Espresso Coffee Snobs

Can the Keurig K-Crema Really Produce Crema? I Bought One to Find Out

2026-07-16T19:01:25.531-07:00

Last Thanksgiving I noticed Keurig had their K-Crema™ High Pressure Coffee Maker on sale on their own website. I'd never owned a Keurig, and I'd never owned a Nespresso either — so I honestly didn't know Keurig made a machine that claimed to pull something resembling an espresso shot. The price was reasonable enough that I decided to find out for myself.

List price at the time was $219.99. I paid $109.99 in the Black Friday sale.

What the K-Crema Actually Does

The K-Crema™ uses Keurig's PressureInfusion Technology, which the company says runs at five times the pressure of a standard Keurig brewer. Press the "Pressure" button and it's meant to force enough pressure through the K-Cup to raise a layer of crema on top — the same microfoam effect you'd expect from a real espresso extraction. Press "Classic" instead and it behaves like any other Keurig, using MultiStream Technology to saturate the grounds without the crema claim.

Unfortunately it's not compatible with a reusable filter, which I have, in Pressure mode, othewise I'd try grinding some of my own beans for a test. So this is a pod-only trick. I used a "Donut Shop" K-Cup (available from Amazon) for my test — not exactly an espresso roast, but a fair test of what an ordinary pod does under pressure, and when it comes to K-Cups, Donut Shop is one that I know appeals to my taste.

The Test

The video above is a single espresso-style shot, pulled straight from the machine, no editing tricks. Watch what actually happens under the Pressure setting with a completely ordinary pod.

The result surprised me a little. It produced a fair amount of crema — genuinely more than some espressos I've been served in cafes and restaurants over the years. That's not a high bar in some cases, but it's not nothing either.

The Verdict

What it isn't: a substitute for a proper espresso machine. The crema is thinner and less persistent than what you'd get from real 9-bar extraction through fresh, properly dosed and tamped grounds, and the flavor profile is still very much "Keurig pod" rather than "espresso." I wasn't expecting it to compete with a good prosumer machine, and it doesn't.

What it is: a genuinely decent way to get an espresso-style shot at home with zero skill required and zero cleanup beyond tossing a pod. For someone who wants an occasional espresso-style drink without owning a portafilter machine, or as a low-commitment way to make lattes and cappuccinos at home, it does more than I expected for the money — especially at the sale price.

If you're curious enough to try one yourself, here's the current listing: Keurig K-Crema™ High Pressure Coffee Maker on Amazon.

Disclosure: I bought this machine myself, at full retail during a Black Friday sale. Keurig did not invite me to review it and I received no compensation of any kind for this post.

A Guide to NZ vs USA Espresso Culture

2025-12-27T14:10:00.000-08:00

Decoding the Coffee Divide: A Guide to NZ vs. USA Espresso Culture

While the United States coffee scene is historically dominated by the "bottomless" cup of filter or drip coffee, New Zealand is one of the world's few 100% espresso-based markets. With approximately one espresso machine for every 850 people—a density rivaled only by Italy—Kiwi coffee culture prioritizes technical precision and quality over volume.

The Black Coffee Lexicon

For Americans traveling to New Zealand, the naming conventions for black coffee can be the first hurdle. According to the Espresso Snobs guide:

Short Black: This is the standard term for a single espresso shot.
Double Shot: Simply a double espresso, which is the standard strength for most New Zealand orders.
Long Black (The "Reverse Americano"): While an Americano involves pulling espresso and then topping it with hot water, the Long Black reverses the sequence. By pouring espresso over hot water, the barista preserves the crema—the golden layer of aromatic oils that adds depth and intensity.⁴

Espresso Coffee Guide for Americans Visiting New Zealand

Where is the Drip?

American travelers should be aware that standard drip or filter coffee is virtually non-existent in the mainstream New Zealand cafe landscape. Because New Zealanders often perceive bulk-brewed coffee as "stale" or "nasty" compared to fresh espresso, you will rarely find the large self-serve urns common in US diners.

The Local Lingo

To order like a local and avoid "snobby" stares, keep these terminology shifts in mind:

US Term	NZ Equivalent	Context
To-Go	Takeaway	Always ask for your coffee "for takeaway".
Skinny / Low-Fat	Trim	Use "trim milk" for low-fat options.
Drip Coffee	Long Black	This is the closest equivalent if you want a black coffee to sip.
Espresso	Short Black	The purist's choice.

The Espresso + Milk Lexicon

Guide to Espresso + Milk Drinks in NZ for American Tourists

The Social Ritual

In New Zealand, coffee is a social anchor. Most drinks are served in smaller, more concentrated sizes than the American 12- or 16-ounce standards. Sustainability is also a core mission; it is common practice to bring a "keep-cup" or reusable mug for a small discount. More often than not, your coffee will be served in a ceramic cup unless you are getting your coffee to "takeaway".

Whether you are seeking the velvety micro-foam of a Flat White or the punch of a Ristretto, remember that Kiwi coffee is always made to order, so expect to wait a few minutes for your brew.

Unveiling the Secrets Behind Your Cup of Decaf

2023-06-23T10:49:00.002-07:00

Demystifying the Decaffeination Process

Demystifying the Decaffeination Process: Unveiling the Secrets Behind Your Cup of Decaf

Introduction:

For many of us, coffee serves as a morning ritual or an essential pick-me-up throughout the day. However, not everyone can handle the stimulating effects of caffeine or may have medical reasons for choosing decaf coffee. Fortunately, decaffeinated coffee provides a solution, allowing coffee enthusiasts to enjoy the rich flavors and aromas of their favorite beverage without the jolt of caffeine. Have you ever wondered how coffee is decaffeinated? In this blog post, we'll explore the fascinating process behind decaffeination and the methods used to extract caffeine from coffee beans.

See my posts of the benefits of decaf coffee for GERD (acid reflux) and BPH (benign enlarged prostate in men)

Understanding the Need for Decaffeination:

Before diving into the decaffeination process, let's first understand why it's necessary. Caffeine, a natural stimulant found in coffee beans, stimulates the central nervous system, enhancing alertness and reducing fatigue. However, some individuals are sensitive to caffeine or choose to limit their intake due to health reasons. Decaffeination allows them to enjoy coffee without the side effects associated with caffeine consumption.

