Choosing from amongst the Best Coffee Makers

Coffee makers are popular and essential appliances in almost every household. Almost every family in America needs to brew coffee in the morning. For both working adults and students alike, a cup of coffee means the difference between surviving the day and falling asleep. While this dependence on caffeine is probably not very healthy, it drives a very lucrative business, that of the production and brewing of coffee.

However, not every coffee maker is the same, and some are better than others. The best coffee makers all have certain qualities that help produce a great cup of coffee every time. However, coffee makers are also individualized; the best coffee makers are the best for certain people because they provide personalized accessories and options. In the end, however, buying a coffee maker is an important decision as it can cost a good amount of money. As it is a device that will be used daily, even multiple times a day, it is a crucial investment that homeowners will want to get right the first time around.

Waking Up to Goodness

The best coffee makers are high-quality devices that provide a lot of options. Coffee makers in general are automated, but some are more automated than others. They allow for the user to pre-program specific preferences, from brew length to brew strength. In the end, however, a lot of the preferences and accessories available on the best coffee makers are up to the individual.

The size of the coffee maker is important, as a family is going to need a lot more coffee that a single man or woman. Aside from pot size, cup size is important as well. Some people drink larger cups of coffee while others prefer smaller cups. Some of the best coffee makers are one-cup brews, meaning one cup of coffee is brewed at a time, resulting in fresher coffee every time.

Color, material and design are also important characteristics of the best coffee makers. A coffee maker wants to supplement the décor of the kitchen, not exist in complete contrast. Aestheticism is just as important as functionality. Some of the best coffee makers also do more than brew a cup of coffee; some brew cappuccinos, draw espresso shots, steam milk and add flavor syrups all with the push of a button. These machines are a lot more expensive, however, but for some people such variety is a necessity.

Let a Braun Coffee Maker Help Start Your Day

Are you serious about your coffee? Braun makes the best coffee makers on the market. From the design of their coffee makers to the special and very helpful features, Braun can make each cup of coffee a delicious (and easy) experience.

A History of Excellence

Braun has been a leading manufacturer of small appliances and necessary household products for years. The company first started in 1921 and now enjoys worldwide recognition. This is important to you, the consumer, because any product is only as good as the manufacturer behind it.

In this case, when you purchase a Braun coffee maker, you are actually buying into a history of reliability. As a manufacturer of coffee makers, Braun has proven their understanding of the needs of consumers as well as the importance of producing a quality product. This all boils down to one simple fact for you: a Braun coffee maker is built to last and will make you a consistently great cup of coffee day after day.

Special Features of Braun Coffee Makers

Let's start with the price. Because Braun coffee makers have a perfected production process, they are able to sell their product at an affordable price. Yet, they never skimp on quality. Their line is diverse, from one-cup coffee makers to larger models for the home and even for commercial uses. They are eye-catching in their designs and are accented with many colors.

There is a large variety of Braun coffee maker functions out there, but perhaps the most favorite one is the 24-hour digital clock and timer. It's this device that allows you to program the coffee maker so a perfect cup of coffee will be waiting for you when you wake up. Another impressive feature is the fast brewing system that increases both the taste and the aroma of the coffee.

Some Braun coffee makers include a Brita water filtration system to improve the quality of the water, and thereby make the flavor of the coffee better. A "Pause and Serve" feature is an amenity that is great for gatherings, because it allows you to pour the coffee during the brewing process. The carafe is easy to handle, so you don't have to worry about spilling any of your delicious coffee. Automatic shut-off and dishwasher safe parts continue to reflect Braun's practical thinking when they designed their coffee makers. If you're looking for quality and affordability, you can't beat a Braun.

Braun Coffee Makers for That Remarkable Brew

Braun has pledged itself to produce creative solutions that are original and unique. It strives to address its consumer’s need by continually dishing out progressive designs and features in order to keep up with the times. The modern flair of Braun products is not just physical - Braun continuous to discover new technologies to give their products the edge.

The Revolutionary Coffee Maker

Braun came up with the world’s first coffee maker. Braun Coffee makers were made for commercial use during the 1960’s; it revolutionized coffee making and it was never the same again.

When the Braun Coffee Makers were not yet born, women would use percolator machines that are put on top of a stove so they can brew coffee. May it be at home or for commercial use, the only way to have a cup of good one was to perk it up. After a few year electric coffee makers were introduced into the market.

How Braun Made Our Lives Easy

Before the insurgence of Braun Coffee Makers, people would resort to the primitive way to perk up their coffee. However, when Braun Coffee Makers became available to the common public, coffee as we know it is changed forever. Now all people has to do is grind their favorite bean, fill up a reservoir and brew coffee. Although the Braun Coffee Makers was not the first in the American market, it definitely set the bar high for quality that delivers.

