What is a Coffee Pod?

By Marcy Coate

Coffee pods are a relatively new invention that allow you to brew coffee without the hassle and the mess of measuring ground coffee.

Coffee pods are small coffee filters with ground coffee already inside. They are perfect for brewing a single cup of coffee.

The best part about coffee pods is that there is virtually no clean-up: you toss out the used pod. The coffee grounds stay inside of the filter and there is no mess to clean up.

There are various brands of coffee machines that use pods. Some of them require a specially designed pod. This is because the machine is made for a specific brand of coffee. Other machines take "generic" pods which give you more choices.

When shopping for a coffee maker that uses pods, consider the different kinds of coffee you will be making. It might not be a smart idea to limit yourself to a particular brand of coffee by buying a machine that only accepts a certain kind of pod.

Recently I have noticed that special adapters are available for making different coffee makers accept pods other than their own brand. This is good news for people who already have a machine. If you want to use a different brand of pods but you don't want to buy a new coffee maker, see if there is an adapter available for your machine. There are even adapters for traditional espresso machines that allow them to use single pods or double pods (two pods stacked in the adapter and brewed together).

If your coffee machine will accept different types of pods then you have an almost unlimited selection of coffees to choose from. All of the better known companies have their own name-brand pods, but there are many companies out there with great-tasting coffee available in pods. The great thing about the Internet is that it brings to world to our door.

I live in Italy so I'm very partial to the Italian roasts. Many smaller Italian companies now have their own specialty roasts available in pods. This is great news for the coffee lover who enjoys trying out new flavors.

Another neat new invention that I saw online is a little gadget that allows you to make your own coffee pods. My next post will talk about pod makers.

Ciao for now, and happy coffee drinking!

Top 5 Blends of Coffee to Drink at the Office

By Brian Jenkins
With all the brands and blends of coffee available, ordering coffee for the office can be a real challenge. Should you buy one blend to satisfy everyone? Should you order one or two flavored coffees to please those that like flavored coffee drinks? Maybe you should order at least one special blend for the gourmet coffee drinkers, and what about Fair Trade coffees? Should you make an effort to buy those products that are Fair Trade certified, organic, and shade-grown such as Kenyan, Ethiopian, Colombian or Mexican? The choices are enough to make all but the most dedicated coffee drinkers throw up their hands in despair.

It can also help to know which coffee blends are the most popular with office coffee drinkers. If you’re trying to decide which coffees you should stock in your office pantry to please co-workers, employees, clients and customers, these are the top five coffee blends enjoyed in offices around the country. When you are ordering coffee for your company, you can’t go wrong if your order contains coffee blends that fall into these five categories.

1. Medium Roast South/Central American Coffee Blend
South American coffees are particularly suited to the American palate. The flavor is brighter than most African or Pacific Rim/Indonesian coffees, and has a definite snap that we associate with coffee flavors. Brazilian, Mexican and Colombian coffees are at their best when the roast is fairly light. Most coffee service companies offer several varieties of American blend coffees from companies like Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, which partners with Keurig to supply well over 100 coffee blends in K-cups for Keurig single serve coffee systems, Starbucks and Tim Horton’s.

2. Eye Opener Blend
Many coffee roasters make a variation of an eye opener or Morning Fog Cutter blend. Generally, the Eye Opener is a blend of South American coffees with an addition of an African coffee like Ethiopian Yrgacheffe to add a darker, almost earthy flavor. The roast is usually just a little darker than the standard American blend, and though the coffee flavor is richer, the blend is actually a bit lower in caffeine than a lighter roast blend of South American coffees. Look for names like Eye Opener or Fog Cutter from the major coffee roasting companies.

3. Fair Trade, Organic Coffee Blend
Coffee drinkers are growing more and more aware of the wider social, environmental and economic effects that their beverage of choice has on the world. These considerations have persuaded many office coffee drinkers make a point of choosing coffees that are Fair Trade certified, certified organic or shade grown. Most major coffee companies offer a huge variety of both single origin and coffee blends that are certified Fair Trade, organic, shade grown or some combination of the three certifications. If you’re uncertain whether a coffee blend carries one of the three certifications, you can always look for Newman’s Own Organics, which is always 100% certified organic and Fair Trade.

