Coffee Bean Classification

To be honest there is currently no global presiding board over coffee beans, however many coffee production places still use the old methods of classification. Some plantations use some of the grading types and not the other types.

Coffee grades are important because smaller beans are quicker to roast, thus take less time and less cost to produce. Dense beans take longer to roast. Beans of differing color obviously taste differently.

Size grading (length):
Size means everything! Coffee beans are classified by size. Sizes range from 13 to 20-64th inches. A medium size is usually the best. Beans of even sizes are considered to be the most sought after since they provide an even roast.

* Arabica coffee beans are classified by AAA, AA = 16 to 18-64th inches (7.2 mm), A, B or C.
* Robusta coffee beans are classified by I, II or III.

Size grading (width):
Coffee beans are generally rated on size from number 20 to number 8, with 20 being a very large bean and 8 being an unacceptable bean. Consistent size equals even roasting.

Coffee bean density:
The thickness of the bean is what is measured here. Density can be affected by rain, humidity, temperature and height above sea level. It ranges from the following:

* HB: Hard Bean
* SHB: Strictly Hard Bean
* HG: High Grown
* LGC: Low Grown Central Bean

Coffee imperfections per 300 grams:
Generally, it means the imperfections per pound of coffee. It was a system used by the now disbanded New York Coffee and Sugar Exchange. Imperfections basically mean contaminants like rocks, twigs, leaves and rotten beans. NY 1 to NY 8 means there are a variety of imperfections. For example, NY 2 means four imperfections, NY 3 means there are 12 imperfections.

Black bean:
Black Bean just means imperfection, so virtually it is the same as the above. The rating method is from number 2 to number 8 (and above, but the US will not accept beans over the number 8 rating). Number 2 equals 6 black beans, number 5 equals 69 black beans and number 8 beans equal 500 black beans.

Color:
Obviously, the color of the coffee bean.

I would just like to reiterate there is really no global governing body over the classification or grading process of beans. Some countries use their own grading systems and may have their own governing bodies, so your best bet is trial and error to find the beans you love. Currently, I take great pleasure in the Green Mountain Coffee Roasts. It has a great selection of Organic Fair Trade coffees and it ships all over the world.

Green Coffee Beans

Green coffee beans are berries from the Arabica plant or robusta plant, which have been processed for roasting. Coffee aficionados would never call the green coffee beans, “beans” since they are actually twin seeds of a plant; much like the cherry. We'll call them beans for all extensive purposes.

Green coffee beans go through a vast processing system before they reach the customer. There are two main coffee bean processes:

The most popular method for processing green coffee beans:

* The coffee fruit is red and is picked as it ripens.
* The coffee plant's fruit is stripped down to a pulp and all the debris is removed.
* The beans are fermented to remove the pulp.
* The beans are dried and the peanut-like skin is stripped;
* The fruit is now a green coffee bean.

The alternate method for processing green coffee beans:

* The coffee's fruit, leaves, twigs, undesirable unripe fruit and sometimes insects and dirt are thrown to the ground.
* The mélange is left to dry and is stripped, revealing the green coffee bean.
* Resulting in a completely different taste due to the addition of other material. The coffee may taste may be like compost.

Another interesting fact to consider.coffee trees are grown between the Tropic of Cancer & The Tropic of Capricorn (perhaps, Henry Miller was drinking coffee when he wrote those books).

In North America, it is becoming trendy to not only buy whole beans, but to home roast the green coffee beans as well. Home coffee roasters are decreasing in price and green coffee beans can be ordered online or at a local coffee house.

Coffee Beans

There are so many coffee beans, so little time. I drink a lot of coffee and to be honest unless I really think about it, or hate it, I just gulp the coffee down and don't really give it too much thought. When I'm cupping I definitely try to pay attention to the individual nuances, but, like wine, unless I concentrate I really can't taste the nuances.

I know I like dark roast coffee beans the best, but most times I cannot differentiate between African coffee and Java coffee. However, I can always taste the difference between robusta coffee beans and Arabica coffee beans (although robusta is an inferior bean I still think we should capitalize it to make it even with Arabica. Hey, but what do I know). Although, I do know when you give me instant coffee, coffee flavored with chicory and I generally stay away from any coffee in the UK.

There are things to take into consideration when buying coffee beans: the coffee bean classification, the coffee acidity and body and what constitutes a gourmet coffee bean. Then there are my most popular Coffee Bean Queen pages, Cat Crap Coffee, Organic Coffee, Flavored Coffee and Coffee Flavoring. Check out the coffee cupping section because there are pages on coffee tastes and coffee faults. To be honest, before I knew this information I couldn't distinguish the floral tastes verses the earthy taste of coffee beans etc. Isn't it strange once you know a word you can taste it.maybe that's just me.

However, the best thing you can do to make great coffee at home is purchase (or grow if you're in the middle of the Tropics) great coffee beans. Read-up and sit down and enjoy a great tasting cup of coffee. Who knows, you may even get strangers knock on your door wanting to taste your brew and if you have kids perhaps you can start a coffee stand instead of the ol' lemonade. Get with the times!

Other Coffee Makers

So many coffees, so little time and so many methods. We've come a long way in the evolution of the coffeemaker and methods have changed from socks as filters to the modern day multitude of different ways to get that perfect cup. That said, I think some coffee brewing methods are apt derogatory nicknames for some of the dolts I have met over the years.

