Showing posts with label coffee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coffee. Show all posts

Friday, 24 June 2011

Personal Coffee Maker - single cup coffee maker, personal coffee maker


Click here for more information
I love coffee. And, I'm kind of an elitist when it comes to coffee. I can only use really good beans-- right now I'm using Lavazza, but my every day coffee is starbucks brand. The problem is, I cannot produce a good POT of coffee for the life of me. I don't know why. I use filtered water. I clean out the carafe. My regular every day machine has a water filter. I don't know why my pots of coffee are horrid compared to my husband's pots of coffee, which taste as if they came from the local coffeehouse/espresso bar.



So, after getting a free senseo (YUCK!), and giving it to a friend, I bought this little coffee maker. IT makes a really good cup of coffee I have not messed up even one time. And, I use it 5-10 times per day. It is just excellent. I've been looking at the higher priced one cup makers, such as the Tassimo, but I'm not sure I need it. With freshly ground good beans, this little coffee maker does the job.



This coffee maker, by the way, makes a hot cup of coffee-- definitely as hot as every full-size coffeemaker I've ever had. I'm wondering if the other reviewer just got a machine that didn't work too well. Or, maybe he just likes it from boiled water. Whatever the case, if you're used to drinking coffee made from regular drip machines, this one is fine.



I've had this coffeemaker for at least two months now, and I literally use it 5 to 10 times per day. I keep expecting it to break, because it's definitely not made expensively, but it keeps going. I think it's a great choice for someone like me or someone in an office.



This comes with a durable reusable gold-colored metal filter.



I have had this product in my office at work for a little over a month, and so far, so good. The ceramic cup is very easy to clean, and the size of the machine itself is just perfect for my desk. The only "issue" I have with it is that it gets just a little noisy near end of the brewing. Otherwise, its perfect.

I bought this to save counter space and make just one cup of coffee at a time. It works well and the coffee is hot enough. To make sure after reading some reviews about the temperature, I rinsed the mug in hot water first to make it warm before using. The only problem which is slight is the small amount of splashing when it's dripping into the mug. It really should have a cover with a small hole in it to prevent this. I take a narrow piece of aluminum foil and just scrunch it around the upper part of the mug and no spills. I recommend this product as a good product for the price.

There is a trick to making hot coffee with this appliance. Leave the spout swung to the side (not over the filter) until the water is boiling hot, then carefully swing it over the filter. You will have boiling hot coffee!

Works fine, coffee is hot and good, no problem there. What I can't believe is that it does NOT shut off automatically when done brewing. I'm not sure what would happen if someone forgot about it for a few minutes. This is NOT SAFE at all and I will have to buy another unit, basically useless.

I bought this item because I was always brewing more coffee than I needed and wasting. This is an excellent single cup space saving coffee maker. Mine came with a mug AND measuring scoop, as well as reusable filter so it was ready to use when I pulled it out of the box. Wish I had known about these when I was traveling! GREAT PRODUCT !!

It is a one cup coffee maker and does just that. Nothing fancy. It is rather slow and splashes a little if you use a regular size coffe cup. I do think that it makes quite a good cup of joe though. Probably about the best bang for your buck if this is all you need. I am satisfied with it.

It worked fine for the first few months, then the brew began to leak a little from the bottom while brewing. Today the leak became a flood. At the rate of $5 a month to use this coffee maker, it is NOT a bargain. - Single Cup Coffee Maker - Personal Coffee Maker - Coffee Maker - One Cup - Reusable Filter - Coffee
»»»Visit Store NOW...


Best price click here

Wednesday, 22 June 2011

Stovetop Espresso Pots - stovetop espresso pots, espresso maker


Click here for more information
Every family in Italy owns one of these machines. Here are a few tips:

1. In Italy this is NOT called an espresso machine, but a Moka machine. An espresso is what you would drink in bar made with a steam or high pressure machine with the crema on top.

2. Smaller size Moka machine tend to make better coffee.

3. Never wash the Moka with detergents, just rinse it under tap water

4. You've gotta use it often for a good coffee.

5. If you haven't use it in a while, make a weak coffee ("lungo") and discard

6. DO NOT put the MOka in the dishwasher.

7. Use drinking water. Avoid tap water especially if very chlorinated

8. Never compress the coffee.

9. For a strong coffee fill the filter with ground coffee and make a small cupola that slightly protrudes beyond the rim. Do not press down.

10. For best coffee, heat at very low heat. It's ok if it takes 10min.

11. As soon as coffee reaches the top, remove from heat

12. Do not let the coffee boil

13. Use good quality coffee, not too strong, medium grind (try Illy for a good commercial brand)

14. Sip while still hot, enjoy!



My wife and I have been spending a pretty penny at the local coffee shop, so I began looking for inexpensive home alternatives. Most of the coffee snobs claim you have to purchase a $200+ machine and $150+ grinder to have a decent cup of espresso. I turned instead to the frugal Italians. They did invent the stuff, afterall. My Bialetti Moka Express coffee pot came this afternoon. I was a little concerned that a $20 pot might not meet the high standards of the gourmet beverages wifey and I have become accustomed to. I was wrong. The brew made by this ingenious little pot is a little weaker than "pumped" espresso and lacks the foamy cap (crema) that all the snobs rave about, but mixed with some hot, frothed milk and a bit of chocolate syrup I couldn't tell the difference between Bialetti and Seattle's Best.



This rich brew comes from a tiny little aluminum contraption with no moving parts, no electronic gizmos, no pump handle and virtually no wait time or clean-up. You just fill, brew and pour. It's that simple. Its base only covers half of the stovetop's smallest eye and I expect it will be easy to store due to its diminuitive size. I've already had three cups of homemade mocha today, and I've only had the pot since noon! *jitter jitter* The point is this: If you're a coffee lover who is bored with Folgers from a Mr. Coffee drip machine or is spending way too much at Starbucks, the Moka pot is an inexpensive and easy-to-use alternative with excellent results.

***DO NOT OVERHEAT!***DO NOT OVERHEAT!***DO NOT OVERHEAT!***



There. I've done my good deed, and passed along the warning for the next person. Reading the translated-to-English directions, it's easy to miss this important cautionary note. In fact, it's not even IN the directions. It's written on the side of the box.



But fortunately, before my Moka Express ever arrived, I read another reviewer's cautionary note about avoiding HIGH heat (which can destroy the rubber gasket), so I didn't have any problem from the get-go.



And speaking of 'get-go' here's the deal. The FIRST time out (actually the second time, because the directions recommend that you dispose of the first batch), I had THE *BEST* ESPRESSO I EVER HAD. PERIOD. BAR NONE.



