Espresso Coffee Makers

Espresso Coffee Makers questions and answers

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Q: Does Starbucks use special type coffee/espresso makers?
how are they different than good brand coffee makers from Williams and Sonoma for example?

A: There is nothing particularly special about the type or brand of espresso machines that Starbucks uses. I'm not certain of the brand that they use, but what I do know is that they use a commercial grade fully automatic machine. A fully automatic machine takes care of grinding, dosing the proper amount of ground coffee beans into the portafilter, and pulling the shot until the proper amount of espresso is extracted. There are advantages and disadvantages to the automatic machines. One is that it enables pretty much anybody, with little training, to make a decent espresso. A disadvantage with this type of machine is that on different days, a properly calibrated machine may not make the optimal espresso because of changes in humidity. An experienced barista will notice that shots are pulling differently because of humidity and can make fine adjustments. However, I'll take an espresso shot from a properly calibrated automatic machine made by an inexperienced barista any day over a shot from a manual machine by an inexperienced barista. You can make an excellent espresso from a home machine. The biggest criteria for espresso machine is that it produces the proper amount of pressure. 9 bars of pressure is what you need for espresso. Most true espresso machines will do 12 bars. You can't get the proper amount of pressure from a machine that doesn't use a pump. These steam powered machines are the types you'll see at Target and they usually cost less than $50. They're easy to identify because you have to pour water into the machine every time, then it heats up and builds pressure enough to make something resembling espresso, but really, its just strong coffee, sort of. It's essential that you buy a pump driven machine. Williams Sonoma has this type of machine. They even sell fully automatic ones. Their prices aren't the best, but if money isn't a big issue, you can be just fine getting one of those. Coffeegeek.com is a good place to go to check out reviews of certain machines. If you're looking for a good home machine, a good brand to go with is one by Gaggia, in my opinion. The Gaggia Baby is an excellent machine, and can be purchased for around $350. If you're looking for a fully automatic machine, the price will be a little bit higher, however if making good espresso is something that you're interested in, I highly recommend going with something similar to the Gaggia Baby. It will take a little bit of trial and error in learning how to make a decent shot, but its a skill that's well worth it. One important thing that people often overlook when delving into home espresso, or good coffee in general is a grinder. I'm not talking about the blade grinders that you can get for $10 either. That just won't work. Blade grinders won't make the consistency required for espresso. A burr grinder is what is needed. They can be purchased for around $100 or so. I won't go into detail about how they work, but I will provide a link. Starbucks has a reasonably priced good grinder, called a the Barista and it goes for about $120. Long story short, yes you can make espresso at home that is every bit as good as Starbucks, and in the long run, you can save lots of money doing it yourself at home!

Q: Please suggest some online shop to buy Espresso coffee makers?


A: these guys have the coffe not sure of the makers. give them a go http://www.AussieFoodShop.com

Q: All-in-one coffee (or espresso) makers?
At the university i go to there is a wolfgang puck vending machine that can serve about 10 different kinds of hot coffee related drinks, it asks you how much sugar how much creamer and how strong you want your coffee to be. i really want to get a coffee maker like this!! Ive done some research but i cant seem to find any all in one coffee machines that put sugar in your coffee for you, other than that they seem to have all the same functions. http://www.jlhufford.com/super-automatic_espresso_maker_superautomatic_espresso.superautoesp.1.htm anyone know of a good ALL-in-one (and i mean ALL) coffee makers? sugar creamer strength flavor (optional)

A: Considering the cost for the machine putting sugar in my coffee I think I would consider a almost-all-in-one type machine. I have a Capresso by Jura. I like it a lot. I can do cappuccino, latte, espresso, and tea. Since it does hot water I can make hot cocoa for the kids too. Besides, do you really want a vending machine in your kitchen?

Q: Can I use a stovetop espresso maker to brew regular coffee?
I have a stovetop espresso maker, but I want to use it to brew one to two cups of coffee with my "regular" coffee beans. I don't want to use my big electric coffee maker to make a cup of coffee.

A: Yes u can just put the coffee in the bottom of expresso maker add water when it starts boiling turn it off.

Q: Where can I find a book for the Melitta Model MEEX20B drip coffee maker/espresso?
I don't have the book that tells how to use the Melitta Model Meex20B drip coffee maker/espresso. It is the Three for All. Can someone help me find one?

A: I think your best bet is to go to the Melitta site, click on "Customer Service" and ask them to send you one. The site address is: http://www.melitta.com/ The only other thing I can think of is to find an authorized service place for Melitta products and see if that place has one. Products usually come with a leaflet listing authorized service places, or you might be able to find one by looking under Appliance Service and Repair in the Yellow Pages. Good luck.

Q: I have an espresso/cappuccino coffee maker.. and I was wondering.. is there a way to make black coffee using?
I have an espresso/cappuccino coffee maker.. and I was wondering.. is there a way to make black coffee using cappuccino maker? like not strong espresso shots but just coffee like the one you get from filter coffee makers? and any other ideas? it just takes to long to forth the milk and tap the coffee in the coffee holder..

A: well you can make whats called an americana- basicly coffee, but might have a stronger taste to it. i dunno. what you do is make your espresso- and pour it in a cup, and add water to it... youll have to play around and see how much water youll have to add to make it taste the way you want it too, but what i do with mine, is this: i buy flavored coffees, and i make esspresso with it, (i never tap mine down and dont have any probs with it) then i get a big cup, usually a 32 oz. and fill it with ice, i sweeten my espresso, (i smell it to see if its sweet enough) and i slowly pour it over my ice till its cold, then i add regular milk to it, (mines about 1/3 espresso and 2/3 milk...) more or less to taste, and drink up... its like an iced latte... super good!!! you can also make it with regular flavored coffee, i just add creamer and sugar to the espresso (and a lil vanilla extract) before i cool it so it mixes in easily....!

