Category: Coffee Recipes

Automatic Espresso Coffee Makers

Automatic espresso coffee makers are more expensive than many other coffee makers. They are prestigious as well as good coffee makers. They’re available in semi-automatic, fully-automatic and super automatic machines.

Semi-Automatic Espresso Coffee Makers

The distinction between semi, fully and super automatic lies in the automation process. Semi-automatic espresso coffee makers are very popular. The electric pump makes for consistently good coffee. Users put coffee and water into the machine. Pulling the electric pump turns the coffee maker on and off.

Semi-Automatic espresso coffee makers automatically:

>tamp down coffee grounds
>brew coffee
>fill coffee cup
>eject used grounds

Semi-automatic espresso coffee makers can be purchased for less than a thousand dollars.

Fully Automatic Espresso Coffee Makers

Fully automatic espresso coffee makers work like the semi-automatic machines but operate via the simple touch of a button.

Fully automatic espresso coffee makers automatically:

>grind coffee
>fill brewing chamber
>tamp down coffee grounds
>brew coffee
>fill coffee cup
>eject used grounds

Prices for fully automatic espresso coffee makers range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars.

Super Automatic Espresso Coffee Makers

Super automatic espresso coffee makers are the luxury version of coffee machines. In addition to the fully automated process, the super coffee maker comes with a built-in coffee grinder and other special features. These machines are fast, easy to use and easy to maintain. Most allow the user to brew any number of specialty coffees such as espresso, cappuccino and lattes.

Super automatic espresso coffee makers automatically:
>grind coffee
>fill brewing chamber
>tamp down coffee grounds
>brew coffee
>fill coffee cup
>eject used grounds into waste box

Users of fully automatic espresso coffee makers do not have to deal with grinding coffee beans or hot filters and cleaning sieves. Super machines include either a steam wand or an automatic system to froth milk. Competition between super automatic espresso coffee maker companies is fierce. Each is seeking to create the best loved, most versatile machine.

Some machines now feature automatic cleaning and descaling. Another special feature is the presence of water filters that reduce mineral content and get rid of the taste of chlorine. Adjustable coffee cup spouts and the ability to manually control water volume in a cup of coffee are also added features available on select machines.

Prices for super automatic espresso coffee makers run from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars.

Popular Features of Automatic Espresso Coffee Makers

Features differ among brands and styles of automatic espresso coffee makers. Available features include the following.

Adjustable dosing.
In coffee, dose refers to the number of grams of coffee used in brewing a shot. Some espresso coffee makers allow users to adjust both number of grams and amount of water used.

Bean Grinder
Bean grinders are included on some units to automatically grind the necessary amount of coffee.

Brass Boiler:
Brass boilers offer greater durability and help retain warmth. Machines with brass boilers reheat faster and have less fluctuation in water temperature.

Bypass Doser
A bypass doser allows users to use a different blend of coffee than what is already in the machine grinder. Emptying the grinder isn’t necessary.

Cup Warmer.
Some units feature a cup warmer. Using a pre-warmed cup maintains the heat of the coffee for a longer period of time.

Milk frothing/foaming wand.
Cappuccino and latte drinkers need machines with a milk frothing/foaming wand. These aren’t available on all machines. Some of the more expensive coffee maker models feature milk reservoirs.

Pre-brewing pre-moistening.
Coffee is pre-moistened. This may provide for superior taste.

Removable Brew Group.
The brew group refers to where the brewing occurs. If these components can be removed, they’re easier to clean. Machines without removable components often have automatic cleaners.

Water Filter
Some high-end espresso coffee makers have water filters built in to eliminate chlorine, minerals and contaminants that affect taste. If filters are present, they do have to be changed regularly.

Automatic Drip Coffee Makers

The most common type of coffee maker available is the automatic drip coffee maker. Everyone has had one of these at one time or another and they are the most frequently purchased coffee makers ever made. They are simple to use, the coffee tastes good, and they come with all sorts of options. The automatic drip coffee maker ranges in price from as low as $15.00 to as much as $300.00 depending on brand, options, and what their specific purpose will be. A standard 10 cup automatic drip coffee maker will cost a lot less than a larger or smaller automatic drip coffee maker as those are specialized units that serve a more specific purpose.

