July 2011

Coffee Grinder Basics

A cup of coffee early in the morning, or when you’re tired and want to get relieved of the vagaries of the day is a lovely experience.

While this is just a part of the routine for some, there are several others who are always conscious about the quality of the bean, the aroma and the roast, not to mention the blend in their daily espresso. Indeed espresso coffee requires a special grinding of the bean in order to get the best results.

In this article we’ll try to help those individuals who have decided to take a step further and wish to grind their own coffee, or those who wish to know more about the need and importance of a coffee grinder, the types and the right selection process.

What Does a Coffee Grinder do?

A coffee grinder basically is used for grinding coffee beans after they are roasted. Several people buy coffee that is already roasted and ground, but there are others who wish to derive the best from their cup of coffee, and the coffee grinder becomes an important  must-have for them as it plays a large role in influencing the final taste of the brew.

A freshly roasted and ground coffee always tastes better and fresher, and a coffee grinder is one of the best ways to bring out the real aroma and taste of the coffee beans.

The basic function of the coffee grinder is still the same, regardless of the type one chooses – to smash the beans in order to bring out the oil content and the flavor, so that the coffee extraction from the beans is more effective. Ground beans would have their surface area exposed to a larger extent, and hence it’s easier to extract the flavor while brewing.

When should I buy a coffee grinder?

Among those who wish to grind their own coffee and not depend on the store-ground  coffee, some grind their coffee twice a week, others once in two days, but most people wishing to purchase a coffee grinder are those who consider pre-ground coffee to be stale and wasted. A coffee grinder would make the best buy for those who wish to grind their coffee just before brewing it, so as to extract the potential of the bean to the best extent possible.

Types of Coffee Grinders

Based on the process of how these coffee grinders grind the beans, there are two types of coffee grinders – Blade grinders and the Burr grinders.

Blade grinder

Blade Grinders – These grinders usually work on the mechanism of the spinning of blades set in a small grinding chamber which rotate with a high velocity, thus producing the grinding action. This action is performed repeatedly until a pre-determined fineness level of the bean has been achieved.

The rotation speed determines the fineness of the ground coffee here. Blade grinders are usually cheaper and easily available, but the disadvantage occurs in the form of lesser control over the quality of the ground bean – in terms of fineness and consistency.

The pulverizing action of the blades produces a very irregular range of particle size – ranging from coarse and improperly ground material in the center, to the dust formed on the edges of the chamber and on the blades. The irregular particle size could be a great concern if a person brews their coffee in a machine which lacks proper filters for every particle size, resulting in the coffee being full of grains and bean sediments.

However, one can choose to install a paper filter in their brewing machines, so as to filter out the fine particle content in the process itself. Blade coffee grinders are a great option for those who are on a limited budget and still wish to avoid the pre-ground coffee mix, owing to their easy availability in supermarkets and kitchen stores, and the less formidable price tags.

Burr grinder

Burr Grinders – These grinders are equipped with a better quality mechanism and a more evolved procedure that bring out the best of the coffee beans in terms of the flavor, aroma and the consistency. Burr grinder is always a more recommended buy for avid coffee lovers who wish to influence the final taste of the brew, as the procedure involved here guarantees the best grinding consistency and quality.

A burr grinder crushes the coffee beans based on the principle of their passage from between a moving wheel and a stationary surface. The shape and placement of the wheel is what determines the consistency of the ground bean particle size. The grinding process herein aids in removal of the exterior cover of the coffee bean, thereby bringing out the its cell structure and exposing more surface area to the extracting agent like water, which ensures that the extraction of the flavor happens efficiently. The temperature is regulated here, so that the coffee beans are not ‘burnt out’, and the aroma and oils are preserved in their original state.

There are two different types of Burr Grinders – Wheel and Conical. Wheel Burr is based on rotation of the wheel on a flat surface, wherein the high rotational speeds can yet again give rise to inconsistent particles and unwanted noise.

Conical burr is always the ideal pick for coffee lovers and commercial aspects as well, as the grinding process here is very efficient with zero noise or mess, gives consistent particle size and preserves the original flavor to the best extent.

