Espresso Coffee Makers
Espresso Coffee Makers questions and answers
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Q: Does Starbucks use special type coffee/espresso makers?
how are they different than good brand coffee makers from Williams and Sonoma for example?
A: There is nothing particularly special about the type or brand of espresso machines that Starbucks uses. I'm not certain of the brand that they use, but what I do know is that they use a commercial grade fully automatic machine.
A fully automatic machine takes care of grinding, dosing the proper amount of ground coffee beans into the portafilter, and pulling the shot until the proper amount of espresso is extracted.
There are advantages and disadvantages to the automatic machines. One is that it enables pretty much anybody, with little training, to make a decent espresso. A disadvantage with this type of machine is that on different days, a properly calibrated machine may not make the optimal espresso because of changes in humidity. An experienced barista will notice that shots are pulling differently because of humidity and can make fine adjustments. However, I'll take an espresso shot from a properly calibrated automatic machine made by an inexperienced barista any day over a shot from a manual machine by an inexperienced barista.
You can make an excellent espresso from a home machine. The biggest criteria for espresso machine is that it produces the proper amount of pressure. 9 bars of pressure is what you need for espresso. Most true espresso machines will do 12 bars.
You can't get the proper amount of pressure from a machine that doesn't use a pump. These steam powered machines are the types you'll see at Target and they usually cost less than $50. They're easy to identify because you have to pour water into the machine every time, then it heats up and builds pressure enough to make something resembling espresso, but really, its just strong coffee, sort of.
It's essential that you buy a pump driven machine. Williams Sonoma has this type of machine. They even sell fully automatic ones. Their prices aren't the best, but if money isn't a big issue, you can be just fine getting one of those. Coffeegeek.com is a good place to go to check out reviews of certain machines.
If you're looking for a good home machine, a good brand to go with is one by Gaggia, in my opinion. The Gaggia Baby is an excellent machine, and can be purchased for around $350. If you're looking for a fully automatic machine, the price will be a little bit higher, however if making good espresso is something that you're interested in, I highly recommend going with something similar to the Gaggia Baby. It will take a little bit of trial and error in learning how to make a decent shot, but its a skill that's well worth it.
One important thing that people often overlook when delving into home espresso, or good coffee in general is a grinder. I'm not talking about the blade grinders that you can get for $10 either. That just won't work. Blade grinders won't make the consistency required for espresso.
A burr grinder is what is needed. They can be purchased for around $100 or so. I won't go into detail about how they work, but I will provide a link. Starbucks has a reasonably priced good grinder, called a the Barista and it goes for about $120.
Long story short, yes you can make espresso at home that is every bit as good as Starbucks, and in the long run, you can save lots of money doing it yourself at home!
Q: Please suggest some online shop to buy Espresso coffee makers?
A: these guys have the coffe not sure of the makers. give them a go http://www.AussieFoodShop.com
Q: All-in-one coffee (or espresso) makers?
At the university i go to there is a wolfgang puck vending machine that can serve about 10 different kinds of hot coffee related drinks, it asks you how much sugar how much creamer and how strong you want your coffee to be. i really want to get a coffee maker like this!! Ive done some research but i cant seem to find any all in one coffee machines that put sugar in your coffee for you, other than that they seem to have all the same functions.
http://www.jlhufford.com/super-automatic_espresso_maker_superautomatic_espresso.superautoesp.1.htm
anyone know of a good ALL-in-one (and i mean ALL) coffee makers?
sugar
creamer
strength
flavor (optional)
A: Considering the cost for the machine putting sugar in my coffee I think I would consider a almost-all-in-one type machine. I have a Capresso by Jura. I like it a lot. I can do cappuccino, latte, espresso, and tea. Since it does hot water I can make hot cocoa for the kids too.
Besides, do you really want a vending machine in your kitchen?
Q: Can I use a stovetop espresso maker to brew regular coffee?
I have a stovetop espresso maker, but I want to use it to brew one to two cups of coffee with my "regular" coffee beans. I don't want to use my big electric coffee maker to make a cup of coffee.
A: Yes u can just put the coffee in the bottom of expresso maker add water when it starts boiling turn it off.
Q: Where can I find a book for the Melitta Model MEEX20B drip coffee maker/espresso?
