|
Home
StoreFront
Coffee Machines
|
|
|
|
More
Results : [First] [Prev] 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
|
|
Questions & Answers
Question : espresso machine?
im going to buy my first espresso machine.are there certain features i shouldnt go without with a new espresso machine purchase?i want a lower end one for affordability reasons....but i still want a decent one.Suggestions?
Answer:
Having owned more than one, I'm happy to share my opinions with you--my current model, a Hamilton Beach that was highly regarded by Consumer Reports, is pathetic!Also, maybe you want a little guidance on how to make the best espresso with whatever machine you buy?So let's talk in general terms--I agree that you want a pump-driven machine, at least 15 psi. Another thing I've observed is that the filter screen and the tamper are important.Get a model with a deep filter screen--my Hamilton Beach has one that's very shallow, and I'm convinced that the steam doesn't stay in contact with the grounds long enough to accumulate flavor. Now, there will come with the machine a tamper, a little plastic thing that you use to pack the grounds into the filter screen--if the tamper is much smaller than the filter screen (like my HB) then it's difficult to pack the grounds properly.Also, they come with the little steam vent for frothing milk to make capuccino--some of the vents have a special tip that incorporates air automatically, others are just plain pointed steel tubing. The air-injector models make it easier. If you're going to be steaming milk, know that skim works best, and get one of those stainless steel pitchers so you can feel the temperature of the milk through the bottom--when it's very hot but not too hot to touch, the frothing is completed.To make really good espresso, you need the best beans. Try to find beans that have been roasted super-dark (of course) but that have an oily sheen on their surface--some places burn the beans and dry them out (Starbucks); the oils in the beans are essential to flavor and also to the creation of that smooth brown "crema" that floats atop the best espresso.Of course, the very best way is to buy whole beans, keep them cool and dry, and grind them just before use. I have a Braun grinder that adjusts to a very fine espresso grind, it works well.And you need to learn to pack the grounds tightly; most good baristas will try to put 35 pounds of pressure on the grounds, and they practice using a bathroom scale.
|
Question : Where can I rent an espresso machine from in Southern California?
I'm having an espresso bar at my wedding and want to rent an espresso machine just for a day or two. The only place I could find wanted to send a barista with it, which of course would cost more. I already have a barista lined up to do it, but can't find a place to get the espresso machine from. Thanks!
Answer:
Party Rental CompaniesSmart n Final
|
Question : I have an espresso machine I never use. Are there any alternative uses for an espresso machine?
I do not drink coffee and don't want recipes for using espresso in any way, shape, or form. Surely there has to be some cool use for an espresso machine besides making espresso or hot water? I can make hot water for oatmeal or tea in the micro. If I'm going to keep this machine around, it needs to fulfill a purpose. Is there, perhaps, some practical use for its parts?
Answer:
??? I'm sorry, I don't know what to tell you as far as gutting the parts and building some other practical machine or anything, but I would consider using freecycle.com to find someone who would love to have it.If you feel the need to keep it, I guess depending on the attractiveness of the machine, you could remove the inside parts and use the casing as a planter. Just a thought.
|
Question : How much coffee ground for an espresso machine do I use in a drip machine?
I bought some coffee that was pre-ground to a fine texture for espresso machines. How much should I use for my drip machine? Half of what I would use with a coarser grind?
Answer:
I would say temper it to your taste, but definitely use less. because the coffee is ground finer there is more surface area exposed to the water so more flavor is extracted from the coffee. depending on the coffee and your personal taste this can be a good or bad thing. it most likely will make your coffee taste bitter since the grinds are in contact with water for a longer time than if you were brewing it with an espresso maker. I would either get a stove top espresso maker (relatively cheap) or junk that coffee and get something ground for your type of machine. Ideally, you will get your best cup of coffee if you buy whole beans and get a grinder and grind just what you need right before you brew it.
|
Question : Is it okay to fill an espresso machine with milk instead of water?
If I fill the water compartment of my espresso machine with milk instead of water will it clog/ruin the machine? I'm not talking about the frother, which is used to frothe milk. I'm talking about the water compartment that you put water in, which makes steam, which makes espresso. Anyone who's ever owned an espresso machine will know what I'm talking about. Any help would be really appreciated. Thanks!has anyone actually done it?
