I love iced coffee. Not necessarily cold brew coffee with ice, though iced cold brew is awesome too. I love an iced coffee made with espresso. Haven't seen many people sharing this preference of mine, but that's what I love most. The problem with chilling espresso is that by the time it cools down properly, it starts to oxidize, it changes taste, and loses the oomph. I tried chilling it on the ice, and it is acceptable, but it gets a little too diluted for my taste. What I like to do is to cool it down very fast, the put it in an ice cube tray, and freeze it into coffee ice cubes. This is the best coffee ever. The Zoku coffee chiller is the device I needed to tweak my espresso ice cubes preparation to perfection.
The Zoku Iced Coffee Maker is a coffee chiller, great for chilling any hot brewed coffee into an instant cold beverage that you can add some ice to, and enjoy on a hot day.
I love getting a great cup of iced coffee at the local coffee shop. There is a magical gesture in this ritual that just makes me feel good. The socializing, the barista, and the whole atmosphere of a coffee shop is just great.
However, I try to keep my visits to the coffee shop in control. Firstly, it can get expensive over time — especially if you like iced coffee as much as I do. Secondly, they don't make the stuff as I do it, using frozen coffee cubes.
Making a iced coffee at home is a great money-saving solution, and the Zoku Iced Coffee Maker, is the perfect solution to avoid a watered down drink.
This amazing nifty device turns hot coffee into iced coffee in just a few minutes minutes, and my espresso is cooled down immediately.
This insulated chilling coffee mug promises to turn hot coffee into iced coffee in a few minutes without watering down your coffee. I was a bit reluctant when I saw the product initially, because it seemed too good to be true. But I thought that even if it was slightly better than my frozen coffee mug routine, it was still a win for me. I bought one of these tumblers and gave it a try hoping the get my wallet a little break from my barista routine. Here is what I found about the Zoku Iced Coffee Maker and my honest review about it.
At a superficial look, this mug looks like any other travel mug, but the Zoku has some special features that turn it into a barista's must have device. It has three separate parts: the inner core which is made of stainless steel, the protective sleeve made of regular plastic, (not the greatest quality if you ask but who cares...), and the straw, (made of plastic, I honestly don't use it). The steel core is what helps you turn hot coffee into iced coffee.
You have to place the inner core into your freezer for about eight hours, or more for best results. When you are ready to brew, take it out of the freezer, slip it into the plastic sleeve, and pour your piping hot coffee into the cup. You don't have to wait for your coffee to cool before pouring it into the cup, infact, I like to brew my coffee straight into the Zoku. I am able to pour my espresso shots straight into the chilling mug, and I can also make some great manual drip, into this mug. I can't make a Chemex straight into the cup, but I can pour it right after the brewing is done, and stop the oxidation immediately. I was impressed that my improvised manual drip using a Kone took under six minutes to turn into the cold drink I needed.
If you don't want to use my method of freezing coffee into cubes, the drink comes out completely chilled and you can add just a few ice cubes, or frozen milk cubes, if that's "your cup of tea".
I appreciated that my drink didn't get watered down from the additional ice, because it was never diluted in the first place. Better yet, the ice didn't melt as quickly as it would in a plastic cup because the stainless steel inner core of the tumbler kept my drink cold.
If you prefer tea, the Zoku mug can come to your rescue as well. You can chill your chai, or any other tea that you prefer, and add some ice cubes. Add a bit of liquid milk and two or three frozen milk cubes in the mug, and you have you perfect iced chai latte.
If you have a large family that needs iced caffeinated beverages, you probably need more than one coffee chiller tumbler. If you only have one Zoku, you will need to re-freeze the core every time. The problem is that freezing it takes 8 hours or more. The best is to plan ahead, and pop the steel core in the freezer the night before.
I don't like programmable coffee machines. When I think that my ground coffee is going to sit in an open space for a minimum of 6 hours, I just can't use one of these machines. They are very practical, and if all you want from your coffee is a jolt of caffeine, and you don't care about the taste, then these are for you. Here is what Business Insider considers the best programmable coffee makers on the market.
Programmable coffee makers remain popular since they can be programmed to brew your coffee in advance.