4. French Roast Coffee
French roast coffee is not actually a blend; it refers to the darkness of the roast. French roast is one of the darker roasts on the coffee roasting scale. The coffee flavor is generally more intense than it is in lighter roasts, making most people think of it as stronger coffee. In reality, the darker the coffee roast, the lower it is likely to be in caffeine. The flavor, however, is richer and more intense, and the body is fuller.

5. Flavored Coffee
Flavored coffees have made a big dent in the coffee world, and some of your employees are bound to be flavored coffee drinkers. The question, of course, is which flavored coffees should you order regularly and keep on hand. Obviously, if you have employees with a particular favorite, that should guide your choice. If you don’t know your employees’ favorites, however, you can still make a pretty good guess by looking at the top flavors ordered through Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, one of the country’s largest suppliers to office coffee service companies. French Vanilla, Hazelnut or cinnamon? Believe it or not, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters’ single best seller is none of the three. It’s their Blueberry Morning blend coffee, which is Green Mountain’s overall best seller, not just their best-selling flavored coffee. Most office coffee service companies offer some sort of flavored coffee variety pack that includes the most popular flavored coffees sold by their company.

In addition to a variety of coffee blends, the well-stocked office break room should also offer other beverages for your workers who don’t drink coffee. Most office coffee service companies include a variety of teas, hot chocolate and even soups that can be made with hot water from the office coffee maker.

Brian Jenkins is a freelance writer and blogger who writes about the office environment and ways to improve productivity such as utilizing an office coffee service.

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Gourmet Flavored Coffee - Do You Know What You're Missing?

By Christine Pinkston
These days you can find gourmet flavored coffee just about anywhere. It has truly become a staple in people's everyday lives and with such a variety to choose from, it's almost impossible to not find a flavor that you can't live without. If you're not sure what kind to try you can almost always find information on where the bean is from and what kind of flavors have been added to it.

The first known place to actually use the coffee plant (called Kaffa) was Ethiopia. It didn't take long for this drink to spread around Africa and soon the whole world was after their own coffee plants. Nowadays, there are multiple regions in the world that grow the plants for exporting.

Is one of your favorite things about waking up smelling the freshly brewing coffee? Or maybe you don't fully wake up until you reach your favorite coffee shop and get the first cup of the day? Do you want to drink something different? Perhaps you're looking for an exotic organic bean? Or is gourmet flavored your favorite? Maybe you just want decaf? It always pays to know your choices and preferences when you're choosing the right coffee for yourself.

Great contributions have been made by coffee companies to the gourmet coffee providers and their countries. There has been a lot of concern over the environment and the rainforest's have been greatly helped by the contributions. One particular gourmet coffee company shares a percentage of their profits with orphans in Costa Rica. The company's contributions have made a significant impact on the good of the world around them.

If you love gourmet flavored beans you have a wide selection when it comes to brewing it. They have espresso machines if you own a large company or even travel cup coffee makers for those of you on the go. You can even quickly and inexpensively grind your own beans at home.

Since coffee has been around it has been used as a means of socializing. Nowadays, there are gourmet coffee shops on almost every street corner. Chances are good that if you stop by a neighborhood one you will see a friend or two relaxing and drinking their favorite variety.

It is also a perfect accompaniment to sweets and is the perfect way to end a meal. Whether you prefer black or cream and sugar, French vanilla, or even Irish cream, gourmet flavored coffee cannot be beat. Thank goodness gourmet flavored coffee is here to stay.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Pinkston

Choosing the Right Coffee Bean

By Rolf Joho
Coffee once an exotic drink has now become a common drink and a vital part of many people's day. If you have graduated from merely viewing coffee as a caffeine fix to a rich and complex drink then you will want to learn more about the beans that go into making your daily cup of Joe. Well the first fact you will learn that the precious beans that make your daily brew is in fact a seed and not a bean at all.

Location, Location, Location
When it comes to choosing your favorite coffee beans it all comes down to where the coffee beans were grown. Generally beans can be classified into either the Arabica or Robusta species of bean. However you will see that most coffee comes labeled according to where it was grown.