Whether you’re a morning person, a late sleeper, or an overnighter a cup brewed in a Braun will surely make your day a bit better. The Impressions design Braun Coffee Maker is in a league of it own. To make everyday life a little easier Braun outfitted this coffee maker with the smart execution. This coffee maker combines harmonious looks with excellent design features.

Aroma Deluxe is the latest offering from Braun Coffee Makers. It has a fast brewing system for those rushed mornings that need a little pick me upper. Braun added a Brita water filter to add an even cleaner taste to your coffee. For that unmatched easy pouring Braun also added a non-slip handle.

Standards

German experts dubbed Braun as the brand of the Century. The company has consistently raised the bar for innovative products and continued to deliver consumer satisfaction. According to the company’s CEO their secret is longevity and the determination to be the best and deliver the best. They want everyone to know that life would be impossible without Braun

What Does Certified Organic Coffee Mean?

The term certified organic coffee is often seen on some labels. The question often asked is what does it really signify when a coffee product has this on its label? There are so many labels in the coffee industry that points out that a certain brand of coffee is organic. In reality, some coffee products are only partially organic because some manufacturers have also mixed in other substances that may have been processed using chemicals.

Many coffee producers have adopted the term organic to have better sales especially since many consumers are now very aware of the impact that organic products have on the environment and our bodies. The importance of having a certified organic coffee label or anything similar is necessary to assure the general public that the product is safe.

Certified Organic Coffee Implications

Actually, the certified organic coffee label means that the coffee product in which the label is attached to are coffee products that were grown and processed using environmentally safe procedures and methods. Products with a certified organic coffee label imply that the production and growth of all aspect f the product has passed the environmentally safe standards for an organic product.

Having a certified organic coffee product in your home not only means that the environment is safer but it also implies that the farmers growing the coffee crops have a sustainable environment due to not using chemical based pesticides and fertilizers. The wildlife and soil also benefit from certified organic coffee products because these show concern and consideration to them.

Other than the environment, people are also saved from chronic diseases and illnesses that have sprung from exposure to chemicals found in the pesticides and fertilizers of those products which are not certified organic coffee products. Certified organic coffee manufacturers assure the general public and their workers that they have taken precautions and the necessary steps to eliminate the harmful chemicals that affect workers in the coffee fields as well as the consumers who ingest the chemicals.

These steps include growing the certified organic coffee trees in a natural environment where the wildlife plays a role in the upkeep of the trees. Maintaining several insects that help eliminate pests encourage the trees to be healthier and have no exposure to insecticides that are absorbed in the coffee cherries.

Farmers also benefit from certified organic coffee products because these ways of farming ensures that their farm is maintained well. The many benefits of using organic products will themselves as we grow old and have fewer diseases compared to other people.

3 Tips to Get You the Best Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans

People who discovered chocolate covered coffee beans would positively swear that there was nothing more sinfully tasty that this combination. The number of fans for this type of coffee is growing fast and its popularity is a great indicator to its amazing taste and flavor.

Do you plan to buy or make chocolate covered coffee beans? Read on to find out what you should do to get the best there is.

When you plan to buy chocolate covered coffee beans you need to be careful so that you get the best that money can buy. There are three very critical aspects to which you should pay attention when you buy this type of coffee, i.e. the quality of the coffee beans, the quality of the chocolate and the quality of cooking.

The Quality of the Coffee Beans

If you want the best possible chocolate covered coffee beans; you need to start from scratch. The basic ingredient is coffee; unless the quality of the coffee beans you choose is high you cannot expect the end product to be qualitative. The best would be to choose the type of coffee beans you normally use for this purpose. In case you have no preference, take a few beans of whatever coffee is available and test each type separately with the chocolate to find out which one gives you the most delightful taste.

The Quality of the Chocolate

Milk chocolate is the most popular choice for chocolate covered coffee beans today, but you could experiment with other types of chocolate such as white chocolate, dark chocolate, bitter chocolate and so on. Whatever type you choose ensure that you get the best quality there is for best results.

The Quality of Cooking

You have the best beans and the best chocolate and now all you need to do is cook it. A lot depends on the way you cook it, so be careful. The temperature of the chocolate should be just right so it would not get stuck to the bottom and burn for which purpose you need to be very vigilant when you cook it, especially when you do it in a microwave oven. Your aim should be to get the chocolate just soft enough so you could roll the beans in it.

If you are doing it for the first time, take care that you do not burn your hands when you roll the beans in chocolate. This is another reason why the cooking temperature should be just right.

