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Having the right coffee equipment can make the difference between having a mediocre cup of joe and a great cup of joe. There are also other factors to consider also such as how long it’s been since the beans were ground up, how long ago they were roasted, and how good the quality of the beans were to begin with.
Coffee that is freshly roasted and ground up before being brewed is much better then if it has gotten stale.
Using a coffee grinder to grind your beans will help you get a better tasting coffee. Using a coffee bean roaster would be even better. Even if you use a lesser quality of bean and ground it up as you go it will still have a better taste then if you buy gourmet beans that have gotten stale.
Coffee bean grinders come in all different makes and models and if you want it to taste the best it can you should consider freshly grinding the beans. If you have a coffee shop you definitely need to have two grinders, one for decaf and one for regular. Your decaf customers would probably not appreciate a caffeine buzz with their morning cup of joe.
If your a lover of espresso then a coffee espresso machine should be high on your list of equipment. The only true way to get a good espresso at home is to use an espresso machine.
The majority of espresso machines fall into three categories, the semi-automatic, automatic, and the super automatic. Because the automatic machines can be programed, it is the most used. They say timing is everything with espresso and 23 seconds seems to be it. It is often hard to judge the time with the semi-automatic machines.
The super automatic espresso machines are a whole coffee station rolled into one. They do everything for you from grinding the beans, tamping and pulling the espresso shots, turning off and in some cases, even get rid of the grounds for you. They are definitely high tech and considered works of art by some, and seem to be the source of great fascination for espresso lovers, and the price definitely reflects that. However for extreme coffee lovers, price is irrelevant when it comes to getting quality equipment.
Always try to get an espresso machine that can be serviced locally and has parts available. It can be real easy to buy one just because it has all of the bells and whistles but if it breaks down, you’ll need to get it repaired, preferably before you need another espresso.
Coffee Grinder Maker
The easiest way to great coffee is the Cuisinart Grid and Brew. This 12 cup coffeemaker automatically grinds the beans right before brewing to deliver the freshest coffee flavor and the streamlined design with brushed metal finish looks great in any kitchen. Fully programmable with a large control panel, it’s easier than ever to enjoy a hot cup of coffee any time of day. Simple, quick, easy delicious – great coffee is automatic with the Cuisinart Grind and Brew.
A perfect addition to any modern kitchen, this 12-cup automatic coffeemaker grinds whole beans right before brewing to produce a fresh and flavorful pot of coffee. Its 24-hour full programmability means the unit can be set for “wake-up” coffee or for having coffee ready when it’s time to serve dessert–without having to get up from the table. In addition, its brew-pause function makes it possible to sneak a cup before the end of the brewing cycle. Smaller amounts can be brewed without any loss of flavor thanks to the unit�s 1- to 4-cup setting, and its grind-off feature allows for using pre-ground coffee. For added convenience, the coffeemaker provides a large control panel, adjustable automatic shut-off from zero to four hours, and a 12-cup (5 ounces each) glass carafe with a generous stay-cool handle and drip-free pouring spout. Accessories include a gold-tone commercial-style permanent filter and a charcoal water filter for removing impurities. The sleek-looking coffeemaker measures 12 by 9-4/5 by 17-1/2 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.
Coffee Grinder Maker Image
Coffee Grinder Maker Picture
Coffee Grinder Maker Photo
Coffee Grinder Maker Photo
Good Coffeemaker
A very nice, straightforward coffemaker, makes good coffee with pre-ground beans, can be programmed to start when you want. A nice feature is that it can also be programmed to shut down when you want — either right after brewing or up to 2 hours later. A bit on the noisy side, even without the grinder function on. Initial setup is easy. Please note that if you do not close *and latch* the reservoir cover, the machine will beep constantly and not brew until you do. Drove me crazy for about 15 minutes until I noticed that the cover wasn’t fully latched. Although it does tell you that in the instruction manual, it’s not immediately evident — it’s a line in the middle of lengthy instruction under #6 “Close Reservoir Lid”, on page 8.
Update on Feb. 1, 2010
It was a learning curve to figure out how many scoops of whole beans to add for a good cup of coffee. A small scoop is included, with instructions to use one scoop per cup. However, the grind on this machine is fairly coarse, so it comes out a bit weaker than I’m used to. Adding a bit more each time took me over the top to “bitter,” so it’s hard to find a balance. I’m afraid I enjoy pre-ground coffee in this coffeemaker more than whole-bean.
Excellent coffee maker – so far!
I had an earlier version of the 10-cup Cuisinart Grind and Brew that lasted more than 3 years. It made an awesome pot of coffee. I read online reviews of this and similar grind and brews from Cuisinart that made me nervous that I wouldn’t get as good a product as I had last time. I looked closely at other brands and other versions of grind and brews and decided based on my own experience with the last one I bought, I’d give this model a shot. So far I have not had any problems that other people have mentioned. Yes, there are more parts to take apart, clean and put back together than a regular coffee maker. But the superior taste of the coffee you get from the grind and brew is absolutely worth the extra couple minutes of prep time it takes. Besides, I was used to it from the previous model I owned. So that is not an issue. I read other reviews about the hinge not closing or popping open during the brew cycle, or leaking. I have not had ANY of those issues. NOTE: One reviewer said to read ALL the instructions carefully and follow the directions and that’s what I did. Most important thing to remember here is you have to be sure to keep the handle of the gold filter basket facing the front of the coffee maker. Last – I saw some reviewers complain of the noise as it grinds the coffee beans. This version of the grind and brew is noticeably more quiet than the last one I had, so no issue there either. All in all, I am VERY glad I purchased this product. I love it!
Good Coffee, loud grinder, unacceptable glitch
Bought this unit for my wife for Christmas 2009. Liked the idea of a combo grinder and coffee maker. $100 at World Market, Houston. Get it cheaper now.
1. Also bought the gold filter basket (no brainer).
2. The unit makes great coffee.
3. The grinder is very loud. Loud enough to wake the household at 5am. I now purchase ground coffee and don’t use the grinder in the coffee maker.
4. The filter basket sits in a swing out holder that is spring-loaded. There is a “release” button on the side of the unit. The door tends to pop open at very inopportune times, including while the coffee is brewing. This is an unacceptable glitch in the design. This gets the unit a 3-star rating from me.
I’m in the process of getting a replacement unit from Cuisinart. Even for $50, not worth the mess.
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