This is because the soil, environment, and climate all influence the taste of the coffee at the end of the day. You will find that the Robusta variety is more commonly available and may also be cheaper. If you would like to taste some of the finer beans then you will want to buy Arabica for your next cup of coffee.

The Roast
Equally important to the location and the quality of the coffee beans you buy is the type of roasting process the beans undergo. Different types of roasts determine the flavor and intensity of the coffee. If your taste buds do not like the stronger coffees then look for an American roast. This is a nice middle ground to start appreciating coffee. This type of roast produces a medium bodied coffee and is found in most homes across America.

If you are feeling adventurous and would like to venture into the world of more full bodied roasts then look for Brazilian roast beans. This is a darker bean than the American and has a fuller flavor. If the Brazilian roast is still not strong enough for you then you can try beans that have been French roasted.

The first thing you will notice when buying French roast beans is the color, a French roasted bean will have a color that is similar dark chocolate. When you make coffee with this type of bean you will see a little of the bean oil on the surface of your drink, this is perfectly normal and means that you have bought well roasted beans.

When you have graduated to a true coffee connoisseur then you will appreciate the Espresso roast. The espresso roast will have a very distinct flavor and some people can't handle the taste. This comes from the roasting process where the beans are nearly burnt. Espresso is usually served in small cups because it produces very strong coffee.

Drinks
The way your coffee beans are prepared will also determine the taste and flavor of the coffee. This is an important step and there are now many ways to enjoy your favorite drink. Italian coffees have become very popular and most restaurants and cafes will serve coffee this way, whether cappuccinos, lattes, or macchiato.

Storing Beans
If you have gone to the trouble of selecting the right bean for you and your taste buds then it would be a shame to waste the precious beans with bad storage. Whenever possible you should buy whole roasted beans. You can buy whole beans in bulk and freeze what you cannot use immediately for months.

On the other hand you will only be able to keep ground coffee beans for a few weeks in an airtight container. So to prolong the life of quality beans make sure to put off grinding until you actually want to drink the coffee.

Rolf Joho is owner of http://www.internetinfomedia.com and writes on a variety of subjects. For more Coffee questions visit: http://www.agentmon.com/coffee/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rolf_Joho

Coffee's Health Benefits

By Bonnie Jenkins
For years, the news about coffee vacillated between positive and negative. At the same time, study after study extolled the health virtues of tea. But a flurry of new research suggests that coffee offers nearly as many health perks while protecting against a number of diseases.

All this is not to suggest you should start gulping endless cups of java if you're not already a coffee lover. After all, excessive coffee intake may have a downside for some people. But if you like your daily "cuppa joe," you can take some pleasure in knowing your coffee habit has finally been vindicated.

Antioxidants and More
A few years back, headlines trumpeted the news that coffee was the number one source of antioxidants in the American diet. It earned that claim not because it's richer in antioxidants than fruits or vegetables, but because we drink so much of the stuff.

One of the prime antioxidants in coffee is methylpyridinium, which may help protect against colon cancer. This may explain the findings from a recent study that found women who drank three or more cups of coffee a day had half the risk of colon cancer as that of nondrinkers.

Another coffee antioxidant, chlorogenic acid, has been shown to inhibit liver cancer. In one study, for every two cups of coffee the participants drank, there was a 43 percent reduced risk of liver cancer. This same substance slows the intestines' absorption of glucose and might help explain coffee's protective effect against type 2 diabetes

Here's something else you probably didn't know: Coffee is the main dietary source of the trace element boron. Biologist Curtiss Hunt at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center found that an eight ounce cup of instant coffee contains about 57 mcg. of boron. An essential nutrient for plants, one study found that dietary boron reduced the amount of insulin in the blood required to maintain proper glucose levels. Plus it's one of the minerals necessary for strong bones.

Coffee is also a surprising source of more familiar minerals and nutrients, including chromium, magnesium and niacin. What's more, a cup of coffee contains about one-third as much potassium as found in a small banana.

Coffee and Heart Health
Additional antioxidant compounds in coffee - caffeic, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids - may curb cardiovascular disease by protecting low-density lipoproteins (LDLs, the "bad" cholesterol) from oxidation, fending off inflammation and improving blood vessel function.