Methods of Decaffeination:

Several methods exist for decaffeinating coffee, each utilizing different techniques to remove caffeine while preserving the desirable flavors and characteristics of the coffee beans. Here are four commonly used methods:

Solvent-based Method:

The solvent-based method is the most widespread and commercially used technique for decaffeination. It involves soaking green coffee beans in a solvent, typically either methylene chloride or ethyl acetate. The solvent selectively bonds with the caffeine molecules, extracting them from the beans. The beans are then rinsed and steamed to remove any remaining solvent traces. This method is highly efficient and allows for precise control over the caffeine extraction process.
Swiss Water Process (SWP):

The Swiss Water Process is a non-solvent-based method that relies on osmosis and solubility principles to decaffeinate coffee beans. In this process, green coffee beans are soaked in hot water to extract caffeine and other coffee solids, creating a caffeine-rich solution called "flavor-charged water." This water is then passed through activated carbon filters, which capture caffeine molecules while allowing the flavor compounds to pass through. The flavor-charged water is reused to maintain the coffee's original taste profile, while the caffeine-free beans are dried and prepared for roasting.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Method:

The CO2 method utilizes pressurized carbon dioxide to decaffeinate coffee beans. The beans are moistened and placed in a high-pressure chamber, where carbon dioxide is added. Under specific conditions, the carbon dioxide acts as a solvent, selectively extracting the caffeine from the beans. The CO2 is then depressurized, allowing the caffeine to evaporate, leaving behind decaffeinated coffee beans. The removed caffeine can be captured, and the carbon dioxide can be reused.
Triglyceride (Natural Oil) Method:

The triglyceride method is a relatively new and eco-friendly approach to decaffeination. In this method, coffee beans are soaked in a natural oil derived from either sugar cane or soybeans. The oil selectively bonds with the caffeine molecules, drawing them out of the beans. The beans are then steamed to remove any residual oil, resulting in decaffeinated coffee beans.

Quality Considerations and Variations:

Decaffeination is a delicate process that requires maintaining the integrity and flavor profile of the coffee beans. Careful attention is paid to the temperature, pressure, and duration of the decaffeination process to minimize the impact on taste. Nonetheless, it's worth noting that some variations may occur in the final product due to the decaffeination process. Some coffee enthusiasts argue that decaf coffee lacks the full-bodied flavor and aromatic complexity of regular coffee, while others find little difference in taste.

Finding Freedom: How Decaffeinated Coffee Helped Control Frequent Urination Due to BPH

2023-06-23T09:02:00.003-07:00

This is a very personal post that deals with a very embarrassing topic, but I'm willing to share my personal experience in the hope that it may help other men who suffer from the embarrassing symptoms of enlarged prostate (BPH).

Introduction

Dealing with the inconveniences of frequent and urgent urination can greatly impact one's quality of life, especially when it stems from an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As a coffee addict facing the embarrassing and disruptive consequences of my BPH-related symptoms, I was determined to find a solution without giving up my beloved coffee. That's when I discovered the unexpected benefits of switching from caffeinated to decaffeinated coffee. In this blog post, I'll share my personal journey and how decaf coffee successfully resolved my frequent urination issues associated with BPH.

Understanding BPH and Its Effects

BPH is a common condition among aging men, characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland. One of the most bothersome symptoms is increased urinary frequency, often leading to urgent and inconvenient trips to the restroom. Caffeine acts as both a diuretic and a bladder irritant, and clinical guidelines for managing male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) specifically recommend avoiding or moderating caffeine intake for exactly this reason — it increases urine output while also heightening bladder sensitivity, which can worsen frequency, urgency, and nighttime trips to the bathroom (European Association of Urology Guidelines). A systematic review of studies on reducing caffeine and fluid intake similarly found it associated with real improvements in urinary frequency and urgency for people with lower urinary tract symptoms (systematic review, 2023).

Relief through Decaffeinated Coffee

Recognizing the direct correlation between my caffeinated coffee consumption and my urgent need to urinate, I decided to explore the possibility of switching to decaffeinated coffee. As a lifelong coffee lover, the thought of giving up my daily ritual was disheartening, but I was determined to find a solution that would allow me to continue enjoying coffee without the disruptive effects on my urinary habits.

The Transformation

Transitioning from caffeinated to decaffeinated coffee proved to be a life-changing decision for me. Within a short period, I noticed a significant reduction in my urinary urgency and frequency. Previously, I would find myself needing to urinate up to four times in a single hour, which was not only inconvenient but also embarrassing, especially during work hours. Skipping my morning coffee to avoid disruption during important meetings became a regular occurrence. However, with decaf coffee, I was able to satisfy my coffee cravings without the subsequent increase in urinary urgency. I'm not saying you won't still need to pee — after all, it's still a matter of "liquid in, liquid out," so don't drink a large cup of decaf before a meeting — but I found it greatly reduced my need and frequency to pee.

Unexpected Satisfaction

One of the most surprising aspects of this transition was discovering that decaffeinated coffee satisfied my need for coffee just as well as its caffeinated counterpart. Initially, I was skeptical, assuming that the absence of caffeine would diminish the experience. However, to my delight, I found that the rich aroma, flavor, and comforting ritual of enjoying a cup of decaf coffee were still present, allowing me to preserve my coffee addiction while maintaining control over my urinary symptoms.

Embracing Convenience and Empowerment

The positive impact of switching to decaffeinated coffee cannot be understated. No longer did I have to fret over finding the nearest restroom or miss out on important meetings due to frequent urination. By incorporating decaf coffee into my daily routine, I regained a sense of convenience, control, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Living with BPH and the associated symptoms of frequent urination can be frustrating and limiting, especially for coffee enthusiasts like myself. However, my experience taught me that it is possible to find a middle ground that satisfies both our love for coffee and our need for relief. Switching from caffeinated to decaffeinated coffee proved to be the solution I had been seeking, allowing me to enjoy the pleasures of coffee without compromising my urinary comfort.

If you find yourself grappling with BPH-related urinary symptoms and are reluctant to give up your cherished coffee habit, consider exploring the realm of decaffeinated coffee. Remember, everyone's journey is unique, and it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. By finding a solution that works for you, you can savor your favorite beverage and regain control over your urinary habits, bringing back convenience, confidence, and enjoyment to your life.

From Caffeinated to Decaffeinated Coffee: A Surprising Remedy for My GERD Troubles

2023-06-23T08:33:00.003-07:00

Introduction

For many coffee lovers, the thought of parting ways with their beloved caffeinated brew can seem unimaginable. In my case, the change wasn't originally about acid reflux at all — I quit caffeine to deal with the frequent, urgent urination caused by my BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), which I've written about separately. What I didn't expect was a second, unrelated benefit: my nightly heartburn, caused by GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), disappeared too. I hadn't even connected caffeine to my GERD symptoms until the coincidence became impossible to ignore. In this post, I want to share that unexpected discovery and the positive impact it had on my health.

Understanding GERD and Its Symptoms

GERD is a chronic digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. Caffeine is recognized as one of several common dietary triggers for reflux — alongside things like alcohol, fatty foods, chocolate, and carbonated drinks — largely because it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that normally keeps stomach acid where it belongs (Mayo Clinic). That said, the science on exactly which compound in coffee is responsible isn't entirely settled — one long-standing study found caffeine on its own had only a minimal effect on sphincter pressure, while both regular and decaffeinated coffee had a more measurable one, suggesting other coffee compounds may play a role too (New England Journal of Medicine).

