Espresso Guy

Espresso on tap

EspressoGuy — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 02:24:31 +0000

The Scanomat TopBrewer has to be the coolest looking espresso machine I’ve ever seen. It’s just, well, a faucet.

But under the cabinet there’s a superautomatic espresso machine with a built in grinder, milk frother, etc. The unit is controlled by your iPhone.

No price is mentioned; I’m thinking that if you have to ask it’s not for you.

via LaughingSquid

Espresso in your clam chowder?

EspressoGuy — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 05:05:02 +0000

In what may be one of the oddest coffee-related April Fool’s pranks in recent memory, seafood chain Ivar’s unveiled a clam chowder vending machine.

Among the machine’s features? A shot of espresso mixed into your chowder.

Emphasis added:

Nectar Boost – patrons can optionally add in a shot of clam nectar for peak performance, Omega-3 boost or even mix in an espresso shot for extra pick-me up.

Let’s be glad this is a joke — it’s typically a bad sign when the “it’s X mixed with coffee” concept becomes an actual product.

An “open source” espresso machine

EspressoGuy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:32:30 +0000

A newly formed company called ZPM Espresso is creating an open source espresso machine featuring a PID controller and new thermoblock design. They plan on manufacturing and selling the machine for a mere $400 USD.

It’s not clear from their Kickstarter page exactly what they mean by “open source” since the term could cover anything from the electronics to the entire hardware design. It’s also unclear what license they’re using.

Regardless it’s great to see a PID controlled machine for such a low price. Hopefully other manufacturers take note. I’m eager to see if their new thermoblock design works as advertised. It always seemed to me that thermoblocks were a good idea for home espresso (because they heat up quickly) but so far they’ve always disappointed with poor temperature stability.

I wish these folks the best of luck, and I look forward to seeing reviews of their new machine!

The gift guide is back!

EspressoGuy — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:29:57 +0000

I’m pleased to say that the coffee and espresso Holiday Gift Guide is back! This is the first year in some time that I’ve had this feature. We’ve got gift suggestions for every price range for the coffee lover in your life.

Side note: I’ve gotten a lot of e-mail lately from readers. I try to respond to every single mail as soon as I can. I apologize if your message slipped through the cracks (it happens) so if you don’t get a response within the week, contact me again. I’ll respond to every message (even if it’s to say “I don’t know.”)

Do steam espresso machines count as espresso machines?

EspressoGuy — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 05:12:10 +0000

Over at ROASTe, they question whether steam driven espresso machines should even be called espresso machines?

It’s not a straightforward question to answer. Steam alone can’t create a really good espresso — that most certainly requires a pump.

But as with many products all is not equal. The cheapest steam driven espresso machines can leave a nasty taste in your espresso. The nicer steam driven espresso machines will be more than enough to make something like what you’d get at your average chain coffee shop.

Personally, I got started with a steam driven espresso machine, but quickly graduated to a pump powered machine. If you’re using a steam driven espresso machine, consider the upgrade. You won’t regret it.