I’ve seen super automatic espresso machines that can grind, dose, and pull a shot of espresso any way you like.

But the newest trend, reported by CNET, may be super automatics that can take care of the milk for you. The latest machines from Miele can not only make espresso, but automatically steam and froth milk for your cappuccino, latte, macchiato, etc.

Of course I had to check out this machine for myself. A salesman at the local upscale kitchen supply store demonstrated the unit for me, and it was surprisingly good for an all-in-one super automatic machine. For a bit more, you can buy a tiny little refrigerator to keep the milk cold. I’m sure that’s not very energy efficient, but it’s a neat idea.

I’m not sure what more they could add to these little machines. Maybe it could roast the coffee beans? Or grow the coffee for you? I just hope they don’t make one that drinks the espresso for you.

Notice anything different? This site has sported the same design for the past seven years, so a design refresh was long overdue.

With the refresh I’ve also made a few updates around the ol’ place. Most notably I finally added a page on roasting beans at home and the oft-requested troubleshooting your espresso shot.

And for the first time, I put up a page explaining how to advertise on this site.

Anything not working? Tell me about it.

Seems like the holiday season was just here, doesn’t it? But it’s that time of the year again, so don’t forget to check out my Holiday Gift Guide to bring a little caffeinated holiday cheer to those around you.

The newest poll was inspired by a recent New York times article about cafes without wifi. There are those who prefer to socialize at a cafe rather than watch YouTube videos. Who knew!

Another trend is small cafes with little or no seating. These cafes rarely offer wifi or much of anything else (bathrooms, for example!) but as a side effect, people tend to socialize more.

Of course, these days wifi isn’t always necessary to access the internet. Smartphones offer internet just about anywhere.

Personally I enjoy both wifi and non-wifi cafes. I built much of this very website while sipping espresso at Ritual Roasters in San Francisco. But bringing my laptop to a cafe isn’t something I find myself doing on a regular basis.

How do you feel? Tell us in the latest poll!

UPDATE: Poll is closed. Here’s the results.

Poll: Do you prefer cafes with wifi or without?

I know, finally! Now you can vote on your favorite cafe beverage. What do you normally get when you go to a cafe? Personally I usually get an espresso (surprise, surprise) but occasionally I get an iced coffee if it’s too hot out for espresso.

UPDATE: Poll is closed. Here’s the results.

Poll: What do you usually get at a cafe?