Using some Columbian coffee (that a friend had actually hand-carried from Columbia a few weeks ago), and setting my smallest burner (it's a ceramic-top stove) to just under "5" (10 being the hottest), the espresso that came out of this coffeemaker was INCREDIBLY smooth, and totally without the bitter taste that it can sometimes have.



If this is the result after using it ONCE, I'm looking forward to seeing how good it gets after I've had a chance to figure out the best combination of type of coffee/amount to use/fineness of grind/etc.



Also, for the price, it absolutely cannot be beat. The full pot yielded about six double-shots, so after just one use, it's almost half paid for!



I'm going to be drinking a lot more espresso. And cappuccino. And cafe-au-lait.



Oh well. Who needs sleep? It's overrated anyway! ;-)





-Jonathan Sabin



UPDATE... We put it in the dishwasher today.



DON'T make this mistake!



When we pulled it out at the end of the cycle, the shiny aluminum exterior had turned into a pretty ugly, uneven, dull finish. I'm sure it'll still work just fine, but it sure doesn't look as nice as it did before.



(ONE other review, among the 48 thusfar, mentions the dishwasher issue, but doesn't say why.)





UPDATE TO THE UPDATE... It's taken about 3 months, but a BUNCH of hand-cleaning has finally reverted our Bialetti to its former shiny state! It's STILL making the best espresso/cappucino I've ever had! - Stovetop Espresso Pots - Espresso Maker - Bialetti - Coffee - Latte - Cappuccino
»»»Visit Store NOW...


Best price click here

Cappuccino - bialetti, latte


Click here for more information
Makes better espresso then most of the espresso shops here in Java Town, Seattle. It also costs about ten times less then an espresso machine that probably won't make as good coffee, and eventualy will need repair. Bialetti has been making these things since the dawn of time and have it down to a science.



A few tips:

1. Grind coffee between medium and fine.

2. Don't pack coffee into basket like you do in an espresso machine.

3. Heat between medium and high heat.

4. Be careful not to have the handle be over the burner of flame.

5. NEVER WASH THE POT WITH DETERGENT. JUST RINSE AND DRY. The more you use the pot,the better the coffee becomes.

6. Before using for the first time season the pot. Make a pot of weak coffee and discard it.



When visiting my friend in Italy, she served us the most amazing espresso -- made in a Moka Bialetti (which is, she tells me, what virtually ALL Italians use at home!) So of course I had to buy one when I got back to the USA. I agree w/all the previous reviews -- it is simple, inexpensive, even fun to use! The instructions that came with it are nearly indecipherable so here's my summary (of course you'll want to rinse all the parts in plain water, no soap, before use):

1. Fill the bottom part w/water up to (not over) the steam valve

2. Put the middle section in, fill w/ground espresso (it is finer than regular American coffee). But don't overfill or pack down.

3. Carefully screw on the top, and place directly on a gas stove, use the smallest burner on medium heat - be sure there is NO flame coming up around the moka (that would melt off the handle). I'm sure you can use electric, too, I just haven't tried it.

4. You'll hear the coffee percolating in about 5 min or so -- when lots of steam comes out, you'll know it's ready. Feel free to carefully pop the lid to peek while it's percolating -- it's kind of cool, actually.

5. Enjoy! If you're going to make a second pot, be aware the pot will be VERY hot, so give it a time to cool before touching the metal.

6. Cleanup: When it cools, take it completely apart and RINSE all parts, making sure they are all DRY before putting the moka away. Do NOT use soap, and by all means, do NOT use a dishwasher!!!!!



Some other tips to keep in mind:

This is called a 3-cup pot, but: 3 Espresso "cups" = 2 tiny espresso cups full = less than ONE actual CUP of liquid. The whole pot makes MAYBE 6 ounces, really. Espresso is concentrated, meant to be savored and enjoyed in sips, not gulped out of a jumbo American mug. To me this is the symbolic difference b/t the European and the American lifestyle! For one or two people, the 3-cup pot is just right. For a crowd, or for die-hard caffiene junkies, you'll want a larger pot.

Because the espresso is so concentrated, it lends itself to many uses. Yes, lattes, as a previous reviewer mentioned. Cappuccinos as well, of course. You can even just add hot water to make a still-strong full sized American mug of coffee. I have been known to throw the hot espresso over a cup of ice for an instant iced coffee. If you like to make blended coffee drinks, this stuff will stand up to the ice cubes and not get too diluted.

The first pot you brew will NOT be good (I tossed the first one), the second slightly better, etc. The seasoning is necessary to get the best flavor. This morning, about my 7th time using it, my husband and I looked at each other and said, This is it! It finally tastes GREAT. I use the Lavazza brand, purchased from a local Italian market, but I know Illy is popular too, both in Italy and here.

Treat it with care, and this little guy will make you simple, excellent, inexpensive espresso coffee for many years to come.

I bought this espresso maker about a week ago at the suggestion of my cousin who lives in Italy. Also bought a milk frother from Ikea ($2.99), some Illy espresso (2 pack for $25) and vanilla-flavored syrup from Starbucks with pump ($7). I have been drinking the yummiest vanilla lattes every morning. Takes a couple of minutes to make and they are delicious. Why the heck was I spending so much money at Starbucks everyday for all those years?! (By the way, my Italian cousin says never to refrigerate the espresso coffee. Just keep it on the counter.)

I love this espresso maker. I use it every single day. It makes a perfect double espresso, so it's great for having a fresh macchiato in the morning with my breakfast. It's cheap, simple, easy to clean, and the only way to break it is to put it on the stove with no water in it. Don't do that. Really. :)

Visited Italy last summer and saw this pot on a few stoves, and used it every morning in the apartment I stayed at. I loved it there so immediately bought this upon my return, and it hasn't disappointed.



This little guy pays for itself within a week. That $4 latte you like having every morning? Make it at home. Some tips/thoughts/etc:



1) I only really fully clean this every other week or so. I quickly rinse it out before every use and make sure the threads are clean - if they get gunky, you'll notice some steam coming out during brewing.

2) I had used a grind from the coffee shops 'doser' (the thing they use to grind for espressos), but I like what I do at home a bit better -- it's just a hair more course than the doser. I use a Hario manual hand grinder, btw.

3) I place on medium/high heat. Works with electric or gas. Just make sure the burners aren't too wide for bottom of moka (I use the back, smaller burner).

4) It takes 4-5 minutes. When I see it bubbling, I pop my mug of milk in the microwave for a minute to heat the milk. When that's done, I whip it up into a slight foam using a small electric wand from IKEA ($2 or so).

5) After about 5 minutes, you'll hear the pot bubbling. If you've been watching it brew, you'll want to put the lid down before this point, as it will spew over your stove top.

6) add it to your milk. This makes about what is a double-shot here in the states.