In 2006, Norwegian researchers found that older women drinking one to three cups of coffee daily were 24 percent less likely to die of cardiovascular disease than non-drinkers. Another study in 2007 found that people age 65 and over who consume four or more servings of caffeine daily had a lower risk of death from heart disease.

But curb your enthusiasm. Because the caffeine in coffee has a short-term elevating effect on blood pressure, people who drink one cup after another may keep their blood pressure high for periods long enough to risk heart trouble.

Coffee's long-term effect on blood pressure has long been debated, and should be weighed against any possible benefits. A 2007 Finnish study of 24,710 healthy men and women, ages 25 to 64, found that over an average 13.2-year follow-up period, those drinking two to three cups of coffee daily were 29 percent more likely to start drug treatment for high blood pressure. The lesson here? Moderation is key when it comes to coffee, if you suffer from hypertension.

Brain Benefits
Anybody who's experienced coffee's morning wake-up call to the brain knows that it can temporarily help sharpen thinking. But coffee may also boost brain function in more lasting ways. A European study of 676 healthy men found that those consuming three cups of coffee daily suffered significantly less cognitive decline over 10 years than non-drinkers. And in 2007, a French study concluded that older women who drank at least three cups of coffee daily were 18 percent less likely to develop problems with verbal recall and 33 percent less prone to memory problems. And new evidence shows that middle-aged coffee drinkers slash their risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease later in life compared with those drinking no coffee or only a little. In fact, those who drank three to five cups a day cut their risk by an impressive 65 percent!

Other research shows that coffee may defend against Parkinson's disease. A notable Finnish study found that drinking 10 cups of coffee a day slashed the risk of developing Parkinson's by as much as 84 percent. Researchers suggested that the caffeine in coffee might stimulate dopamine, the brain chemical lacking in the disease.

From Gallstones to Gout
Coffee also seems to protect against both gallstones and kidney stones. In two large studies, people who drank two to three cups a day of caffeinated coffee were less likely to develop gallstones than nondrinkers. Decaf coffee didn't protect against gallstones, but it did keep kidney stones at bay, perhaps simply by boosting total liquids.

And then there's gout, a painful inflammatory condition that first attacks the big toe and then spreads to other joints. In the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, Harvard researchers found that coffee consumption was linked to a lower blood level of uric acid - the substance linked to this type of arthritic disease. People who drank six or more cups a day were 40 percent less likely to develop gout. Decaf was also linked to a modest reduction in gout, suggesting that something other than caffeine could be credited.

One Last Thing ...
Despite coffee's growing list of benefits, the caffeinated version still may not be ideal for some people. If you're concerned that coffee is keeping you up at night, try decaf or drink it earlier in the day. However, if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), be aware that decaf coffee has been shown to aggravate reflux as much as the caffeinated kind.

Caffeine is also often mentioned as a trigger for migraines, so sufferers should moderate their intake. Less clear is whether caffeine can aggravate arrhythmias or raise the risk of breast cancer in women with benign breast disease. The latest findings from Harvard's Women's Health Study suggest an increased risk for women who drink four or more cups of coffee daily. However, in the Iowa Women's Health Study, no link was found.

While the jury is still out on these few potential problems, the news is generally good for people who enjoy coffee. The news is so positive, in fact, that coffee may be the new milk with the ability to claim that it "does a body good!"

Research Brief ...
It's common knowledge that most people tend to gain weight and lose bone as they age - neither of which is particularly healthy. But here's the problem: If you try to lose unwanted weight, it only promotes more bone loss - increasing the risk of fractures and the dangerous complications that accompany them. The dilemma then is how to lose those extra pounds without doing damage to your bones. A study designed to answer that exact question provides some answers.

The research, from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and Pennsylvania State University, studied 130 men and women, aged 30 to 65. The people in the one-year study ate one of two low-calorie diets: A reduced-calorie diet that provided either the currently recommended intake of 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight, plus two servings of low-fat dairy a day, or 0.64 grams of protein per pound of body weight with three daily servings of low-fat dairy.