Drip Filter Coffee Brewing Method: Pretty much like any of the coffeemakers you see in most people's homes, in North America. You put the coffee grounds in a basket, the water in the unit; they meet and drip into a carafe, first going through a filter. I find this to be one of the simplest ways, provided you know how to measure coffee. There is nothing worse then going to someone's house for coffee and the coffee is weak. Practice, I say, practice!!! You can set it up beforehand and just press a button when you are ready or buy a coffee maker with a timer.

Dutch Coffee Concentrate Coffee Brewing Method: (also known as the cold-water method, or moccomat). All I can say is ummm, ewww! Any coffee cupper would NEVER be caught dead drinking this. Basically, you soak coffee & water in a glass, for a half-day to a full-day. Then strain the coffee, using a filter (possibly a sock) and refrigerate the gunk. Then, when you are ready for a cup, of what I suppose is still coffee, you boil water and add 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of the muck and enjoy.

Espresso Coffee Brewing Method: Steam and ground espresso beans are forced through a filter without burning the coffee. The result is a fantastic actual bean flavor with crema foam) on top. Add steam, a spigot and milk and you have a latte or cappuccino.

French Press Coffee Brewing Method: (also known as the plunger pot, cafetiere or Bodum). One of the most indispensable coffee makers known to man. You can travel with it (especially to England where most homes use instant coffee. Imperitive note: always take your own coffee with you if you are outside major UK cities); you can camp with it; if there was a blackout (and you had a fire to boil water) you could make a ton of money selling coffee to your neighbors; .ok, I think you get the point. Now, “what is it, you ask?” The French Press is a small glass jug (you can get plastic ones to travel with) that you put grinds in, add hot water, stir, put the plunger in -which has its own filter attached- press down and voila.great tasting coffee with no grinds in your teeth, maybe a little sediment at the end.

Ibrik Coffee Brewing Method: (also known as cezve, jezve). The key to fantastic Turkish coffee, Greek Coffee etc. If you like it strong, this is a great method for you. You use a small pot, usually copper or brass, with a long handle, plus, finely ground coffee beans. You boil the coffee grinds and water on the stove three times and serve only the froth in small cups. Jug Coffee Brewing Method: Hot water over grounds in a pottery jug and left to soak for about 6 hours. Disadvantage (or advantage) with this method is you get a meal with your coffee because the grinds go in your cup.and obviously the liquid is cold.

Moka Pot Espresso Brewing Method: Moka, moka, moka - I just like saying it! Moka! Ok, I'm done now. The moka pot is a dual chambered pot, which forces water from the bottom pot, into the upper pot, passing a filter and gathering coffee along its way. The espresso mix is served from the top pot.

Percolator Coffee Brewing Method: Also known as using a coffee urn. It is similar to the Moka Pot Method except there is only one pot. When heated, the water forces itself up a metal stem into a filter basket filled with coffee. Then gravity occurs, the water is forced back down through the filter into the abyss below. Generally, there is a spout at the bottom to which you pour a cup or a carafe at a time. This type of coffee is usually served at functions and meetings because it can make a lot of coffee at once. If doing this remember you need about 25 minutes for the whole thing to brew.

Vacuum Pot Coffee Brewing Method: akin to the Moka pot, the vacuum coffee maker has two pots: an upper pot and a lower pot (just to get technical). Boiled water starts in the lower pot and steam forces hot water through a coffee grind filled glass tube into the upper pot. The vacuum pot is then removed from the heat source and as the temperature gets lower, the vacuum is formed and the coffee gets sucked back to the first pot and poured. *No coffee grounds were hurt during this experiment*

Espresso coffee

Talking about of Espresso always reminds me of being in Sumatera, sitting outside and people watching. It's called bica there. I think espresso has the best demitasse cups and saucers; they remind me of kittens. miniature and really cute.

Espresso is comprised of liquid and foam. It tastes rich and bittersweet with an acidity which leaves a pleasant taste on the back of your tongue. The foam is known as the crema and the color of the crema can tell you a lot about the brew. The crema covers the oil, sugars, acids, proteins and gas bubbles of the coffee. A single espresso is 1 - 1.25 ounces and a double adds one more ounce. The usual amount of coffee is 7 grams for a single espresso and obviously, 14 for a double espresso.

Espresso is made by a machine, which forces hot water through tamped (compacted) fine ground coffee. Usually the espresso machines can steam hot milk and create fantastic alchemy in a cup in the form of lattes, mochas etc.

A good cup of espresso demands consistency, warm equipment, good coffee and fine grind. The tamper should tamp evenly. The coffee grounds, after being tamped, are called the “cake”. Dark roasts are always better because they tamp more evenly, my favorite is the Kicking Horse 454 Horse Power coffee beans. Some Barristas think the lighter the roast the finer the grind.

The way I figure it, anyone who has a home espresso machine is one coffee loving friend. There are many tricks to becoming a talented Barrista, but the main thing to know is consistency! You can completely wreck a great cup of espresso by not tamping the grinds consistently, not grinding the beans consistently and not using uniform pressure.oh yeah, and whatever you do, warm all your equipment first.

Types of Coffee Roasts

Home coffee roasters are becoming quite popular. Cuppers definitely recommend the home roasting of green coffee beans as an excellent way to get the taste you desire; whether it's a dark roast, light roast or Vienna roast.