7) last thing: stay away from pre-ground stuff from the grocery store. Either have your shop grind it or buy a grinder and do it at home. I have noticed a huge difference in taste.



I got this for a friend who had just received a $300 espresso machine. Guess which one he uses every morning. :) Yup, this one.



[NOTE: this is the review for the 3-cup version] - Bialetti - Latte - Stovetop Espresso Pots - Espresso - Coffee - Coffee Maker
»»»Visit Store NOW...


Best price click here

American Weigh - pocket scale, american weigh


Click here for more information
I recently purchased this scale and I completely love it. First off, let me say that I was very hesitant about buying this based on the "Two thumbs down" guy's review. I said heck with it and bought it anyways because it was exactly what I was looking for and in my price range. However, right out of the box I had the same problems. Scale was all over the map, sometimes even going negative. I scoured the manual for troubleshooting tips but to no avail.



Finally it dawned on me and sure enough, there were two pieces of cardboard in between the scale and the base for shipping purposes. I removed those and the scale works perfectly. Another thing is that the manufacturers website says there must be a 1g minimum in order to weigh. This isn't true. It weighs from .1g up with no problems.



It really is a beautiful scale. Very accurate, I reweighed several objects and they were dead nuts. The weighing platform is 4"x4". It's not the least bit chintzy and in fact has a very pleasant display. Moreover it comes with a hard plastic case that double as weighing trays!



I recently purchased this scale to help me in my coin and precious metal collecting. The scale is small and easy to use, while it is not the most accurate scale in the world it is accurate to 0.1 gram which is more than accurate enough for my use.



ONE MAJOR COMMENT TO ANYONE BUYING THIS SCALE, AS NOTED IN OTHER REVIEWS, THIS SCALE COMES WITH 2 PIECES OF PACKING CARDBOARD THAT IS WEDGED BETWEEN THE SCALE PLATE AND THE BODY OF THE SCALE. IF YOU DO NOT REMOVE THESE THE SCALE WILL GIVE MAJOR MISS-READS. THE CARDBOARD PIECES ARE ALMOST UN-NOTICEABLE UNLESS YOU LOOK FOR THEM. THERE IS NO MENTION OF THESES PIECES OF CARDBOARD IN THE LITERATURE THAT COMES WITH THE SCALE.



All in all I like this scale and it suits my needs at an affordable price. I'm Pleased!

So far so good. I'm happy with the product though I've had it for but a single day. I am curious about the battery life but I'll see about that later as time goes by.



It works as is advertised. I placed a calibration weight on it and that was at 200g. I did a 100g and the 200g and that too was accurate. The trick is to keep it on a stable surface and to keep other electronic devices away from it at the same time.



There was/is a crack in the smaller of the two trays that come with it. (I've decided that the bottom case portion is to be used as a tray.) I didn't mind that much at all and it doesn't impact the accuracy or efficacy of the product either way.

good scale, auto shutoff (in about 60 seconds) makes it nearly unuseable. If you have to weigh multiple items precisely, like mixing paints, which is what I bought it for. You need everything out and open and ready to go and hopefully you can get it done in time... annoying.

I bought three of these scales for use in a coffee and espresso lab. The oldest of the three is still going strong, even though it has had water splashed on it, and has been in continuous use for two years now.



A new trend in coffee and espresso preparation is weighing everything - your whole beans, your ground coffee, your water, even the shot of espresso you're brewing. Weighing gives a much more accurate measurement than visual ml/oz viewing in a measuring cup or shot glass. This is especially true with espresso, given that crema can be large in volume, thus screwing up a visual measurement of the amount of liquid brewed.



This scale fits the bill, by virtue of the 2kg max weight while still resolving to 0.1g. It's not without its problems, but the price earns it 4 stars from me.



The large weight allowance allows you to put portafilters on it (then tare them out, and weigh the amount of ground coffee in the portafilter). It even allows you to brew a big 8 or 10 cup press pot right on the scale, accurately measuring the water used in grams instead of in mls (1g water = 1ml water).



The display is easy to read; blue with black letters that are readable from most normally used angles.



The tray is wide enough to hold most items I use on it, from press pots to cupping cups; it's a bit small for portafilters, but you can balance them on the scale.



TAREing the scale is very quick; startup is a bit slower, but not bad.



The price is fantastic, and earns an extra star from me just on that basis. If it were $35 or more, it would only get three stars.



Very accurate. I have some calibrated weights and it was bang on, right out of the box.



What's preventing this from being five stars?

- time out is too short. It's 60 seconds, but honestly, that needs to be longer, or at least user-adjustable.

- I had to put non-slip rubber bumpers on the bottom of it - otherwise it slid around too much

- there is a bit of a delay when you add or subtract items from the scale - it's not instant (takes about half a second sometimes to update)



Overall a great scale at the price. Could be better, but there's nothing else currently available that matches it features vs. price. - Pocket Scale - American Weigh - Coffee - Espresso - Accurate - Boy Scouts
»»»Visit Store NOW...


Best price click here

Coffeemaker - coffee, espresso


Click here for more information
The instructions do not tell you exactly when the coffee is done and when to turn off the heat. The plastic parts melted the first time I used it. I am a do-it-yourself type, so I bought a metal knob and some flat aluminum to fashion a new handle. Now it is better than new. It makes great espresso, but the instructions are little help. What the instructions should say is when the top fills with espresso and steam stops coming out of the spout, it's time to turn off the heat. It was well worth the discount price I paid. However, in hindsight, I would not buy one with plastic parts.



Imusa Espresso Coffeemaker, 6 cup

My sister-in-law lives in Austria and is always talking about how weak American coffee tastes to her. I tend to prefer a European-style coffee myself, so did some checking to find out what kind of coffeemaker is most commonly used there. This style seemed to be the one that came up most often.



I ordered this coffeemaker wondering how I'd feel about aluminum once I got it. I had my doubts but went ahead based on the strength of the reviews.



The first 3 pots weren't horrible, but I was glad I'd been warned (through the reviews) that the first few pots wouldn't taste the greatest. Pot #4, and following, have been delicious!



My favorite way to drink this type of espresso is Americano-style. It makes a very robust, yet smooth, cup of coffee this way. I'm able to pour the contents of the coffeemaker into a thermal carafe, add hot water to fill and serve full-flavored coffee to my husband and myself.



Sometimes I do choose to make cappuccino or a macchiato with the full-strength coffee I get from this pot. While it doesn't taste quite as "nutty" as the espresso I used to make with my electric espresso machine, it's still a good cup.



For BEST results, I would recommend that one use a good, dark, espresso-roast coffee, but I've also gotten good results with well-roasted flavored coffees if I'm making Americano-style. The flavored coffees come out with more of the flavor noticeable than when I use other methods of brewing them.