Selection of the right coffee grinder

The selection of the right coffee grinder for a person could be judged in the following ways:

  • Utility – Blade grinders are best for those seeking for better options than the pre-ground coffee, whereas burr grinder is the ideal pick for coffee enthusiasts.
  • Budget – Blade grinders are more pocket friendly, whereas the consistency and quality of ground coffee offered by burr grinders need a person to have deeper pockets.
  • Ease of cleanliness and maintenance – Blade grinders are easier to clean owing to the less sophisticated machinery, and hence a great option for the time-poor. Burr grinders on the contrary are for those who value taste and aroma over the effort required to clean and maintain the equipment.
  • Compatibility – For those who use a machine or French press for brewing their coffee, compatibility of the grinder performance with the brewing machine in terms of particle size and consistency is of paramount importance.

Click here to shop for coffee grinders at Amazon

The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Espresso Machine

A semi-automatic machine

There are many people for whom coffee is an addiction. A coffee machine is the only solution for such people. Sounds like you? There are plenty of options when it comes to buying an espresso/ coffee machine in the market place.

In fact, selecting the best espresso machine for you is a matter of an individual’s preference, price and brand. This means finding the right machine will require some careful consideration even before you shop for one.  The standard drip coffee maker has been the most popular amongst the different machines available, however there are other types of machines as well that one should consider before taking any decision.

Let’s understand the pros and cons of the different types of machines.

It is a fact that making great espresso coffee is an art that comes only with sufficient experience. However, to make good espresso coffee you also need good quality equipment. Espresso coffee machines are not just drip brewing coffee makers, there is more to these magical machines.

This means it is important that you understand how the different types of machines work so that you can make a decision on the machine that can meet all your requirements. Before going into the different types of espresso coffee machines, it is important to know what an espresso machine is, what are its features and how it works.

The major components of any espresso coffee machine comprise of:

  • water tank
  • boiler
  • pump
  • brew head

A lever or manual machine

It is the brew head that holds the portafilter. An espresso machine works by pushing boiling water through the coffee grounds.

In order to brew espresso coffee and get full extraction consistently, you require about 9 to 10 bars of pressure. However, most espresso machines with pumps generate 9 to 18 bars of pressure. A powerful pump does not mean that your espresso will taste better since all you need is only 9 to 10 bars of pressure.

There are many who believe that it is the pump that is responsible for producing pressure and steam. It is the boiler on the espresso machine that heats and maintains a proper water temperature for steaming and brewing milk.

A lot of steam is required for properly steaming a pitcher of milk. Steam is generated at a particular temperature by the boiler and if the temperature drops below the desired temperature, a light will signal that the temperature needs to build up.

One of the features that differentiate a top quality espresso machine from the rest is the recovery time it takes to build back the temperature.

In fact, there are many espresso machines that come fitted with high quality boilers that either speed up the heating process or completely eliminate the recovery time itself.  This is a very important feature that one should consider while planning to buy an espresso coffee machine.

Different Types of Espresso Machines

Today, you will find five different types of espresso machines in the market place. These include:

  • Steam Driven Espresso machines
  • Manual Espresso Machines
  • Semi Automatic
  • Automatic
  • Super Automatic Espresso machines
  • Steam Driven Espresso Machines

An automatic espresso machine

The cheapest of the espresso machines are the steam driven ones which sell for less than $70. These machines work by using the steam to push the water through the coffee grounds instead of pushing it through the pump, thereby generating only three layers of pressure.

Another downside to steam driven machines is that the water gets heated so much that it can actually scald your coffee. So, if you are looking for an espresso that tastes similar to what you get at your neighborhood coffee shop, then you should be looking at better espresso machines.

Manual Espresso Machines

Manual Espresso Machines were the first machines to be introduced in the market for making espresso. It is operated by using a lever instead of an electrical pump to force the water through the coffee grounds. A good example of this type of machine is the La Pavoni Europiccola.

Cons: These machines are not ideal for an average espresso user since it takes time to master the art of pulling the lever consistently. However, you can learn this and show off to your friends by pulling a great shot. A connoisseur’s machine.

Semi Automatic Espresso Machines

Semi automatic espresso machines are by far the most commonly used espresso machines in many homes. Designed for the coffee lover, these machines require certain skills to make a great espresso. What this means is you will have to add coffee to the portafilter manually. In a semi automatic espresso machine like the Delonghi EC702, the pump starts or stops only when you press the brew button. This gives you greater control over the quality of the coffee shots.