Coffee Bean Roaster: Enjoying Some Special Blends at Home

Thousands of people all over the United States literally cannot survive the day without drinking coffee. A lot of people do not really feel fully awake in the morning until the time when they have had their cup of coffee.

If you are one of those people who are addicted to coffee, you should learn to make your own special blends at home instead of buying expensive cups of coffee on your way to the office. To make some really good coffee at home, you will need a coffee bean roaster and a good coffee maker.

Yes, you can always buy roaster coffee off the grocery shelves but roasting your own coffee has many advantages. If you have your coffee been roaster, you can add some unique flavor to your coffee. Wouldn't it be nice to drink some French roast coffee one morning and then have some robust Italian roast the next day?

Learning How to Roast Coffee Beans

Learning how to roast coffee beans can be a lot of fun. To get started, you need to buy a reliable coffee bean roaster. Although there are many coffee bean roasters being sold in department stores and appliance centers across the country, not all of these coffee bean roasters are really good. To make sure that your coffee bean roaster won't easily quit on you, only buy a well known brand. Yes, branded products are usually more expensive compared to those generic ones but the good news is that branded products tend to be more reliable compared to their cheaper counterparts.

Once you have your coffee bean roaster, get some coffee beans from your favorite grocery store and start experimenting with different roasting techniques. For instance, you get a good Arabian blend or the mocha blend; you need to roast your coffee beans to achieve that full body flavor with a dry after taste. Roast your coffee beans to achieve that chocolate tone. Take care not to burn your coffee beans. Burnt coffee beans do not taste good. On the other hand, if you want to get that Brazilian taste to your coffee, set your coffee bean roaster to moderate dark roast. Again, take care not to overcook or burn your coffee beans.

To learn more about roasting coffee beans in your roaster, get a book about coffee. There are plenty of books available in the bookstores regarding this subject.

A Day in the Life of a Coffee Bean

Coffee is an integral part of my family. We’ve had disputes, and discussions settled over coffee. Sometimes we have bargains and agreements done over coffee. In fact coffee has given our family time to slow down and simply catch up.

With coffee so ever famous, it’s no wonder that it’s become a business life blood. Some companies even charge up to $5 for a cup, and yet people are still buying. All the benefits, all the wonder and taste but we have never really asked about the coffee bean to whom we have much to thank for.

Coffee Beans through the Years

A lot of people consider coffee a friend, and a shoulder to lean on. The coffee bean has many secrets which we as firm patrons of its fruits have yet to explore. It’s come a long way from its humble origins; the coffee bean has had many travels. Did you know that the lowly coffee bean was first venerated for its curative properties? The bean is also brewed for religious meditation purposes.

Coffee comes from berry producing trees found in the Middle East. The berry itself looks a lot like a very small cherry, red and enticing. The berries are edible, they are very sweet. Each berry contains two locules, enclosed inside are the beans which is the cash crop. The coffee tree cannot tolerate frost or extremely cold weather that is why it is generally found on regions where there is ample sun and rain.

The coffee tree used to be a source for a tisane, where in the fruits, flowers and leaves where boiled in water, kind of like tea. It was the Arabs, who innovated upon the idea of making drinking coffee by roasting the dried coffee bean.

The Coffee Bean Travels

The story is that a Moslem stole some coffee beans from a farm in Arabia and brought them to his home in India. There he planted the coffee bean one by one and made it flourish, supplying one-third of India’s coffee produce.

From Arabia to India, word spread of the deliciously enchanting and aromatic coffee. Soon the French and the Dutch became enamored of the coffee bean as well. In their desire to produce the bewitching brew; the French brought coffee to Dijon (a region in France) unfortunately the coffee tree is not adept to cold weather, so the whole crop was wasted. The Dutch however was a lot cleverer. They planted the coffee seeds in Java where it thrived and became a reliable crop.

Even the famed King Louie XIV, who is captivated by coffee had a tree shipped to Paris, and built a Greenhouse especially for the Noble Tree. That same coffee tree is the fore bearer of the trees found in the South and Central America today.

There are 50 types of coffee trees in the world today. But only three are recognized to produce the best coffee bean of all time. No matter who you are, or where you’re from - have a quiet moment, enjoy a cup and let your mind wander.

Size Matters when Choosing Coffee Beans

From working adults to college students, coffee is a necessity. It wakes them up and keeps them going. On most mornings, lines at coffee shops can be seen trailing out the doors, and for those owning the business, it can be a very lucrative investment if the coffee is good.

But what exactly is coffee, and how is it produced? The soul of coffee is in the coffee beans. Coffee beans, botanically inaccurate, are the seeds of the coffee plants. Coffee cherries usually contain two of the flat pits positioned with their sides together. Coffee plants are harvested for the sake of the beans which contain caffeine, the essence of the coffee and the reason it is such a desirable export for many countries around the world, and the reason that coffee processing is such an important venture.