A drawback, which is true of all "mochi-style" coffeemakers is that you can't vary the amount of coffee you make... unless you have more than one of these coffeemakers in different sizes. Thanks to other reviews here at Amazon, I knew that going in so I haven't been disappointed.



I have no problem recommending this coffeemaker to anyone who simply wants a good every-day way to make full-flavored coffee with little or no bitterness. If you're looking for espresso that tastes exactly like what you get in a coffee-bar, you may be disappointed. It's good espresso, but it doesn't taste exactly like what you get from a machine. Again, I already knew that from the reviews so I wasn't disappointed.

I received this item as a gift and I am extremely pleased with it. Some other reviewers complained of poor instructions or melted handles. Perhaps the manufacturer has made some changes as my espresso maker did come with instructions that made it very simple to use. They specifically state that one should keep the handle positioned so that it is not directly over the burner. I have had many, many cups of espresso in the last week without any problems. The size is perfect for two people to enjoy some delicious espresso and cleaning is so easy. I think this product is fantastic for the price, especially if you are mindful of the plastic handle and keep it away from the direct flame.

I'm drinking a mocha I made with this expresso coffeemaker as I type. It is delicious.



I read the reviews before mine, but I wasn't worried about the handle issue since I have an electric stove. Handle has been totally fine, but just in case I do position the coffeemaker with the handle on the side of the burner, not directly over the heat. The first time I didn't screw the top on completely tight enough, so I got a few drips of water come out while boiling, but no big deal. Hasn't happened since then because I am screwing it on completely tight.



I have been going to starbucks and other local coffeeshops almost daily to get mochas, and I know that is a super expensive habit. So, I am trying to break myself but I just can't seem to enjoy the plain coffee made with my french press. I am a cheap grad student, so I don't want to fork out tons of money, and I also wasn't sure I'd keep to my plan of making coffee instead of buying it. So, I forked out $10 for this guy from amazon, and 5-mochas-in-3-days later, this thing has already paid for itself a couple of times.



I'm still perfecting it, but that is kind of nice to customize things exactly how I like them. I always hated mochas where the chocolate flavor came from a syrup instead of a powder. So, I first put some milk in a pot with some hot cocoa mix (Ghirardelli is delicious, but I've also used grocery store brand hot chocolate and it seems to suffice) and put it on the stove on low-medium heat. Now, get the coffee ready: some water a bit below the valve (I am only making for me, so the 6 cups is a little much...), put in the grounds container, and then some grounds till that's full. I even used the rest of my course ground coffee from the french press and it did fine... a little watery I guess, but it is hard to notice when you're so pleased with your first few mochas. Screw the top on tight and stick it on the stove on medium-high. Wait for the water to boil in the coffeemaker, and you can even lift the lid with the plastic topper to check if it is full. Make sure you're stirring your hot cocoa on the side. Both should be done around the same time. Espresso goes in the cup first, then the hot cocoa. I don't have a frother (yet) but it doesn't bother me much. Enjoy! - Coffee - Espresso - Espresso Maker - Coffeemaker - Stovetop Espresso Pots - Bialetti
»»»Visit Store NOW...


Best price click here

Tuesday, 21 June 2011

1 Cup Coffee Maker - coffee, coffee maker


Click here for more information
I did many hours of research into coffee makers before deciding on an Aeropress. I learned that several factors influence the coffee you end up with: the temperature of the water, the way the water mixes with the coffee, and how the coffee is extracted from the grounds. I found it difficult to find knowledgeable reviews of the various coffee machines, so I decided to take control of my coffee preparation. The aeropress allows you to control how hot the water is and how long you let it mix with the coffee.



The whole coffee making process is explained in the products instructions.



1. Insert a filter and some coffee into the unit. A coffee scoop and some filters are included with the aeropress, they recommend 1 scoop of coffee per cup.



2. Heat the right amount of water. Markers are printed on the side of the Aeropress to show the recommended amount of water for between 1 and 4 (the maximum) espresso shots. The manufacturers recommend water between 75 and 80 degrees. I don't know if this is correct, because I don't have a thermometer in the kitchen, and in any case, I'm not going to stick a thermometer in water to get it to a precise temperature. I boil water in my kettle and let the water sit for a set time before use. Alternatively, you could microwave the water for a set time. A bit of experimentation and you'll find how hot you like the water. I agree with Aeropress that boiling hot water extracts unpleasant flavors.



3. Mix the water with the grounds. The grounds are immersed in water, much like in a french press, but the manufacturers recommend letting the water sit for no more than about 10 seconds. I find that this is about right, but you can experiment and decide for yourself.



4. Insert the plunger and push the water out of the Aeropress. You press the plunger down so that it extracts the water from the grounds over about 20 seconds. The Aeropress needs to be on a strong and stable container, such as a mug, for this part of the process. Pressing the plunger requires a bit of strength if you are making more than one espresso shot. You'll need to press down for about 20 seconds.



5. Drink up, or dilute the espresso shot(s) for American coffee or mix them for cappuccino, or whatever.



I am very happy with the Aeropress. It makes great tasting coffee. It's easy to clean and inexpensive. In my opinion the aeropress is superior to french press or manual drip percolator coffee. It is not as convenient as a machine but I'm willing to spend the effort for good coffee.



***Update 3/15/11*** It's been over 4 years, and I still use this coffee maker every single day. I'm STILL on my first packet of filters, and still in love. I rinse the filters out and reuse once or twice per filter. And no, I haven't flipped it over. Yet.



As a certified coffee snob, I thought it didn't get better than french press. Fugetaboudit! The Aeropress renders a sweet, flavorful, impeccable Americano every time that will change your expectations forever. I have a drip coffee machine, a french press and a Krups espresso maker, and they are all officially retired thanks to the Aeropress.



I can't say enough about the results, but note that the Aerobie is more time-consuming to use than either french press or drip coffee makers, more comparable to espresso makers. Well worth it, mind you, but NOT as quick and painless as the manufacturer would have you believe. This product makes espresso by forcing air through the grounds using a syringe-type plunger. You must put in a filter, add the grounds, measure out the precise amount of water, add water and stir. You then have to place the Aeropress on top of a cup to use it, exert a pretty good amount of force, and then, if you're making two or more cups, divy the espresso up into other containers and add water or milk, if you want. So far I haven't done it, but I think it would be really easy to push too hard, flip over the cup, and spray espresso everywhere.



Still, greatest coffee ever, no competition. If you want the best, you gotta put in the time.

Wow! Best cup of coffee I ever had. And so simple! The design is brilliant. I'm impressed with the quality of construction, ease of use, ease of cleanup, and the great taste. This is the end of all other methods of coffee production.