The researchers found that the weight-loss diet with nearly twice the recommended amount of protein and three servings a day of low-fat dairy not only improved calcium intake, but was much more effective at preserving bone mass during weight loss - especially when compared to the lower protein (and higher carbohydrate) weight-loss diet. These findings add to the growing amount of evidence that high-protein diets do not leach calcium from bones, as long as calcium intake is adequate. So, when you cut back on calories, be sure to get plenty of high-quality protein, including three servings of low-fat dairy a day, to protect your bones while you're paring pounds.

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References:
Eskelinen MH, Ngandu T, Tuomilehto J, et al. "Midlife coffee and tea drinking and the risk of late-life dementia: a population-based CAIDE study." Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 2009;16:85-91.

Je Y, Liu W, Giovannucci E. Coffee consumption and risk of colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies." International Journal of Cancer. 2009;124:1662-1668.

Mukamal KJ, Hallqvist J, Hammar N, et al. "Coffee consumption and mortality after acute myocardial infarction: the Stockholm Heart Epidemiology Program." American Heart Journal. 2009;157:495-501.

Thorpe MP, Jacobson EH, Layman DK, et al. "A diet high in protein, dairy, and calcium attenuates bone loss over twelve months of weight loss and maintenance relative to a conventional high-carbohydrate diet in adults." Journal of Nutrition. 2008;138:1096-1100.

http://advancedalternativenews.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bonnie_Jenkins

Bonnie Jenkins - EzineArticles Expert Author

Achieve the Perfect Espresso - Start With Quality Coffee Beans

By Lili Rousso
Sicilian artisan espresso is a growing passion among coffee lovers world-wide. The dark, rich color and robust flavor eventually beckon even the most reluctant of coffee drinkers. Two of the most popular coffee bean types are Arabica and Robusta.

Arabica beans are harvested primarily from Central and South America. They create a mild, aromatic coffee with a lower amount of caffeine than the Robusta bean. Arabica beans have 44 chromosomes and contain a lower amount of acids that can cause indigestion.

Robusta beans are grown and harvested in Asia. Unlike the mountain-loving Arabica bean, the Robusta bean thrives nearer to sea level. They have about half the number of chromosomes as the Arabica bean and nearly twice the amount of caffeine. Robusta beans are more acidic and may contribute to indigestion.

Used alone, each coffee bean may be harvested and ground for individual and very distinct coffees. The combination of these two bean types creates a rich, dark, thick, aromatic coffee. Every great cup of gourmet coffee begins with the perfect selection of coffee beans. Select coffee beans grown under optimal circumstances create an amazing cup of artisan espresso.

Three Major Brands
Miscela d'Oro Grand Aroma Espresso Beans are a golden blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. Each bag contains a blend of 80 percent Arabica beans and 20 percent Robusta beans. The perfect amount of each bean provides a tenacious flavor, rich after taste, thick crema and strong bodied espresso.

A higher percentage of Arabica beans give Miscela d'Oro a nice, delicate fragrance while maintaining a relatively low acid content. Robusta beans provide a strong body, staying power and a stronger, velvety flavor. The bold, complex blend of beans compliments the flavor of Sicilian culture and cuisine.

Segafredo Intermezzo Whole Bean Espresso is a robust blend of 60 percent Arabica and 40 percent Robusta beans. Very slightly higher amounts of Arabica beans over Robusta beans contributes greatly to the strong, spicy kick this espresso provides. This bold, golden blend greets even the most discriminating artisan espresso lover with an earthy flavor that stands up to the competition.

This Italian roasted espresso provides a daily taste of Italy, no matter where your kitchen may be. Segafredo Intermezzo maintains a delicate balance that provides each cup of espresso with great structure and full bodied aroma. The rich, thick crema is delicate yet long-lasting.

Lavazza Super Crema Espresso Whole Beans are the perfect solution for the artisan espresso lover who wishes to escape the bitterness of some espressos. Comprised of 60 percent Arabica beans and 40 percent Robusta beans, Lavazza Super Crema Espresso provides a medium bodied espresso that's sure to please. Twenty percent more Arabica beans than Robusta cause this artisan espresso to possess a medium caffeine content.

Follow Your Taste Buds
This article reviewed only three brands of artisan espresso. Many other brands await your discrimination. If you're new to espresso, try a broad variety of beans and roasts until you find the one that fits your taste buds best. Whether it's the bold, exotic tastes of the Mediterranean or the robust, complex kick of Sicilian espresso that appeals to your tastes; enjoy the discovery!

Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionada who reviews Gourmet coffees from all around the world. This month she features the Lavazza Gourmet Coffee brand from http://www.aromacafeculture.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lili_Rousso

The Absolute 10 Greatest Tips For Purchasing a Home Espresso Machine

By Markus Yannies
Choosing the right home espresso machine can be a difficult task but with some basic knowledge and wisdom of how a coffee and espresso maker works, how much they cost, and specific features you get for the money, selecting the right option is easy. One point is clear. If you are spending money at a coffee shop at least 3-4 times per week the payoff on a home espresso machine is well worth the investment:

Let's do the math:
1. Average cost for a coffee specialty drink such as an espresso or cappuccino: $3.50
2. Number of trips to the Coffee Shop per year: 52 weeks * 4 visits per week = 208 yearly visits
3. Yearly Cost: $3.50 espresso drink cost * 208 yearly visits = $728 Annually

For $728, one can purchase a full-featured super automatic espresso machine. Ok, now that you see that an home espresso machines is good investment, let talk about some tips on how to buy one:

1. Decide what type of espresso drinks you like. Do you like a cappuccino or mocha or just a straight shot of espresso? How about a regular cup of coffee? The choices for home espresso machines will vary greatly. Most super automatic espresso coffee machines can brew you a strong cup of coffee just like you find at the coffee houses as well as the espresso drinks. Perhaps you would like to choose between regular coffee and decaf in which case a bypass doser on the home espresso machine is a good option. Choose between a super automatic, semi automatic, or automatic home espresso machines. The most popular type of espresso machine is a super automatic espresso machines.

2. Cost. While many people like to have all of the bells and whistles, buying a quality espresso machine is much like buying a car. Do you need heated seats if you live in Arizona? Same principle. Decide on what type of drinks you like, find a machine with those features and set a budget. The most common question we get is how much do I have to spend for a quality machine? If you are spending $750 - $1,000 on a fine brand super automatic such as Saeco or Gaggia, you will be purchasing a quality home espresso machine with standard features suitable for most people. If you want the highest quality espresso drinks, a semi automatic espresso machine such as a Rancilio or Pasquini are priced in the $700 to $1,500 range. Semi-automatic espresso machines are a bit more work but results are outstanding. All excellent choices.

3. Popular Espresso Features. Milk based drinks - If you love the lattes, mochas, and cappuccino's make sure you buy a machine with two boilers or dual heating elements. Using a single boiler is ok for standard espresso drinks but a dual boiler will produce the fastest steam. This is typically a feature that separates the cheap $100 - $200 espresso machines from the quality home espresso machines.

Adjustable water volume and coffee dose - Some machines will only have the ability to adjust the water so the more water you have the weaker the cup. Having both an adjustable doser and water volume gives you the most control. Excellent features to have especially if want a standard cup of coffee.

Digital or Analog (dials) - There is much debate on which is better to have. This comes down to a personal choice. With digital machines, your options are greater and you can really get dialed in on the coffee / water ratio. You also get statistics on your home espresso machine and most digital espresso machines will tell you when to clean it. Another key feature digital machines typically have is the ability to regulate when the machine is on or off.

Other important features:
Look for a large water reservoir typically over 40 ounces.
Cup height adjustment - make sure your cup will fit. Most espresso cups are 4 - 6 inches.
Water filter - espresso machines with a water filter will produce better coffee and keep you machine in better condition. Water filters are highly recommended.
Bean hopper size - Get a machine with a minimum or 8 ounces. You do not want to be filling the bean hopper every day.
Cup Warmer - Coffee maintains its best flavor when poured into a heated cup.
Grinder Settings - Make sure the espresso machines have at least 3 grinder settings. This is essential for dialing in the right grind.
Heat up time - you do not want to be waiting over 5 minutes for an espresso machine to heat up. A good machine will be ready for a second cup of espresso is just under 1-2 minutes after the initial heat-up.