Discovering the Connection

I wasn't looking for a GERD remedy — I was simply trying to manage my BPH symptoms. But after cutting out caffeinated coffee, I noticed my frequent nighttime heartburn had quietly stopped too. It didn't take long to notice the pattern: since giving up caffeinated coffee, the heartburn that used to wake me most nights simply hadn't returned. Recognizing the connection between quitting caffeine and this second, unrelated health issue clearing up was a genuinely welcome surprise.

The Transition to Decaffeinated Coffee

Switching from caffeinated to decaffeinated coffee seemed like a daunting task at first. I was concerned that the lack of caffeine would leave me feeling sluggish and less focused. However, my desire to find relief from my BPH symptoms outweighed my initial apprehensions — and the GERD improvement turned out to be a welcome bonus on top of that.

To make the transition smoother, I experimented with different brands of decaffeinated coffee to find one that offered a taste and aroma similar to my usual caffeinated brew. I discovered that there are many high-quality decaffeinated options available that retain the rich flavor I love, without the caffeine.

The Positive Impact

The results of cutting out caffeine were nothing short of remarkable, on both fronts. Since making the switch, my nightly struggles with acid reflux have completely disappeared. No longer do I wake up in the middle of the night with uncomfortable heartburn or a sour taste in my mouth.

Moreover, I have been able to maintain my love for coffee without compromising my health. I still enjoy several cups of decaffeinated coffee throughout the day, savoring the flavors and taking pleasure in the soothing ritual. This shift has not only improved my physical well-being on two separate fronts but also provided a real sense of relief and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Finding a remedy for GERD can be a trial-and-error process, since triggers vary from person to person, and in my case, I found the answer almost by accident while addressing a completely different issue. By quitting caffeinated coffee for the sake of my BPH, I also, unexpectedly, eliminated the nightly acid reflux that had been affecting my sleep.

If you're experiencing GERD symptoms and suspect caffeinated coffee might be a trigger, I encourage you to consider making the switch to decaffeinated alternatives. Remember, everyone's body is unique, and it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. Ultimately, my experience has taught me that sometimes the smallest changes can have the most significant impact on our health and well-being — sometimes in more ways than one.

Benefits of Decaffeinated Coffee for Men with Enlarged Prostate

2023-01-27T17:41:00.001-08:00

Spotted at a cafe in Fairlie, Otago, New Zealand, February 2026 — apparently ordering decaf gets you a "have you been kidnapped?" hand signal these days. I ordered decaf anyway. No regrets.

Decaffeinated coffee may be beneficial for men with an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Some research has found an association between higher caffeine intake and increased risk of BPH — a 2024 study using U.S. NHANES data found men with the highest caffeine intake had a meaningfully higher likelihood of BPH than those with the lowest intake (Frontiers in Nutrition, 2024). That said, this kind of research shows an association, not proof that caffeine directly causes BPH — other studies have found inconsistent results. What's more clearly established is that caffeine acts as a diuretic and bladder irritant, which can aggravate the urinary frequency, urgency, and weak stream that men with BPH already experience.

Decaffeinated coffee avoids that irritant effect, making it a gentler choice for men managing BPH symptoms. There's also encouraging news on the cancer front: a long-running Harvard study following tens of thousands of men found that both regular and decaffeinated coffee drinkers had a somewhat lower risk of the more aggressive, lethal forms of prostate cancer compared to non-drinkers (Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2011), a finding echoed by a more recent 2025 study specifically for decaf and aggressive prostate cancer (Annals of Oncology, 2025). Worth noting, though: that same 2025 study also found an association between decaf and a higher risk of bladder cancer in men — a reminder that "decaf is better" isn't a blanket rule across every measure.

It is important to note that while decaffeinated coffee may be a gentler option for men with an enlarged prostate, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH, it is important to speak with your doctor to discuss the best treatment options for you.

In conclusion, decaffeinated coffee may be a reasonable alternative for men with an enlarged prostate, since caffeine can aggravate BPH symptoms without being a proven root cause of the condition itself. The research on decaf and cancer risk is genuinely mixed — modestly encouraging on aggressive prostate cancer, less so on bladder cancer — so it's worth discussing with your healthcare provider rather than treating decaf as a cure-all.

Benefits of Decaffeinated Coffee Explained

2023-01-24T17:37:00.004-08:00

Decaffeinated coffee, also known as decaf, is a great alternative for coffee lovers who want to enjoy the taste of coffee without the effects of caffeine. Caffeine is a naturally-occurring stimulant found in coffee beans that can cause jitters, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping for some people. Decaffeinated coffee, on the other hand, is made by removing the majority of the caffeine from the beans before they are roasted.

One of the main benefits of decaffeinated coffee is that it allows you to enjoy a cup of coffee at any time of day without disrupting your sleep. This is especially beneficial for people who are sensitive to caffeine or have trouble sleeping at night. Decaffeinated coffee also allows you to enjoy the taste and aroma of coffee without the added stress on your body that caffeine can cause.

Another benefit of decaffeinated coffee is that it can help to reduce your risk of certain health problems. Caffeine is known to increase blood pressure, which can increase your risk of heart disease. Decaffeinated coffee, on the other hand, does not have this effect, making it a safer choice for people with high blood pressure or other heart-related issues.

Decaffeinated coffee can also be a great choice for people who are trying to cut back on their caffeine intake. Many people are unaware of how much caffeine they consume on a daily basis, and cutting back can be difficult. Decaffeinated coffee can help to reduce your overall caffeine intake without sacrificing the taste and pleasure of drinking coffee.

In conclusion, decaffeinated coffee is a great alternative for coffee lovers who want to enjoy the taste of coffee without the negative effects of caffeine. It allows you to enjoy a cup of coffee at any time of day, reduces the risk of certain health problems, and can help you cut back on your overall caffeine intake. So next time you are looking for a cup of coffee, consider trying a decaffeinated option.

Does Coffee Cause Cancer?

2018-04-14T09:13:00.004-07:00

Does Caffeine Cause Cancer?

A very good question for all us coffee snobs and addicts, and a question we might feel inclined to run away from.

You may have seen news reports recently that a judge in California issued a ruling that shops that sell coffee will be required to post a notice that coffee beverages contain acrylamide, a known carcinogen.

A 1986 California law requires businesses to post warnings in their premises that warn visitors/customers and employees of the presence of any substances on the list of substances "known to the State of California to cause cancer", aka "carcinogens".

Acrylamide has been on that list since 1990. The suit brought in California sued large brand-name companies, including Starbucks, to require them to notify their customers of the presence of acrylamide in coffee.

As a self-described and self-diagnosed "coffee addict", I certainly feel a strong urge to dismiss this ruling and find myself minimizing the risks of continuing with my daily "addiction". Are you feeling similarly, I wonder?

Just how serious a carcinogen is acrylamide? My go-to source for all things related to the effects on my health of what I put in my mouth is Dr. Greger at his website nutritionfacts.org.