Unlocking the Secrets

The processing of coffee beans begins with picking. All coffee is harvested by one of two means: strip picking or selective picking. With strip picking, the entire coffee crop is harvested at once, either by machine or by hand. This results in a mixture of ripe and unripe cherries, meaning that the coffee beans are not always at the peak of their flavor. This method is usually employed by lower-end coffee companies. Selective picking means that workers pick only the red, ripe coffee cherries. The resulting coffee is smooth and fragrant, and also a lot more expensive. Either way, picking is one of the most important steps in coffee production, as without it, the coffee beans will never be unshelled.

The actual processing of coffee beans can be wet or dry. Wet processing required the use of specialized equipment, and results in the fruit being removed from the beans before they are dried. Wet processing helps to preserve the beans; meaning that the green coffee produced is less defective. The resulting coffee is higher-end and more costly. When the coffee beans are immersed in water, bad or unripe fruit floats and ripe fruit sinks. While some of the pulp is removed during this process, the rest has to be removed either by the ferment-and-wash method or the newer mechanical demucilaging.

Dry processing is the oldest and most natural method of processing coffee beans. After harvesting, the entire cherry is cleaned and dried in the sun on tables. Once in the sun, the cherries are turned by hand to make sure that they dry evenly and do not mildew; it can take up to four weeks before the fruit is dried completely. Dried cherries are stored in bulk until they are sent for milling where they are hulled, sorted, graded and bagged. Hulling results in the removal of all of the outer layers of the dried cherries, leaving only the coffee beans behind.

Uncovering Potential: The Use of a Coffee Maker

So many individuals cannot survive without their morning cup of coffee. Whether they make it at home or stop at a coffee shop along the way, a cup of coffee is the difference between functioning and not.

The most popular packaging method of coffee is in the form of grinds, yet how do those grinds become coffee? It really is not a mystery, in fact, coffee brewing is a very simple process, and has been simple throughout the ages. When hot water is poured on ground coffee beans, the resulting infusion is the same coffee that is cupped and sold for two dollars. With the modern coffee maker, however, a simple process has been made even simpler. Now, everything is automatic, from the boiling of water to the actual brewing, and it all takes less than a minute.

Coffee to Go

The vacuum coffee maker was one of the most popular coffee brewing devices used during the 19th century. A little more complicated than the average coffee maker, vacuum brewers were prized for their clear brews. In these brewers, water is heated in a lower vessel until the water is forced up through a narrow tube due to expansion. The upper vessel contains ground coffee, and the heated water is allowed to saturate the grounds for a particular amount of time. When that time is up, the heat is removed and the vacuum once again pulls the brewed coffee back down through a strainer into the lower chamber. Eventually, even the vacuum coffee maker was automated with a technique called balanced siphoning.

The percolator is a coffee maker that uses pressure to brew coffee. Gravity forces water into contact with ground coffee for a certain amount of time, and than that same gravity is used to remove the brewed coffee. The coffee grounds are kept completely separate from the brewed coffee, resulting in a clear, smooth cup of coffee. With the birth of electricity, percolators were greatly simplified for in-home use.

However, the most popular coffee maker, especially for domestic use, is the drip coffee maker, or dripolator. This device is completely automated, and combines aspects of drip brewing and percolation. With this coffee maker, however, water is heated by an electrical element in a separate chamber, removing the need of a stove or of pre-heating. Coffee brewing devices come in a variety of materials, colors and styles, and can fit into any décor. While some are designed to blend into the counter space, others are designed to stand out and become a focal point of the kitchen.

Learning About the Different Coffee Maker Types

There are literally thousands of different coffee maker types that you can choose from, so it is really no wonder as to why making a decision on a coffee maker can be so intimidating. By understanding these different coffee maker types better you will be more educated on what is available and be able to better decide coffee maker is going to be best for you.

Automatic Drip

One of the most popular coffee maker types is the automatic drip. One of the most favored features of the automatic drip coffee makers is their simplicity of use. They are by far the easiest of all coffee maker types to use, and they are also very cost-effective.

For these types of coffee makers the coffee grounds and first measured into a filter which is then placed into the filter holder of the coffee maker. You then simply pour the recommended amount of water into the reservoir and turn the machine on to brew. It is best to brew a full pot but you can just make enough for a cup or two if you prefer.

The automatic drip coffee machines produce a clear and very light bodied coffee, and of course as with any other coffee you should serve it immediately after brewing.