4. Size and Construction - Make sure you have adequate counter space for the home espresso machine. These espresso machines are generally larger than a typical coffee pot so make sure you measure. Also, having a movable base will allow you to pull the machine out to fill it with water and beans. Almost all of the super automatic home espresso machines body's are made of heavy duty plastic or stainless steel. The inside boilers are either stainless steel or aluminum. Often people make the mistake of thinking the plastic is not as durable but in reality, it is. It is what is on the inside that counts. A stainless steel boiler will offer years of service if properly maintained. The espresso machines of today feature sleek, modern designs. If you are purchasing a semi-automatic espresso machine, consider stainless steel because of all of the interaction with the machine. If you choose a super automatic, a plastic design with stainless steel or aluminum boilers is sufficient.

5. Proper Cleaning and maintenance - The number one problem with home espresso machines is scale build-up. If you own a quality machine, regular descaling and back flushing is not recommended, it's required. What I mean is that if you want to maintain your warranty, you must complete these maintenance items. It takes about 15 minutes each month but will keep your machine operating for years. Don't let your machine sit idle for a long time with water loaded as the minerals in the water can cause issues in the boilers and metal components.

6. Water and Coffee - Buying quality coffee and using filtered water will provide the ultimate coffee experience. Many espresso machines have built in water filters such as the Aqua Prima Water Filter. If you use tap water and cheap brand name coffee don't waste your money on a quality espresso machine. Fine coffee and filtered water contribute significantly to the quality of the brew. Use a coffee such as Lavazza or Gaggia especially made for a higher end coffee espresso machine.

7. Choosing where to buy a home espresso machine - You can buy these machines from many of the major stores but the issue is support and buying guidance. You simply cannot call the "red dot" store or "overstock" stores and expect to find someone that is knowledgeable about quality espresso coffee machines. Try calling one of the major chains for support and they will refer you to the manufacturer. The truth is that your retailer should be able to answer most questions and get you technical support if you need it. You are not going to get the level of support from a big chain store or large e-tailer.

Today's home espresso machines are sophisticated machines. Buy the machine from a reputable online retailer who specializes in espresso machines or coffee makers. Retail stores that specialize in espresso and coffee machines have knowledgeable staff that can assist you with questions, problems, tips, and service. And guess what, the prices in the espresso coffee machine specialty stores are typically less because of the volume of machines they sell.

Choose a store that has a Better Business Bureau accreditation so you can be sure you are buying from a reputable dealer. Beware of stores that do not specialize in coffee and espresso machines. Where is the best place to find the best cup of coffee or espresso? It is your own kitchen of course. Happy shopping.

Markus Yannies recommends the Gaggia platinum swing and quality Saeco espresso machines

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Markus_Yannies

Finding Coffee Clubs Online

By David L. Felts
A cheaper way of acquiring good coffee is by joining coffee clubs worthy of your trust. With the advancements brought by the Internet, finding and becoming members of these gourmet coffee clubs is a lot more convenient these days as compared to years ago. A passionate coffee lover can easily go online and search for reputable names in the coffee manufacturing industry and take advantage of such offered memberships.

There are indeed plenty of coffee clubs that are using the convenience handed by the Internet to businesses. Clubs like Gevalia, Starbucks, and Coffee Beanery are few names that are always included in search results every time users search for something related to coffee clubs. These names have been serving the public with unmatched taste of their coffee products for ages.

One can also find these names in supermarkets, but prices of their products can be a lot cheaper when you order them online. Through online options, anybody from anywhere can easily become members of these organizations and receive updates or newsletters regarding new products, promotions, and special packages. In addition, coffee clubs online are always updated with the latest products and promotions so members can expect to see much of the updates through the internet first.

Gevalia however is best known for their supreme blend coffees made from finely selected Arabica beans. The company is also known to provide an ultimate coffee experience by providing its patrons with free coffee makers. Gevalia has been sending its consumers with valuable coffee makers to show their sincerity. Isn't it great to know that you don't only get the best coffee, but also a free coffee maker?

