, seamlessly clicking the devise onto the Gaggia. The fresh liquid appears filling the small white cups, two at the time.<br />The bar itself is usually glass topped, a perfect height for standing and sipping; glass extending halfway down, displaying oven fresh trays full of cornettos and other sweet choices of the morning; the custom of paying the cashier before you order and handing the receipt to the barista, leaves you with a sense of freedom to fully participate.<br />Even in the midst of this frenzy, you sense a general unspoken politeness, that you are there too; a &quot;prego&quot; as the person next to you, moves to give you some space.<br />
You can watch the stylish Italian customers, classical Romans, come and go, typically waving their arms in mid conversation: this is not just having coffee it’s an Italian movie, thrown in.<br />
In Rome, especially, you’ll find a bar on almost every street corner; if you can’t see them, just follow the aroma of the coffee beans&nbsp; or the clanking&nbsp; sounds of cups and spoons hitting against the saucers as the barista, serves yet another espresso; the daily sounds of Rome, these are not English tea rooms, rather a morning alarm, just to make sure you are fully awake and as soon as that espresso hits you, even though only four or five sips to that tiny cup, your ready for another day in Rome, but first the bar.<br />The bars have a reputation, of who serves the best coffee:&nbsp; it becomes an important part of the conversation among Romans, which filters through to visitors, non Romans who have come to the ancient city looking for a superior coffee shot. <br />We wonder if Achille Gaggia who&nbsp; invented the espresso machine in Italy in 1948, knew that his invention would lead to a national instituition. <br />
While you’re in Rome, looking for that special coffee,you’ll need accommodation, and since the hotels in Rome, like the rest of Europe&nbsp; tend to be expensive, you might like to try an apartment to rent in Rome.<br />We have close to 300 Rome holiday apartments available, ranging from 3 star upwards. The staff at <a href=”http://Rome-Accom.com”>Rome-Accom.com</a> speak English speakers (native)</p>

Leon Kammer
http://www.articlesbase.com/coffee-articles/rome-and-coffee-680089.html

Let us take a look at the main components of an espresso machine.

An espresso machine is, quite simply, a hot water boiler and steam generator with one or more integral, pressurised, coffee brewing points. With the emphasis on maintaining an optimum brewing temperature the machines is designed to produce 1-1.5 fluid ounces of concentrated coffee liquor, by forcing hot water at a temperature of between 92-96 degrees Celsius at a pressure of 9 bar (130psi) for a duration of between 20-25 seconds.

Inside the machine

Boiler – A typical semi or automatic espresso machine comprises of a boiler (or boilers) to generate hot water at approximately 96 degrees Celsius and steam at about 120 degrees. This is achieved by an electrical heating element and heat exchangers which transfer the heat from the main boiler to fresh mains water as it is required at the point of brewing.

Pump – This takes water from the mains supply (or integral tank) and passes it through the heat exchangers to the point of brewing operating at a pressure of 9 bar.

Electronics – Various electronic pressure and temperature values and switches to ensure a safe operation.

There is not usually any user access to the inside of an espresso machine. This is due to the high pressures involved and access is solely restricted to qualified engineers.

Outside the machine

Steam Wands – One or more steam wands draw steam from the boiler at approximately 120 degrees and terminate with a nozzle with 3 or more holes where jets of hot steam issue from to foam milk.

Hot Water Tap – This is used for drawing off hot water at 96 degrees Celsius for topping up espressos into longer drinks.

Group head assemblies – These comprise of a dispersal plate to break up the flow of water and a rubber sealing gasket. The gasket seals the filter handle into the head and prevents the water/coffee from seeping out.

Filter handles – Metal alloy filter handles contain the espresso ground coffee and fit snugly into the group head. The handles have single or double spouts, to brew one or two drinks at a time respectively.

Dials and gauges – Indicating pump pressure, boiler pressure, water temperature and sometimes water levels.

Brewing buttons – These are either preset (automatic model) or on – off toggle buttons for controlling the duration of the brew cycle and consequently the amount of beverage in the cup.

Drip Tray – A tray used to collect spillages with a waste outlet leading to a small reservoir or drain pipe.