Coffee Roasts Explained

Dark Roast Coffee: sometimes called Full City Coffee Roast, Viennese Coffee Roast, Dark French Coffee Roast, Spanish Coffee Roast, and Italian Coffee Roast.

* Black in color, but still very shiny and oily
* It has a slight burnt flavor.
* If the green coffee beans turn to dry, non-oily, black, charcoal-like coffee beans they are simply burnt and the coffee will taste exceedingly acidic.

French Roast Coffee:

* Dark brown in color, oily and less shiny than dark roasts.

Medium Dark Roast Coffee: sometimes called City Coffee Roast or Dark Coffee Roast.

* Dark brown color and slightly oily coffee
* A popular flavor with cuppers since the flavor isn't as burnt as dark roast. Cuppers believe this is the true taste of the coffee bean.

Medium Coffee Roast: sometimes called Half City Roasts.

* Rich brown color similar in color to the midpoint between dark and milk chocolate.

Light Coffee Roast: sometimes called American Coffee Roast or Cinnamon Coffee Roast.

* Light brown in color, similar to milk chocolate

Home Coffee Roasters

If you're reading this page, you are definitely one of my friends. There is nothing like the smell of green coffee beans roasting and it is simply magical once you get the coffee roast that you like the best. Green coffee beans can last one to two years before the chemical content start to degrade. The downside is that it takes a lot of experimenting before you get that coffee roast that wows the heck out of you.

There are all types of home coffee roasting equipment, from popcorn poppers to huge, massive machines.and now, thank goodness, there are home coffee roasters in a countertop size. To get started I recommend getting the cheaper manual stuff to really understand the physiology of roasting and then move on to the easier stuff. Plus, that way you don't spend a lot of cash and really see if you enjoy, or have time to enjoy, the coffee roasting process.

Home roasted coffee was big about 160 years ago and with the invention of instant coffee and the mass production of pre-roasted coffee it seemed to go by the wayside. Then, home coffee roasting made a comeback in the early 1980s. The trick was home coffee roasters in the guise of popcorn poppers. Then in the early 1990s, a second generation of home roasters appeared using an infrared heating source. However, these machines could only roast a little at a time. In the late 1990s, finally temperature controlled home coffee roasters began to appear. With its tweaks and consumer surveys responses there are a lot of home roasting machines out there today, which have timers and are basically easy for the home roasting novice. With some machines, you can just hit the roast type and leave it, revealing a rapid cool down process and resulting in the roast you like.

I do caution that before you delve into home coffee roasting you read the page on coffee bean classifications. When I first started coffee roasting at home it was a nightmare. I bought inferior robusta coffee beans of all different shapes and it totally wrecked the even flavor of roasting. Plus, I couldn't get my air popper to produce a second crack of the bean and almost smoked out my whole house. I almost gave up thinking there was far too much to know. However, once you get the basics it's easy to just tweak to your liking.

Don't forget to let your home roasted coffee rest from 12 - 24 hours before using. Plus, it's much cheaper buying green beans and roasting them yourself. If you drink as much coffee as I do it is well worth the trouble.

Coffee Grinders

Buying the right coffee grinder is important because coffee grinding is certainly an art unto itself. Grinding your own coffee beans is the best way to ensure you get the right flavor from the size of the grain for your coffee machine. Coffee grinding basically increases the surface area of the coffee bean and allows water to infiltrate increasing taste.

There are four basic coffee grinders: the conical burr coffee grinder, the burr coffee grinder, the blade coffee grinder and the manual hand grinder. Each coffee grinder has its benefits and downfalls:

The Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
The conical burr coffee grinder is the type of grinder which professional cuppers prefer the best. The conical burr coffee grinder provides the most consistency of grinds and the finest of grinds resulting in a proper infused taste. However, some models have up to 16 settings, so you can always use it to grind coffee coarsely. The conical burr coffee grinder grinds at a lower speed, which decreases heat to the bean and imparts its true aroma. Conical burr grinders are perfect for grinding fine Turkish coffee, espresso and are useful for all coffee makers from the French press (cafetiere), to the stovetop espresso maker to the automatic drip system coffee makers. Conical burr grinders can cost anywhere from about $100 - $400.

The Burr Coffee Grinder
The burr coffee grinder is slightly different to the conical burr coffee grinder. The burr coffee grinder uses disc burrs and grinds the coffee faster; which in turn heats the coffee slightly robbing it of aroma. It still provides an even grind, however the burr coffee grinder cannot grind as finely as the conical burr coffee grinder. Generally, prices of a burr coffee grinder range from about $40-$300.

Blade Coffee Grinders
Blade coffee grinders are the most common and one of the cheapest forms to grind coffee. Generally, the blade coffee grinder is a quick and easy method of grinding coffee beans. Blade coffee grinders whirl and basically crush the coffee beans. The biggest con, when it comes to using blade coffee grinders, is it generally creates an uneven grind, which doesn't release the full flavor. It is easy to clean, but due to the high speed, it heats the coffee beans and creates an uneven taste. Prices range from about $15 -$100 for a blade coffee grinder.