The manual and automatic drip brewers are comparable in cup quality, and features of automatic drip coffee makers include the ability to heat and maintain a hot water temperature, spray heads for even dispersion of water over coffee grounds, and the use of filter holders which are designed for high extraction.

Percolator

Of all the coffee maker types, the percolator is considered to be the ugly duckling. This is because it does not respect the ground rules for brewing coffee. Instead, the coffee is boiled in a percolator, and the water is passed several times through the grounds. Although this is certainly not the standard way in which coffee is brewed, and the coffee can often come out tasting flavorless and bitter, when brewed properly it can be quite delicious.

Remember that the method of brewing that you choose is entirely up to you, but it will greatly change the flavor of coffee that you buy. This is why it is important that you learn about the different coffee maker types and that you make the most intelligent decision and choose the right coffee maker for you and your taste preferences.

Shopping for a Coffee Maker With Grinder

There are many options and factors to consider when it comes to choosing a coffee maker, and one of the biggest questions that people have here is whether or not they should get a coffee maker with grinder. There are both pros and cons to a coffee maker with grinder, and by learning about both sides you will be able to make the most intelligent decision.

Grinders that are attached to coffee makers tend to be a bit of a hassle, and are also much harder to clean. Another problem with a coffee maker with grinder is that the coffee beans typically are not ground uniformly.

Buy a Separate Grinder

Although there are a few advantages to having a coffee maker with grinder, namely the convenience factor, the disadvantages are far outweighing and so often the best idea is just to buy a separate grinder.

Having a good grinder is very important because after all, making the freshest cup of coffee requires grinding the beans yourself. This way you know that you are using the finest, freshest coffee beans possible and will produce the highest quality brew, each and every time.

If you have never had a coffee bean grinder before then you may become confused as there is so much variation in price among coffee grinders. There are basic grinders which just the job done and more expensive high end models which can cost upwards of one hundred dollars. There are modern coffee bean grinders and hand crank and electric coffee mill grinders. One helpful tip is to remember that a good grinder will produce an even grind, which is important because an unbalanced grind will cause some of the coffee to over extract and some to under extract.

There are blade coffee grinders that you can purchase, which use steel blades and have electric motors which are used to grind the coffee beans up. There is also the ever popular burr coffee bean grinder design, which is considered as being the best for basic brewing. One of the most favorable features to these grinders is that less heat is produced and in turn this results in more flavor and less bitterness.

To many people, the only way to start off the day is with a cup of rich, freshly roasted coffee. To do this you will need the right grinder, or a coffee maker with grinder built on if you would prefer.

Coffee? Tea? Or Do You Want to Make Both?

Do you like a cup of coffee first thing in the morning and perhaps tea in the afternoon? Maybe you enjoy tea but the rest of your family wants coffee? Did you ever invite several people over to find you have a mix of coffee and tea drinkers? All of these scenarios are possible, but if you don't own a coffee and tea maker, you may have some additional work setting up all these drinks. Once you learn the about the convenience offered in a coffee and tea maker, you may wonder how you ever lived without one for so long.

Combination Coffee and Tea Maker

Bunn, a leading manufacturer of small appliances understood the need to make both coffee and tea. They make a coffee and tea brewer that can be easily used at home or in the office. You can make iced tea, hot tea or coffee in one model. Talk about convenience! This unit is less than 12 inches wide, making it able to fit practically anywhere and also allowing it to be carried to that board meeting or gathering of friends.

Its large tank provides the back-to-back brewing needed for separate types of drinks. The dual voltage adaptability makes it perfect for wherever you want to take it. There are two programmable batch switches, which means you can choose full or half batch brewing. Bunn's product line of both coffee and tea makers is specially equipped to bring out the maximum flavor in your beverages. A digital temperature control adds an added layer of confidence and class.

Bunn also makes a commercial-grade pod brewer that is perfect for coffee and tea drinkers that want speed, ease of operation and the flexibility of one cup at a time. Bunn actually has a patented combination of time, temperature and turbulence, which brews a perfect cup every time. In about 30 seconds, you can have a cup of coffee, while tea is made in about 50 seconds. With a 46-ounce water reservoir, you can brew many 4 to 12 ounce cups before refilling.

Since the whole concept of making either coffee and tea is a matter of boiling water, these products heat the water, but then the hot water is either allowed to steep over tea leaves or is pumped into another chamber to make coffee. Of course, the tea is brewed longer to provide a superior taste and the features on these coffee and tea makers guarantee the right time and temperature for every type of beverage.

Coffee on Demand with the Cuisinart Coffee Maker

It is said that water is the spring of human life. True but in order to survive the urban jungle one must have a cup of two of an intoxicating drink called coffee. A morning is not a good one without a smell or the rich aroma or a taste of this liquid gold.