The best model overall, Cuisinart's Coffee Plus 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, takes it a step further with a built-in hot water dispenser for making breakfast at the same time your coffee is brewing. If you're the type who blearily wanders around the kitchen until you've had your first cup of coffee, a programmable coffee maker could be for you. Some machines allow you to program your coffee up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring that a fresh, hot cup of coffee is available as soon as you enter the kitchen in the morning. Heck, some will even grind the beans for you.As with other variants of coffee machines, programmable coffee makers fit all types of budgets and coffee drinkers. You can start with a bare-bones model that lets you program a basic cup, or splurge on a pricier machine that lets you make specialty drinks. Most programmable coffee makers have some sort of display, the most common being an LCD screen. There are generally buttons or dials that let you select the time you wish to program. Many machines also let you choose the desired strength and amount. Many programmable coffee makers on this list can brew up to 12 cups, although some have a capacity of 10 cups or less. You can choose to brew single servings as well.
Aside from programmability, size, and price, certain features can help make the decision easier. If the flavor is crucial, you'll want to consider the brewing temperature. In general, coffee makers that reach a range of 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit deliver the most precise results. Some machines come with a warming plate to keep your beverages hot after brewing, which is particularly helpful if you're not going to be drinking your coffee right away, or you want the remaining coffee to stay warm.
Impurities in the water, such as chlorine, could also impact the taste of the coffee; machines with carbon block filters work particularly well. However, they generally don't make a noticeable difference if your water tastes good, to begin with.
Why you'll love it: The Cuisinart Coffee Plus 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker not only makes coffee, but its built-in hot water system also lets you make tea, oatmeal, and more.
You won't have to fire up the kettle with this Cuisinart programmable coffeemaker, which comes with its own hot water system. The machine can brew coffee and get your favorite tea or snack ready at the same time with hot water on demand. The hot water is ready almost instantly, so all you need to do is press the lever down to dispense it. The hot water system is controlled via a power button and can be used even if you don't want coffee, or if you're already done brewing a cup. If you're wondering how hot the water actually gets, one user measured it with a digital thermometer and found it to be 186 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your day can't start before you've had a cup of coffee, you'll appreciate this machine's 24-hour programmability. If you need to sneak a sip or two before the brew cycle is finished, the Brew Pause feature lets you remove the cup or carafe without making a mess. This particular model brews up to 12 cups and has a one-to-four cup setting. A slightly smaller 10-cup model is also available. However, keep in mind that most models this size actually brew cups that are closer to 5 or 6 ounces, rather than the full 8 ounces, according to Consumer Reports.
Its generous array of features combined with an affordable price also helps set this programmable coffee maker apart as a top pick. You'll find low, medium, and high carafe temperature control settings for optimal results. The machine automatically turns on and shuts off. When it's time for cleaning, simply use the self-cleaning function. The machine comes with one charcoal water filter and a gold-tone filter to eliminate any impurities that can impact the taste of your coffee or other beverages.
Speaking of taste, it seems the machine works equally well with freshly ground coffee as well as pre-ground coffee. "I have used pre-ground coffee and freshly ground whole bean coffee (using my coffee grinder) with equally great results," wrote one satisfied customer.
Why you'll love it: From its high brew temperature to delay brew and auto-pause features, the Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew 10-Cup Thermal Coffeemaker is a solid value.
If you're looking for overall value in a programmable coffee maker, consider this Mr. Coffee model. For starters, it's equipped with many features you'd expect on a higher-end coffee maker, such as the delay brew function and an auto-pause feature that lets you grab a cup of coffee before brewing is finished. The machine automatically shuts off after two hours, which is a big plus if you're the forgetful type.
If you can't get to your coffee right away (or you want it to stay warm for additional cups), you'll appreciate the double-walled stainless steel carafe. Unlike some models in this price range that come with a glass carafe, the extra insulation in this thermal carafe maintains a warm, but not scalding, temperature. Not only does this keep your coffee from tasting burnt, you also won't have to rely on a warming plate or a microwave to get your coffee back to a drinkable temperature.
Based on several user comments, the machine is a worthwhile pick for those who like strong coffee. "If you enjoy lethally strong coffee that can bend a spoon, then follow the instructions that came with the coffee maker. I use about half the grounds they recommend using for a normal pot of coffee," one owner suggested. Another said, "I am measuring my coffee for the first time ever, which makes for more consistent coffee." The same user suggests the deep filter holder makes it easy to produce coffee that's stronger than normal.
Whether you like your coffee strong or mild, the brewing temperature also plays a role. This machine brews up to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Black Bear Coffee, the ideal water brewing temperature is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit, with 205 being the optimal temperature. Anything less than 195 degrees Fahrenheit leads to improper extraction, while temperatures more than 212 degrees Fahrenheit will cause the water to boil and burn the coffee. A built-in water filtration system helps to remove up to 97% of chlorine.