Manual Hand Coffee Grinders
Manual Hand Coffee Grinders have steel burr systems which are akin to pepper grinders. They are a fantastic way to grind coffee to your specific grind specifics. Plus, hand coffee grinders are usually very attractive especially to match antique or country cottage type homes and kitchens. Some manual hand coffee grinders even hang on the wall to keep kitchen counter space open. However, the hand coffee grinders are a time and labor intensive way to release great flavor. If you are looking to purchase one for practical reasons it's important to get a good one. You get what you pay for when it comes to manual coffee grinders; some are mostly decorative and some will last a lifetime. Prices range from about $20 - $100.

Commercial Coffee Makers

Commercial coffee makers can be the restaurant type coffee makers or can even be used for office coffee. Many offices try and save a few dollars by buying cheap home use coffee makers, unfortunately these coffee machines don't hold up and eventually produce coffee which is inferior in flavor.

* Does the commercial coffee maker need to be attached to a water supply?
* Does the coffee maker have an internal water filtration system or do you have to purchase an additional water filter supply?
* How long does it take to brew?
* Is there a rest period between brews in order for the water to heat up?
* What temperature does the water get to? About 205 degrees F is recommended.
* Is the commercial coffeemaker designed to be energy efficient?
* How often does the coffee maker have to be cleaned?
* How many people will be drinking the coffee? Will the coffee turn stale or burnt if left for awhile? If you are concerned about this, your best bet is to purchase a commercial coffee maker with thermal carafes as opposed to one with a warming plate. Warming plates keep cooking the coffee resulting in a burnt, bitter taste.
* For simplicity, would you prefer liquid coffee machines, so there is no time lost by employees making coffee. Liquid coffee makers just require you to push a button.
* The size of the machine is important. Will it fit in your space? Does it have to be on the kitchen counter next to the water tap (plumbing areas)? Will all mugs fit under the drip spout or do the coffee mugs have to be a certain height? Do you have to pour water in the top of the machine requiring extra space?
* Check the warranty and service package. Will the service techs come to your workplace or do you have to send it away for repair?

In my experience, bad coffee at work equals bad work performance. Staff running out to the nearest coffee shop to get the better quality stuff and if they can’t run out then you are left with tired and grumpy staff. It’s reminiscent of that study everyone has heard of, where the employer changes to decaf coffee unknowingly and suddenly staff start coming in late, leaving early, work productivity declines etc.

If you are an employer, do yourself a favor. Buy good quality coffee and a commercial coffee maker which can keep coffee warm without burning it. The initial cost may be higher, but keeping your staff happy (and awake) will pay dividends in the long run. You don’t need to purchase an espresso machine, although that would be nice, but just a good quality commercial coffee maker and your staff will appreciate it.

Coffee Pod Machines

The newest craze in the evolution of coffeemakers is the coffee pod machine. Coffee pod machines use a pressurized brewing system. It forces hot water through coffee bean grounds, at high pressure akin to coffeehouse technique, without the high price. It uses coffee pods- a pre-measured filter type bag similar to a tea bag. To decide if this type of machine is right for you, you must consider the following:

How much coffee do you drink? If you are a one-cup person than this coffee pod machine may be what you are looking for. It brews a single cup quickly; some coffee pod machines can brew in less than 30 seconds. However, if you drink more than one cup then you would be better to purchase another type of coffeemaker, like a drip machine.

Cup capacity: Do normal size mugs fit underneath it for brewing or do you have to purchase special ones? Some coffee pod machines only provide 4 ounces (a soda can is 8 ounces). Therefore, a mug may take two pods.

Taste: Have you tried the coffee? Currently, there are limited amounts of coffee pod selections. If you are a cupper trying different brands you may not be available in pod form. Is there a strength setting on the coffee pod machine?

How much maintenance is involved? Some machines you have to load, prime, dump water, reload, set up pods, brew, dump pods and clean pod holder. Because the pods come prepackaged you don't have to measure, but you have to rinse out the pod holder after every cup to get an even taste.

Cost of pods: Pods can cost anywhere from 25 cents to 75 cents per 4 oz cup. So, if you want a mug (approx 8 ounces) then you'll have to use two pods.

Coffee pod construction: Is the pod holder flimsy in construction? Are there places for it to leak? Is it easy to clean? Is it noisy to prime the machine could it potentially disturb other members of your household? Check the wattage on the machine. The higher the wattage the quicker coffee will brew and the hotter the water for a more infused taste. Does it have a timer?

Where you live matters: If you live at altitudes higher than 6800 ft above sea level, do not buy the coffee pod machine, due to the pressurized system.

Other uses: Can you make tea or other hot beverages in the coffee pod machine?

Style: Is your brand of coffeemaker normally in full sight. The coffee pod machines look pretty high tech and can look out of place in a country kitchen. There are many funky colours to choose from.

There are a few different brand leaders in the coffee pod race. Some of the popular coffee pod machines are:

* Senseo HD7810/65 Single Serve Coffee Machine
* Bunn My Café
* Keurig B50



* Black & Decker HCC100 Home Cafe Single Serve Coffee Brewing System
* Mr. Coffee Pod Pump Espresso Maker - ECMP40
* Melitta Javapod Individual Serving Coffee/Tea Maker

Mr. Coffee, Coffee Makers

Mr. Coffee manufactures coffee makers, which are reasonable in price. Mr. Coffee has developed quite nicely over the years.

