Monday, October 31, 2011

Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Station Coffeemaker 12-Cup Programmable

Review Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Station Coffeemaker 12-Cup Programmable

Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Station Coffeemaker 12-Cup Programmable

Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Station Coffeemaker 12-Cup Programmable Overview

  • Classic brushed metal design with a 12-Cup carafe with ergonomic handle for comfortable, dripless pouring
  • Brew pause feature lets you enjoy a cup of coffee before brewing has finished. Adjustable heater plate (low, medium, high) ensures that your coffee stays at the temperature you like best
  • 24-hour advance brew start, programmable auto shutoff from 0 to 4 hours plus a 1- to 4-Cup feature when making less than 5 cups
  • Includes: Charcoal water filter and permanent gold tone filter that ensures only the freshest coffee flavor flows through. Measuring scoop. Instruction book
  • Measures 14-1/4 by 8 by 10-3/4 inches; 3-Year limited warranty

Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Station Coffeemaker 12-Cup Programmable Review

          I was looking for a replacement coffee maker after my Kerig started "acting up". I am very happy with this my choice of Cuisinart. The only draw back is that the water reservior is hard to read but I got around that by messuring the water before pouring it in. It was easy to program the time and the auto brew timer. It also fits in nicely with our other stainless steal applicances


Thursday, October 27, 2011

Neapolitan coffee maker, and American Espresso

There are many ways to brew coffee:
The Neapolitan coffee is a coffee mocha (Cuccumella) that is used in Naples for the preparation of coffee at home. Once properly set the coffee and stuck the elements, the machine should be set on fire when the coffee is ready you must be ready to twist the particular machine to get it out.

The coffee is traditionally despised by the Italians, although no longer perceives the damage of previous years, also thanks to chains like Starbucks, that have convinced many people that sipping a cup of coffee can be a good pleasure. The American coffee is often accompanied by false comparisons with our espresso: it is a different drink, to sip slowly, and not for a quick energy recharge. To achieve it you can buy special machines for this type of coffee or use the soluble, such as Nescafe.

The espresso coffee is definitely the most loved by people at home can be done with the classic mocha, or with electric espresso machines, similar to those of bars, including the supermarkets are flooded. Do not miss the fashion in recent years of pods or capsules, to get home a creamy coffee like the bar.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Chocolate cake with coffee cream

The chocolate cake with coffee cream is a dessert consisting of a really good basic chocolate filled with coffee cream, covered with chocolate icing decorated with lots of dark chocolate curls. Prepare this cake is very simple, we see in detail the recipe and preparation:

For the base of the cake: 150 grams flour type 00, 200 grams of dark chocolate, 100 g butter, 100 ml of cream, 5 egg yolks, 4 egg whites, 150 gr sugar, 1 sachet of baking powder.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler, remove from heat, add the cream and stir until the mixture is homogeneous. Beat the egg yolks with sugar until you get a massive bulk, then add the melted chocolate and mix well. Sift the flour little by little on the compound, combine the yeast and mix well. Pour into a buttered and floured, bake at 185 ° about 35-40 minutes. After cooking, baking and allow to cool.

For the cream: 1 quart of milk, 250 grams of sugar, 5 eggs, 3 egg yolks, 100 grams of flour, 1 sachet of vanilla, 2 cups of strong coffee, 1 tablespoon of instant coffee.

Slowly bring milk to a boil combining the vanilla. Mix in a bowl the eggs, sugar and flour, help with an electric mixer. Combine the milk made flush with stirring. Put everything on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly to thicken. Once cooked, transfer the mixture into a baking dish and cover in contact with the film. Allow to cool.

To cover Chocolate: 150 g butter, 150 grams of dark chocolate.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler.

Finish

Divide the base of the cake horizontally, fill with coffee cream. Cover the cake with the melted chocolate with the help of a spatula. Decorate the cake with about 150-200 grams of chocolate curls.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

DeLonghi ESAM5500M Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine

Review DeLonghi ESAM5500M Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine

DeLonghi ESAM5500M Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine

DeLonghi ESAM5500M Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine Overview