Why you'll love it: Not only is the Krups Grind and Brew 10-Cup Coffee Maker fully programmable, you can grind coffee at the same time.
The highlight of the Krups Grind and Brew 10-Cup Coffee Maker is its built-in grinder. Whether you're a bit short on space or you simply prefer the convenience, having a built-in grinder lets you grind fresh coffee, and then brew it — all within one machine.
The conical burr grinder has five settings, so you can choose between coarse and fine grounds, and anywhere in-between. According to The New York Times, a good quality burr grinder cuts beans into evenly sized particles, as opposed to powder or chunks. You can adjust the settings on this machine according to the type of bean you're using as well as your desired drink.
As far as built-in grinders go, this one stands out for its versatility. Many espresso drinkers find they can get the grind down to a fine powder that works well enough for homemade espressos. One user commented: "The blades are sharp and very low in the grinder, allowing this unit to pick up and pulverize any stray beans," adding that it typically takes less than a minute to grind the beans. Another said it takes approximately 10 to 12 seconds to grind up beans to espresso consistency. Several owners mention that cleaning the storage container can be a bit of a chore. Using a smaller brush can help reach into tight spaces for easier cleaning.
If you're looking for user-friendly features to help make your mornings easier, you'll appreciate the straightforward controls on the Krups Grind and Brew. For starters, you can push a button to select anywhere from 2 to 10 cups. An auto-on feature allows you to program the machine to start at a time that's most convenient for you. One user commented on the overall user-friendly nature of the coffee machine, saying that after adding beans to the grinder, "you just add the water for the number of cups you need, select the cups needed, and the coffee pot does the work for you." Then, the machine will "automatically take the correct amount of beans to grind depending on how many cups you want and at the strength you choose."
The '9Barista' stovetop espresso maker is an upgrade to your regular Moka pot. It does differ from the Moka pot in many ways, and I only mentioned it because it has the same principle, it creates pressure with steam. The main two differences are that 9Barista has a brewing pressure of 9 bar, compared to the Moka pot about 1 bar, and the water temperature at the brewing time is regulated at 93ºC, so coffee doesn't get burned, (overextracted). You can read more about this project at Kickstarter. And if the price of this stovetop espresso maker makes you cringe, take a look at this Moka pot brewing guide that teaches you how to avoid over-extraction when brewing stovetop espresso.
The '9Barista' stovetop espresso maker is a premium kitchen device for consumers who are looking for a way to create premium coffee from their home without the need for a high-end appliance.
The espresso maker features a jet-engineered design that promises professional espresso shots using your own fresh grounds instead of using pods as some small coffee makers use. The solid brass design is free of moving parts and electronics to ensure it's ready to last a lifetime instead of breaking down or becoming obsolete in the near future.
The '9Barista' stovetop espresso maker is manufactured in Britain and is a more eco-friendly option for consumers to use because of the lack of single-use filters or pods.
It's based on a completely new principle; the twin-boiler system, where the first boiler creates the high pressures needed for making espresso (9 bar), and the second boiler regulates the brew temperature to 93ºC.
This unique system allows the machine to produce incredibly accurate pressures and temperatures which ensure the ideal extraction for the perfect espresso. One of the great things about this new system is that it has no moving parts (apart from a spring) and no electronics - which makes it inherently simple and reliable.
When I saw this product, all I thought was: "Wow, so I don't have to make Turkish coffee in the microwave oven." Yeah, the technology is pretty cool, you get a self-heating mug that gets it energy from a wireless charger base. The mug generates heat via the inlaid metallic particles. I will get one for myself. This way I can stop making Turkish coffee in the microwave.
Coffee… if you work in tech, chances are you like a nice hot cup of brew in the morning… or afternoon… or evening… However, if you're like me, chances are you get a few sips and before you know it your cup of joe is lukewarm, or worse, cold. While you can get a thermal mug or other options that can keep your coffee or tea warmer longer TWINZ studio thinks they have the solution: an all-in-one self-warming coffee mug brew system with wireless charger.
The KOPI Mug is a smart, all-in-one self-warming mug + brew system. Made from super durable ceramic, KOPI's base is inlaid with metallic particles that respond to an electric charge. When KOPI is placed on its wireless (waterproof) charging pad, the particles react via electromagnetic energy and heat your beverage to the perfect sipping temp. Plus KOPI uses wireless Qi technology, so it can juice up all your smart devices with wireless charging capabilities!