The Mr. Coffee brand was introduced in 1972, by North American Systems Inc. NAS was founded by Vincent Marotta Sr. and his partner Samuel Glazer in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1972, automatic drip coffee makers entered the market under the Mr. Coffee brand.

In 1975, sales increased from 1-thousand coffee makers to 38-hundred coffee makers a day making it a best seller in the US. In addition, in 1975, Mr. Coffee made its own coffee filters. Mr. Coffee makes great strides in development, first in 1977 where they developed a feature to use less coffee with the same great strength. It was a good time for them to do this because of there was a coffee shortage until 1978.

In 1980, they created the programmable coffee maker and finally in 1986, they developed a pause and serve feature. Iced tea was big in 1989 and Mr. Coffee created the first automatic ice tea maker.

A new slogan for Mr. Coffee reared its head in 1992. Its new ad campaign was, “Mr. Coffee -What'll he think of next?” in response to creating water filters. 1995 was the year to remember for Mr. Coffee, he found his true love and married Mrs. Tea, which was obviously one hot tea maker.

Mr. Coffee, coffee makers range in price from about $20 to about $100. You can also purchase an electric, Mr. Coffee mug warmer for under $20.

Capresso Coffee Makers

Capresso just sounds like coffee. Cappucino and espresso… mmm! Capresso has its roots in Krups. The former President of Krups USA, Michael Kramm, started Capresso in 1994. Capresso is a virtual newcomer in the coffee maker marketplace, but Kramm has 20 years experience at Krups. Kramm thought the high-end coffee maker market was lacking in the US and doing well in Europe, so he thought he'd bring a little Europe to us.

It all comes down to the pressurized brew. Capresso believes its machines are not for everyone. It is not for middle-of-the-road coffee drinkers, its roots belong to those who want a high quality machine that makes coffee taste better than many US coffee houses. Therefore, if you don't drink coffee very often and can't taste the difference between earthy and floral undertones, with a light or heavy finish, then Capresso coffee machines are definitely not worth the spend, unless you like to show off.

There are also Jura - Capresso Super Automatic machines. Founded in Switzerland, in 1931, Jura AG joined Capresso to build coffee makers with interchangeable frother systems, LED displays and even instructional video tapes. These short tapes will show you how to use your coffee maker and how to make some drinks with great crema, like the phantasmagorical Barristas of the world.

Capresso makes the fantastic CoffeeTEAM Luxe machine. It has a built in burr grinder. The best part is you can program even the grinder to grind the amount of beans you require. The burr grinder is the crème de la crème of the grinders. It doesn't heat the beans and can grind much finer then the blade coffee grinders. If I had seen this machine before I bought my Cuisinart Grind & Brew, I may have been swayed. I am exceedingly happy with the Cuisinart, but, as Oscar Wilde once said, I can resist anything except temptation.
I do not know anyone who currently owns the Capresso coffee makers.

Melitta Coffee Makers

Melitta is famous for its branded coffee filters, coffee and its non-electric coffee makers in the US. Melitta USA headquarters are in Clearwater, Florida where the filters and coffee makers are manufactured. Coffee roasting & packaging is done in New Jersey. Worldwide the Melitta Group also manufactures foil & wrap, air cleaners & humidifiers, vacuum bags & cleaning products.

The coffee filter is thanks to Melitta Benz. In 1908, she invented the filter using blotting paper from her son's notebook. In the 1930's, the filter became cone shape and ribbed to create a larger extraction area for ground coffee. The filter keeps out the bitterness and undesirable oils. In 1989, Melitta made environmentally safe natural brown coffee filters without using chlorine or bleach. Flavor pores were invented, in 1997, to allow more coffee taste and aroma to seep through without the sediment. Apparently, Melitta's coffee filters were the number one selling filter, worldwide, for four year in a row.

I am a little confused. Melitta's corporate profile says they make non-electric coffee makers; however, there are electric Melitta coffee makers on the market, which compete with other coffee makers. After some hunting, I find that Melitta does indeed make coffee makers, electric tea kettles, espresso machines and what is described as coffee preparation products. Plus, The American Tasting Institute gave Melitta's, 100 percent Arabica beans the award of, “America's best tasting coffee.”

I would have liked to have known Melitta Benz an entrepreneurial spirit from the early 1900's. I, personally, have never owned a Melitta product. I am not against these machines, but I love the coffee makers I currently own, especially my Cuisinart. Let me know what you think about these Melitta coffee products.

Krups Coffee Makers

Now we talk about the Krups, Krups has an excellent name in the coffee maker world. It is known for its well-made coffee makers and espresso makers. In fact, one of its senior people left to start his own company called Capresso, which produces high-end coffee makers and espresso machines.

Krups has been around since 1846 and was founded by German, Robert Krups. It began with his precision rotary and spring scales. About 1950, Krups decided to venture into another area and was one of the first companies to create the electric coffee grinder. During the 1960's, Krups began making the 3Mix; a blender - type mixer and in 1961 Krups began making the home coffee machine (Krups T8) and the espresso machine. In the 80's Krups began a niche market with the technologically advanced espresso machines with the influence of Italy. The fully automatic Krups Orchestra expert espresso maker was born and also a steam pressure espresso machine for novices.

Now the Krups brand continues it strength as part of the Groupe SEB, a world leader in small domestic equipment. The group includes: Moulinex, Rowenta, SEB, Tefal, All-clad, Arno, Calor. SEB distributes its brands to 120 countries.