Cooking for the Future

The age of cooking shows have brought the Cuisinart Corporation much deserved recognition for their innovative design and ideas for the culinary world. At that time it’s the food processors’ that was making waves due in part to the high regard of James Beard and Julia Childs.

The Cuisinart coffee maker was designed to fit every decorating style and need. Their creations ranged from the retro red collection evocative of the 50’s design. For the contemporary and the sleek there’s the all stainless steel collection.

For the love of country décor, cuisinart also gave us the white and stainless steel design. Then there’s the Matte Black Metals which is for the minimalist and the modernists.

Form and Function

Cuisinart boasts of 15 remarkable sets from its coffee bar collection. The Cuisinart coffee maker can make from 4 to 12 cups of coffee at one time. It is attractive because it has state of the art design which is also functional.

The Grind and Brew DGB600BC Cuisinart coffee maker which makes up to 10 cups has a stainless steel grinder that enables you to grind your favorite coffee bean right before brewing for that absolutely fresh taste. The 10 cups is kept hot for hours by a double wall brushed stainless steel carafe. It adds a European gourmet flair to your kitchen.

A new addition to the coffee bar collection is the programmable 12 cup Cuisinart coffee maker. It has a lever which you simply press to give you cup by cup of superbly brewed coffee keeping warm in the double wall reservoir. It has 24 hour programmability which counts down the quantity of your coffee by cup. It is styled contemporarily to easily fit in any modern kitchen.

For that homey flair there’s the classic DGB300FR Cuisinart coffee maker that also brews 10 cups. It grinds and brews your coffee, as well as allowing you to pour a cup mid-brew. It has a decalcifying feature which allows the coffee maker to self clean. This Cuisinart coffee maker is affordable and delivers exactly what you need right from the cup.

All You Wanted to Know About Cuisinart Coffee Makers

The Cuisinart Corporation is a world renowned name in culinary tools. Their superb quality and innovative designs inspired many great chefs to recommend and use these appliances. The repertoire of cooking gadgets available under this brand extends from cutlery and waffle makers to juicers and food processors that come in all types and sizes.

The kitchen appliances marketed by the Corporation is available in four distinct and elegant styles, i.e. the matte black metals with an exquisite finish, the red collection for that Retro look, the white collection which simply dazzles and lastly the stainless steel collection which combines beauty with functionality. You will find that each one of these styles is a master piece that would add value to the décor of any kitchen.

The Cuisinart Coffee Makers, World Class Appliances

Cuisinart has a huge and impressive world class coffee bar collection with more than 20 different types and styles of Cuisinart coffee makers which are stylish, durable and brew excellent coffee. One of the latest entries is the stay-cool bottom coffee percolator which makes a wonderful addition to any kitchen. This coffee maker comes with stainless steel exterior and has detachable chord that enables you to use it as a decanter as well. The stay-cool bottom is a great innovation which allows you to use it on any surface without worrying about damages.

You may find the prices of the Cuisinart coffee makers a little steep, but if you take into consideration the quality and the exceptional designs these appliances come with you will agree that this is money well spent. In fact, once you use the Cuisinart coffee makers you might not find complete satisfaction with any other brand.

The Advantage of Owning Cuisinart Coffee Makers

Besides the fact that you can brew some mind blowing coffee with the help of Cuisinart coffee makers, you would also find that the maker parts for the entire range of appliances are easily available in the market. The customer service of Cuisinart Corporation is outstanding which is another reason why using this brand of coffee makers is great value for money. In case you do not have a retail shop close by, you could always access their website and use their online catalogue to order for anything you needed.

You can buy the Cuisinart products anywhere in the world from up-market stores and shopping malls. At the same time, you can also use online retailers which offer a wide variety of Cuisinart products. Visit these websites regularly to check out for sale, auctions and special offers when you could purchase your favorite gadget at highly discounted prices.

Does Espresso Coffee Need Special Beans?

Although espresso coffee is gaining in popularity, there is still a bit of confusion about the type of beans needed for this beverage. Technically, espresso is not about the coffee bean, but is about the way this drink is made. Now that's not to say that the coffee beans used for espresso are not important; actually the opposite is true. Because of the way espresso is brewed, the types of beans used are vitally important to the overall taste of this coffee.

The Coffee Bean Connection

Espresso coffee is all about hot water and coffee beans. But it's the way these two ingredients are put together that spells the success of this drink. Espresso coffee needs hot water, around 90 degrees centigrade. The temperature of the water is critical, because if it's too hot, the resulting drink will be bitter, and if it's too cold it will be sour. When the temperature is just right, the hot water is forced through the ground espresso coffee. This beverage is thicker than drip coffee because of the way it's made. With drip coffee, there is no pressurized water; rather, the water is made to drip slowly into the ground coffee and is then passed through a filter.