Heated top tray – An area used for cup storage. The cup warming tray is simply heated by natural conduction from the boiler and does not have an independent heating source. It is recommended that cups are stored bottom down (not upside down) so that the bottom of the cup is warmed, not the lip.

Fenton Wayne
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/espresso-machines-unplugged-690941.html

With continued use deposits of coffee oils will build up on components of your espresso machine. If not removed regularly they will cause the coffee to taste rancid.

It is imperative therefore that proper cleaning and maintenance procedures become part of the daily routine particularly for commercial espresso machines.

The following steps will ensure your espresso machine remains in a clean and hygienic condition so that it can continue to serve up delicious espresso drinks.

1. Take out the filter handles from the group head and knock out the spent grounds.

2. Remove the filter basket from the filter handle and clean the inside of the filter handle using a non-scouring pad. Check that the filter basket holes are clean and unobstructed. Badly stained components should be soaked overnight in espresso detergent.

3. Back-flush the group heads. This is achieved by using a ‘blind’ filter and specialist detergent that should have been supplied with your machine. The blind filter back flush process cleans behind the group heads which is not readily accessible to cleaning directly. Place the ‘blind’ filter into the handle, add espresso detergent and lock into the group head. The continuous flow button should be pressed and then stopped after about 5 seconds. (Alternatively if your machine has an automatic cleaning cycle activate this). Unlock the filter handle and rinse thoroughly with fresh cold water. Repeat the above process without detergent until the water in the blind filter is completely clean.

4. Undo the screw retaining the shower plate and dispersal screen, remove them and clean thoroughly. Clean around the gasket with a small brush. Replace components. (Note that not all espresso machines allow the shower plate to be removed)

5. Re-assemble the filter handle making sure the correct filter basket is re-fitted to the correct handle. (Single basket to single spout etc)

6. Purge the steam wand and carefully remove the nozzle. The jet holes in the nozzle should be checked to see if they are all clear. Wash and replace.

7. Clean the drip tray and rinse out with plenty of clean water to flush the waste pipe and check that the drain hole and pipe are clear.

8.Wipe the outside of the machine with a clean, damp cloth and buff with a dry one.

9. Empty the knock-out drawer of spent grounds, wash thoroughly, rinse and dry. Return to its position.

10. Turn off the main power to the machine.

The above guidelines are given in good faith, but where possible you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions that are specific to the make and model of your espresso machine.

Fenton Wayne
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/basic-espresso-machine-maintenance-702325.html

When it comes to making espresso machines, there are few companies that can compete with the products made by Krups.  Their espresso machines are sleek, stylish, and easy to operate.  Ranging in price from under $100 to more than $2000, there is a good chance that Krups has an espresso machine to fit your needs and your budget.  So which Krups espresso machine should you go with?

With so many espresso machines to choose one, and with such a variety of prices, this is definitely a decision that requires research and consideration.  No worries though, we have taken care of that for you.  In all, Krups offers four categories of espresso machines: fully automatic espresso machines, combination machines, pump machines, and steam machines.  Read on and choose for yourself.

Fully automatic espresso machines – The two most popular machines in this category are the Krups XP9000 and the Krups XP7230 compact automatic.  Both come in at over $1000, with the XP9000 coming in at a price of just over $2100.  The more expensive of the two machines features an option to choose the strength of your coffee, as well as the option to program the amount of coffee dispensed.  The second model is smaller than the higher priced one and has fewer features, but still gives customers the ability to customize various settings.

Pump espresso machines – The Krups XP4030 and the XP4050 are the two most popular pump espresso machines made by Krups.  In terms of price, the XP4030 is $100 cheaper, but still has most of the features of the XP4050.  The XP4050 is more expensive because it is programmable, and comes with an additional “auto-cappuccino” feature that guarantees users the perfect froth on their drinks.

Steam espresso machines – The most affordable Krups espresso machines are a part of the steam espresso machine line.  With both under $100, these espresso machines definitely offer great quality at a more than affordable price.  The Krups steam espresso machine is an affordable option to the more expensive Krups machines, mainly because it is constructed with plastic.  The Krups XP1500 is an affordable option as well, especially considering it works as a combination machine, allowing users to switch from coffee to espresso.