This is a good summary of the overall health benefits and risks of caffeine from Dr. Greger:

My entire lifetime seems to have been accompanied by a debate over the health risks and benefits of coffee. I have to say that in my younger days, the weight of evidence seemed to be on the negative side, but in the last decade, there seems to have been more coming down on the positive side.

If you are on a quest to dig deeper into the evidence, CNN appears to be documenting research findings on the health risks related to coffee at this page Health Risks of Coffee: Where do we stand.

But I come back to the realization that my initial reaction was to dismiss this news. I have an internalized bias that any addict has towards negative news about their substance of choice.

Has your response to this news been similar to mine, and like me, will you continue to drink and shop for coffee, using "selection bias" to emphasize the beneficial health effects of coffee? What do you think?

Espresso Coffee Snobs Website Now Using HTTPS

2018-03-25T08:56:00.005-07:00

Me feeling secure while enjoying a homemade
cup of latte and a homemade cookie

Hello, Visitors.

I'm pleased to announce today that I have made a change to my blog to help improve your online security. Now when you visit you will be automatically redirected to a server that uses HTTPS. You will see that in the url address bar when you visit.

There are three main benefits to using HTTPS:

It helps check that when you visit EspressoCoffeeSnobs.com, you aren’t being redirected to a malicious site.
It helps detect if an attacker tries to change any data being sent to you from my website blog.
It adds security measures that make it harder for other people to listen to your conversations, track your activities, or steal your information.

So today, in addition to enjoying a good cup of homemade espresso or cafe latte, you can rest easier that I am taking better care of your online safety as you explore all my posts about making espresso coffee drinks at home.

Cheers!

Coffee Making Holiday Gift Suggestions for the Home-Based Barista in Your Life

2017-11-12T08:42:00.002-08:00

Wow! It's only 10 days until Thanksgiving in the United States which means Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and all those crazy days of Christmas shopping are upon us once again.

Please Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

If you have a coffee lover in your life who considers themselves something of a home-based barista, then apart from sending them to my blog for all my tips and how-tos on making the perfect espresso and espresso-based drinks at home, here are what you might call my "curated recommendations" to get them going or boost their skills as a home-based barista. Everything is available at Amazon through Amazon Prime and I have provided links to each product to save you time and to help you get it done from the comfort of your couch. My recommendations include gifts big and small, expensive to mere stocking-stuffers.

Note that my recommendations for espresso makers appear last, so if that's what you're looking for, scroll down.

You've got to start out with some beans. I've reviewed a few here over time, but a great go-to roast are these beans from Italy, the home of espresso. A full 1kg (2.2 lb) pack; none of the "fake 1lb" nonsense we unfortunately see so often in the world of coffee. My espresso bean recommendation: Lavazza Super Crema Espresso beans.
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
The home-based barista always uses ground beans, so they've got to to have a good conical burr grinder. I've been happily using one of these Breville Smart Grinders for years now. Breville BCG820BSSXL The Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder.
Having forked out all that money, you've got to keep your beans fresh once you've opened them. Coffee beans oxidize very quickly once exposed to the air, so an airtight canister, and one with a one-way valve, will help maintain the freshness of your beans for as long as possible. Of course, the best way to keep your beans fresh is to use them quickly! Try one of these Coffee Gator Canister Storage Vault which comes in an attractive lineup of colors.

Now that you have your beans and are storing them for freshness, you need a grinder. To achieve good crema when making espresso coffee, the grind of your coffee must be consistent. This is best achieved with a conical burr grinder, which essentially crushes your beans, rather than cuts them as happens when you use one of those coffee mills. Also, if you have a lot of experience with making espresso at home, you'll know that every roast needs to be fine-tuned for its grind, depending on the oils in the beans. I use a Breville Smart-Grinder which has 60 fine-tuned grind settings and other settings to let you determine just the correct "dose" of ground coffee. Not to mention, this is the quietest coffee grinder I've ever had.

Every home-based barista needs a "knock box" to help make them look like the Real McCoy. Try this one for size: Osaka, Shock-Absorbent Espresso Knock Box.

This stainless steel foaming pitcher has volume markings on the inside for those whole like a little precision in their lives.

Some have a little trouble mastering the steam wand, or their espresso machine doesn't have one or doesn't have a dual boiler which adds lots of complications to foaming milk, so these "Aerolatte" whisks are a perfect workaround and won't break your budget.

The newbie might be struggling with getting the right temperature for their foamed milk, so one of these milk thermometers might be a great help.

Some nice "demitasse" espresso cups are always great stocking-stuffers. There's a great variety out there from clear glass to fun colors. I like these since they are clear and I can impress my guests with just how much crema there is floating on top, plus being double-walled, the espresso is going to stay hot. Clevercafé Milano 2 oz Double Wall Glass for Espresso or Spirits, Set of 4.

Ok, so no one is going to become a home-based barista without an espresso machine, so time for a few recommendations there.

Over the years I have owned several brands, and unfortunately some were complete disasters. I use my espresso machine EVERY DAY, at least once. The only machine that has lasted for more than 3 years is the one I am still using, a Breville BES900XL Dual Boiler Semi Automatic Espresso Machine (this model has since been replaced with newer models, by the way). I can't remember exactly when I bought it, but it's something between 8 and 10 years now. It was the first model that Breville made in what has become a line-up of models.

A quick note here that my positive experience with my Breville espresso maker and grinder have turned me into a raving Breville fan. However, I've only owned the one Breville espresso maker, and the one Breville grinder. So it's a small sample, but the reviews at Amazon for new Breville products back me up. They are 4 stars or higher. Also note that I have never been contacted by Breville or given any free products from Breville for testing, so my opinion is my own.

If you are serious about making espresso-based coffee drinks at home, such as lattes and cappuccinos, it is best to have a machine with a dual (double) boiler. This means the water for the espresso and the water for foaming the milk are heated separately inside the machine. This is essential since the water temperature for extracting espresso and for steaming milk vary greatly. Machines that have a single boiler are problematic for this reason, and believe me, I know from bitter personal experience.

Another great thing with at least the high-end Breville machines is that they use PID controllers to manage the pressure in the system when extracting the espresso shot. A PID controller is essentially something that constantly monitors and adjusts the value for something, in this case the "bars" of pressure being used. A perfect shot of espresso needs to be extracted under the right amount and consistent pressure. These machines make sure that will be the case, meaning you will always get good crema floating on top of your espresso.

So let's cut to the chase. Please remember that I have not used either of these machines since my old Breville machine is still running, but if and when it dies, from my 100% level of satisfaction with it, I will definitely be replacing it with a new Breville machine. There's no doubt in my mind about that.

If you're really feeling generous and loving (or perhaps just splurging on yourself), then the Breville BES980XL Oracle Espresso would be the equivalent of the model I bought all those years ago. I paid $1,500 for my machine back then, but it didn't come with a built-in grinder like this one does.