          DeLonghi ESAM5500M Perfecta Esclusivo Digital Super Automatic Machine for lattes, coffee espresso & cappuccinos with single touch cappuccino & latte. This espresso maker has an easy to use control panel with digital programmable menu settings allowing the ability to adjust the start time, auto shut-off and clock. The patented single touch cappuccino and latte system includes a 25oz milk container, detachable lid, for frothed milk for cappuccino or steamed milk for latte. It also includes a unique automatic cleaning function with an easy push of a button. All parts are dishwasher-safe. The compact and patented direct -to-brew system with thermoblock technology provides excellent heat distribution and it's removable for easy cleaning. Features included are: integrated lower-pitch burr grinder, double boiler with espresso boiler, instant reheat function, decalcification system, cup warmer, hot water spout, removable 1.8l (60oz)water tank, coffee bean container capacity, removable used coffee container and drip tray, height-adjustable coffee spouts, 1-3 hr adjustable auto shut-off, programmable timer on function, water filter.
  • Easily prepares latte and cappuccino with the patented "Single Touch" hot milk system. Simply slide the milk tank onto front of the machine. Clean button makes it easy to maintain.
  • Easy-to-use digital control panel with programmable menu settings: adjust start time, auto off, clock, temperature, coffee strength (5 settings) and cup size with rotary dial (4 settings).
  • Grinds beans instantly for the freshest espresso with the patented "Direct-to-Brew" system. Brewing system is compact and removable for easy cleaning.
  • No waiting between preparing espresso and cappuccino with the double boiler system
  • Consistent, fresh and aromatic ground coffee with the professional-quality conical low-pitch burr grinder. Grind settings allow you to adjust the fineness for all types of beans.

DeLonghi ESAM5500M Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine Review

I love this machine! I have been making espresso and milk drinks non-stop since I got it and everything works great. I was a little leery at first not having a "steam spout", but the milk frother works great. In addition to selecting the kind of milk drink you want, the frother has several settings. The owner's manual was very helpful. With the various settings I have had no problems getting the consistency that I want.
The espresso taste is great and the machine easy to use - watch the video and read the manual! One of the best things is that there is no mess. My friend has a separate grinder and non-automatic espresso machine. There are coffee grounds everywhere and it makes an awful mess. The Delonghi makes no mess and it is easy to clean.

Some have mentioned that the coffee is not hot enough. Maybe this is an American preference. From my time in Italy I noticed that they serve espresso drinks (including milk drinks) much less hot than what we are used to here. The hotness of the coffee has not been an issue for me. I followed the instructions to make the coffee and milk hotter and if I feel the need I pop my cup in the microwave for a few seconds. One thing I do that works great is to pre-heat the cups by filling them with water and putting them in the microwave for a minute or two. But basically, I don't think espresso drinks are supposed to be as hot as an American cup of drip.

I also use purified water. I don't use distilled water - I use bottled drinking water that has some minerals in it. Tastes better.

I would definitely buy the Delonghi if I had the decision to make again.


Saturday, October 15, 2011

DeLonghi EN660.R Nespresso Lattissima Single Serve Espresso Maker

Review DeLonghi EN660.R Nespresso Lattissima Single Serve Espresso Maker

DeLonghi EN660.R Nespresso Lattissima Single Serve Espresso Maker

DeLonghi EN660.R Nespresso Lattissima Single Serve Espresso Maker Overview

          Be your own barista with the Lattissima by De'Longhi. You and your guests can enjoy delicious cappuccinos and lattes anytime. It's never been easier to create authentic Italian drinks with Nespresso's patented coffee capsule technology and De'Longhi's patented milk container. Simply place a capsule in the top of the machine and slide the milk container onto the front, place a cup under the nozzle and press the one-touch button. The Lattissima does all the work for you! The milk container detaches easily so you can place it in the refrigerator and the used capsules automatically eject into a container for quick removal. The minute you get your Lattissima home you can start making delectable drinks for you and your family. It includes a fully stocked welcome kit with capsules. Other highlights include a drip tray that accommodates latte cups, easy-to-use illuminated controls, self-priming operation, as well as a cup warmer and a removable drip tray. Enjoy coffee for years to come with the Latttissima pump automatic espresso machine!
  • Easily prepares latte or cappuccino with the patented "Single Touch" hot milk system. Simply slide the milk tank onto front of the machine. Clean button makes it easy to maintain.
  • Convenient illuminated control panel buttons allow you to choose your favorite drink with ease, with 2 milk and 2 coffee selections.
  • No more mess or measuring with Nespresso's easy-to-use patented coffee capsule system. Simply load the capsule into the machine and push the button.
  • Accommodates latte cups with the unique sliding drip tray
  • No waiting between preparing espresso and cappuccino with the double boiler system

DeLonghi EN660.R Nespresso Lattissima Single Serve Espresso Maker Review

I bought the Lattissima a few months ago and have only praise to say about it. I was very skeptical when I purchased the machine as there were several negative reviews but still felt it might be the best for what I was willing to spend. After several months of usage the machine works still excellent, the milk frosting works great and I just love the simplicity of it all. You make your Latte or Cappuccino and push a button and everything is cleaned. All other parts are dishwasher safe. No messing around- just easy! The coffee is great and Nespresso while not inexpensive has an excellent service. Every order I placed so far arrived next day or latest within 2 days regardless when I ordered (weekend, night, etc.) and I called customer service once on the weekend and they were helpful as well.