I fill the plunger to the appropriate mark with hot tap water and place it in the microwave for 20 seconds (the experimentally determined time to reach 175). While the water is heating I place a filter sheet in the cap, place it on the chamber, and add 1 scoop of coffee. With the chamber on top of my cup, I add the now hot water, stir, and press. Cleanup consists of ejecting the used coffee into the composting pot and rinsing the end of the plunger. Then I'm ready to enjoy a perfect cup of coffee.

As others have said, the Aeropress makes great coffee and espresso. The Aeropress lacks the style and design of the $3,000 automated Italian machines. In fact, it looks a lot like a bong or a chemistry set. It operates like no other coffee maker you have seen before. Who would have thought someone could come up with a new way to make coffee?



The Aeropress is a completely manual system, which explains its low price. You espress the coffee manually by pressing on a plastic pipe that sends hot water through the coffee grounds, sort of like an upside down french press. It is very easy to use, and could easily be packed for travel.



Pros:

Cheap

Great coffee

Great espresso

Takes up very little space

No electronics to break

No high-dollar bean mill required. A regular blade grinder will do.

Right water temperature produces coffee with very low acid.



Cons:

You will go through a lot of beans because the coffee tastes so good

It takes practice to make crema

You need an instant-read thermometer to heat the water to 165 to 175 degrees

You will have to heat and steam milk manually if you like milk-based espresso drinks

No cool-looking Gaggia or Saeco espresso machine sitting in your kitchen

No excuse to upgrade your blade grinder to a mill - Coffee - Coffee Maker - Coffee Press - Espresso - Americano - Best
»»»Visit Store NOW...


Best price click here

Saturday, 18 June 2011

Espresso Maker - cappuccino, espresso


Click here for more information
This Espresso machine is great for people who love good espresso but can't afford fancy machines. In fact, I think I like this machine better than the fancy machine my mom has. It's super easy to use and quick- I make a latte every morning before work. And in fact you CAN froth milk with the wand- it takes a little finagling but the trick is to rotate the mug around the wand. It may take a couple of tries to get a routine down but by the third time you'll get the hang of it. And may I suggest- if you're making lattes, make only one at a time to get good foam. Enjoy!



I'm surprised at some of the negative reviews of this product. Perhaps the reviewers ended up with the occasional lemons. I've purchased two of these...one I bought for myself, and the other as a gift, and they've worked beautifully. The milk steamer is very effective (but as noted, the wand is a bit short, which would be my only complaint). It would be nice to have a separate bypass switch between brewing and steaming modes, but the lack of one is common in machines in this price range. Overall I'm very happy with mine and have had no problems at all. At the current price, I'd highly recommend purchasing one. If you want more features and better construction, then spend another $100 or more for a steam pump model, but for fast and easy coffee drinks from a functional, affordable machine, this is hard to beat.



January 2010 update: It's been over four years since purchasing two of these coffee makers, and both are still going strong. The one I purchased for myself is used almost daily, and still works perfectly.

I am far from a connoisseur of coffee, but I really like this machine. Unlike the Krupps that is similar priced (FND111 Allegro), it is make much more sturdy. I played with both in a feature to feature comparison and the DeLonghi is MUCH better made.



Best : Quality, quick espresso. Easy to clean, easy to use. Very attractive in the kitchen. Pretty darn quick. Great price for the quality.



OK : Frother is very short, so you need a short, stout cup to froth with. It is good for Cappuccino, but not really powerful enough for steaming a Latte's worth of milk. To get some extra steam, run it through an extra cycle just for steam.



Bad : Not really any for the price.



Overall, I am very, very pleased. I got it for only $39.99 here on Amazon and I think that is one heck of a good deal.

All the reviews I read before I purchased this item said that the coffee maker was purchased to make lattes. Several reviews mentioned the steaming wand being difficult to use, but that they managed in the long run. Well, I feel that the wand is impossible to use as there is no way to chose between the espresso selection and the steaming selection. If you follow the instruction regarding the coffee and the water portions, you have great espresso, but if you want to steam milk, you need to put in more water, but since there is no way to select steam, you have to try and steam the milk while the espresso is brewing and you end up having watered down espresso or steam milk that is not hot enough. I have resorted to just heating my milk up in the microwave and have more of an espresso with hot milk as opposed to a latte. If you want to make lattes, I recommend looking for another espresso maker.

I believe this is my fifth espresso and cappuccino maker (I have worn out the previous four) and this DeLonghi EC5 is by far the best one. It is easy to use, easy to clean, takes up little counter space, while producing the best espressos,cappuccinos and mochas I've made using a Steam-Driven home brewing system. I don't even bother using the glass carafe anymore except to measure and pour the correct amount of water into the machine. I put my favorite cup directly under the filter when I make an expresso, latte or mocha for myself and if a friend joins me I put two cups under the double spouts of the extended filter, which sits lower, allowing me to make two at the same time while foaming the milk. It saves time, makes less mess, and warms the cups at the same time. Perfect for those cold winter mornings allowing me more time to relax and enjoy a hot beverage while visiting with a friend. Less mess, less fuss, less time, and my friends and I believe it produces the best beverage yet while allowing us more time to visit.

After working at Starbucks and getting free espresso drinks for 4 years, I needed an espresso machine to support my habit. This one was the most affordable with the best reviews, and so we went with it. I am so impressed! First of all, don't follow the directions on steaming the milk, instead of moving the pitcher up and down just keep the tip of the steam wand right below the surface of the milk. It should just barely look like the surface is stirring. If you have too many bubbles pull the wand out slightly at an angle. That will make foam instead of bubbles. The quality of the espresso shot isn't the best, so if you drink straight espresso I wouldn't recommend this. But for lattes, cappuccinos, or flavored americanos, it's so worth it. The money we're saving is great. (Even for a pro barista like me it took a few tries to get it right to make two at a time, so don't get discouraged at first!) - Cappuccino - Espresso - Espresso Maker - Latte - Coffee - Coffee Maker
»»»Visit Store NOW...


Best price click here

Expresso Maker - stovetop, coffee


Click here for more information
The Bialetti Moka Express 3-Cup Coffeemaker is fantastic. I enjoy it immensely. Word of warning, don't forget to put water in it before placing on the stove! And if you have a gas stove with an open flame, do not use a flame that exceeds the size of the coffeemaker. The handle will melt.



This product is the most awesome product I've come across in a long time. For being extremely simple to use, it sure does produce an amazing cup of espresso. Love it, love it, love it! It came highly recommended by a good friend of mine and because of that, I ordered one from Amazon.com and am surely impressed! I recommend it highly to those of you who love a good cup of espresso and who doesn't want a complicated product. So easy to use! Magnifico!