Not only does the KOPI Mug keep your coffee warm with its wireless charging pad but when not in use with the mug, you can use it to wirelessly charge your phone. As for your hot beverage? KOPI Mug will keep your drink at a steady 130°F/54°C and includes a lid to help ensure maximized warmth. During testing, in a 68°F/20°C room, the mug can keep your drink at or above 130°F/54°C for an hour-and-a-half with the lid, 30 minutes without. On that note, even without the lid, your drink will stay at or above 122°F/50°C for 90 minutes or longer.
TWINZ studio is hoping to raise $30,000 during their campaign with shipping anticipated in August. As with any crowdfunding campaign, there is a risk supporting them. We've recently heard about several that we've written about that have failed or are having issues. Our reporting on Kickstarter campaigns does not mean we support or are affiliated with them. Support at your own risk.
I normally don't look to save on coffee and coffee making equipment, because if you try to save too much it will come at an expense: my coffee taste. However, these coffee saving tips are pretty sweet and I approve of them. No, I am not that snob, I will still take a black Friday deal.
I haven't bought coffee in years, not because I stopped drinking it but because I started making my own.
I've saved thousands on coffee over the years with these five items — a cold brew maker, a traditional coffee machine, reusable filters, a stovetop espresso maker, and a milk frother.
They're all super easy to use, well-reviewed on Amazon, and the results are probably better than what you'd get at your usual coffee spot. When it comes to coffee, I'm a purist. I'm brand agnostic and will always take my cup black without any sugar or milk. That's why I hate paying for such an easy order knowing that I can brew my own (and usually better) at home. In fact, excluding business meetings or vacation where I can't BYO, I don't think I've bought coffee in a few years.
Here's how I save thousands of dollars on coffee by making my own.
Cold brew is basically a coffee concentrate made by steeping beans in cold water for at least 12 hours. Because it takes a lot of time and beans to develop, it also costs more than regular coffee. But for the price of three cups at your usual coffee joint, you can get this cult-favorite Takeya cold brew carafe and make your own forever.
It's made of incredibly durable, shatter-proof, and BPA-free Tritan plastic with a fine mesh filter that screws into the airtight lid. There are a 1-quart and 2-quart size; I have the 1-quart carafe and it fits perfectly in the refrigerator door. To use, just dump coarsely ground coffee into the filter (it says 14-16 tablespoons but I just fill up most of the filter), add cold water, and let it sit for up to 36 hours in the refrigerator. Whenever you're ready to take it out, you'll have a coffee concentrate that's stronger than normal coffee and less acidic too. Cut it with water, ice cubes, or milk, and live your best-caffeinated life.
Curator's note: I absolutely love the Takeya cold brew coffee maker, but it's an immersion cold brew device and as such, it takes at least over-night to make a few cups. I love the taste of immersion cold brew, but 12 hours is way too long for me, and I am not that good at planning. If you are like me, you probably want to check this article about the best cold brew coffee makers. There are three fast cold brew coffee machines, with brewing times between 15 to 45 minutes.
When I'm not in the mood for cold brew, I'll make a cup of basic hot coffee. My fiancé surprised me with a Keurig machine a few years ago and it's honestly one of the best gifts ever.
We have the older K-Classic that takes up a lot of counter space, but it has a large 6-cup water reservoir so we can brew several cups before needing to refill. The newer ones are much more compact but also have a much smaller reservoir.
Using the machine is the same no matter which style you have. Fill the reservoir with water, add in the coffee pod of your choice, and brew one of three available sizes. You can also use it for hot water if you don't add in a pod. At first, we made coffee with the single-use K-cup pods because they came with the machine as part of a combo deal, but once we realized how bad they were for the environment, we bought reusable filters that fit our machine along with our own beans. In fact, our current coffee of choice is an 1820 medium roast that we brought home from Costa Rica that you can actually get from Amazon.
Eight O'Clock Coffee: A century and a half of expertise in every bag. Every time you brew a pot of Eight O'Clock Coffee you expect it to be great. And you are not disappointed – because we put a century and a half of expertise into every bag.Eight O'Clock 100% Colombian ground coffee is the finest blend of award winning 100% Colombian coffee beans–medium roast with a lingering sweet finish. So rich and full-bodied, you will understand why Arabica beans from Columbia are so sought after.