The only downsides I discovered are that my standard coffee mugs don't fit well when the milk dispenser is attached and that my coffee intake has doubled since I bought the machine. I am still asking myself why I procrastinated so long before finally buying one of these machines, yes they are not inexpensive but the quality of coffee and simplicity are priceless.


Friday, October 14, 2011

DeLonghi ECO310BK 15 Bar Pump Espresso Machine

Review DeLonghi ECO310BK 15 Bar Pump Espresso Machine

DeLonghi ECO310BK 15 Bar Pump Espresso Machine

DeLonghi ECO310BK 15 Bar Pump Espresso Machine Overview

          Enjoy delicious espresso made your way with De'Longhi's pump espresso and cappuccino maker. You can choose to brew ground espresso or E.S.E pods with the unique patented dual filter holder. The Sempre Crema Filter, used with two measures of ground coffee, enhances the brewing process to produce a perfect crema. The E.S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso) Filter, used with pods or one measure of ground coffee, makes espresso preparation simple and convenient. Either way the choice is yours, making your espresso truly made to order. You can enjoy espresso or cappuccino without worry with two separate thermostats that control water and steam pressure, so you can make both espresso or cappuccino at the perfect temperature. If you prefer cappuccino you'll enjoy using the easy-to-use patented cappuccino frother, which includes a special chamber that mixes steam and milk to create a rich creamy froth achieving perfect drinks every time. Other highlights include self-priming operation to eliminate pesky start-up preparation, a built-in tamper to take the guesswork out of tamping and a durable, high-quality stainless steel boiler to ensure many years of delicious espresso.
  • Use convenient pods or ground coffee with the patented dual function filter holder. It makes espresso preparation simple and fast.
  • Easily prepares latte and cappuccino with the patented "Cappuccino System" frother. It mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for perfect drinks every time
  • Eliminate annoying start-up preparation with the self-priming operation
  • Always brew espresso or cappuccino at the perfect temperature with two separate thermostats, which allow for water and steam pressure to be controlled separately
  • Enjoy delicious espresso for years to come with the durable, high-quality stainless steel boiler and 15 bar pump pressure

DeLonghi ECO310BK 15 Bar Pump Espresso Machine Review

          I had the same leaking problem with the DeLonghi 270 that so many others seemed to have. I had it fixed, but decided to give up when the frothing nozzle melted onto the unit and could not be removed for cleaning (right after the one year warranty expired). The DeLonghi ECO 310 seems to be a much better design. It has a larger water tank, easy to remove frothing cover and nozzle, makes a large cup of espresso fairly quickly, and doesn't look chintzy. Hopefully, it's built for the long term. The only drawback I found was that there is only 3.5 inches between the cup tray and the filter holder, so most large mugs don't fit. That seems to be common with these machines, however. Also, I would like to mention that the measurements in the product description are slightly off. It is 10 3/4 inches deep x 9 3/4 inches wide x 12 3/4 inches high (to the top of the steam knob). 

Check Prices & Learn more for
 DeLonghi ECO310BK 15 Bar Pump Espresso Machine

Thursday, October 13, 2011

DeLonghi EN680.M Nespresso Lattissima Single-Serve Espresso Maker

Review DeLonghi EN680.M Nespresso Lattissima Single-Serve Espresso Maker

DeLonghi EN680.M Nespresso Lattissima Single-Serve Espresso Maker

DeLonghi EN680.M Nespresso Lattissima Single-Serve Espresso Maker Overview

Developed with a unique extraction system specially designed for coffee-filled capsules, this single-serve automatic espresso machine deploys technology essential for preparing perfect espresso. A simple system perforates the hermetically sealed capsule and soaks all the ground coffee to optimally filter the coffee, while the unit's 19-bar high-pressure pump extracts all the aromas and gives body to the espresso ensuring a smooth crema--the delicious creamy layer on top. Used capsules eject automatically into the used-capsule collection container after the brewing cycle has completed.