Breville BES980XL Oracle Espresso Machine

If your budget is still generous, but not to the extent of the Breville BES980XL Oracle Espresso Machine, then here is a mid-range machine from Breville, the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine. This machine does not appear to have a dual boiler, but compensates for that with something called "Purge Functionality" that adjusts the temperature after steaming and before espresso extraction. The machine has 4 1/2 stars from almost 1,500 reviews at Amazon, so it seems that it is a very good machine and well-liked by those who have bought it.

If you're on a budget like so many of us are, then consider Breville's basic manual espresso maker, the Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma. It has 4 out of 5 stars from almost 600 reviews, so it can't be bad, but will be more challenging for the home-based barista to produce good crema. With these basic machines so many more variables will come into play for creating crema, including bean roast, bean freshness, and grind.

So they are my suggestions for this holiday season. I hope they have helped and that you will make someone very happy this holiday season. Happy holidays!

Affordable Espresso Coffee Maker Recommendation - Update

2017-11-11T18:14:00.001-08:00

Some time ago now I had recommended the Gaggia Evolution for a less-expensive espresso coffee maker for the home. This recommendation was based on my experience as an owner of a Gaggia Evolution. However, the Evolution is no longer available so I would like to make a new suggestion for a more affordable espresso maker.

For something close to 10 years now, I have owned a Breville dual boiler espresso machine. I recommended it in this review: Espresso Machine Review: Breville Dual Boiler BES900XL.

To my surprise, I am still using that same machine which in itself is a great recommendation for the Breville brand since I have never had an espresso machine last that long before. Breville offers a lower-end model that they call the Barista Express. Although I do not own and have not used this model, based on my experience with the Breville brand, I would recommend you at least consider it as an option if you are looking for an espresso machine in the mid-range price band. If you get one, let us know what you think in the comments below.

My Favorite Flat White

2017-04-26T07:34:00.002-07:00

Flat White Coffee Experience

Flat White Coffee at Licorice Cafe, New Zealand

I recently had the opportunity to indulge in the pleasure of drinking numerous flat whites during my trip to New Zealand. It was a trip of gastronomic delight and a bit of indulgence, resulting in a few extra pounds.

New Zealand's charm lies in its ability to offer exceptional coffee shops even in the smallest of towns. Unlike the United States, cafes in New Zealand, locally referred to as "cafes," not only provide an array of coffee but also offer a diverse food menu, and in some cases, even wine. These cafes are more akin to coffee-focused restaurants.

Among the flat whites I savored, the most exquisite and impeccably crafted one was enjoyed at the Licorice Cafe in the quaint town of Motutere, located on the south-eastern shore of Lake Taupo in the heart of New Zealand's North Island. A lunch break stop en route, it left me not only content but also impressed by the culinary experience.

Noteworthy, the candy seen on the saucer is a "licorice allsort," a classic New Zealand confection comprising layers of black licorice and marzipan. It's a delightful tradition to accompany coffee with candy in New Zealand. Although historically chocolate fish was the candy of choice, other classics like "jaffas" (chocolate balls coated in orange candy) have since taken over. The presence of a licorice allsort resonates perfectly with the cafe's name.

"How I Get My Jollies" — a Kiwi play on "lolly," the New Zealand word for candy. Art © John Corney / KornKob Art. Available at Redbubble.

If you're curious about experiencing a "flat white" or wish to recreate it at home, you can refer to my How to Make a Flat White guide.

Kicking Horse Coffee Cliff Hanger Beans Review

2016-12-29T10:47:00.000-08:00

Kicking Horse Coffee Cliff Hanger Espresso Beans Review

I noticed that one of the more popular espresso beans that visitors to espressocoffeesnobs.com were ordering from Amazon was Kicking Horse Coffee "Cliff Hanger Espresso" beans so I thought I'd order some for myself and put them to the usual test.

Kicking Horse Coffee "Cliff Hanger Espresso"
Photo Credit: John Corney

The beans come in a 2.2lb / 1kg package. I was surprised to see when I got them that Kicking Horse Coffee roasters are actually based in British Columbia, Canada. Who knew that Canada had coffee roasters. Just kidding! On top of that, the beans are both fair trade and certified organic!

The beans currently retail at Amazon for $29.42 for the 2.2lb bag ($13.37 per lb or $0.84 per oz).

I actually purchased the beans through the Amazon Subscribe and Save program and after the 15% discount paid $25 for the order ($11.37 per pound or $0.71 per oz). Not a bad price.

The first thing I noticed when I opened the bag is that the beans were definitely a darker roast than I typically use. Because of the longer roasting, the beans were also shiny and wet-looking from the extrusion of the oils caused by the longer roasting. I was a little concerned about this as dark-roasted oily beans can result in less crema production when extracting an espresso shot.

However, as you can see from the below video, ample crema was generated during the extraction of my test shot and there was no burned flavor.

Speaking of which, as to flavor, my first impression was actually that it was kind of "woody". I know it sounds weird, but I don't mean it in a negative way; it's just the first thing that came to mind. And it's not that I've eaten a lot of wood in my life. :-) The balance of bitterness and sweetness was good, with no overpowering or lingering bitter or sour aftertaste.

A Flat-White made using Kicking Horse Coffee's
"Cliff Hanger Espresso Beans"
Photo Credit: John Corney

When I used the beans to make a flat-white, the flavor had the oomph to support itself and not be overwhelmed by the addition of milk.

I'm glad I didn't write this review immediately since you can see there were a couple of first impressions that left me wondering. At this point I'm almost through the entire bag of beans and in the next few days will take delivery of my Subscribe and Save order . I love these beans! Having made coffee with these beans every day for a month now I have fallen for these beans, so I wholeheartedly recommend them to you. Buy some Kicking Horse Coffee "Cliff Hanger Espresso Beans" and see for yourself.

See all my espresso bean coffee reviews.

12 Days of Christmas Deals

2016-12-04T10:02:00.002-08:00

Help is at Hand!

The number of shopping days until Christmas are getting to be less and less. Wow! It's actually less than 3 weeks till Christmas now.

Help is at hand! Take the hassle out of shopping and like me, shop online from the comfort of your couch in your pajamas! Here are my many ways to buy the best for yourself and the coffee-lover in your life, and save money too.

Unbiased Reviews of Espresso-Makers, Coffee Grinders, and Coffee Beans

Don't forget to check out my reviews. Everything I have reviewed I have bought with my own money and used in my home over many years, be it espresso makers or coffee beans. That means you can rely on my reviews to be unbiased and based on long periods of personal use, unlike many of the reviewers at Amazon who now receive the items they are reviewing for free from Amazon and its vendors. So start with my unbiased reviews of espresso-makers and coffee grinders and reviews of coffee beans suitable for espresso to get started.