The only issue I have with Krups products is the name of the model numbers: Krups 619-70, Krups FMF4-14 and Krups FME4. There are many other Krups coffee makers and espresso makers to choose from, but I have only chosen a few to review. I ever owned a Krupps coffee maker when I lived in the Malaysia. It worked great until someone dropped the glass carafe on the floor, so I had to do without for a few weeks. Thank goodness for the internet though, it's so easy to get replacement parts and you can shop around for price. I'd definitely buy another Krups coffee maker.

KitchenAid Coffee Makers

KitchenAid makes some very durable products and have excellent customer service. I would recommend any item Kitchen Aid makes. That said, I could only find one coffee maker still in production.

KitchenAid started out in 1908 in Troy, Ohio making breadmixers. However, it wasn't till 1919 that the KitchenAid brand was born and kept growing. In 1986, KitchenAid made a full range of home appliances, like fridges and stoves. Currently, the KitchenAid Stand Mixer is the same today as it was in 1919. The Smithsonian Institute has one to represent “American Icon” in their Washington Museum.

KitchenAid Pro Line 12-cup Coffeemaker

This coffee maker is really more for commercial use, but it is one great looking machine with some really great features:

* Measures 15 ½ by 15 25/32 by 8 9/32 inches.
* 1350-watt.
* Showerhead has full-dispersion enabling a uniform flavor to the coffee.
* Unit is made of die-cast metal.
* Comes with a portable second warmer, in case you're having a party or if you want to brew two types of coffee.
* Warmer has a two temperature heat setting.
* It has a programmable timer
* The KitchenAid model comes with Ion exchange water filter.
* The brew basket is flat bottomed.
* The water reservoir is in the front enabling better measuring and easy filling.
* Beeps when coffee is ready and it shows you how long the coffee has been sitting.
* Thank goodness, it has automatic shut-off for those ooops moments on your way to your vacation destinations.
* Comes with coffee scoop, second glass carafe and warming plate.plus KitchenAid has thought of everything.a orange lid to symbolize decaf.
* Weighs about 16 pounds, which is pretty heavy for a coffeemaker.
* KitchenAid promotes a 2 Year Hassel-Free Replacement Warranty.

If you have an issue with your coffee maker, KitchenAid will deliver a replacement to your door, arrange the return of your problematic item and guarantee the new item for 2 years. Wow, that's one heck of a returns policy.

Hamilton Beach Coffee Makers

Hamilton Beach Coffee Makers have really come up in the world. They have a range called Eclectrics made of metal, fantastic colors and names reminiscent of nail polish. These Hamilton Beach machines have a style and pizzazz beyond compare. It's about time coffee maker companies decided to “think outside the coffee can” and do something unique. Kudos!

Just over 100 years ago, Louis Hamilton and Chester Beach created groundbreaking appliances. Hamilton was the advertising manager for United States Standard Electrical Works in Racine, Wisconsin. He met Beach, who liked tinkering with mechanisms, at work and together they started their own small appliance company. It began with a universal electric motor and in 1911, started their spindle drink mixer to make malted milkshakes. Hamilton Beach has really come a long way since 1904.

In 1990, NAACO merges its Proctor Silex subsidiary with Hamilton Beach. Hamilton Beach was owned by Glen Dimplex of Ireland. Currently NAACO owns 80 percent and Hamilton Beach owns 20 percent. NAACO stands for North American Coal Corporation, which dates back to 1913. In 2001, its kitchen collection opened a chain of stores called Gadgets & More. NAACO has subsidarys in all different areas like Hyster and Yale as NAACO's Materials Handling Group.

Hamilton Beach also makes coffee percolators, coffee grinders, coffee urns, drink mixers, food choppers, griddles, ice shavers, ice cream makers, slow cookers, toasters and many other home small appliances. Its kitchen tools section includes bakeware, cookware, barbecue tools, cutlery and gadgets. Hamilton Beach makes a line of True Air products, which include air purifiers, odor eliminators, humidifiers and allergen reducers. It also has a commercial line including: hotel coffee makers, alarm clocks, irons and hairdryers, plus glass washers, drink mixers, citrus juicers and commercial coffee equipment.

If you have any reviews or comments on the Hamilton Beach Coffee Makers please send me the scoop and I'll post it on this site.

Cuisinart Coffee Makers

The Coffee manner highly recommends the Cuisinart Grind & Brew Stainless Steel automatic coffee maker.

Cuisinart entered the US market kind of late, 1973.and when it did, it entered with the illustrious food processor. In 1988, the originators, Carl Sontheimers, a MIT trained physicist, and his wife Shirley Sontheimers sold the food processing company to Conair Management. Finally, in 1994, the luxury company introduced the coffee maker and in 2001 the Cuisinart Premier Series coffee makers makes its appearance - for which I am truly grateful.

Its brand logo is “Savor the Good Life” and trust me, I do and so does Julia Child. If you are going to buy one luxury home appliance this year, it should be the Cuisinart Grind & Brew Stainless Steel contraption. I plan to buy in december and absolutely love it. I love the stainless steel interior and the sounds of the grind when I get up about 11am. The coffee tastes great and the only minor inconvenience I have, is washing the parts. However, I am just lazy. The grinder portion of the Grind & Brew machine comes right out of the coffee maker for easy cleaning.

