Showing posts with label Best. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Best. Show all posts

Monday, May 18, 2015

What is the Best Mini Coffee Grinder in 2020?

The Hario Mill Slim is an attractive, hand-cranked mini grinder that offers excellent value for money.  The Hario is easy to use and clean.  Its compact design makes it ideal for those with limited counter space, and the handle can be removed when storing the unit. See below for more info...

Article updated October 19th 2020

There is nothing quite as awesome as the rich aroma of coffee brewing, especially first thing in the morning - but to get a truly full-tasting drink, you need make it with freshly ground beans.


Grinding is a necessity for all self-respecting coffee connoisseurs. Unfortunately, some machines can be bulky and take up a lot of surface and storage space. One solution to the problem is to invest in a mini.

These compact units come in many forms. The majority are blade machines, meaning that the beans are sliced repeatedly until they are at right level of coarseness/fineness. These can be either manually operated, using a crank, or powered by electricity.

I hope that you enjoy reading my top 5 list for the best mini coffee grinder 2019 and find it useful.


The Porlex Mini has a stylish appearance that will grace any kitchen area, thanks in part to its Stainless steel, static free body. The mill features ceramic conical burrs capable of grinding to any fineness.  This compact product has a removable handle so it can fit into the smallest of spaces.

The Porlex Mini: Well Designed and Reliable!

Made in Osaka, Japan, the Porlex Mini is a well-designed product with a stylish appearance. Its static free body is constructed from stainless steel.

Consistent and accurate grinding is achieved thanks to the Porlex's ceramic conical burrs, which are easy to clean and will not rust. The handle can be removed from this unit when no in use, for easier storage.

The unit's dimensions are 5 1/4 inches tall by 1 3/4 inches diameter.




A Brief History of Coffee

  • According to legend, coffee was originally discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder, who found that his goats were super energetic after eating the red berries from a certain plant.
  • It was the Arabs who first cultivated coffee in plantations and for a long time they held a monopoly on the coffee trade.
  • The Turks were the first to create coffee shops in the 15th Century.
  • Coffee's early history was controversial and it was banned in some countries.  Pope Vincent III considered banning it but changed his mind after sampling a drink.
  • In the 18th Century, some of the European countries got hold of coffee plants, and began growing the crop commercially in their colonies, spreading the drink around the world.


An excellent and highly rated product that can be used as a food processor, as well as for grinding coffee, the Black & Decker CG800B Spacemaker has 2 stainless-steel blades, one for grinding beans and the other for chopping food.  Pulse button cord storage makes it easy to store, and there is also an under-cabinet mounting option

The Black & Decker CG800B Spacemaker: Pulse Button Cord Storage!

Another excellent machine to consider, measuring just 5-1/2 by 8 by 9-3/5 inches, the Black & Decker CG800B Spacemaker's unique design enables it to function as a mini food processor, as well as for coffee bean duties.

There are two stainless-steel blades, one for grinding and one for chopping food.

For convenience and to save space, it has pulse button cord storage, as well as a compact design.

Available in black or white colors, the Proctor Silex E160BY is a compact machine that takes up minimal counter space, with a retractable cord for easy storage.  The stainless steel blades are durable and easy to clean.  All in all this is a reliable and affordable product.


Affordable and Compact: The Proctor Silex E160BY!

Designed to use up a minimum amount of space, the Proctor Silex E160BY is a very reliable machine for a very affordable price.

As well as its compact and stylish design, the unit also features a unique internal cord wrap design, allowing you to retract the cord when the Proctor Silex is not in use.

The blades are made from durable stainless steel and the Proctor Silex is easy to clean.

This product is available in black, or white colors.




Offering incredible value for money, the KRUPS 203-42 is a versatile unit that can grind nuts, grains, and spices, as well as coffee beans.  Compact and easy to store, the machine is also durable and easy to clean.  Available for a very low price, this mini grinder is one of the best if you have a limited budget.

