Your Questions About Espresso Machines Best
Susan asks…
Coffee beans for my Espresso machine?
Hi, I bought a nice espresso machine which was around $300 (early X-mas present). Anyways, while it is on its plane ride to my house, i'm buying my accessories. I have espresso cups (2oz) cappacino cups (6 oz) and latte cups (8oz). I have a milk pitcher, thermometer, and espresso shot cups. So I think I have all the proper equipment to make an awesome coffee. I have only one problem tho , the espresso beans. I don't have enough money to buy a nice coffee grinder. I don't like to cut corners on cheap stuff, so I'll wait to have at least enough money to buy a nice grinder. My question is, should I buy pods to use for my espresso, or ground espresso beans at a coffee shop and use the ground beans for a couple weeks. I know that it is best to grind the beans just before your about to make the espresso, but that isn't an option at the moment.Thanks!
admin answers:
Pre-ground espresso is fine, I would buy several small packages, and try them, there is not alot of different in there flavours, grind is the biggest difference, some do an extra fine one, I like the Italian brand Gioia, Lavannza, Medalia D' Or and Excelsior. Keep the ground coffee cool I have a small glass snap top jar, and keep mine in the frig, I do not have a machine but the old fashion stove top 6 cup Crema machines, but have found they make just a nice as the machines do, coffee like wine is a preference liking moment, so try a few until you find one your happy with, a grinder is nice, but your not going to have the consistency of a pre-ground product.
David asks…
What is the best method to froth milk without the aid of a capuccino machine?
I have a Barista Athena machine, but for one cup I like to use the stove top brewer. The only problem is frothing the milk. The microwave proved to be a messy disaster. Any input? Also tips on measuring espresso for small quantities.
Thanks
admin answers:
On the stove top:
Let the milk warm up on low heat until it gets hot. You will see the froth on top when it is ready. If you let the milk warm up on high heat, it will not produce a nice froth.
Enjoy!
Helen asks…
i need help using my krups espresso machine.?
my boyfriend got me the krups XP4030 espresso machine. i've been trying to watch on youtube about how to make a simple mocha or cappuccino using the frothy milk & espresso & froth, but i'm totally lost. i read the directions on how to make coffee in the pamphlet it came with but it doesn't really tell me how to make the good stuff like they do at seattles best or starbucks.
on the videos i watched (i also tried looking up my model, but i couldn't really see what they were doing or if it was my model), i saw that some people had those 2 shot glasses for the shots. but when i used my machine, it filled up my 8 oz cup. i know those little shot glasses were not 8 oz! also, some of the recipes were 1/3 milk, 1/3 espresso, & 1/3 froth. so how can i split all that up? but first, i would like to know how to make those shots of coffee, or if i'm supposed too.
is there a good site besides youtube that can help me? i would really like a barista to help me with this. (=
thanks for looking!!
admin answers:
Hi:
I have that same machine and it works great. While it's true that you are not going to get the same coffee taste as, say, a $6000 machine, you can get excellent results with your Krups machine. Here are my tips based on trial and error and some tips a friend of mine gave me:
1. Grinding - This is a crucial step. For your machine you should finely grind the coffee beans. If you dont have a coffee grinder you can take your coffee beans to Starbucks and they will grind them for you. Ask them to make a fine grind. And always buy whole coffee beans instead of ground coffee. It tastes better and fresher that way. I have a Cuisinart grinder (about $30) and it works great.
2. How much coffee are you putting in the basket? - I usually put two spoonfulls (using the black spoon/tamper that comes with the machine) and then I press it with the tamper. However, too much pressure and the coffee will not drip and the water will come out to the bottom drawer. Too little pressure and you'll get weak watery coffee. Again youll have to go through a lot trial and error (and spent coffee). But once you get it you'll enjoy really good coffee every time.
3. Never use water from the faucet. It causes calcium deposits in the machine and it wont work properly.
4. Buy good quality coffee beans. Starbucks coffee beans are not that bad. However, they are blends and sometimes they just have fancy names. Arabica beans have a really good flavor, not overly strong.
5. Let the machine go thru the heating cycle. That is what it does when you turn it on. Just turn it on a let it heat while you set up and prepare. You can heat the milk in the microwave at this time.
Good luck and hope it helps. You have a great espresso machine in your hands. Enjoy!
Michael asks…
what size Generator would i need for a vending cart?
i want to add power to a vending cart that has a small fridge a microwave, a espresso machine and a few lights. What size and type of a electric generator would be best?
admin answers:
Just add up the power consumption of everything you want to run off the generator. Get something slightly bigger (say 2x) for future expansion. The appliances, if they are modern will be less than a kilowatt and the bulbs about 100 watts. So max that would be 3kw. If that is 240v supply then they will all draw around 12 amps. A house ring main is fused at 25amps.
Of course you might get a surge from the micro as it turns on but 3kw will be ample.
Donald asks…
what is a good hot alcoholic beverage?
i am getting an espresso machine and i would like a good directory on hot alcoholic beverages with and without espresso/coffee. plz there has to be a pro out there?? best answer will get marked today!
admin answers:
I like the starbucks coffee alcohol to mix in or chocolate vodka. Amaretto is also good to go with coffee or the classic Irish
cream.. My family drinks mexican coffee with tequila and kahula and whipped cream on christmas eve. If you don't like any of these go to Idrink.com enter your ingredients and it gives you a ton of drinks
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