Cuisinart also makes other small appliances like: blenders, can-openers, toasters, griddles, skillets, fondue sets, electric knives, toaster ovens, ice cream makers, scales, kettles, steamers and many more products. Overall, Cuisinart has a great reputation for its small appliances- all products look good and work well, plus with a limited 3-year warranty, you can't really go wrong.

You can even sign-up online for your warranty, saving you the cost of a stamp and the nagging thought if Cuisinart received your warranty. I don't know about you, but I probably fill-out 1 out of 3 warranty mailers, but if you can do it online you have a printable copy and it takes less than 3 minutes to do it and it's done. That said, I may have wasted those 3 minutes, where I could have “Savored the Good Life”, because I have had no problem with my Cuisinart coffee maker - and I use it at least twice a week.

Braun Coffee Makers

Braun makes so many products, which include the coffee maker. other people's maybe have some Braun products at home and although I haven't tried a Braun coffee maker, I hear really great things about it. I have a Braun (Oral-B) electric toothbrush, which is great for getting coffee stains off my dentures. In fact, I'm sure we all have a Braun product at home and if we don't we certainly are familiar with its logo of BrAun, with the raised A. That logo and brand were created in 1935.

Braun started in 1921, after East Prussian engineer, Max Braun began the company with a small engineering shop, in Frankfurt am Main, creating radio technology. In 1937, Max's creations won an award at The World Fair, in Paris, for Special Achievement for Phonography.

From the radio background, Braun made pocket flashlights in 1947 and electric shavers in 1950. In 1951, after Max's death, his sons Arthur Braun & Erwin Braun took over the management. In 1963, the electric toothbrush made its first appearance and Gillette was impressed with Braun's technology and acquired the majority holding. Braun continued innovative technological products like the pocket cigarette lighter, in 1971, and the first clock radio, in 1977 (remember those with the “file-o-fax numbers”). Finally, in 1984, the first Braun coffee maker arrived on the scene and many other items, like infrared thermometers, followed.

Braun's newest coffee maker from the Impressions Collection uses a Brita water filter, which almost eliminates calcification and reduces chlorine ensuring a flavorful cup of coffee without the extras. The price is right for the Braun Impression coffee maker too.

Braun also makes many other small appliances like blenders, juicers, steam irons, coffee grinders, shaving and grooming products, oral care (Oral-B), beauty care items and health and wellness products. Braun has about 7,500 employees in seven manufacturing plants in five countries: Germany, Ireland, Mexico, China & Spain.

Bunn Coffee Makers

Bunn has been around for more than 50 years. It is still a family business, based in Springfield, Illinois, with manufacturing and distribution centers all over the US, in Canada, in Mexico and internationally. Bunn products are available in more than 40 countries.

If you look, most restaurants, which serve coffee, use Bunn industrial, commercial coffee machines. They are durable, easy to use, easy to clean and make a good cup of coffee. Most people aren't aware that Bunn also makes a home coffee maker line. Bunn now makes coffee makers from 12 cups to 3 gallons, also liquid coffee machines, 3 to 5 gallon iced tea brewers, coffee grinders, powdered drink system machines (hot soup), frozen drink systems, juice machines and water filtration systems.

Bunn coffee makers have the following guidelines for an optimal coffee drinking experience:

* Use filtered water
* Keep coffee in a dry place
* Always use the amount of coffee suggested
* Never leave the coffee grounds in the basket. As soon as the coffee is brewed, throw the grinds out because the drips may sour the coffee.
* Clean the equipment regularly, especially the spray head area
* Use the deliming spring after every use
* If you live over 5000 ft. above sea level ensure you buy Bunn's specific high altitude coffee maker
* Never mix the fresh coffee with other brewed coffee
* Never reheat coffee
* Never leave the glass carafe on the burner with nothing in it
* Never drink coffee that has been sitting longer than ½ an hour (commercial)

Most Bunn coffee makers have a 3-year warranty; 2 years on hardware and 1 year on labor. I have only included the home machines: Bunn Thermal Carafe Brewer and the Bunn Pourover Coffee Brewer, but ALL Bunn coffee makers are well worth the investment

Black & Decker Brew & Go Coffee Maker

A coffeemaker to remind you that you are single, or that your partner really doesn't drink coffee, or you that you are completely selfish. The Black and Decker Brew & Go Coffee Maker sports the following features:

* It makes one, and only one, 15-ounce coffee in a thermal travel mug.
* The travel mug is stainless steel (deluxe model) and fits most auto cup holders.
* It comes with a permanent coffee filter.
* Dishwasher safe.
* Weighs 2.7 lbs, making it great for traveling.
* Measures 9 ¾ x 7 by 6 inches.
* Has Auto Shut-off for those 'oh no' times.
* It has an ergonomic handle.
* It is not the least bit noisy.
* Does not have a strength dial.
* Very easy to clean.
* Does not have a water filter.
* Does not grind coffee beans.
* Doesn't have a grind feature.
* Isn't programmable or have an LCD screen.
* Mug, filter basket & permanent filter are dishwasher safe.
* Some models come with an extra bonus thermal travel mug.

Some of the concerns received on the Black & Decker Brew and Go machine are:

* The coffee isn't as hot as some prefer.
* Recommends 2 ½ to 3 tablespoons of coffee for optimal results
* Short power cord, meaning you have to place the coffeemaker directly in front of an outlet.
* The water fill line is hard to read.