This unit is a great little device for making strong coffee (somewhere between espresso and regular coffee, closer to the espresso side) in an elegant way, and it's designed to last a long time.



The coffee produced is extracted using steam that is generated when the bottom part of the pot gets heated from placing the unit on a stove top. You have to experiment to find the right low-to-medium heat to get the best results. Too low and it will not boil, but you probably want it just above that and not too hot. I have found a setting where it will boil in 5 mins, and then the coffee comes up in 1 minute or less. So, a total of 6 minutes, which is not bad at all. As mentioned, what's produced is close to what we call "espresso" in the US, but it is not the same thing. It is not as strong and with not quite the same taste as full-blown espresso created using an automatic or semi-automatic espresso maker. It's much stronger and more flavorful than regular coffee, though. I used the same Intelligentsia Coffee House Blend (a great coffee) through my French press and then the Moka pot, and the taste difference was eye-opening. Apparently, these stove-top coffee makers are the norm in Italy, and practically everybody has one.



If you enjoy taking your time making your coffee, this is a beautiful unit that creates great coffee (and apparently it gets better over time, as the coffee oils seep into the aluminum). And as mentioned, it's actually not that slow. It's a nice "coffee ritual." It's made in Italy. It only has three parts, which are easy to clean and look virtually impossible to break, so it will last.



The only potential downsides are:



(a) you need coffee ground to the correct size. Either you should get pre-ground Illy Coffee or else you should get a good grinder that can grind to just above espresso fineness. When using whole bean coffee, our old blade grinder does not work well at all with this (sometimes it's acceptable, sometimes hardly any coffee comes out), but we have a Vario on the way, so all is good... But it is a given that a grinder is extremely important regardless of what method of coffee brewing you use. So -- get a good grinder!



(b) you can only make the same amount of coffee each time. For example, we have the version that says 6 on the side (6 cup?) and it makes just enough for my wife and myself. (It doesn't actually make 6 cups, as far as I can tell -- it's more like 2 cups for us). That is, you cannot just put in less ground coffee and less water to make less coffee. If you do that, the mechanics of the steam don't work and you won't get proper coffee as a result. So, make sure you get the correct size for your use.



This thing is so cheap and well-made that anyone who loves coffee should have one around to try out or for occasional use. Ours will get regular use, alternating with our French press. I was very happy to find this.

After a trip to Spain where one of these little coffee makers was in the apartment where we stayed, I returned and purchased one, in spite of owning another pump driven expresso maker. This little guy makes very smooth strong expresso. Really not sure why I spent the money on a more expensive style expresso maker, when these little pots have them beat for great tasting expresso.



You won't be disappointed.

This item yields excellent coffee as long as you have good quality beans, way better than Starbucks in my opinion. Be careful with the handle though when you tighten it. This is my second moka express purchase because I broke the handle.

Too many words would ruin the simplicity and elegance. It simply makes delicious espresso, quickly and with a minimum of effort. Cleans up in about 2 minutes...I take mine camping.



The "cup" ratings are for small, traditional sized espresso cups. If you like to pour a mug full of espresso, then divide the cup rating by 4 to arrive at an approximate size for your "machine". My nine cup maker gives me 2 full sized mugs of rich coffee. For you "crema" people...there is none.



It is inexpensive, relative to plug in type machines, so it is as nearly a risk free purchase as you can make. Enjoy. - Stovetop - Coffee - Espresso Maker - Expresso Maker - Bialetti - Latte
»»»Visit Store NOW...


Best price click here

Friday, 17 June 2011

American Weigh - pocket scale, american weigh


Click here for more information
I recently purchased this scale and I completely love it. First off, let me say that I was very hesitant about buying this based on the "Two thumbs down" guy's review. I said heck with it and bought it anyways because it was exactly what I was looking for and in my price range. However, right out of the box I had the same problems. Scale was all over the map, sometimes even going negative. I scoured the manual for troubleshooting tips but to no avail.



Finally it dawned on me and sure enough, there were two pieces of cardboard in between the scale and the base for shipping purposes. I removed those and the scale works perfectly. Another thing is that the manufacturers website says there must be a 1g minimum in order to weigh. This isn't true. It weighs from .1g up with no problems.



It really is a beautiful scale. Very accurate, I reweighed several objects and they were dead nuts. The weighing platform is 4"x4". It's not the least bit chintzy and in fact has a very pleasant display. Moreover it comes with a hard plastic case that double as weighing trays!

I recently purchased this scale to help me in my coin and precious metal collecting. The scale is small and easy to use, while it is not the most accurate scale in the world it is accurate to 0.1 gram which is more than accurate enough for my use.



ONE MAJOR COMMENT TO ANYONE BUYING THIS SCALE, AS NOTED IN OTHER REVIEWS, THIS SCALE COMES WITH 2 PIECES OF PACKING CARDBOARD THAT IS WEDGED BETWEEN THE SCALE PLATE AND THE BODY OF THE SCALE. IF YOU DO NOT REMOVE THESE THE SCALE WILL GIVE MAJOR MISS-READS. THE CARDBOARD PIECES ARE ALMOST UN-NOTICEABLE UNLESS YOU LOOK FOR THEM. THERE IS NO MENTION OF THESES PIECES OF CARDBOARD IN THE LITERATURE THAT COMES WITH THE SCALE.



All in all I like this scale and it suits my needs at an affordable price. I'm Pleased!

So far so good. I'm happy with the product though I've had it for but a single day. I am curious about the battery life but I'll see about that later as time goes by.



It works as is advertised. I placed a calibration weight on it and that was at 200g. I did a 100g and the 200g and that too was accurate. The trick is to keep it on a stable surface and to keep other electronic devices away from it at the same time.



There was/is a crack in the smaller of the two trays that come with it. (I've decided that the bottom case portion is to be used as a tray.) I didn't mind that much at all and it doesn't impact the accuracy or efficacy of the product either way.

good scale, auto shutoff (in about 60 seconds) makes it nearly unuseable. If you have to weigh multiple items precisely, like mixing paints, which is what I bought it for. You need everything out and open and ready to go and hopefully you can get it done in time... annoying.

I bought three of these scales for use in a coffee and espresso lab. The oldest of the three is still going strong, even though it has had water splashed on it, and has been in continuous use for two years now.



A new trend in coffee and espresso preparation is weighing everything - your whole beans, your ground coffee, your water, even the shot of espresso you're brewing. Weighing gives a much more accurate measurement than visual ml/oz viewing in a measuring cup or shot glass. This is especially true with espresso, given that crema can be large in volume, thus screwing up a visual measurement of the amount of liquid brewed.



This scale fits the bill, by virtue of the 2kg max weight while still resolving to 0.1g. It's not without its problems, but the price earns it 4 stars from me.