The automatic drip coffee maker works by putting water into the designated spot (usually on the back or side of the machine), adding a coffee filter, then dumping coffee grounds into the filter. All that’s left is to push the ON button and wait. This ease of use is what makes the automatic drip coffee maker so popular. Everyone can use it and it is also very easy to maintain.

Many automatic coffee makers come with a wide assortment of extra features. The most common feature is a timer. You can fill your automatic drip coffee maker with water and coffee grounds then specify what time you want your coffee maker to start brewing your coffee. This is useful for people who work every day at 7 am and want to have coffee waiting for them right when they wake up. It can be hard to get the motivation to prep your coffee every morning and it is easy to do it the night before. Some models will reheat old pots, connect to a water line so you don’t have to fill them, and have many other options you may like.

Automatic drip coffee makers can be found in every type of store you can imagine. From supermarkets, to retail stores, to thrift shops, you are bound to see a vast selection to choose from. There are many on line stores and websites that specialize in only automatic drip coffee makers so if you are comfortable shopping on line, that might be an option. The great thing about on line shopping is that you are usually presented with many different deals. You may receive a supply of coffee, get a free coffee of the month membership, or maybe have the ability to upgrade your coffee maker at a reduced price later on.

The coffee that you use in your automatic drip coffee maker is what will make all the difference in taste. If you don’t care about that and just want a cup of coffee, you can use any brand you like. For those that have a particular love of coffee, they might try grinding their own beans or using a grinding device at a supermarket. There are many kinds of coffee you can try with your automatic drip coffee maker.

All About Drip Coffee Makers

Drip coffee makers are some of the most commonly used coffee makers in the United States. They are easy to use and inexpensive to own and operate. Available in a wide variety of styles, colors and sizes, there’s a drip coffee maker to fit any kitchen. One study reports that automatic drip coffee makers are the most purchased small kitchen appliance. Approximately 14 million automatic drip coffee makers are sold each year.

Mr. Coffee is one of the best known automatic drip coffee makers. Other well-known coffee maker companies include Black and Decker, Braun, Cuisinart, and Proctor-Silex.

Automatic drip coffee makers are used in many homes and businesses. They work by dripping water through a filter containing ground coffee. Two types of filters are available for these machines: paper and permanent.

Paper filters can affect coffee taste as can some plastic permanent filters. Plastic filters do not last as long as metal filters. Metal filters may require that coffee beans be ground a bit coarser than is needed for paper filters.
Automatic drip coffee makers offer a variety of special features. From basic machines to high end models that do everything from grinding the beans to brewing it at a pre-set time. Basic automatic drip coffee makers feature a water reservoir, a filter basket, and warming plate to keep carafe warm. Most feature filter baskets that swing out or lift out and simple on/off control.

Extra features include indicator lights, a brew-pause selection, digital display and /or digital control panel, clocks, timers, permanent filters an automatic shut off. High end features include water filtration, flavor settings, and a built in grinder. Single cup machines are available, as are machines making anywhere from 4 cups to 12 cups.

Drip Coffee Maker Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best temperature for brewing coffee?

Most experts agree that 200 degrees is the best temperature for brewing coffee. Many restaurants do not allow the temperature to get that high because of liability issues should a consumer spill coffee and get burned.

What affects the quality of a cup of coffee?

Several things can affect the quality of brewed coffee. The cleanliness of the brewing equipment, the quality of the coffee beans, how long it has been since the beans were roasted, how long it has been since the beans were ground and the quality of the water used in brewing.

How do I clean my coffee maker?

Coffee makers should be cleaned at least once a week. Some experts suggest using dish detergent and water. Other experts suggest running one fourth part vinegar and three fourths part water through the brewing cycle a time or two followed by running plain water through the cycle. This removes hard water deposits and other buildup.

Can Espresso beans be used in drip coffee makers? Yes.

Where did the term ‘cup of joe’ come from?

Some say that Admiral Josephus (Joe) Daniels once outlawed alcohol on ships, making coffee the most used beverage, hence the ‘cup of joe.’ Others say that the term comes from ‘Joe’ as 19th cent, slang for coffee. Automatic drip coffee makers allow coffee lovers to indulge their senses whenever they please.