It may seem a bit odd that one of the first things you need to buy when you are searching for home brewing equipment is coffee. But in fact, it is so important to those of us who love coffee that we would be well advised to get it right at the start. Although you can make an outstanding latte at home very easily, a pot of fresh-brewed coffee is a definite must-have item on any cupboard for the true connoisseur. It will do nothing but add years of pleasure to your coffee drinking experience.
So what should you be looking for when you are starting out? Well, there are many things to consider and some of them can be summed up as follows:
o What type of coffee do you want: If you are looking for a good latte with great cream then it will definitely require a higher-quality coffee. Your basic drip machine will not be able to extract the essential flavor from a high-end French roast.
o How much space do you have for brewing: Will you be doing your brew over an extract-only cup, or will you need to use a more full-bodied brew such as a French roast? As always, always think before you buy.
To Filter or basket: What is it that you are looking for with regard to consistency? Filtered brews will give you the best, and a good basket will let you save space by taking away the need for cold drip trays. Also, a filter will ensure that your coffee never runs out, since the water that is brewed is exactly what you need for the freshly ground beans.
o Flavor: Do you want to go for a sweeter coffee? An espresso can certainly offer the benefits of sweetness without all the calories that traditional French roasts tend to have.
o Serve size: Do you serve a hot cup of coffee to two or more people? A traditional French roast can easily be served in a large cup, whereas an iced coffee will require a smaller pot.
o Intensity: If you want to drink a light cup of coffee then an espresso or Gourmet Coffee will do the trick. But if you are hoping to get your hands on a strong cup of coffee that has a little kick, then go for a darker roast.
o Nutritional value: Today’s coffee is naturally loaded with antioxidants and vitamins. As such, it is incredibly healthy to drink it rather than anything else, which is why so many people are switching to organic coffee to replace the poor quality caffeinated variety.
o Price: Before you buy, be sure to figure out how much the whole plot will cost. Most traditional French roasts can be had for under $4 per cup, while the Gourmet Coffee might just hit the upper $10 mark.
These are just a few of the many things to consider when trying to find the perfect coffee machine. The good news is that there are many good options out there, making the search a bit easier.