The large weight allowance allows you to put portafilters on it (then tare them out, and weigh the amount of ground coffee in the portafilter). It even allows you to brew a big 8 or 10 cup press pot right on the scale, accurately measuring the water used in grams instead of in mls (1g water = 1ml water).



The display is easy to read; blue with black letters that are readable from most normally used angles.



The tray is wide enough to hold most items I use on it, from press pots to cupping cups; it's a bit small for portafilters, but you can balance them on the scale.



TAREing the scale is very quick; startup is a bit slower, but not bad.



The price is fantastic, and earns an extra star from me just on that basis. If it were $35 or more, it would only get three stars.



Very accurate. I have some calibrated weights and it was bang on, right out of the box.



What's preventing this from being five stars?

- time out is too short. It's 60 seconds, but honestly, that needs to be longer, or at least user-adjustable.

- I had to put non-slip rubber bumpers on the bottom of it - otherwise it slid around too much

- there is a bit of a delay when you add or subtract items from the scale - it's not instant (takes about half a second sometimes to update)



Overall a great scale at the price. Could be better, but there's nothing else currently available that matches it features vs. price. - Pocket Scale - American Weigh - Coffee - Espresso
»»»Visit Store NOW...


Best price click here

Thursday, 16 June 2011

Reusable Filter - reusable filter, keurig


Click here for more information
Being frugal (all right, cheap) by nature, I held off on buying a single-serve coffeemaker until I could find one I liked that offered a reusable filter. When Keurig came out with the B-40 Elite, a handsome, reasonably priced unit, and announced that it would be releasing its "My K-Cup" reusable filter for separate sale early in 2006, I was primed. As soon as I saw this product on Keurig's website, I was ready to buy my new coffeemaker from Amazon.com and the filter from Keurig's web site. My only wish was that Amazon.com would stock the reusable filter so buyers could purchase the coffeemaker and filter in one fell swoop, and here my wish is about to come to pass!



I have had my Keurig B-40 Elite for about a month now, and I've had great success with it. Bear in mind that if you're using the reusable filter, you must first remove the black plastic K-Cup holder from the unit's filter assembly (instructions on how to do this are included with "My K-Cup"; the black piece in the coffeemaker's filter basket doesn't act like it's supposed to come out, but it is, and it does).



Also, I've read elsewhere that some people don't like having to remove the reusable filter and clean it out after every use. However, I've found it to be a relatively simple affair: the reusable filter doesn't drip when you remove it, and takes about 30 seconds to rinse out after each use. You can use it again right away to brew successive cups.



One caveat is that the output splashes a bit when using the My K-Cup filter, so I always have a damp paper towel at the ready when I brew a cup. That having been said, I'm really happy to be using my own coffee and saving lots of money in the process. Those who are, like me, loathe to shell out 55 cents a cup for K-Cups will probably really like the new My K-Cup.



After reading many reviews about the problems with the My K-Cup and experimenting on my own, I have found an easy solution to the problem of weak coffee using this filter. As others have noted, the water goes through the My K-Cup way too fast as compared to the K-Cups. My solution was to take apart a K-Cup and use the outer plastic shell with the My K-Cup filter. Here's all you need to do:



Take a used K-Cup and cut the top foil off of a K-Cup. Cut the paper filter out of the K-Cup. It's okay not to cut it all the way off of the rim of the K-Cup because you will need to cut the top of the K-Cup (where it gets wider at the top). You need to cut the top of the K-Cup off because you need to fit the K-Cup shell into the My K-Cup holder. Once you slide the bottom shell of the K-Cup into the holder, you can add your coffee into the My K-Cup (tapping or gently pressing the coffee so that it is not loose inside the filter). Then place the My K-Cup filter into the holder and cover as normal. When brewing, the K-Cup shell surrounds the My K-Cup filter and slows down the water by making it pass through the punctured hole that the prepackaged K-Cup normally uses.



The great thing about this is that you can re-use the K-Cup shell that you cut apart over and over so once you have cut one apart you don't have to worry about it again- use the My K-Cup as you normally would.



I'm hoping Keurig will have figured this out in the near future and add a premade piece that is included the My K-Cup, but until then, I have found that this solves the problem of weak coffee.

Let me start out by saying that I love my Keurig brewer. It brews a great cup of coffee (GMCR Dark Magic is my fav) and the convenience can't be beat. However, I've always felt a little guilty every time I throw out a used K-Cup. It seems like they're not only completely UNrecycleable, but totally UNbiodegradeable as well.



Enter the My K-Cup reuseable filter. Yes, it takes a little practice to fill up the mesh filter with grounds without making a total mess, and sure it takes a few seconds of rinsing when finished. But the result is a great cup of coffee and no guilt trip about filling the landfill with punched out K-Cups. And if you're feeling reckless, it's an easy switch back to those good ol' prefab cups.



I'd recommend this to anyone with a compatible brewer. It's not that much more of a hassle to use, the results are excellent, and there's no waste. Oh yeah, it's also a whole lot cheaper to fill these with your favorite pre-ground GMCR blend (Dark Magic baby!) than to buy the equivalent number of cups.



The only negative that I've seen is a tendency for more "sludge" to get through to the bottom of your cup. Watch that last sip, it's a doosy!

I have gone through a few of these as have many other reviewers...but I think I see why these break so often: You must run your finger over the top of the basket to remove extra coffee grains so that the lid goes on easily. If you don't you can still get the top on, but it puts pressure on the plastic lips that hold it together. So a bit of care in keeping the basket top clean (a quick finger swipe is all you need) will save you from having to buy these often. - Reusable Filter - Keurig - Filter - Single Cup - Coffee - My K-cup
»»»Visit Store NOW...


Best price click here

Wednesday, 15 June 2011

Hot Water Dispenser - hot shot, hot water


Click here for more information

Whether for tea or or hot oatmeal, this water kettle has performed perfectly. Before I purchased this I tended to use the microwave to heat water. Can't believe what a waste of time and energy that was, not to mention possibly unhealthy. This kettle is even faster than your stove top.



The interior is about 98% metal except for a very tiny amount of plastic. I didn't taste anything bad regardless and my sense of smell/taste is fairly strong.



My only concern is that the instructions clearly say to unplug the kettle when not in use. There's an auto shut-off after the water is boiled so either the manufacturer is being extra extra cautious or they believe there could be a problem. Would prefer to just leave it plugged in and not worry about it, but I follow the directions.