Cons: These machines require you to clean the portafilter after each brew. Since these machines do not come with a grinder, you may have to buy a good quality grinder for your coffee.

Automatic Espresso Machines

While a semi automatic espresso machine or a manual machine makes you learn the fine art of making an espresso, the automatic espresso machines are designed for sheer convenience.

These machines have more or less similar components to that of semi automatic machines. The only difference is that these machines come with electronic controls that are used to either start a brew cycle or stop it.

Most automatic espresso machines can be programmed to operate at preset levels.  While it requires a skilled barista to deliver a superior shot with a semi automatic or a manual espresso machine, a fully automatic espresso machine will deliver superior espresso even if you are not a skilled barista.

Super Automatic Espresso Machines

Super automatic espresso machines are ideal for those who do not have the time for learning the skill of making an espresso and do not mind spending good money for a quality machine.

For such people, super automatic espresso machines are a great option since they come with an in-built grinder. This means all that you need to do is add the coffee beans and allow the machine to take care of everything else.

The super automatic machine will grind the beans and tamp the grounds into the filter. At the same time it can brew the coffee to a preset level. This machine will also dump the used grounds into a built in waste box. All that you have to do is, sit back, relax and have a great cup of espresso.

Automatic and super automatic espresso machines are great for convenience and they are expensive. So if you want to gain a few more barista skills for your own pleasure and save a few pennies, you might prefer a semi-automatic or even a lever machine.

Shop for espresso machines at Amazon here.

 

 

 

 

La Pavoni Europiccola

Understanding The 4 Different Types of Espresso Machine

This espresso machine review is for those who are lured into espresso bars every time they set foot in Italy.

It is also for those who would love to relish a creamy cup of this specialty drink at any time of the day. Originating in the land of die-hard coffee fans,  Italy,  espresso has gained popularity far and wide and has become a preferred beverage  in almost all corners of the world.

Love for espresso is something that most coffee lovers foster and almost all of them would love to have an espresso machine in their homes.

An espresso machine is the specialty equipment which is a must have for brewing a frothy shot of espresso anytime in your own home. Understanding the different types of espresso machines can help one comprehend the coffee making procedure in a better manner, get a clear idea about how each type of machine performs and make an informed purchase as per specific requirements.

What many people would be surprised to know is that an espresso machine is in fact, the last step of the full coffee brewing procedure, which begins with the coffee beans being grinded in a special grinder.

And the perfect espresso can come out of the machine only if one employs the right grinder for grinding the beans.

An espresso machine is usually priced between $100 -$1000 and sometimes above. And of course, if that amount of money is going to be spent for coffee brewing, it is always better to get updated about the different types of machines, their features and their functions before purchase.

Coming to espresso machine types, these are broadly divided into 4 different categories –

  • PISTON
  • SEMI-AUTOMATIC
  • FULLY AUTOMATIC
  • SUPER AUTOMATIC

A lever or manual machine

PISTON ESPRESSO MACHINE

A piston espresso machine is nothing less than a piece of art and each component of the equipment has been meticulously designed by its founder, Achille Gaggia in 1938. Piston machines are the pioneers of espresso making and ruled the market before the arrival of its automatic counterpart.

Beautiful they may be, but buyers must not rule out the fact that they need more of manual effort than the other varieties available in the market.

The body of a piston espresso machine is crafted out of copper and/or brass with handles which are wooden. Yes, they are a visual delight but mastering espresso making in it might demand a lot of learning from the barista.

Just as in the case of a semi-automatic espresso machine, here also one has to grind, measure and fill the coffee by himself and in addition to that also set the variables like temperature and pressure.

Time and effort, both are needed in huge quantities to bring out a good cuppa and provided one has both, as well as eagerness to learn the procedure, this machine is a lifelong purchase. Otherwise, it runs the risk of ending up as a piece of charming decoration.

One plus point of piston espresso machine is the fact that it is reasonably sized and fit for household use.