Everything Coffee Store

Then for a great line-up of items from machines to books on coffee you can also visit my gift-buying guide for the coffee lover in your life...or yourself even! You will find everything categorized in easy-to-shop groupings.

Subscribe and Save!

Amazon always has a terrific line up of items for the coffee snob. I have bought all my coffee-making equipment from Amazon for many years now, not to mention my monthly order of coffee beans through the Amazon Subscribe and Save program. There's nothing like saving 15% on your beans (provided you order 5 or more items each month; less than 5 and your savings are 5%. I find it easy to fill my monthly Subscribe and Save order with other household items that I need on a regular basis from Amazon's grocery aisles so I always score the 15% discount every month. What's not to like?).

Amazon 12 Days of Christmas Deals

And last but not least, be sure to keep an eye open starting today for great deals for your coffee gift ideas with Amazon's 12 Days of Deals program. There are bound to be some great deals in there for coffee and espresso-makers and accessories. So check out the 12 Days of Deals hub every day for the next 12 days.

Holiday Gift Buying Guide for the Coffee Lover in Your Life

2016-11-01T20:39:00.001-07:00

With Halloween now behind us we are officially into the "holiday season" in the U.S. and many countries around the world.

Before we know it, it will be Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday! Followed closely by Christmas and all that obligatory present buying!

My head hurts thinking about it, and if you're like me and so many others, more and more you want to avoid the crush, and rush, and craziness of the malls and do some or most of your holiday gift buying online.

If you have a coffee-lover or home-based barista in your life that you are planning on buying a present for, then the perfect place to start for ideas or to grab a few Black Friday or Cyber-Monday bargains from Amazon is our Coffee Shop right here at Espresso Coffee Snobs.

You will find all the hottest items in the coffee world available from Amazon broken up into different categories to make it easy for you to find what you're looking for. Happy holiday shopping for your favorite coffee-lover or family barista!

And if you are looking for my reviews, you can find my coffee bean reviews here and espresso maker and coffee grinder reviews here.

Espresso Machines

Coffee Beans

Coffee Grinders

Coffee Makers

Coffee Books

Coffee Making Accessories

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home

2016-10-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season for pumpkin spice latte, or should I say pumpkin spice EVERYTHING in America. Here's how to make your own pumpkin spice latte at home.

Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

This tradition takes over America once the calendar turns to October, and since I am all about helping you make your own espresso-based coffee drinks at home, I thought I'd share with you a recipe for making your own Pumpkin Spice latte at home.

It's pretty simple, and can be way healthier than what you will get at Starbuck's if you wish to go the full do-it-yourself route.

Method 1 (with a little help from your friends at the local store)

Extract a double (or single if you must) shot of espresso into your cup
(if you are new to Espresso Coffee Snobs and not up to speed on how to make espresso, review my posts about making espresso and espresso-based drinks at home)
Add on of the following if you have access to them at a local store (warm them first to your desired temperature):

"Silk" brand Pumpkin Spice Soymilk
"So Delicious" brand Pumpkin Spice Coconut Milk
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Almond Beverage

Method 2 (the full do-it-yourself approach for health nuts like me)

1 teaspoon unsweetened canned pumpkin
¼ cup heated soymilk
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or more to taste)
1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar
Optional - whipped cream (non-dairy if you want to keep this completely "plant-based" and cholesterol-free)

Invite some friends over and enjoy a happy pumpkin-spiced Halloween season.

Salimbene Superbar Beans Crema and Taste Test

2016-07-17T14:49:00.001-07:00

Salimbene Superbar Beans Crema and Taste Test

A few weeks ago I received an email from someone who wrote:

How come you don't mention Salimbene coffee from Naples as the winner of Best Italian Roast for 2015, in a blind tasting by "Crema" Magazine, a European coffee magazine for espresso lovers. For the first time its available in the USA on Amazon.com.

I let them know that I'd check it out, which I have now done.

I purchased a 2.2 lb (1 kg) bag of Salimbene Superbar beans through Amazon.com at my own expense. According to the packaging, the beans are roasted at Cafee Salimbene in Naples, Italy, the city from which espresso coffee originates. The beans cost $39.85, which works out at $18.11/lb, one of the more expensive beans I have bought, and the most expensive beans I have reviewed to date.

The packaging and logo is understated with a vacuum-seal valve. The packaging notes that the blend is 80% Arabica beans. The labeling on the packaging states:

A rich, finely textured, almond-reddish coloured crema seals down into the cup the aromas of this harmoniously structured blend. The real, good Italian Espresso blend with a rich body and lingering taste thanks to the presence of highest quality washed Robustas. Salimbene's Superbar is made of coffee beans grown in 8 countries from Central and South America, Africa and Asia.

Upon opening the package, I observed that the roast is a dark roast, but not to the extent that the oils are being extruded from the beans, a critical characteristic for making espresso crema: beans that are roasted very dark to the point that the oils make the beans slick and wet often fail to produce good crema when making espresso, especially when using a less-expensive domestic espresso machine.

Salimbene Superbar Coffee Beans

The beans were not noticeably aromatic. I'm sure we've all gotten ecstatically heady breathing in deeply the aroma of roasted coffee beans, but that is not the kind of hit you are going to get with these beans. The aroma is quite subtle.

I ground 4 tablespoons of the beans in my Breville Smart Grinder at the normal fine grind setting that I use for making espresso and extracted a shot into a glass demitasse so that the results of the crema produced were easily visible.

The beans did in fact produce a good level of crema. (See video below)

Salimbene coffee espresso crema

The taste profile of the espresso was pleasantly mild in its bitterness. Bitterness is an essential component of the taste profile of espresso coffee, but in poorer blends can be overwhelming and unappealing, often leaving an unappealing and lingering aftertaste. Not so with these Salimbene beans: a perfect balance of constrained bitterness - that does not even become apparent at first taste - and mild levels of contrasting sweetness. A perfect balance! No wonder the roast won the blind-tasting mentioned in the message I received.

I wholeheartedly recommend these beans. If the price point is too high for you, however, I have several other recommendations for you to consider, and perhaps you can treat the Salimbene beans as a special occasion treat to impress guests.

Salimbene Superbar beans can be purchased at Amazon.com

See all my coffee bean reviews

Tips on Using Soy Milk to make Soy Latte or Soy Flat-White at Home

2016-07-10T08:02:00.002-07:00

Preparing soy milk for soy latte

Of course in my "snobby" post on making a "flat-white", I insisted you use whole milk, so if you're good with that, then go for it. But today's post is about using soy milk instead for making lattes and flat-whites.

Many people prefer or need to use a non-dairy milk for various reasons, be it lactose intolerance or because they are vegan/vegetarian. I actually adopted a vegan diet nearly 4 years ago and have used soy milk since then, so in that time I have learned something about making soy latte at home.