In addition, illuminated controls allow for easily choosing from cappuccino, latte macchiato, espresso coffee, long coffee, or hot water. The unit's patented IFD milk system includes a milk container for cappuccinos and lattes, and the amounts of frothed/steamed milk and coffee can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. The milk container comes with a unique automatic cleaning function at the push of a button, and the entire container detaches for storing in the refrigerator. Other highlights include an adjustable cup-tray height for accommodating large or small cups, a removable drip tray, self-priming operation, and a removable 40-ounce water tank. The welcome kit includes an espresso cup, a latte cup, a saucer, and a sample pack of Nespresso capsules. Durably constructed, the strikingly modern-looking espresso maker measures approximately 10-1/4 by 8 by 13-1/2 inches.
  • Patented "Single Touch" hot milk system. Simply slide the milk tank onto front of the machine, clean button makes it easy to maintain
  • Convenient illuminated control panel buttons allow you to choose your favorite drink with ease, with 2 milk and 2 coffee selections.
  • No more mess or measuring with Nespresso's easy-to-use patented coffee capsule system. Simply load the capsule into the machine and push the button.
  • Accommodates latte cups with the unique sliding drip tray
  • No waiting between preparing espresso and cappuccino with the double boiler system

DeLonghi EN680.M Nespresso Lattissima Single-Serve Espresso Maker Review

          This is a great little espresso machine perfect for someone who wants to have a quick espresso or cappuccino with a minimum of fuss, direction-reading, or experimentation. If you want to tinker with machinery and pride yourself on mastering the complexities of making the perfect espresso, don't buy this machine. It makes perfect espresso without all the hoopla. No mastery involved. Just delicious espresso, cup after cup.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Saeco Coffee Maker Odea Giro Automatic Espresso Machine

Review Saeco Coffee Maker Odea Giro Automatic Espresso Machine

Saeco Coffee Maker Odea Giro Automatic Espresso Machine

Saeco Coffee Maker Odea Giro Automatic Espresso Machine Overview


          Saeco Odea Giro Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Features & Specifications Saeco Odea Giro Fully Automatic Espresso Machine The new Saeco Odea Giro Espresso Machine is a low cost alternative to the higher-end machines Saeco offers, yet it is still packed with features. The innovation is in the control panel with the new coffee control ring that allows you to regulate the quantity of coffee poured into each cup with the simple turning of a knob to make any type of coffee. Simple, but stylish, the Odea Giro will have you conjuring up fabulous espressos, cappuccinos, mochas, lattes and all of your favorite coffeehouse drinks with the touch of a finger. All this by just pressing a button? Absolutely! Detailed Product Features: Fully Automatic Espresso & Coffee Brewing Do you like to start your day with an espresso, but dont want to have to clean up the mess? Just press the button and the Odea Giro will automatically grind your coffee beans, and dispense freshly brewed, rich and flavorful coffee into your cup. This machine allows you to choose the volume and strength of your coffee or espresso by simply pressing buttons on the control panel. Then it cleans up and is ready for the next order in less than 30 seconds. Press the brew button once for a single espresso or coffee. Pushing the brew button twice quickly will put a double shot of espresso or coffee in your cup. Utilize the enormous flexibility of this machines programming options by varying the water volume up to 7 ounces and the ability to use up to 9 grams of ground coffee per brewing cycle. By experimenting with the water volume and grams of ground coffee you can fine-tune your coffee and easily program these parameters into the memory. Ceramic Coffee Grinder The ceramic grinder is Saeco's most recent innovation. After careful research,

Saeco Coffee Maker Odea Giro Automatic Espresso Machine Review

          Had it about two weeks now and it makes super espresso. I had a semi-automatic and didn't use it as much because it was a pain. Grind your own coffee, pack it and hope you get it the same quality each time. Results were not consistent. But this one is great. Load the water, beans and you are ready to go for several cups of espresso. Now when I get up in the morning or want a cup in the evening, just press one button, put a cup under the spout for the machine to clean the water from the lines, then pick your grind strength and one shot or two with the stroke of a button. Enjoy!! The frother is better than I have seen on any of the semi automatic machines. Sometimes I just cheat and heat the milk in the microwave and have a latte. It is the flavor that I love but I am a coffee lover... I would definitely buy this machine again. I am anxious to see how this one lasts but it has already saved me about $100 keeping me out of the coffee shops so I figure I will be far ahead regardless. My spouse really likes this because now he doesn't have to ask me to fix him a drink. He can just punch a button and he has his drinks ready to go. I can pull one shot right after the other. Pulling shots back to back has the same quality from first to last. This machine is really a 10 star in my book.
*** Product Information and Review : Oct 10, 2011

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Krups 888-43 Caffe Centro Time 10-Cup Coffee/Pump Espresso Machine