Cuisinart Coffee Makers are branded coffee makers providing different ranges of coffee makers which suites the customers' needs.T hey have ranges which suites both household kitchen as well as the corporate environment. Also, the complexity or functionality rises as you go beyond the basic coffee maker design.
If you are interested in filter coffee than the Cuisinart Coffee Maker will not suites you. But if you are interested in above the filter one, then Cuisinart Coffee Maker suits you the best as they are the one who gives robust and the hard-wearing designs.
Some Cuisinart Coffee Makers also offers grinding options if one is planning to use fresh coffee beans. Other features like standalone coffee grinder are also included but then the price goes beyond the normal range. Regular coffee drinkers can get benefited as Cuisinart Coffee Makers offers a reservoir of twelve cups of fresh coffee to be used easily at any time.
Cuisinart Coffee Makers also offers user-friendly or easy programming methods so that one does not get confused in the operation. Larger Cuisinart Coffee Makers requires more space and more money, hence one should always think about the machine one need to purchase and where one has to use either in a domestic kitchen or in the company.
Cuisinart Coffee Makers have also introduced a new model which uses coffee without a carafe. This feature is available in Coffee on Demand™ 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker. Also, the other features included in this model are the double wall reservoir which holds 12 cups of coffee, 24-hour programmed ability, auto shutoff which uses less power with professional brushed metal housing, and clean but stylish. Reservoirs can be removed easily for clean up.
Coffee gauges are also available which can be read easily and gives information on how much coffee is left inside the reservoir with visible water indicator which can give idea about the water level required. Charcoal water filter are also available with basket type filter, permanent gold –tone color and Removable drip tray.
Coffee maker by Cuisinart Coffee Makers. This model can grind your beans before brewing and also the availability of thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for 10 hrs. The Italian styling gives elegant looks to the model and everything is automated right from grinding and shutting down the machine after its use. Cold storage facility is also available with Paper basket filter starter and also a Brew Pause™ is offered. This means coffee lovers can pause the machine any time and take a coffee before brewing has been finished.
Cuisinart Coffee Makers provides 3 yrs warranty to any model. Hence this is the best brand which offers such warranty offers in the market. Different types of models like Flavor Brew® 10-Cup Thermal Coffeemaker which preserves the fresh flavor of your coffee, Cuisinart® Programmable Conical Burr Mill which has some new features like cup selector, timer, LCD display, and 18 positions grind selector for espresso and French press. Hence depending upon the coffee test, one can select any model and can enjoy coffee for 3 yrs.
There are few things that people will allow themselves to be labeled as, much less label themselves. Would you consider yourself among the elite that call themselves a "coffee drinker"? If you are, or plan on being, a little knowledge can go a long way in terms of coffee makers. As everyone pinches their pennies these days, fewer coffee connoisseurs are flocking to the coffeehouse and more are making their coffee at home. Knowing the top five best selling coffee makers is the smartest way to make a decision on how you want to be classified.
Bunn is the best-selling coffee maker on today's market. Initially starting out as a commercial coffee maker manufacturer, their products are designed specifically for producing large quantities of the warm brew. However, when the Bunn company saw the demand for their top quality coffee maker products for home use, they rose up to the occasion. While slightly more costly, their reputation for quality and dependability makes their coffee makers and excellent choice.
Senseo is another great coffee maker whose focus is more of the technologically advanced devices. This household name manufacturer lately has also been developing more toward the one touch, one cup brew method. Some of the finest brew makers are produced by this company as many have perfected the art of coffee making using their products.
Cuisinart is another giant in the world of small appliances. While coffee machines are not their appliance of focus, they are certainly making it big with their new lines of quality and user-friendly brew makers. Their superb attention to detail and quality is well acknowledged and celebrated by coffee loving enthusiasts, creating a strong and steady base of clientele.
Keurig is one of the new names of the coffee maker production but they are coming in strong. These coffee machine masters are focused on just producing great brewing products. They have brew makers that can do just about everything — except peel potatoes. And they are recognized as one of the leading manufacturers of quality home coffee machines in the world. Their single cup brewing technology is the cornerstone of all their brewing systems.
Krups is another fine company that offers some of the world class coffee makers. While the company produces more than just the at-home coffee maker, a Krups machine offers over 150 years of precision engineering and passion for quality.
Ultimately when you are making the decision to purchase a coffee maker, keeping in mind these top five best selling brand names will ensure you get the best product for you.
Get the information you need about espresso beans, espresso machines, and other espresso making tools, equipment and ingredients, at http://www.espresso-machino.com.