From that experience I have discovered that there is one key difference in using soy milk rather than cow's milk: the temperature you steam the milk to is critical. If you heat soy milk to the same temperature as regular milk (up to 140F/60C) then you will find it breaks apart and your lovely cup of soy latte or soy flat-white will become flocculent (that's the perfect word for what happens - it just so happens that I remember that word from high school chemistry).

I have found that up to around 120F/49C is about the right temperature to avoid this happening.

However, that means that the temperature of your cup of soy latte or soy flat-white is not going to be so hot, right? And most of us like our coffee to be hot. So here's a trick I use to get around that problem: I put a small amount of water in my cup first (about 3 tablespoons, I guess) and I put that in the microwave for 30 seconds. This way the cup is very hot to start with and there is the base of hot water makes the entire cup of coffee hotter too. This small amount of water is not so much that there is any noticeable dilution in taste so I just leave it in the cup when I extract the espresso into it. So give that a shot.

To summarize:

Heat your cup with a small amount of water for 30 seconds in the microwave - you can throw out the water if you prefer, but I leave it
Steam your soy milk to around 120F/49C - any hotter than that and the soy milk will break down
While the soy milk is foaming, extract your espresso into the hot cup, with or without the hot water left in the cup
Pour the foamed soy milk into the espresso

Below is a video I put together this morning of me doing it. Because I was fussing with making the video you will notice that I foamed the soy milk for too long and when I tested the temperature it was around 140F, and sure enough when I drank below the foam and crema that was floating on the top, the soy milk had broken down and was "flocculent". So don't do as I did, do as I say. ;-)

Here's to "soy latte"!

Nice and Easy Flat White

2016-05-31T09:25:00.000-07:00

I love this short video clip of a barista making a flat white coffee. I like how he's nice and relaxed; obviously very experienced. I'm not sure where this was taken, but the hangul suggests Korea.

6월에는 볼게 많다 #정글북 #워크래프트 #타잔 좋네 . . . . #latte #라떼 #latteart #라떼아트 #cafe #카페 #coffee #커피 #rosetta #tulip #로제타 #튤립 #specialtycoffee #카페라떼 #cafelatte #플랫화이트 #flatwhite #바리스타 #barista #윙튤립 #wingtulip #ラテアート #カフェラテ #拿铁艺术 #拿铁咖啡

A video posted by @h_e_y_j_u_d_e_ on May 31, 2016 at 7:03am PDT

illy Medium Roast Espresso Beans Crema Test

2016-05-15T11:15:00.002-07:00

illy Medium Roast

It's time for some beans from the home of espresso coffee to step into the ring and show whether or not they are up to the "crema test".

The " illy" brand has been around since 1933 and was founded by Francesco Illy, the inventor of the "Illetta", a precursor to today's espresso machines. (illy: wikipedia).

For the test I purchased two 8.8 cans of illy Medium Roast Whole Bean Coffee 8.8-Ounce from Amazon.com using "Subscribe and Save".

How do the illy beans compare to the Lavazza Super Crema beans from my last test?

Crema:Passed, but slightly less crema than was produced by the Lavazza beans
Flavor: More sweet and less bitter than the Lavazza beans
Packaging: 2 x 8.8oz tins with screw lid (Lavazza: 1 x 2.2lb bag)
Price before discounts: $24.25 for two 8.8 oz tins. $1.37/oz (Lavazza: $0.68/oz)

Noteable:
The "illy" beans are packaged in the tins with an inert gas to maintain freshness as opposed to the more typical vacuum-seal.

When consumed, the cans can be reused to store your favorite trinkets.

Conclusion
Pros : Recommended for flavor and crema production. Great espresso for latte, flat-white, and cappuccino. Great tasting espresso for after-dinner fix.
Cons: Price; one of the more expensive brands

My equipment as seen in the video:
Breville Smart Grinder
Breville Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker

Lavazza Super Crema Espresso Beans Crema Test

2016-04-10T14:25:00.002-07:00

Lavazza Super Crema Espresso Beans

Readers of Espresso Coffee Snobs will know that my recommendation for coffee beans suitable for making espresso coffee with excellent crema is Ethiopian Yirgacheffe beans. (Check the Coffee Masters store at Amazon for availability). Over the last couple of months I've had a couple of people outside of the U.S. contact requesting a recommendation that's available in Europe since these beans appear to be available only from the U.S.

Unfortunately, I don't have any knowledge of the European market, but I have noticed that one of the most popular beans ordered from Amazon through my blog is Lavazza Super Crema. Since Lavazza is one of the most famous European brands for coffee and available in many countries around the world, I thought I'd place an order from Amazon and put them to the test to see how good they were at making a good espresso shot with crema. I ordered them through Subscribe and Save at Amazon for which I also received a coupon for the first purchase, so they were quite a good deal.

As you can see from the video below, the beans produced very good crema. The flavor of the espresso is best described as "bittersweet." Personally, I still prefer the flavor of the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, but taste is a personal thing. So if you can't get the Yirgacheffe beans in your country, or are having trouble with producing crema, consider giving these Lavazza Super Crema espresso beans a shot. You can also visit the Lavazza store at Amazon for other bean varieties that may appeal to your personal taste.

What happens to the caffeine from decaffeinated coffee beans?

2016-02-26T20:55:00.001-08:00

The process of decaffeinating coffee
starts with green coffee beans like these

Have you ever wondered about what happens to the caffeine in coffee beans that are processed into decaffeinated coffee beans? You know, I had never thought about it myself, and if I didn't know better, I would have thought that it just ends up going down the drain. Well, it doesn't.

I heard this fascinating story on NPR this morning about a company in Houston that makes decaffeinated coffee beans and sells the extracted caffeine in powder form to companies such as Coca Cola, Pepsi, and Monster for their caffeinated products. I guess it makes sense when you think about it that caffeinated drinks have to get their caffeine from somewhere, but it had just never occurred to me. In fact I think in some way I thought it was synthesized caffeine in those products.

A mere 4 oz of extracted caffeine powder is enough to kill several people!

Before you check out the story, what color do you think the extracted caffeine powder is?

Why is a Flat White Called a Flat White

2015-12-16T15:41:00.000-08:00

Today we take on a question as deep and meaningful as "Is there a God?" and "What is the origin of the universe?" Yes, where did the famous "flat white" coffee get its name?

The answer to this riddle starts in Modoor, I mean, New Zealand. Or was it Australia? It was definitely one or the other. Let's just say it starts in the Antipodes, aka Australia and New Zealand, where a good old-fashioned cup of coffee with milk is referred to as "white coffee", and a cup of coffee without milk in it is referred to as "black coffee". So in New Zealand, if you are visiting some friends at home and they offer you coffee and ask how you take it, and you like it with milk, then you simply reply "White, thanks". So that's the first step in unravelling this mystery: in the lands where the flat white comes from a cup of coffee with milk in it is called "white coffee".

