7 Quick Tips for Buying Espresso Machines

1. Traditionally prepared by a master coffee maker, or barista, espresso is a concentrated coffee drink brewed by forcing very hot water under high pressure through coffee that is ground to the consistency of a fine powder. Espresso is a much stronger cup of coffee and delivers not only a robust flavor but also a stronger dose of caffeine.

2. Your level of discerning taste may dictate what kind of espresso machine you need. If you are rather picky, it may be worthwhile to spend a little more on a machine with a pump action, and other quality features. If you're not as picky about your espresso, then a lower price machine will still give you a great tasting brew.

3. Features such as a grinder, a quality milk-frother, a strong pump, a good sized bean hopper, and maintenance requirements are all important things to look for in a machine. Make sure you read the owners manual for proper cleaning instructions. Some parts, but not all may be dishwasher safe. Taking proper care of your machine will make it last for many, many years and give you many great cups of espresso.

4. Manual espresso machines do require a bit of skill, but this preparation process is what many people enjoy most about their manual machine. A great cup of espresso makes the effort worthwhile.

5. A semi-automatic espresso machine is a popular choice because it's easy to use. These machines allow you some control over the temperature adjustment, brewing pressure and tamp.

6. A fully automatic espresso machine is, of course, the easiest to use and will brew up espresso with the touch of a button. These are often found in cafes and restaurants and are made for the person who may feel challenged by the preparation. Also perfect for someone without a lot of spare time.

7. Choose a super-automatic espresso machine if you need a quick hit of caffeine. These machines speed the process of grinding, tamping, pre-infusing and brewing. Quick caffeine to keep you up and running.

Source:
http://www.coffeemakers.com/espresso-machines/6323+6325.cfm

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Roasting Coffee (Wikipedia)

Roasting coffee transforms the chemical and physical properties of green coffee beans into roasted coffee products. The roasting process is what produces the characteristic flavor of coffee by causing the green coffee beans to expand and to change in color, taste, smell, and density. Unroasted beans contain similar acids, protein, and caffeine as those that have been roasted, but lack the taste. It takes heat to speed up the Maillard and other chemical reactions that develop and enhance the flavour.

Light Roasted Beans

As green coffee is more stable than roasted, the roasting process tends to take place close to where it will be consumed. This reduces the time that roasted coffee spends in distribution, helping to maximize its shelf life. The vast majority of coffee is roasted commercially on a large scale, but some coffee drinkers roast coffee themselves in order to have more control over the freshness and flavour profile of the beans. More...

Dark Roasted Beans
Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_roasting

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Marisca Widjaja-Lewis & Brandon Pitts

Immigrants to Canada, Marisca Widjaja Lewis and Brandon Pitts started PRANA Coffee in the summer of 2009. Combining their respective cultural and professional backgrounds into a micro-roaster coffee bar, they bring something new to the burgeoning Toronto coffee scene.

Marisca Widjaja Lewis is the great granddaughter of coffee legend Tek Sun Ho, the man who started the Indonesian coffee industry and their country’s most successful brand, Warung Tinggi. Born in a coffee shop, she grew up sorting beans for her father who was the Warung Tinggi roaster and founder of Bakoel Koffie in Jakarta. Marisca is one of the few coffee professionals in Toronto who has worked in every aspect of coffee, from crop to cup.

Brandon Pitts moved to the Pacific Northwest of the United States at the age of twelve. It was at the B&O Espresso in Seattle where he was first introduced to coffee and once he had a "Rossetta Latte" from Vivace, he knew he wanted to roast and prepare coffee. He brought his coffee experience and know how to Toronto in 2003 and has been a respected roaster and coffee expert in Canada for over 6 years.

www.PRANACoffee.com