Combination espresso machines – Combination espresso machines do exactly what their name implies – they make a combination of espresso and good old-fashioned coffee.  The three most popular combination machines include the XP2070, the XP2010, and the XP1500. The XP2010 and the XP2070 are both pump espresso machines, while the XP1500 is a steam espresso machine.  Of the three, the XP1500 is the lowest-priced, at under $100.  All three are generally the same size, and the main difference between the two centers on the materials from which they are made.  The XP2070 is programmable, unlike the other two models.

The Krups line of espresso machines is not without problems or issues.  Most of the problems however, seem to center on spillage, poor frothing, and weak coffee – all common problems associated with most espresso machines.

K. Braun
http://www.articlesbase.com/coffee-articles/krups-espresso-machine-what-is-on-offer-715866.html

There is hardly anyone who does without coffee these days. The problem with that is that when something becomes such an integral part of our lives, you can really go crazy if you don’t have it. That certainly has become true of coffee. We have become so accustomed to it that we cannot even start our day without a cup of coffee. So we all need a really good coffee maker in our homes to make our lives more liveable. If you are interested in one of the best ideas for a coffee maker, a thermal coffee maker, you have to make sure you check the ratings on the one you are interested in. These ratings are essential in determining which are the best prices for the coffee maker with the features you are interested in.

You can always choose the older models of coffee makers. You can choose from drip coffee machines, French presses or the really old fashioned hand press machines. Now we also have coffee machines that work with individual coffee pods for ultimate convenience, which force the water through the coffee like an espresso machine. Many true coffee connoisseurs will still only want the true espresso maker. With all of this choice, it is imperative to make sure you can get the ratings on each of these machines so you know what you are getting.

If you haven’t looked into thermal coffee makers, you may find that they are an easy choice. Thermal coffee makers keep your coffee hot for hours. And, the best advantage is that they do this while still preserving the fresh taste of the coffee. There are thermal coffee makers that hold up to ten cups. This is ideal for a large family kitchen or office setting where you want to have the coffee available for a long time, but fresh, for everyone. The carafes for these machines are ideally made of stainless steel, so you don’t have to worry about breakage. The secret of these thermal coffee makers is their double wall ca rage that keeps the coffee hot and tasty for hours.

There are a lot of other features to choose from on these coffee makers. Perhaps you want a programmable timer, swing away basket, auto shutoff, or permanent filters. You can even get clocks and nightlights built in. A pause feature is good to have if you like to take the carafe out and pour yourself a cup before the coffee is finished brewing. If it is an important feature for you, you can also obtain a coffee maker that has additional lids that are color coded so you can have different pots going with regular, decaf, flavored, etc.

Johnathan Bakers
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/new-kinds-of-coffee-machines-98279.html

In order to make a really good espresso coffee, it is important that the coffee beans are ground in the correct manner. How finely they need to be ground depends on the brewing method used; if these two aspects are not properly matched, the full aromatic flavour will not be extracted and the cup of coffee produced will be substandard – coffee beans that are too finely ground will produce coffee that tastes overly bitter, whilst too-coarse beans will produce weak, bland and insipid coffee.

Buying your own coffee grinder, therefore, can be a fantastic investment: you have full control over the grinding process, and have the distinct advantage that you can grind the beans yourself just before they are to be brewed (this is recommended in order to achieve the best cup of coffee possible. If beans are ground more than a couple of minutes immediately before brewing, they can become stale and the flavour will be impaired).

When you buy a coffee grinder online, make sure that you do enough research to understand what you are buying. The range of grinders offered by different web sites can vary immensely from company to company, and of course the price will fluctuate too. The two main varieties of coffee grinder are burr grinders and blade grinders: burr grinders grind the coffee using a mill-like action, and tend to grind very evenly and cleanly, whilst blade grinders actually chop the bean into pieces at a much faster speed than burr grinders, resulting in coffee grinds of varying evenness, and producing a dust that can clog up espresso machines.

Whichever machine you opt for, ensure you choose a web site that allows you to shop securely, and make sure you take into account the shipping charge when making your purchase. It can also be useful to buy a machine that offers a warranty, just in case anything goes wrong.

Jin Ee
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/the-ins-and-outs-of-coffee-grinders-your-guide-to-buying-online-88906.html