Answer:
That'll boil your milk, I mean scald it.Yuck!Why??
|
Question : What is the best espresso coffee machine?
Im looking to buy an espresso machine but I don't know what kind of brand to go for or model. I have had a look but there are so many out there! Im looking to spend about £300. Can anyone suggest one?Thanks Does anyone have any suggestions?I looking for suggestions on key brand and features- for example what dos a nespresso coffee machine do?
Answer:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Bialetti-Electric-Mukka-Express-coffee-espresso-machine_W0QQitemZ300355749333QQc mdZViewItemQQptZSmall_Kitchen_Appliances_US?hash=item45ee9905d5 They have many more on ebay just look around. I see some nice ones there
|
Question : What is a good, somewhat inexpensive espresso machine?
I am considering buying an espresso machine for my dorm room next year, yes my dorm room. My college's coffee shop is disgusting. They use pre-ground Folgers for the espresso, among many other things. I've been a barista for two years and know the difference between a really good latte and one that tastes like mud, so quality is important to me.What is a good, relatively inexpensive (less than $300) espresso machine with a steaming wand that I could buy?
Answer:
There are a few really inexpensive (under $100) espresso machines that use pump . They all have some pros and cons - you can read about that here:http://www.espresso-machines-and-coffee-makers.com/inexpensive-espresso-machines.htmlWith your budget, I would recommend that you get one of the lower end Gaggia machine. Gaggia Carezza is a good starter espresso machine and you can get it for around $200:http://www.espresso-machines-and-coffee-makers.com/gaggia-carezza.htmlFinally, do not forget that you will need a good burr grinder. Without a good grinder you cannot really make good espresso. Since the burr grinders are quite expensive, I think that the best options for you is either a good manual grinder (like Zassenhaus) or Breville Ikon or Capresso Infinity:http://www.espresso-machines-and-coffee-makers.com/capresso-infinity-burr-grinder.htmlHope this helps.
|
Question : How do I start my Breville espresso machine?
I just got a Breville espresso machine for my birthday and I don't know how to start it. I cleaned it, I put in fresh cold water in the water tank and when I turned on the machine I waited for the heating light to turn off. When the heating light was off I switched the machine from standby to espresso and all I got was a loud noise but no water coming out. Can anyone help?
Answer:
Does it have a detachable water tank?if it does this is probably where the problem lies, you have an air bubble between the water tank and the brewing components. jiggle the tank a bit to make sure the connection is secure and try again. the noise shoud go away. If it doesn't or your machine doesn't have a detachable tank call breville's customer service line- it is a fairly common problem with new machines.
|
Question : How can i tell if an espresso machine uses pump or steam?
Was just wandering if the espresso machine has a removable water tank, does this mean that it uses a pump to exert the pressure to make the espresso. The machine im interested in is the Russell Hobbs rh-1915, I've looked all over but cant seem to find out if it uses steam or a pump to exert pressure.
Answer:
I don't know what description you're reading, but it is a pump model (15bar). Often you can also tell by the price, as a pump costs more than a steam device.The Russell Hobbs is supposed to be a pretty good espresso machine. It looks a little like my Rancillio.
|
Question : Why does a home espresso machine cost as much as a computer?
Even when the body is made out of plastic they are still hundreds of dollars. The components of the machine can't be that expensive. Is there some snobbery factor involved in the pricing since before Starbucks, "everyday people" weren't drinking much espresso.
Answer:
I suppose that would depend on the type of computer you're pricing :-) Some automated home espresso machines cost upwards of $2000. Some reasons why an automated machine would cost so much include:- Construction quality (many heavy duty fabricated components)- Integrated electrics / electronics (an "automated" machine must regulate water temperature and pressure, provide a consistent grind, have durable components, be self cleaning, etc.)- Custom manufactured components (water boilers, pumps, regulators, valves, group heads, etc. are custom manufactured for each machine model, of which few are sold)- Long life (I've owned a $200 Krups machine for 10 years - I would expect a more expensive machine to last for decades, if well maintained)For $200 to $400 you should be able to find a good pump espresso maker (minimum 1200 watts, 15 bars pressure) that will last for years, make consistently good espresso, and be aesthetically appealing). Make sure to complement your purchase with a good burr grinder (about $100).
|
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
|
|