The Rancilio Silvia. A semi-automatic espresso machine

SEMI-AUTOMATIC ESPRESSO MACHINE

To be very frank, a semi-automatic espresso machine scores much above its fully automatic counterpart and espresso lovers all over the world have shown a definite preference for this one. It helps the user to enjoy “traditional” coffee making in the modern way.

How does it work and what makes it so popular? Well, actually only a flip of the switch is needed to set the pump in motion and it begins pumping in the water through the coffee brewing head.

Manual machines need manual operation at this stage and it is here that the semi-automatic variety differs from them. However unlike fully automatic machines, one needs to shut down the pump as well.

The whole procedure of extraction claims 20-25 seconds and hence is quite an achievable job – nothing too lengthy.

Other good features are –

  • Affordable price (beteeen $100 and $600)
  • Ease of use
  • Exceptionally good coffee brewing capacity
  • Separate water reservoir
  • Brew temperature is quickly reached
  • Small size and available in a wide variety of colors
  • Programming options to customize your drink
  • Semi-automatic espresso machines are categorically divided into 3 sub-classes:
  • Single Boiler Dual Use ( most popular/features 2 thermostats)
  • Single Boiler Heat Exchanger(both brewing and steaming can be done)
  • Dual Boiler (most expensive/2 independent boilers/both steam and brew).

FULLY AUTOMATIC ESPRESSO MACHINES

A fully automatic espresso machine does everything that a semi does but also adds a system that controls the amount of water pumped through using an electronic mechanism.

Delonghi Magnifica - One of the most popular super automatic machines

SUPER AUTOMATIC ESPRESSO MACHINES

This one seems to be the master of them all. A One-Touch Button is the control master here and its super specialty lies in the extra features that it holds. They are also the most expensive.

The touch button can control the quantity of coffee that one likes in his cuppa; control water extraction; control temperature and some special models have self-frothers incorporated in the design along with LCD screens for digital display.

No need to worry about the coffee brewing mess – everything is done inside the machine.

The extra features which make it the future of espresso brewing are the following:

  • Grinder Setting
  • Thermo bloc Heating element
  • Digital display
  • Programmable
  • Liquid volume control
  • Pre-grinding/Pre-brewing options for multiple drinks
  • Temperature Control
  • Adjustable coffee dosing
  • Cup warmer
  • Water Filtration arrangement

Choosing the right espresso machine is actually all about one’s taste and preferences. Prices vary as per type and model, depending upon the degree of automation integrated into each. All espresso machines can however be made to churn out a perfect shot of espresso if one has the passion and desire of making espresso and enjoying it.

Cheers!

For first time buyers we recommend having a quick look at our top 7 espresso machines.

All about Super Automatic Espresso Machines

A  Super Automatic Espresso Machine is the recommended buy for those who love a perfect espresso at the push of a button.

There is no better one-stop solution for all those who wish to control their coffee-making process in order to extract the best potential from the coffee beans and hence influence the final taste of the coffee.

Super automatic espresso machines are fast gaining popularity amidst the other available types and classification of espresso machine varieties, owing to their functionality and efficiency in the coffee making process.

This article serves as a guide about the need and benefits of owning one, along with the essential features that one should look out for before buying a Super Automatic Espresso Machine.

What is a Super Automatic Espresso Machine?

It is an all-in-one machine that performs all the basic functions of coffee or espresso making – right from the grinding of beans to the final brewing of the coffee, and has the ability to whip out any of one’s favorite espresso drinks – latte, cappuccino, and of course, espresso.

Delonghi Magnifica - One of the most popular super automatic machines

The best selling point of a Super Automatic Espresso Machine is its functionality – it gauges the right amount of ground coffee required to make the desired blend of brewed coffee for a person, tamps the metered coffee, brews the coffee in order to give a perfectly blended and flavored cup of coffee, just at the push of a button.

The equipment requires one to fill the given water reservoir and push the right button – the machine takes care of the rest of the process, including the frothing of the milk in different ways, and the allotment of the unused brew into an internal compartment, in order to be dumped out or used for a second decaf cup.

Who needs a Super Automatic Espresso Machine?

The Super Automatic Espresso Machine offers utmost convenience which makes the otherwise time-taking coffee-making process very simple and astonishingly fast.

It is a blessing for those who seek perfection in each mug of coffee consumed and are particular about the details – right from the grinding of the bean, to the final brewing process in the manner which brings out the flavor and aroma in the best possible manner.