The KRUPS 203-42A: Personal Favorite!

One of my personal favorites (I have one in my office area), the KRUPS 203-42 comes in four different colors, enabling you to choose the right one for your kitchen.

Its stainless steel blades are powered by a 200-watt motor to deliver fast and uniform coffee grinding. 

This classic and best-selling product is versatile too, and can also be used with nuts, grains, and spices.

The Krups measures 6 by 3-1/6 by 3-5/9 inches, making it compact and easy to store when not in use.





Sleek and slim, the Hario MSS-1B is easy to store, as well as attractive in appearance.  The handle is removable too, for even easier storage.  The ceramic mill is durable and does not rust.  Easy to clean and use, the Hario is hand cranked so does not depend on an electricity source or need a cord.

Slim and Easy to Use: The Hario MSS-1B Mini Mill!

Compact, with a detachable handle for convenient storage, the Hario MSS-1B Mini Mill is an easy to use and easy to clean unit. The ceramic mortar means that it has no odor, plus it is durable and will not rust.

Hand cranking means that there is no power cord to worry about - you can use this grinder anywhere, take it traveling or camping if you wish. The handle can be removed for easier storage.



Tuesday, May 5, 2015

What is the Best 10 Cup Coffee Maker 2020?

The KRUPS KT720D50 with thermal carafe has an attractive and durable stainless steel finish, and is also capable of keeping your coffee warm for hours.  The pause and serve feature enables you remove carafe before the brewing cycle is complete.  You can choose between classic and classic or aroma, which delivers a more intense flavor extraction.

Article updated: 10/192020

I've been a coffee brewer and drinker for forty years and in my experience: nothing beats the taste of freshly brewed coffee, especially first thing in the morning, or after a long afternoon at work.


A coffee maker should provide you with a quick and hassle free way to brew a tasty beverage. With many of the best machines, all you need to do is add some ground coffee and water and start the machine.

A lot of the newer models are also programmable, so you can set them up before you go to bed, and have a hot brew ready for you when you awaken.

Some models are also available in a variety of different styles and colors, meaning that you can choose the one that is right for your kitchen or office.

I hope that you enjoy my selections for the best 10 cup coffee maker 2019 and find them helpful.


With 800W of power at its disposal, the BUNN BT Velocity Brew is super fast and efficient, able to brew up to 10 cups in just three minutes.  The carafe is constructed from stainless steel and vacuum insulated to minimize heat loss, so you can take your hot coffee wherever you wish: to the bedroom, porch, or outside in the yard.

#1 Best 10 Cup Coffee Maker: The BUNN BT Velocity Brew: Fast, Efficient and Excellent Value!

With its specially designed spray head to maximize flavor and stylish stainless steel construction, the BUNN Velocity Brew is without doubt a step above the average brewer.

The thermal carafe is vacuum insulated to keep your coffee hot wherever you want to take it, whether it's the bedroom, living room, or outside in the yard.

A stainless steel internal hot water tank utilizes the 800-watt heater and internal thermostat to sustain the water at an optimal brewing temperature of 200 degrees F.

The Bunn brewer is quick, producing flavorsome coffee in just 3 minutes.






An affordable coffee maker that is reliable and easy to clean, the Proctor Silex is definitely worth checking out, especially if you have a limited budget.   Its pause and serve feature means that you can interrupt the machine's brew cycle at any point in order to pour yourself a brew.

Affordable, Easy to Clean, and Reliable: The Proctor Silex 48350!

Reliable and easy to clean, the Proctor Silex 48350 is a very competitively priced 10 Cup brewer that delivers fresh, flavorsome coffee time and time again.

Compact in size, the Proctor Silex 48350 won't take up very much valuable counter space, and is easy to store.

The maker also features auto pause and serve, so you can interrupt its brewing cycle at any time to serve yourself a brew.

This machine is simple to use and also has a carafe that is designed not to dribble when you pour.

