Why All the Fuzz on Coffee Makers?

To some people, instant coffee is just good enough and all the fuzz about the virtues of coffee makers is just a waste of time. To these simple souls, hot water and some no-nonsense three-in-one packets are just good enough to deliver that morning kick. Even Starbucks, that pantheon for brewed coffee, has even come up recently with an instant brew of its own, recognizing the market segment of instant coffee drinkers.

Still, it looks like fresh brewed coffee will never be erased in the fast, modern lifestyle that helped shape the emergence of such products as instant coffee. Some studies showed that about half of coffee drinkers still prefer their caffeine kick from a fresh brewed drink.

Many coffee aficionados can go into spirited debates on how to prepare the best java of their choice and the best appliance by which they can achieve their dream brew. For espresso, the appliance that they swear by is the pump-driven coffee makers. They shun the steam-driven one, noting that what their espresso need is more consistent flow rate and pressure that result in better quality coffee shots.

Their further advice is to use filtered water in the process, noting that ordinary tap water is wont to lend outside flavors that would ruin the quality and taste of their prized concoction. Also of note, is the espresso used which has to be fresh and finely ground; beans over a week old or those stored in the ref are a no-no for their weaker flavor. The whole rite of espresso preparation will not be complete without firmly pressing the espresso into the porta-filter using a tamper. Not a lot of pressure is necessary; compacting the grinds would be enough.

All these satisfactorily completed, the brewing process finally begins. What to watch out for at this stage is to ensure that the espresso shot is coming out in the color of honey. If its color is too dark or is coming out in more than 20 seconds, the brew is bad, bitter, burnt and woody in taste. On the other hand, if the shot is watery or comes out in less than 13-15 seconds, the brew will be short of flavor. The brew just right would be colored light cream with deep brown cascading middle and a dark rich hue at the bottom. For best results, the shot should be used within 15 seconds, a fitting toast to all the fine coffee makers in town.