Review Krups 888-43 Caffe Centro Time 10-Cup Coffee/Pump Espresso Machine

Krups 888-43 Caffe Centro Time 10-Cup Coffee/Pump Espresso Machine

Krups 888-43 Caffe Centro Time 10-Cup Coffee/Pump Espresso Machine Overview

          This espresso/coffeemaker by Krups is one fine combination. On the coffee side it has a 24-hour programmable clock/timer that lets you set the current time and program the timer for "wake-up" coffee. With a 10-cup serving capacity the coffeemaker automatically shuts off after two hours for added safety. And for the impatient coffee lover, there's "stop 'n' serve," which allows you to remove the carafe at any time during the brewing cycle for up to 20 seconds, serve, then replace on warming plate for continued brewing. The removable filter holder swings away for convenient refills and easy cleanup. The double-wall construction keeps heat from escaping during brewing, preserving coffee's aroma and flavor. The espresso/cappuccino side has an advanced system that ensures quick heat-up time and a rotary steam knob that enables you to steam milk or dispense hot water for tea. The "perfect froth" attachment produces great looking, tasty froth. The 37-ounce removable water reservoir produces continuous cups of espresso, so it can please a crowd.
  • 24-hour programmable clock/timer allows for "wake-up" coffee
  • Automatic brew-pause feature for pouring a cup midbrew
  • Double-wall construction keeps heat from escaping during brewing
  • Automatic shutoff adds safety; large, 37-ounce removable water reservoir
  • Measures 12-3/4 by 15-1/2 by 9-1/2 inches; 1-year limited warranty, 90 days for parts and service

Krups 888-43 Caffe Centro Time 10-Cup Coffee/Pump Espresso Machine Review

I am the type of buyer who reads reviews on everything before I buy it and after reading some of the reviews on this product, I was hesitant to buy. Well, I decided to give it a shot and boy am I glad I did. This product has worked flawlessly every single morning for the past month. I LOVE IT. I want to marry it. No, seriously though, how anyone can not pour coffee out of the pot without spilling it all over the place, blows my mind. These must be the same people who run a car for 20,000 miles without an oil change and then write negative reviews regarding engine noise. The espresso maker works great and as for the temperature, it burns my tongue. The unit is well made and a breeze to use. The auto timer is great and easy to set up. The only thing that is true about some of these reviews is that it doesn't brew espresso and coffee simultaneously. No big deal.
Just goes to show that one needs to keep an open mind before reading online reviews.
*** Product Information and Review : Oct 9, 2011

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Jura-Capresso 13299 Impressa Z6 Automatic Espresso and Coffee maker Center

Review Jura-Capresso 13299 Impressa Z6 Automatic Espresso and Coffee maker Center

Jura-Capresso 13299 Impressa Z6 Automatic Espresso and Coffee maker Center

Jura-Capresso 13299 Impressa Z6 Automatic Espresso and Coffee maker Center Overview

          The Jura-Capresso Impressa Z6 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center gleams with a high-polish chrome plated metal front housing, a unique mirror LED display and a hand-polished zinc die-cast oversized tray. A coffee lover's dream, the Impressa Z6 has professional technology and one-touch cappuccino system. Beans are ground, and fresh, cold milk transforms into hot, frothed milk and pours into your cup. With high pressure, hot water is forced through the perfectly ground and tamped coffee. Now espresso flows through the thick layer of milk froth: pick up your perfect cappuccino and enjoy. In the meantime the used coffee grounds are discarded and you can immediately start dreaming about another cappuccino, latte, espresso, or any other hot large cup of crema coffee.
  • 1,350-watt coffee center with 8 one-touch programmable beverage buttons
  • 18-bar power pump; 2 ThermoBlock heating systems; pre-infusion cycle
  • Conical burr grinder offers 6 fineness settings; accommodates pre-ground coffee
  • Coffee/milk dual-nozzle system; 96-ounce removable water container
  • Measures 16-1/2 by 12-1/2 by 14 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Jura-Capresso 13299 Impressa Z6 Automatic Espresso and Coffee maker Center Review

I am giving a review of the Z5....not the Z6. I believe the insides are very similar if not identical and that most of the changes were cosmetic. I have had the Z5 for about a year and have been very pleased.

Pros:
Excellent coffee & cappuccino. You can tweak the machine twenty different ways. I think it is not as good as the best coffee joints - but it is pretty close. The convenience of waking up and hitting a button can not be overstated. You will hooked forever after a week. It has worked flawlessly since I bought it. If two people in a household go to Starbucks every day, just buy this and it will pay for itself in no time.

Cons:
The biggest con is the coffee temperature. You will see this pop up again and again in reviews. Buy yourself a very well insulated coffee cup and preheat the cup by adding hot water from the machine and letting in sit for two minutes. The cup will then be hot and won't suck out the energy from the added coffee.

All in all..when my Z5 dies I will most likely replace it with a Z6.
*** Product Information and Review : Oct 8, 2011