Its accessories are dishwasher safe too, making this brewer convenient to clean too.

This is a reliable brewer for a very reasonable price.



Hamilton Beach are not afraid to push the envelope when it comes to thrilling new designs and their BrewStation is one such example.  Rather than use a carafe like standard makers, the BrewStation dispenses one fresh cup at a time.  This avoids the scorched taste that you can get from brewers that use a heating plate to keep the coffee hot.

The Hamilton Beach BrewStation: Stylish and Programmable!

The BrewStation from Hamilton Beach works differently to most coffee makers and doesn't require a carafe. Instead of the traditional method, it brews a full 10 cups and dispenses the coffee one cup at a time.

No carafe means no breakages, no spilled coffee. 

Also, rather than using a hot plate to keep the coffee warm, which can give your drink a burnt taste, this maker uses a gentle warming heater which does not compromise the coffee's flavor. 

There is also a 24-hour programmable clock with 2-hour automatic shut-off.





Classy and Convenient: The Cuisinart DCC-1150BK!

An attractive and well-designed product, the Cuisinart DCC-1150BK 10-Cup is also fully programmable. The thermal carafe is double-wall insulated, so you can take your coffee anywhere, the bedroom, living area, or yard, and it will stay hot for a long period.

There is a stay-cool handle for comfort and convenience. A drip-free spout ensures minimal spillages when you are pouring. The brew pause function means that you can pour yourself a beverage at any point, even before the maker has finished its brew cycle.

The Cuisinart DCC-1150BK also has a 1 to 4 cup setting, for brewing smaller amounts of coffee. A full-flavored brew is further guaranteed by extra accessories, including a charcoal water filter and a gold-tone filter.

With a double wall insulated carafe, enabling you to take your coffee anywhere without it going cold, the Cuisinart DCC-1150BK is an excellent 10-cup brewer that is worth checking out.  A pause function allows you to interrupt the Cuisinart's brew cycle and pour yourself a beverage early.  There is also a 1 to 4 cup setting for those who want to brew less coffee.



Constructed from attractive and very durable stainless steel, the KRUPS KT720D50 Thermal Carafe Filter Brewer offers excellent functionality and value for money.  Brewing can be set to Classic or Aroma function, Aroma providing a more intense extraction and stronger taste. 

The KRUPS KT720D50: An Attractive and Functional Machine with Thermal Carafe!

KRUPS have an excellent reputation when it comes to design quality and functionality, and their KRUPS KT720D50 Thermal Carafe Filter Brewer does not disappoint.

Housed in brushed stainless steel, the brewer has an attractive appearance and an exceptionally durable construction. 

The 40 ounce thermal jug will keep the coffee hot, even when away from the maker for a long time, whether you take it to the bedroom, living area, office space, or outside in the yard.

The pause 'n' serve feature allows you to pour a drink no matter where the Krups is in its brewing cycle.

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Best Drip Coffee Maker

The Cuisinart CHW-12 12 cup brewer.  Drip coffee makers are an excellent and easy way to make beverages.  Most modern machines combine automation with programmable settings to provide versatility, simplicity, and efficiency.


There is nothing quite so wonderful as the experience of hearing hot coffee bubbling each morning and smelling the aroma of a fresh brew.

The best drip coffee makers are a practical and effective way to make great coffee with a minimum of effort. Typically they work by heating cold water from a cold water reservoir, that is admitted into a heating chamber and then moved though the coffee maker using the thermosiphon principle. 

The water then passes through a spray head onto the basket of ground coffee beans below it, before dripping through a filter into a carafe.

The quality of a machine is dependent upon factors such as the technology employed and design of the specific coffeemaker, the materials used in its construction, and any special features it possesses.

Generally speaking, the more you pay for your machine, the better it will be, but I have tried to give a range of alternative products with prices that will suit every wallet. 

Below is my selection for the best drip coffee maker 2016, as well as other recommended brewers.