For many decades, Aussies and Kiwis were quite happy with their white and black instant coffee, and then along came a wave of post-World War II immigration from Europe, much of it from Italy, Greece, and the Netherlands. Like many new immigrants struggling to get on their feet in a new land, they opened restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops offering goodies from their homelands. The Dutch introduced New Zealand to drip-filtered and percolated coffee, for the first time challenging the dominance of instant coffee. Coffee snobbery went from whether you were a Gregg's or Nescafe instant coffee drinker to whether you preferred filtered coffee to percolated coffee.

Sometime around the late '80s or early '90s owner-operated "cafes" exploded across the antipodean landscape. In New Zealand, the traditional Italian cappuccino prevailed, and with a Dutch twist was always topped off according to taste with either a sprinkle of chocolate powder or cinnamon, and accompanied on the side by a chocolate covered pink marshmallow fish! The summit of coffee sophistication had arrived!

Well this cappuccino thing piled high with foam wasn't to every bloke's liking, possibly seen as too "girly" for a ruby player, so some smart entrepreneurial person came up with the idea of a cappuccino with a haircut, a flat-topped cappuccino if you like. Since coffee with milk was traditionally known as "white coffee", and this new concoction had the milk foam flattened out, that clever person put their new invention on their menu as a "Flat White". And so the "flat white" was born.

So there you have it; mystery solved. Or is it? Who was that clever person who came up with this idea and name that would one day set the world of coffee snobbery afire? Well, just like the great "Who invented the Pavlova" war that consumed Australia and New Zealand for decades, no doubt this one will too. Whoever it was, I'm sure they must be kicking themselves not to have thought to trademark their invention.

A New Toy for Christmas for the Coffee Lover

2015-11-22T17:21:00.002-08:00

Damn Consumer Reports! The cover story for their latest edition is "The Great Gift Guide - Top products of the year based on style, performance, safety, and sustainability", and within the "Pleasure Seeker" section they featured this KitchenAid siphon coffee brewer.

You know, I have to confess to being a sucker for new gadgets, and ever since I read the review, I can't get this thing out of my head. I think this method of brewing coffee was invented by the Japanese some time ago, as they were around when I was living in Japan in the early 1990s. But this takes it to a new level - no need for a Bunsen burner and lab coat!

Consumer Reports wrote "The process is slow, but the results are worth the wait."

Consumer Reports lists them as costing $200, but I see on Amazon they are currently offered at $180.

After reading through several of the reviews at Amazon, people seemed to like or love them with the following two drawbacks: First, there is no warming plate, so the coffee needs to be drunk immediately, or transferred to a thermos flask or the like. Second, clean up seems to be a bit of a hassle.

I'm a 99.9999% espresso coffee brewer here at home, but occasionally I do just want a simple cup of coffee at which time I make an Americano with my espresso maker. (I just noticed that my Breville BES900XL espresso maker has been replaced with a newer model, the Breville Bes920xl Dual Boiler Espresso Machine).

Anyhow, I will just have to wait and see what Santa might put in his sac for me. If you end up getting one of these for yourself or as a Christmas gift, please let us know what you think in the comments below.

Death Wish Coffee

2015-06-21T07:41:00.001-07:00

I was intrigued recently to discover that I have some readers expressing a death wish!

I noticed that on two separate occasions readers had purchased "Death Wish" coffee from Amazon from my blog. According to the product information, Death Wish coffee has twice the amount of caffeine as regular coffee beans! It's organic too, so I guess these pirates are really just "renaissance men" in disguise. It is available as whole beans, ground coffee, and even in K-cups.

Anyhow, my days of pulling all-nighters, be it cramming for exams or on the dance floor, are behind me, so I don't think I'm up for beans with double the caffeine, but how about you?

Death Wish Coffee, The World's Strongest Coffee, Fair Trade, Organic, Whole Bean, 16 Ounce Bag

If you are wondering what coffee beans I actually do use at home myself, I am still using the same Ethiopian Yirgacheffe beans that I recommended to my readers way back at the end of 2013 in this post: Coffee Bean Recommendation.

I get through about 4 bags of these beans every month on average so they come as a regular part of my Amazon "subscribe and save" order. To still be using these beans 2 years later is quite a recommendation in itself, don't you think?

Espresso Coffee Snobs

Can the Keurig K-Crema Really Produce Crema? I Bought One to Find Out

What the K-Crema Actually Does

The Test

The Verdict

Related Reading

A Guide to NZ vs USA Espresso Culture

Decoding the Coffee Divide: A Guide to NZ vs. USA Espresso Culture

The Black Coffee Lexicon

Espresso Coffee Guide for Americans Visiting New Zealand

Where is the Drip?

The Local Lingo

The Espresso + Milk Lexicon

The Social Ritual

Unveiling the Secrets Behind Your Cup of Decaf

Demystifying the Decaffeination Process: Unveiling the Secrets Behind Your Cup of Decaf

Solvent-based Method:

Swiss Water Process (SWP):

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Method:

Triglyceride (Natural Oil) Method:

Finding Freedom: How Decaffeinated Coffee Helped Control Frequent Urination Due to BPH

Introduction

Understanding BPH and Its Effects

Relief through Decaffeinated Coffee

The Transformation

Unexpected Satisfaction

Embracing Convenience and Empowerment

Conclusion

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From Caffeinated to Decaffeinated Coffee: A Surprising Remedy for My GERD Troubles

Introduction

Understanding GERD and Its Symptoms

Discovering the Connection

The Transition to Decaffeinated Coffee

The Positive Impact

Conclusion

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Espresso Coffee Snobs Website Now Using HTTPS

Coffee Making Holiday Gift Suggestions for the Home-Based Barista in Your Life

Affordable Espresso Coffee Maker Recommendation - Update

My Favorite Flat White

Flat White Coffee Experience

Related Reading

Kicking Horse Coffee Cliff Hanger Beans Review

Kicking Horse Coffee Cliff Hanger Espresso Beans Review

12 Days of Christmas Deals

Help is at Hand!

Unbiased Reviews of Espresso-Makers, Coffee Grinders, and Coffee Beans

Everything Coffee Store

Subscribe and Save!

Amazon 12 Days of Christmas Deals

Holiday Gift Buying Guide for the Coffee Lover in Your Life

Espresso Machines

Coffee Beans

Coffee Grinders

Coffee Makers

Coffee Books

Coffee Making Accessories

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home

Salimbene Superbar Beans Crema and Taste Test

Salimbene Superbar Beans Crema and Taste Test

Tips on Using Soy Milk to make Soy Latte or Soy Flat-White at Home

Nice and Easy Flat White

illy Medium Roast Espresso Beans Crema Test

Lavazza Super Crema Espresso Beans Crema Test

Lavazza Super Crema Espresso Beans

Related Reading

What happens to the caffeine from decaffeinated coffee beans?

Why is a Flat White Called a Flat White

A New Toy for Christmas for the Coffee Lover

Death Wish Coffee