I don't have the book that tells how to use the Melitta Model Meex20B drip coffee maker/espresso. It is the Three for All. Can someone help me find one?
A: I think your best bet is to go to the Melitta site, click on "Customer Service" and ask them to send you one.
The site address is:
http://www.melitta.com/
The only other thing I can think of is to find an authorized service place for Melitta products and see if that place has one. Products usually come with a leaflet listing authorized service places, or you might be able to find one by looking under Appliance Service and Repair in the Yellow Pages.
Good luck.
Q: I have an espresso/cappuccino coffee maker.. and I was wondering.. is there a way to make black coffee using?
I have an espresso/cappuccino coffee maker.. and I was wondering.. is there a way to make black coffee using cappuccino maker? like not strong espresso shots but just coffee like the one you get from filter coffee makers? and any other ideas? it just takes to long to forth the milk and tap the coffee in the coffee holder..
A: well you can make whats called an americana- basicly coffee, but might have a stronger taste to it. i dunno.
what you do is make your espresso- and pour it in a cup, and add water to it... youll have to play around and see how much water youll have to add to make it taste the way you want it too,
but what i do with mine, is this: i buy flavored coffees, and i make esspresso with it, (i never tap mine down and dont have any probs with it) then i get a big cup, usually a 32 oz. and fill it with ice, i sweeten my espresso, (i smell it to see if its sweet enough) and i slowly pour it over my ice till its cold, then i add regular milk to it, (mines about 1/3 espresso and 2/3 milk...) more or less to taste, and drink up... its like an iced latte... super good!!!
you can also make it with regular flavored coffee, i just add creamer and sugar to the espresso (and a lil vanilla extract) before i cool it so it mixes in easily....!
Q: Can you you use regular coffee grounds in a cappucinno/espresso maker?
I have a coffee maker and brew my coffe every morning then for Christmas I was giving a espresso maker but I have 3 or 4 big containers of regular ground coffe. Do I have to buy special coffe for my expresso or can I use what I have or can i grind the grounds that have more finer or something? Help!!
A: It tastes best if you use Italian or espresso roast. You can drink it with the regular coffee though -- it won't blow up or anything. Pre-ground canned coffee would probably be too coarse and make weak espresso. You could get a grinder and grind your old coffee. But it won't be as good as fresh beans, roasted for espresso, freshly ground for your espresso maker.
You will LOVE having an espresso maker. It's fantastic.
Q: Dual coffee maker/espresso machines - any recommendations?
Does anyone own a Krups xp2070? I am looking at this one because it is reasonably priced for a pump espresso machine and has the coffee maker with a timer. Are there any other recommendations for a dual, pump, with a timer? Thanks!!!
A: ha! that's the only coffee maker/espresso machine with a 15 bar pump and a timer that i've ever seen. i wanted one so bad. I couldn't find that model when i was shopping for them. we ended up getting a nice coffee maker and a nice espresso machine seperately. I've never seen another one so I'd go for that one.
Q: What is the water measure for an aluminum espresso coffee maker?
A: Write to the manufacturer and ask them. I would think it would be whatever the water pressure is coming into the house or building + whatever the unit pushes it up to.
Q: Can I make espresso in my coffee maker?
I love to drink lattes but hate to pay $4 for one at Starbucks every day. I have made strong coffee with steamed milk and it's not too bad. Can I just buy espresso and make it in my coffee maker?
My husband makes coffee every day and I do not have room for another appliance on the counter....
A: no, you're not supposed too-i asked them at starbucks and they said you have to get an espresso maker. (but, i hear ya, about having to go to starbucks every day-i'm trying to break myself!)
Q: Does anyone have a users manual for White-Westinghouse espresso/cappuccino coffee maker?
Looking for users manual for White-Westinghouse espresso/cappuccino maker Model # WWEX450ZE.
pdf from scanned version would be fine - thanks!
A: This appliance is probably only marketed under the Westinghouse brand. I therefore searched for you and found your machine with picture at EBay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330140828547&indexURL=0&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting
I then found the following manual that looks very similar to the mentioned machine. I assume that this will help you prepare your coffee:
http://www.coffeecrew.com/content/view/186/27/
Q: what's a good coffee recipe for white mocha coffee and espresso?