Coffee enthusiasts can benefit greatly from the purchase of a Super Automatic Espresso Machine because there’s no need to buy a separate coffee grinder and a brewing machine just to brew a mug of a perfectly blended and rich flavored coffee.

What’s more, there’s no need to monitor different processes like grinding, mixing, brewing etc, as the Super Automatic Espresso Machine takes care of the entire process, from bean to brew, with the push of a single button. It can be employed for commercial applications as well, as the consistency and right blend can help attract new customers.

Essential features of Super Automatic Espresso Machines

It is a fact that most coffee making machines – basic or advanced – will seem to be offering a set of similar functions, and it depends on the end customer to determine the right machine according to the price budget, ease of operation and maintenance, performance quotient and other features.

Here is a peek into the essential features of Super Automatic Espresso Machines which make them a totally worthy buy:

Grinding Settings – Most Super Automatic Espresso Machines come with a burr grinder setting, which uses more sophisticated equipment for grinding, and hence gives consistent results in the form of uniformly ground bean particles and temperature control to preserve the original flavor and aroma of the beans.

Boiler system – One has the option to choose from a single mode or dual mode heating or boiler system in different makes available in Super Automatic Espresso Machines. While the single boiler system is slower and hence makes the process slightly lengthier, the dual boiler system makes the process faster and more efficient.

Brew Group Settings – The brew group is essentially an inbuilt chamber wherein the ground coffee is mixed into the water, tamped and brewed. The unused coffee dregs are dispensed into a removable unit. The brew group itself can be of two types – removable and non-removable, and one can choose according to their cleaning and maintenance preferences.

The removable brew group can be cleaned manually, whereas the non-removable brew group automatically decides its own cleaning schedules. The latter is always preferable from a long term perspective, as the lack of manual interruption improves its longevity.

Digital Display and Programming – The digital display assists one in understanding the different functions of the machine like grinding, infusion, tamping etc, thus making the operation of the machine very easy and convenient to understand. Digital programming makes the machine really adjustable to the user’s choices and preferences.

Benefits of buying a Super Automatic Espresso Machine

Automated process – Those who have less time to spare over the detailed process of coffee making would benefit greatly from the purchase of Super Automatic Espresso Machines, as there would be no need for them to carry out grinding, brewing etc. on their own, and the machine takes care of the entire process in order to yield a rejuvenating cup of coffee. Fill in water, push a button; and one is ready to pore over other pressing matters of their lives, than to engage in the process of making an espresso.

Ease and convenience – Super Automatic Espresso Machines bring in that relieving sense into the lives of several people who desire simplicity and consistency in the form of a perfectly blended steaming coffee. One need not clean the device every day, or worry about the mess or stains that general coffee brewing entails. The preparation time is close to none, minus any hassle or effort.

Easy operation – The Super Automatic Espresso Machines are so easy to operate that even a guest or friend can conveniently operate it in order to get their dose of caffeine without bothering their host.

Shop for super automatic espresso machines at Amazon

Want To Spend Less Than $100? Your Espresso Maker Options

There’s no better way to start the day than a cup of freshly brewed espresso-based coffee.

Most coffee lovers aren’t fans of instant coffee. Mainly because it’s rotten! They end up shelling out a considerable amount of money each month at the coffee shop around the corner.

There comes a time when every coffee lover feels it’s time for an espresso maker that lets them make their own cappuccinos, lattes, mochas and all the other favorites.

But since the objective is usually to eliminate the wasteful expenditure at the inflation-friendly coffee shop, they can’t go crazy and buy the extremely expensive machines. So they begin their adventure of finding an espresso-maker that can make a world-class cup of coffee in the comfort of their homes.

Finding A Cheap Espresso Machine

Adventures are great, but they aren’t always a lot of fun and sometimes they can be extremely challenging. Finding an espresso maker under $100 is certainly quite the challenge. Sure, there are plenty of cheap espresso machines around the marketplace, but they tend to use steam.

For a decent espresso, it’s advisable to stay clear of steam-based machines because they sometimes produce burnt coffee. The kind of machine to look for is a pump-based espresso maker.

A Pump Espresso Machine? Eh?

