We have written some of the articles to increase your knowledge
base for espresso and coffee machines. If you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to ask us!
"The Le'Lit PL041 is a slimmer 18 pounds and less expensive
($459) than the Silvia, but its espresso was nearly as impressive
- probably the best value choice for a quality machine. It heated
up quicker, and also gives the user the option of a frothing aid."
"The Philadelphia Inquirer stated "Even these high performers
were blown away, however, by the gleaming chrome gargantua of
the Vibiemme ($1,500), a retro- styled semi-commercial machine
weighing in at 63 pounds. With a computer board to monitor temperature,
a big boiler that transitions with no time delay between coffeemaking
and frothing (a major difference in some machines), and the option
of going fully automatic or manual, this was the luxury limousine
of the test. Its espresso was not just silky in texture, topped
with a swirling, multihued crema, it sang ethereal notes of fruitiness
and chocolate the other machines didn't produce."
This article answered a reader's question who was not looking
to spend a lot of money on an espresso machine. It included recommendations
on grinders as well to which they stated the Baratza
Maestro Classic.
"Unlike simple blade grinders, which create uneven pieces
and can heat up coffee beans, distorting their flavor, so-called
burr grinders crush the beans more evenly without heating them.
Although some cost several hundred dollars, Prince suggests you
consider the Baratza Maestro Classic ($100 to $150)."
On page 16 of this magazine, two coffee brands were sampled, Segafredo
and Oro Caffe.
Segafredo - "As a straight shot extraordinarily syrupy and
liqueur-like. The aroma is sweet and round with a musty ferment
that reads as a sort of drunken/brandyish chocolate. In the small
cup startlingly full-bodied and smoothly viscous with long-finishing,
tight-knit complexity that ranges in suggestion from carnal melon
to semi-sweet chocolate to sweet, pungent, molasses-toned tobacco
to an earthy morel mushroom. Curiously, given its monumental body,
fades and thins in milk, the chocolaty notes persisting but not
blooming." Overall Rating: 93 points
Oro Caffe - "Sweet-toned aroma with a musty fruit that suggests
bananas, dark chocolate and raisins. In the small cup syrupy but
slightly rough mouthfeel, sweetly and richly pungent with a cedary
semi-sweet chocolate that persists nicely into the finish. Impressive
in milk: rich, with a sweet, mint-finishing dark chocolate."
Overall Rating: 92 points
Saeco
Incanto Sirius - "This fully automated Italian import
grinds the beans then brews them, and it has easy-to-use touch-screen
controls."
Mazzer
Mini Espresso Grinder - "Minutely adjustable grind settings
make this super high-end grinder perfect for espresso fanatics
who like to experiment until they find their ideal grind. Has
a powerful 250 watt motor and a mechanism that dispenses the ground
coffee directly into any espresso machine portafilter."
Ala
di Vittoria La Valentina - "This features a professional-quality
heat-exchange boiler. We liked the semiautomatic model best."