The Breville BDC600XL YouBrew features advanced technology to ensure quality coffee beverages and ease of use.  The strength of the brew can be set according to tastes and requirements.

#1 Best Drip Coffee Maker 2016: Stylish and Sophisticated: The Breville BDC600XL YouBrew!

The Breville BDC600XL YouBrew is a stylish and sophisticated drip coffee machine that produces superior coffee when compared with a midrange, typical drip coffee machine.

Advanced technology enables it to dose exactly correct amount of coffee with the correct quantity of water and heat the water to precisely the right temperature.

Other features include the ability to set the strength of the brew, according to tastes and requirements. 

A brew and pause feature allows you to pour yourself a cup of coffee midway through a brew cycle, without having to wait for it to finish, making it ideal for busy people.









Tips For Storing Coffee

  • Coffee can lose its flavor very quickly if not kept under the right conditions. Here are some tips for storing your coffee correctly and keeping it fresh.
  • Ideally, it is best to buy your coffee in bean form and grind it just before brewing for maximum flavor.
  • Beans or grounds should be stored in airtight containers. Air and moisture can both have a detrimental effect on the flavor. Containers made from glass, ceramic, or stainless steel generally work best.
  • Keep the coffee out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat. Large temperature variations or too much hot or cold can damage flavor.
  • Avoid freezing or refrigerating beans or grounds, if possible. The cold will take away the freshness.
 
The BUNN ST Velocity Brew produces tasty beverages thanks to its cleverly designed sprayhead.  The thermal carafe will keep the drink hot for 2 hours.

Best Drip Coffee Maker Under $200: The BUNN ST Velocity Brew 10-Cup Thermal!

With its sleek, but functional design, the BUNN ST Velocity is one of the most impressive brewers that you will find in this category and price range. 

It produces a delicious cup of coffee, thanks to the even and full flavor extraction achieved by its cleverly designed sprayhead. 

The vacuum insulated thermal carafe will keep your coffee warm for up to 2 hours.


More Top Rated Drip Coffee Makers!

 
With an excellent filter system and compact, attractive design, the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup is an inexpensive drip brewer.

Affordable and Well-Designed: The Zojirushi Zutto!

This very affordable and well designed 650-watt coffee machine brews up to 5 cups of coffee at a time. 

The filter cone rests inside the decanter, this means that the machine takes up less space and is much easier to use. 

The Zojirushi Zutto ensures also produces very tasty drinks, thanks in part to its excellent filter system.


Featuring a glass carafe with a drip-free spout, the Cuisinart CHW-12 also has a very convenient self clean function and its own hot water system.

Versatile and Convenient: The Cuisinart CHW-12!

The Cuisinart CHW-12 is a 12 cup brewer which is 24 hour programmable.  It also has a very convenient self clean function. 

The carafe is particularly well designed - made from glass, it has a drip-free spout, which makes pouring a pleasure. 

As well as making delicious coffee, the Cuisinart also has its own hot water system which can be used for making tea, soup, cocoa, and other hot drinks.



The Hamilton Beach 49980A 2-Way

Single Serve or Full Pot Brewing: The Hamilton Beach 49980A 2-Way!


If affordability is a priority, then the Hamilton Beach Two Way Brewer is an excellent machine, worth checking out. 

Fully programmable with many great features, it offers you two ways to make your coffee, single serve or full pot. 

This machine is easy to use and versatile with a brew strength function for bold or regular beverages.

Versatile and Simple to Operate: The KRUPS KM720D50 Programmable!


The KRUPS KM720D50 Programmable 12-Cup is another excellent brewer that I would recommend to those looking for a well designed but inexpensive machine. 

Made from stainless steel, this 950 watts unit is exceptional. An LCD screen keeps you informed and makes the machine simple to operate. 

The machine's versatile setting options enable you to choose the right aroma for more intense extraction, or for smaller small batches.