Pump espresso machines are great products, and like all other great products, they are generally value for money. The best pump espresso makers cost around $250, but there are quite a few that are under $100, referred to henceforth as inexpensive espresso makers.

Buying the cheaper pump-based makers will require acceptance of the fact that they are unlikely to last for as long as their more expensive counterparts do.

They will still provide excellent quality and service for quite a few years.

There are generally two main types of coffee machines – the manual machines and the automatic ones. The automatic espresso makers include the semi-automatic and also the super-automatic machines. Manual espresso makers tend to be single-shot (i.e. it spits out the pack of coffee grounds in one shot).

Automatic makers are mostly multi-shot, but some are single shot as well. Factors that determine the price range are:

  • Convenience (number of options)
  • Ease of use (some can be quite complex)
  • Consistency (some take a while to produce a good shot)
  • Time (how long one ends up spending while making a cup of coffee)
  • Reliability (super-automatic machines can give more trouble in the long run compared to semi-automatic machines) and of course…
  • Cost

Inexpensive espresso makers are still an excellent buy for most coffee lovers. First and foremost, they serve as an excellent training platform for beginners to learn how to make great coffee. They generally cut out the coffee shop expenditure, which leads to immediate savings.

More often than not, people who buy these machines will buy the premium-range machines a few years later. By then, they will have considerable experience in making great coffee. Out of the wide range of inexpensive espresso makers, there are two machines that truly stand out. They are the DeLonghi EC155 and the Hamilton Beach 40729 espresso machines.

DeLonghi EC155

[easyazon-image-link asin="B000F49XXG" alt="De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4177G6FFX6L._SL160_.jpg" align="right" width="124" height="160"]This popular little machine from DeLonghi is highly rated by most customers. The customer reviews are excellent, mainly 4 and 5 stars.

Portafilter

Its pump is reportedly relatively quiet compared to most other pump-based machines, and seems to be quite strong too. It has a pressurized portafilter that enables it to produce with ease high quality shots, accompanied with nice crema.

While one can make a splendid cup of espresso with this machine, it is probably difficult to delve too deep into the art of espresso with it.

Nevertheless, it is a fantastic starter machine and can be used with ESE pods as it includes a pod portafilter. The EC155 also comes packed with a number of other features. Some of these include a 35oz water tank that’s removable and has a cup warmer along with it.

There’s also a steam wand that comes with a plastic frothing adapter. The machine has a nice touch of simplicity with the dial that’s on the front. It controls all of the EC155’s functions – everything from brewing to steaming. The DeLonghi EC155 is a powerful machine at a great price and it is ideal for all coffee lovers.

Hamilton Beach 40729

Whether a person has ground coffee or ESE pods, both can be used with the Hamilton Beach 40729, just like the DeLonghi EC155. While they are both priced about the same, they use different portafilters for ground coffee. The Hamilton Beach 40729 comes with a non-pressurized, commercial portafilter.

[easyazon-image-link asin="B0006FU8AG" alt="Hamilton Beach 40729 Espresso/Cappuccino Maker with Pod Holder" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31RQVBRRNHL._SL160_.jpg" align="right" width="107" height="160"]This is perfect for those who make espresso with a hands-on approach. People who want more involvement with the coffee-making process prefer this Hamilton Beach product because if offers them a lot more control as far as the espresso quality is concerned.

It of course requires more care when grinding the coffee. The Hamilton Beach 40729 is not ideal for beginners that want to get the process over with as fast as possible. There is a bit of a learning curve involved, but this only helps in the long term when its time to upgrade to the top of the line espresso makers.

The Hamilton Beach 40729 is comparable to a stick-shift car. It may be hard work for some, but there are many who prefer a stick shift car, as it’s a much better experience. Similarly, this espresso maker can churn out the very best of espressos, especially cappuccinos. The downside to owning this machine is the cleaning effort required.

Summary

At the end of the day, the type of espresso machine selected and the brand depends on personal preference. But the one thing that every owner of a home espresso maker has in common is that they will always rate their coffee better than what they get at the coffee shop.

Like brewing one’s own beer, it’s not just about the taste. The experience of creating something so good at home is what appeals to coffee lovers. Both of these machines are well under $100 and are great starter machines.