Dave is an avid coffee drinker who enjoys his monthly delivery of Gevalia Coffee. Learn more about Gevalia Coffee and how you can get a free coffee maker at GevaliaCoffeeClub.net.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_L._Felts

How to Save Money on Coffee - Learn to Save Thousands of Dollars Without Giving Up Your Cup of Joe

By Daniel B. Goodman
Would you give up coffee for a year in return for gas for twelve months? Gas is expensive but I don't know if giving up coffee is a realistic goal. Although it would be nice to have gas paid for a year, giving up coffee for me could never be a reality. Better yet, what if you could still have that same cup of coffee every day and get 11 months of gas? That sound better right? You still get your coffee every day and you still get the gas for most of the year. How can this be possible you ask? Gas is so expensive. How can anyone get it for free?

I will now show you how changing a simple routine in your life can amount to big bucks over time. If changing one of your habits can amount to so much money, imagine what changing your lifestyle can do for you!

Most people stop for coffee on the way to work at a local Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. Let's say that you go to Starbucks and get a large cup of coffee every day at 3 dollars. On the weekends, you take your girlfriend out for breakfast to IHOP and spend about 6 dollars for 2 cups of coffee each day, plus the cost of breakfast. That's $27 per week on coffee alone. Multiply that by 52 weeks and you are spending $1404 on coffee a year! That is unbelievable right?

So now you ask, "How can I still afford that cup of coffee and still get free gas"? Ok, this is where a small change is routine can add up to a mini-fortune.

Get yourself a $30 coffee maker at Wal-Mart. There is a reason this store is making such an impact on our society. It is very hard to find better prices anywhere else. You should become very familiar with this store and I will explain why in the chapter "Developing great shopping habits".

At the wholesale club, get a 2 pound bag of Starbucks fair trade coffee beans for about $10, get a bag of coffee filters for about $3, go to the front of the store and use their industrial coffee bean grinder to grind your coffee beans and go home to enjoy your 1 st cup of freedom.

Some might argue that making coffee everyday is much harder than going to the store and picking it up. Is it really harder though? It is all a mater of perspective. Once you get into the routine of setting up your automatic coffee machine, it's just as easy as walking into the coffee shop and picking up that cup of coffee. We pay such a premium for convenience these days but where does it end? When you spend $1404 per year on coffee alone, image what all the other conveniences are costing you. You need to make $100k a year just to support your lazy habits.

I talk to people that make $80k/year and they can not keep their head above water. They live from paycheck to paycheck and are constantly worried about how the next month's rent is going to get paid. It sounds ridiculous to some of you but it is true. Making more money does not always mean you are better off financially. People spend their money on frivolous conveniences and have nothing to show for it. I would rather make my own cup of coffee every day and have $1300 in the bank to show for it.

Daniel B. Goodman has been saving money for 20 years! Please visit his BLOG at http://www.theultimatesurvivalguide.com/wordpress for some great saving tips. There are a few New Jersey businesses listed on the BLOG that offer great discounts - You are welcome to post any business that has saved you money.

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The Secret of a Wonderful Coffee Experience

By David L. Felts
Have you ever asked your self as to how a good coffee experience can be achieved? Well, most coffee drinkers do not consider this question, but continue to dose themselves with what they think is the best. Others may have encountered the same doubt, but neglected it since this is not really a big issue to focus. But fortunately for some, this question is as crucial as their choice of drink.

To achieve an ultimate coffee or tea experience, one must feel the sensation of his drink similar to a nirvana. By merely taking a few drinks or even a single sip, the coffee's flavor must be able to immediately convince the drinker. This does not mean that a coffee lover must solemnly taste a sip of his drink in order to grasp its real taste, but allow the coffee to persuade his taste.

True taste of coffee dictates the whole idea of a wonderful coffee experience. You may feel total satisfaction with the drink of your choice, but your officemates may not share similar delight with it.

Gevalia coffee products is no doubt one of the many coffees manufactured to give everyone the contentment with coffee that they deserve. By the aroma of its coffee alone, one can directly conclude that it will surely bring a totally unique taste that the tongue will register.

In order to have the best coffee experience always, make sure to only drink the best of its class. Do not settle for those that are unable to gratify your demand for a supreme coffee drinking experience. By choosing the finest product you can guarantee yourself of the fulfillment you seek.

Dave is an avid coffee drinker who enjoys his monthly delivery of Gevalia Coffee. Learn more about Gevalia Coffee and the Gevalia Coffee Club at GevaliaCoffeeClub.net.

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