These minor inconveniences would not stop me from purchasing a low-end coffee maker. You could replace this machine six times a year for the money I spent on my Cuisinart. You can also buy an inexpensive blade coffee grinder for about $20. The Black & Decker Brew & Go Deluxe Model sells for about $20 and has a 1-year warranty. Compare the Black & Decker Brew & Go Coffeemaker to the Black & Decker SpaceMaker Coffee Maker.

Black & Decker Coffee Makers

Most of my non-cupper friends have Black & Decker Coffee Makers. I think it's probably due to the availability and the price. Black & Decker coffee machines don't generally have bells & whistles, but they are a good quality, simple product at a fair price.

When I was in college, my first coffee maker was a Black & Decker. It lasted years (even when I used paper towels for coffee filters). If you look hard enough, I bet you have at least one Black & Decker product in your house.

Black & Decker's Household Products Division is run by a company called Applica Incorporated. Applica was formerly Windemere Durable Holdings. Applica comes from the English word 'appliance' and the 'plicare' means to fold into a unified whole. In June 1998, Applica acquired Black & Decker and its sub brands, Toast-R-Oven, Profinish and Quick' N Easy.

Applica manufacturers at the Durable Electrical Metal Factory (wholly owned by Applica) in China, for its Black & Decker, Windemere & Private Label products. However, Queretaro, Mexico, has the main manufacturing facility for North America and Latin America. Black & Decker is probably better known for their tools. It manufactures some great tools at relatively cheaper prices.

Black & Decker coffee makers aren't very noisy and because of their simplicity are very easy to clean. When I had mine, I used to run vinegar through it once a month to ensure the hose wasn't clogging. Generally, the coffee machines are quick to brew, provided you keep them clean. Most Black & Decker's come with a glass carafe and a warming plate - so if you're a fast drinker you won't get the taste of burnt coffee. You will need a medium grind for these coffee machines and some come with a permanent coffee filter.

Here's some easy research for two of Black & Decker's Coffee Makers: Brew & Go Coffee Maker and The Space Maker Coffeemaker.

Coffee Tasting Terms

Do you know this one ?
Pretentious and not so pretentious coffee cuppers have their own terminology to describe coffee and its acidity, aroma, body, flavor, fragrance and aftertaste.
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Acidity is described as the bite of the coffee or the dryness in the back of your mouth. It does not have any relation to the pH level. Coffee acidity can be described as winey, clear, bright, snappy, dry and clean. No acidity would make the coffee taste flat, dull, soft, mellow, dead, delicate, bland or rough. Varietal coffees (blended coffee varieties), like varietal wines, have many different nuances. Acidity should not be confused with bitterness. However, to be a “politically correct cupper” you would describe acidity as: Low, Medium or High.
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Aftertaste, sometimes called finish, is described as the taste left in your mouth after the coffee has been swallowed. You would describe it as: Quick, Lingering or clean.
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Aroma is described as the fragrance or odor of coffee. It is described as subtle differences such as faint, delicate, strong or fragrant.

Coffee Aromas can be:
Jasmine
Wintergreen
Cardamon
Caraway
Basil
Anise
Lemon
Tangerine
Raspberry

Blackberry
Onion
Garlic
Cabbage Alfalfa
Peanut
Almond
Corn
Barley

Toffee
Praline
Honey
Molasses
Dutch Chocolate
Bakers Chocolate
Swiss Vanilla
Custardy Vanilla
Piney

Balsamic
Nutmeg
Pepper
Clove
Thyme
Tobaccoy
Burnt
Charred
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Body is described as the weight and texture by using the oils and intensity of the coffee.

It can be: • Light bodied •• Medium bodied ••• Heavy bodied
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Fragrance is described as the distinct smell of fresh coffee ground nuances before the water is blended. Coffee fragrance can be described using the terms: fruity, floral, earthy etc. Personally, I use the same terminology as the flavors listed below. It is almost poetic.
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Flavor is described as the different nuances each coffee tastes. This is not to be confused with flavored coffees made to taste a certain way. It is strictly the taste of the coffee roast and bean. It is the combined sense of acidity, aroma and body – basically the overall flavor judged by the 4 tastes on your tongue salt, sweet, bitter or sour.

Bitter :
Harsh or Pungent
Alkaline, Caustic, Phenolic or Creosol

Salt :
Bland or Sharp
Soft, Neutral, Rough or Astringen

Sweet :
Acidy or Mellow
Piquant, Nippy, Mild or Delicate

Sour :
Winey or Soury
Acrid, Hard, Tart or Tangy


There are favorable and unfavorable flavors. Some may be poor, fair, good & fine or:

Favorable flavor:
Caramelly
Berry-like
Chocolatey
Citrus Floral
Fragrant
Fruity
Herby Mellow
Nutty
Resinous
Spicy Sweet
Wild
Winey

Unfavorable flavor:
Bitter
Bland
Carbony Earthy
Flat
Grassy Harsh
Muddy
Musty Rubbery
Sour
Turpentiney
Watery
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Generally I find all of these coffee tasting adjectives to be quite poetic. For example, “the coffee is clean, low acidic, full-bodied with aromatic floral tones of jasmine and the taste of sweet caramel.” Oh, where are the poets? No wonder Bach wrote a coffee cantata.