Q: Can you you use regular coffee grounds in a cappucinno/espresso maker?
I have a coffee maker and brew my coffe every morning then for Christmas I was giving a espresso maker but I have 3 or 4 big containers of regular ground coffe. Do I have to buy special coffe for my expresso or can I use what I have or can i grind the grounds that have more finer or something? Help!!

A: It tastes best if you use Italian or espresso roast. You can drink it with the regular coffee though -- it won't blow up or anything. Pre-ground canned coffee would probably be too coarse and make weak espresso. You could get a grinder and grind your old coffee. But it won't be as good as fresh beans, roasted for espresso, freshly ground for your espresso maker. You will LOVE having an espresso maker. It's fantastic.

Q: Dual coffee maker/espresso machines - any recommendations?
Does anyone own a Krups xp2070? I am looking at this one because it is reasonably priced for a pump espresso machine and has the coffee maker with a timer. Are there any other recommendations for a dual, pump, with a timer? Thanks!!!

A: ha! that's the only coffee maker/espresso machine with a 15 bar pump and a timer that i've ever seen. i wanted one so bad. I couldn't find that model when i was shopping for them. we ended up getting a nice coffee maker and a nice espresso machine seperately. I've never seen another one so I'd go for that one.

Q: What is the water measure for an aluminum espresso coffee maker?


A: Write to the manufacturer and ask them. I would think it would be whatever the water pressure is coming into the house or building + whatever the unit pushes it up to.

Q: How to make espresso on a stove top coffee maker? or how to make the coffee stronger in taste? ?
I already have the espresso coffee mix????? I'm trying to make the Starbucks Iced Vanilla Latte!

A: To make the coffee stronger you can try using a little more finely ground coffee. Also make sure that you use very low heat - it should take at the very least 5 minutes (preferably 10 minutes) to make the espresso. Follow this link for more tips about using the stove top coffee maker: http://www.espresso-machines-and-coffee-makers.com/stove-top-espresso-coffee-maker.html Hope this helps.

Q: Can I make espresso in my coffee maker?
I love to drink lattes but hate to pay $4 for one at Starbucks every day. I have made strong coffee with steamed milk and it's not too bad. Can I just buy espresso and make it in my coffee maker? My husband makes coffee every day and I do not have room for another appliance on the counter....

A: no, you're not supposed too-i asked them at starbucks and they said you have to get an espresso maker. (but, i hear ya, about having to go to starbucks every day-i'm trying to break myself!)

Q: Does anyone have a users manual for White-Westinghouse espresso/cappuccino coffee maker?
Looking for users manual for White-Westinghouse espresso/cappuccino maker Model # WWEX450ZE. pdf from scanned version would be fine - thanks!

A: This appliance is probably only marketed under the Westinghouse brand. I therefore searched for you and found your machine with picture at EBay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330140828547&indexURL=0&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting I then found the following manual that looks very similar to the mentioned machine. I assume that this will help you prepare your coffee: http://www.coffeecrew.com/content/view/186/27/

Q: what's a good coffee recipe for white mocha coffee and espresso?
I love white mochas but they're aren't any coffee shops near me. I have a coffee maker and espresso machine but can't find a decent recipe for mochas, lattes, and espressos. Help please!

A: Try the link below for more recipes. Coffee Semifreddo "Drowned" in Espresso: Affogato al Caffe Recipe courtesy Mario Batali Recipe Summary Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Yield: 6 servings 6 cups coffee gelato 1 cup espresso, or strong coffee Cooled Coffee Cream Anglaise, recipe follows Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting In 6 tall glasses, place one scoop of the gelato in each. Pour the espresso over the ice cream, and then the coffee cream anglaise. Dust each with the cocoa powder. Serve immediately. Coffee Cream Anglaise: 1/4 cup sugar 4 egg yolks 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup strong espresso In a bowl, combine the sugar and the yolks until smooth. Add the milk and cream to this and stir thoroughly. Pour this mixture into a small saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture coats the back of a spoon. Add the espresso and stir completely. Pour sauce in a bowl and place over another bowl filled with ice and water. Cool completely and serve.

Q: What is stopping my stove top espresso maker from making coffee?
I recently bought a second hand stove top espresso maker but it doesn't work. Whenever I try to make a pot, only about 1/4 of the water is forced through the coffee - I end up with lots of hot water in the bottom and only a little coffee in the top section. I've replaced the rubber ring and always run it full of water so it's not those things. Help please!

A: Make sure that you are using the proper ground of coffee. It should be a little coarser than you would use for an espresso machine. If the grounds are too fine, the water won't be able to pass through. You want it to be finer than for a drip machine though. Also, don't pack the grounds. They should just be lightly placed in. If you pack them, again the water will not be able to move through. Also make sure that the temperature of the stove is high enough. It took me up to 5 attempts before I got the real hang of my moka pot.

Q: Can someone give me a review for XP1500 Coffee/Espresso Maker?
Is this a quality coffee/espresso maker? Here's a link to the coffee/espresso maker I'm talking about http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=13725179

A: i would try going to www.expotv.com they have video reviews on lots of consumer products. Just type the model number in the search. you could also go to amazon.com if they sell it, there are probably some reviews on it.