Now let's get back to the type of coffee beans needed for espresso. You can really use any type of coffee beans to make espresso; it's all a matter of personal taste and enjoyment. However, certain types of coffee beans have become popular with espresso drinkers. Currently, this beverage is associated with darker beans, probably because of the popularity inspired by name-brand coffee shops across the country. Some people prefer to match the roast level to the bean type for a more specialized taste. This makes good coffee sense and is catching on among some of the more serious espresso drinkers.

Besides the Beans…

The taste of espresso coffee is also associated with how well the coffee beans were ground. Finer particles result in a richer and more robust taste. You may also want to remember that espresso coffee has a lot more caffeine than a traditional cup. This is because of the pressurized brewing process involved in making espresso. Although you can use any type of coffee bean, choose the best because the type you use will determine the overall taste and quality of the espresso. You can also experiment by mixing espresso with mocha or cappuccino. Only you can decide what makes a great espresso.

Help Fight Poverty: Buy Fairtrade Organic Coffee

Drinking fairtrade organic coffee is one of the best ways to contribute to poverty alleviation all over the world. Fairtrade organic coffee is produced by small farmers in many developing countries all over the world. Most of these farmers are what we call "subsistence" farmers who get barely enough income to feed and clothe their families.

Several of these small coffee farmers live in hinterland areas where development is very slow and life is often very hard. Since farming is the only way of life that most of these people knew, most members of the family work in the family's coffee farm tending to trees and handpicking coffee beans off the tress from sunrise to sunset.

What is Fairtrade Organic Coffee?

Small coffee farmers often find it very hand to compete with those giant coffee producers. To help these small farmers to compete with bigger and more powerful coffee farmers, international development organizations such Amnesty International, The United Nations, Caritas International and others organized these small farmers into groups and educate them on fair trade strategies.

The idea here is to unite the small coffee farmers and empower them to play a wider influence in the coffee industry. As a result of these efforts made by many international development organizations, the fairtrade organic coffee industry was born. Small farmers from different parts of the world pool their harvest together and sell their produce at a fair price.

Why Does Fairtrade Organic Coffee Cost Higher Than Most Types of Coffee?

Fairtrade organic coffee is a premium product which is produced without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. The farmers who are producing fairtrade organic coffee products follow strict rules and regulations when it comes to using organic fertilizer in their farms. Since organic products are more difficult to produce, it is but natural that they should cost more compared to conventionally produced products.

Moreover, since fairtrade organic coffee comes from several small farms from all over the world, it is but fitting that we pay more money for this product to help these small farmers survive. Just come to think of it, every time you buy fairtrade organic coffee, you are able to help some needy coffee farmer in the mountains to support his or her family. When you drink fairtrade coffee, you put food of the table of some needy farmer. Isn't that a good enough reason to shell out a few extra dollars for a bag of coffee beans?

Farberware Coffee Maker: How to Choose the Right One For Your Kitchen

Founded over a century ago, the Farberware name has always stood for value, quality, and durability. One of the most respected names in kitchenware and appliances, Farberware is a name that you can trust. They offer a selection of products from various categories, but the Farberware coffee maker models are particularly popular.

Farberware FCP412 12 Cup Percolator

One Farberware coffee maker is the Farberware FCP412 12 Cup Percolator. This coffee maker is made of durable stainless steel and maintains a cup a minute speed, which is incredibly quick. It also features rolled edges for safe and easy handling, and a detachable cord as well.

Farberware FSU236 12-36 Cup Coffee Urn

Another fantastic option is the FSU236 Farberware coffee maker. Featuring a whopping 12-36 cup capacity, this coffee maker has a durable mirror finish stainless steel, coffee ready indicator light, elegant side handles for added convenience, and a stay cool base which keeps it from getting too hot.

Making the Decision

To make the decision process here less intimidating, there are a few things that you will want to keep in mind when looking for a coffee maker. It is most important that you find the right features on a coffee maker, as if you are going to spend money on a coffee maker you are going to want to ensure that it offers all of the features that you need.

Coffee that is freshly ground tastes better, and you may want to look into a coffee maker that features a built in water filtration system. You will also need to take the size of the coffee maker into consideration, and figure out how many people on average you are going to be brewing coffee for.

If it is just to be used in your home then you can usually get away with a smaller sized model, even one that is just set to brew a cup or two, where is it is for a business you will want to get a 10-12 cup capacity coffee maker or higher.