I love white mochas but they're aren't any coffee shops near me. I have a coffee maker and espresso machine but can't find a decent recipe for mochas, lattes, and espressos. Help please!
A: Try the link below for more recipes.
Coffee Semifreddo "Drowned" in Espresso: Affogato al Caffe Recipe courtesy Mario Batali
Recipe Summary
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
6 cups coffee gelato
1 cup espresso, or strong coffee
Cooled Coffee Cream Anglaise, recipe follows
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
In 6 tall glasses, place one scoop of the gelato in each. Pour the espresso over the ice cream, and then the coffee cream anglaise. Dust each with the cocoa powder. Serve immediately.
Coffee Cream Anglaise:
1/4 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup strong espresso
In a bowl, combine the sugar and the yolks until smooth. Add the milk and cream to this and stir thoroughly. Pour this mixture into a small saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture coats the back of a spoon. Add the espresso and stir completely.
Pour sauce in a bowl and place over another bowl filled with ice and water. Cool completely and serve.
Q: Can someone give me a review for XP1500 Coffee/Espresso Maker?
Is this a quality coffee/espresso maker?
Here's a link to the coffee/espresso maker I'm talking about
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=13725179
A: i would try going to www.expotv.com
they have video reviews on lots of consumer products. Just type the model number in the search.
you could also go to amazon.com
if they sell it, there are probably some reviews on it.
Q: Can you use regular coffee in a Moka stovetop espresso maker?
I have several pounds of some bold Starbuck's coffee - not espresso. Am getting a Moka stovetop espresso maker, and just wondered if the regular coffee would be any good to use.
A: Sure you can. Any coffee will do. But when you have gone through your huge supply of Starbuck, try some Italian brand, Lavazza or Illy - you'll never go back
The Moka Express is a really good stovetop maker.
Q: whats the difference between espresso and coffee maker?
so want to start making coffe/lattes at home to save money but wondering whats the difference between a coffe maker and an espresso maker(besides the name) b/c they both look to do the same thing..hot water over grinded coffee...Want to buy a cheaper simple machine but wondering if i can make espresso in a coffee maker and vice versa. thanks
A: lets get this straight;
the difference between espresso & all other methods of making coffee is the use of PRESSURE to force the hot water through the coffee.
the use of pressure, combined with a fine grind to hold the pressure, results in a lot more being extracted from the coffee than with non-pressurised methods. if the beans are fresh this will produce a crema on the top of the coffee. the crema should be golden in colour, not whitish or brown, and should be made up of bubbles so fine that they can barely be seen, except across the light.
first generation espresso machines - i.e. getting on for 100 years ago simply boiled water to create steam, which created the pressure to force the water through the coffee in the water that a stove top moka pot does today. yes they are crude & yes they burnt the coffee.
the second generation of espresso machines had a boiler that didnt heat the water to boiling point, and instead used a lever which lifted a piston to open a chamber in the portafilter head, the forcing the lever down closed the chamber as the piston went down & forced the coffee through the coffee. Another variation was the use of a spring lever where you pulled the lever down against the pressure of the spring & the spring pulling the lever back to the vertical position again forced the water through the coffee
today most, but not all machines use an electric pump, either vibrating or rotary in design, to force the water through the coffee.
to make a half decent espresso you must buy freshly roasted whole beans & grind them yourself as ground coffee stales within 30minutes.
you also need a decent grinder to grind (1) fine enough & (2) consistently enough for espresso
all of the above requirements start to get expensive, & we would advise against a 'cheap' espresso machine.
Finally, and this is the important point:
You dont need to have espresso to enjoy great coffee. Get yourself a basic coffee grinder, get a Swissgold filter (google for one near you - they're inexpensive) then hunt down a local roaster of gourmet coffee beans. You will find the Swissgold filter is quick & easy to use & makes a surperb cup of coffee. A lot of people fail to appreciate that a lot of the world's finest coffees are simply unsuitable for the espresso process, so in restricting yourself to espresso coffee you are missing out on most of the world's finest coffees.
It is simply the power of marketing that has empowered 'espresso' with the cache as the 'only' kind of coffee to drink. Challenge the assumption & we think you will be pleasantly surprised & save yourself a pile of cash into the bargain.