Ever since I got my first electric kettle, I have been a fan of them, corded or not. I went ahead and bought this one from my local Target. It works like a dream-boils water very fast, is well-designed and the handle stays cool. I can tell about where the temperature the water is at by the sound, so if I don't want it at a rolling boil, I can get it the temp I want. The best feature for me is the lid. A while ago, with another kettle, the lid fell off as I was pouring and my hand was BADLY scalded while the steam hit me, and I held on to the D*** thing and set it down in fear that the hot water would spill over the rest of me if I threw it. It was extremely painful. The lid on this kettle is ATTACHED BY A HINGE AND SNAPS SHUT SECURLY. I feel confident that the same accident and injury will not happen with this one.


I've owned a lot of electric kettles over the past 25 years. This one looks great (it's so shiny it's like a mirror), boils very fast, and most importantly, shuts off in about 12-15 seconds. I was unhappy with the best-selling Chef's Choice kettle, as it just took too long to turn off (30-45 seconds was normal). I think the water tastes better in this one also. Maybe it was a good idea after all to have ruined the Chef's Choice by accidentally putting it on top of a gas stove...


Aroma AWK-115S Hot H20 X-Press 1-1/2-Liter Cordless Water Kettle





  • Electric hot-water kettle boils up to 1-1/2 liters at cup-a-minute speed

  • 360-degree swivel base for cordless pouring; shuts off automatically after boiling

  • Water-level indicator; comfortable stay-cool handle; nondrip spout

  • Polished stainless-steel housing; removable, washable spout filter

  • Measures approximately 8 by 8 by 9 inches; 1-year limited warranty



Don't confuse the electric tea kettle with waffle irons, bread makers, esspresso machines, and veg-a-matics--this is a vital kitchen appliance. This unit, the Aroma 1.5L, is a great plus for tea drinkers. It is quick, safe, very user friendly, and has visual appeal. The methodology is far superior to a stove-top kettle for the following reasons: you're able heat the appropriate quantity of water--no more, no less--thanks to the water level marker on the side; the unit heats water much faster than the stove top; the unit shuts off once the water comes to a boil--no more head-splitting whistle, no more desperate calls to the Fire Department after you have forgotten about the back burner. Get one, you will be glad you did.


I needed a second kettle and didn't want to shell out about $90+ for another Braun WK600 Stainless kettle (which I am happy with). So I bought this Aroma. Not as heavy, but more aesthetic, boils water fast and fully satisfactory. While I have had for less than a week, it's performed very well.



One reviewer said that the "on" switch at the bottom of the pot broke. I noticed that it takes a very light touch to engage, so maybe if a heavy touch is used, this switch could break. Time will tell whether it's a durable product but at this time I'm very happy with the kettle.


It is so efficient that we often use it to heat up water before putting it in a pan on the stove. It is much faster. When we are making pasta we will put a small amount of water in a large pan and fill the teapot. The water in the pot is boiling before the water on the stove. The pot is light, even when full, and has no aftertaste like I have read some of the plastic ones do.

- Hot Shot - Hot Water - Instant Hot Water - Sunbeam - Coffee
»»»Visit Store NOW...


Best price click here

Espresso Accessories - tamper, espresso accessories


Click here for more information
I have a DeLonghi EC155 and the smaller size fits very nicely for tamping. It is able to hold over 50 lbs of pressure with no problem. I used the tamping method from Good Eats, where you put 50lbs of pressure, then twist.



I have looked everywhere for a tamper that would fit Saeco Aroma for a sensible price, but 53mm tampers were either too expensive or just unavailable. Although this one doesn't fit properly, the small end of it covers about 90% of the basket. Overall, I'm happy with it. It's a temporary solution. Tamper brand or construction is not a huge variable in the resulting quality of an espresso shot. You might at well use something out of the hardware store as long as it tamps the loose grounds well enough. This is why I am skeptical of tampers that cost 50-100 dollars. If RSVP Terry tamper fits your basket's proportions you should consider it.

This product is not a heavy item, but it works very well. The flat design makes it easy to tamp down coffee. It is not dishwasher safe. If you put it in the dishwasher it will come out looking like tarnished and dull aluminum. I speak from experience here. It still works great, but I don't like things I have to hand wash when I have a machine that will do it for me!

Yes, 1 star! I would go less if I could. While yes, this could be a step up from the cheapo plastic tamps that arrive with your machine, it is a very small step, and in some cases a step backwards. I invite you to consider saving up a little longer and getting a better tamper. The "Rosewood" brand tampers are a knockoff of the industry standard Reg Barber, and are just over $20 here on Amazon. They are proof that you don't need to spend $70 if you are a home user that is not pulling hundreds of shots a day.



You really do need a tamper that is sized to properly fit your porta-filter, or your pulls WILL suffer. Measure the inside of the filter and buy accordingly. The pressurized water will go the path of least resistance, and if you tamper is too small, you will over extract the outside edge and under extract the middle. The result is a shot with little to no body and bitter. Did I mention bitter? A good tamper makes a HUGE difference.



Being flat on both ends makes this tamper very hard to use correctly. Getting a level tamp is very difficult.



Do yourself and your espresso a big favor and just walk away from this item. Search online for videos on how to properly tamp, and you will quickly see why this tamper is not a good choice, and learning all you can about the process will only improve your shots.

how can you rate a tamper? well, it fits in the basket and it tamps down the coffee. I guess Terry's tamper does just that. It was a great price, I mean come on, who's the numbskull who would pay $20 for an item to tamp his grounds?

I was impressed by the fast shipping and great customer service.

It's rare that a small purchase ($8.00) can make such a big difference. I'm new to the espresso experience and I was using the art-deco plastic girder-looking tamper that came with the Airette unit. After reading the reviews below I bought Terry's Tamper and I couldn't believe what a difference it made. It's a handy size and it allowed me to exert a greater pressure while tamping the grind and the result was a better cup of espresso. I seem to get a better extraction from a tighter tamp therefore greater taste and value from my coffee. What more can one ask?

I have a Gaggia Classic espresso machine. The 55mm plastic tamper that came with the machine broke after a while. This one-piece cast aluminium Terry Tamp temper is a perfect replacement for the original. It is easy to hold, easy to use. No reason to spend $20-$100 on fancy tampers that may be inferior in quality to this.

works great. unfortunately my saeco aroma portafilter is a smidgeon too small for the large end, and the small end leaves a gap on the edge, but it doesn't seem to matter.

don't know how i lived w/o it. the espresso is so much more intense when its heavily tamped.

So far so good...with the smaller diameter side it's a close fit to the breville die cast porta filter. Still, a tiny gap remains and it does not tamp the edges without a smoothing action. As a tamper...well it works for me and the price is excellent. Simple yet handy design. Shipped and arrived quickly. - Tamper - Espresso Accessories - Espresso - Esspresso Accesories - Expresso - Coffee
»»»Visit Store NOW...


Best price click here