Then there are additional elements that you may want to consider, even seemingly minute things like the color of the coffee maker. This may not be a major concern to you but if you have already considered the important elements than there is nothing wrong with choosing a color that you find pleasant. Keep in mind that a dark color is going to last and look new a lot longer than a white one, so this may be influencing on your decision here.

Background of the Flavored Coffee Bean

Coffee has had many colorful stories about how it was discovered. The most popular origin of coffee story is of a goat herd who noticed his usually sluggish goats cavorting around after eating the red berries from a dark green tall shrub. The goat herd took some of the berries home and tried these as well as gave some to his neighbors and monks in the nearby monastery. The monks experimented with the berries and eventually found that scorching the beans and grinding them created a heavenly brew that was capable of keeping them alert and awake for some time.

Adding Flavor to Coffee

Thus coffee was discovered and developed. The flavored coffee bean is not as recent a development as you might think. In earlier times, adding nuts and spices to the coffee beverage was a norm in some cultures in the Middle East. Some even steeped the coffee beans in some flavored liquid to integrate the desired flavor instead of adding the flavor just before or while the coffee was brewed.

These days, people have developed many different ways of achieving flavored coffee beans. Usually, the flavored coffee bean is introduced to the flavor right after it has been roasted to the satisfaction of the roaster. The kind of coffee bean used for the flavored coffee bean is usually the Arabica. This is because it is milder and less acidic than other species of coffee. It is also not as bitter as the Robusta species of coffee which can be the fuller bodied coffee between the two.

Flavoring oils are usually what is used to add flavor to the flavored coffee bean. These can be any synthetic or organic flavoring oil that exist today. Which to use is dependent on the company that currently manufactures the flavored coffee bean. Due to the popularity of designer coffee and flavored coffee, having flavored coffee beans and grinding them on your own has become a novelty for many.

The more popular kinds of flavored coffee beans are those which are sweet and creamy. Examples of these are Amaretto, Hazelnut, Irish Crème, French Vanilla and many more. These flavored coffee beans can actually help manufacturers by masking the stronger flavors of the coffee that is used for most commercial items. Many manufacturers use Robusta coffee instead of the more expensive Arabica and the flavor them to mask the stronger, bitter taste. The flavored coffee bean has come a long way and is definitely here to stay.

The Allure of Flavored Coffee Beans

The History of coffee is as colorful as that of the human civilization, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. It is shrouded by legends and story that dates back up to a thousand years. What is certain though is that coffee was originally found in Ethiopia and Yemen. At that time only the leaves and flowers were brewed into a tisane and drank by the natives.

1000 years ago, with coffee trees growing in southwest Arabia the Arabs, came up with the idea of roasting the beans found inside the sweet tasting coffee cherries. It was then that the coffee bean drink was born.

How Flavored Coffee Beans Came to be

Most people think that flavored coffee beans are a modern discovery. In reality however, the tradition of flavoring one’s coffee is as old as time immemorial. Some hundred years back coffee in the middle east was not just black or white. The Middle Eastern would flavor their coffee with nuts and spices to give its flavor an added boost.

Companies have capitalized on the modern world’s clamor and dependence on coffee. Brilliant marketers preyed upon the consumer’s craving for every single flavor that nature can offer. Before, coffee was spiced up by adding different flavored syrup imaginable. The usual syrup flavors are strawberry, dulce de leche, hazelnut, amaretto, Irish crème, almond, French vanilla and a whole lot more.

Today, with all the technological advances flavored coffee beans are made by coating the coffee with the desired flavor during the roasting process. Because it is coated, the flavors actually extend the bean’s shelf life. As pointed out, flavoring ones coffee is not a new trend, but the boom in gourmet coffee has increased the popularity and hungry for the most exotic flavored coffee beans.

The Perfect Bean

To make a great tasting flavored coffee bean, the right kind of bean used is crucial. A single bean is flavored by compounds such as aromatic oils, sugars, organic acids, mineral salts, carbohydrates, and other chemicals that include caffeine. Those mentioned are just a few of the 800 diverse compounds which lend coffee beans its intoxicating taste and aroma.

The essence of the bean’s taste is an evidence of the region it was grown in and the roasting process it underwent. Generally Arabica coffee beans are used to make flavored coffee beans due to its bitterness and low levels of acidity.

Incidentally the Arabica is also considered as the best coffee variety that ever existed. The Arabica is highly prized and the earliest type of coffee that was cultivated by man. The Arabica is used and not the Robusta bean because Robusta is harsher, not as mild, not as aromatic, and not as enticingly tasty. There are some coffee manufacturers who aim for a more interesting mix; they combine different kinds of beans from different regions to create a highly individualized blend.