Black As Midnight Blog – All Coffee, All the Time


Welcome to The Black as Midnight Coffee Blog!

Welcome to The Black as Midnight Coffee Blog! Here you'll find the latest on coffee makers & espresso machines, coffee information, recipes, brewing tips, coffee beans, gourmet coffee, and more.

Have a look around and feel free to drop us a note in the comments section!

Latest Articles

Oct 20 2008

Best Under Cabinet Coffee Maker For Less Than Fifty Dollars

Published by Author under Coffee Makers, Espresso Machines

There are so many under cabinet coffee makers out there to choose from that selecting one to meet your needs can be a difficult task.  This article will hopefully point in the right direction to find the best under cabinet coffee maker for your needs.

Features That You Need in an Under Cabinet Coffee Maker

Generally an under cabinet coffee maker will have a smaller capacity than a countertop model, but some do not.  At minimum if you are planning to use this under cabinet coffee maker as your main pot and you have more than one person drinking from it you are going to want a carafe that is capable of at least ten cups of coffee.   There are several under cabinet coffee makers that offer this as a feature so start you search there.

When looking for coffee makers in this category one seemed to stand out more than the rest.  This was the Spacemaker from Black and Decker.   This little coffee put is packed full of features while being reasonably priced.  It offers a 24 hour programmable digital clock that lets you set you coffee for automatic brewing.  No need to get up in the morning and mess around with water, coffee filters, and messy coffee.  Just set it for when your alarm goes off and you will have fresh coffee ready.

In addition to being an under cabinet coffee maker, this unit can also be mounted on your countertop.  It is easy to set up and small in size so you may not need to mount it under your cabinetry, but the option is there.

It also has the handy Tap-A-Cup feature that lets you pour coffee from the carafe like a tap at a soda fountain.  Simply pull down on the handle to expose the spout, place your cup underneath and away you go.   In addition to the tap it also has the Sneak-A-Cup feature that halts the brewing process and lets you remove the carafe to pour a cup without making a mess.  In addition to this, the carafe can be removed and poured like any old coffee maker.

The carafe also features a smooth stainless steel base that will not mar any surface that you put it on.   This carafe is capable of holding up to ten cups of coffee, perfect for a small amount of people or for breakfast in the morning.

As you can see while the Spacemaker may be short on price, it is still high on features.  A great buy for the budget minded coffee drinker.

No responses yet

Oct 18 2008

Authenticity with a Turkish Coffee Maker

Published by Author under Coffee Makers, Espresso Machines

A Turkish coffee maker is a deceptively simple looking pot. That’s right, it’s a pot, not a machine. A Turkish coffee maker has many names; among the two most common are Ibrik or Cezve. In Greece the Turkish coffee maker is known as Briki.

No matter the name you will have excellent and authentic coffee if you use these amazing little pots to make your Turkish coffee. It may take a little more time than a conventional coffee maker but you would probably only use this for dinner parties or special occasions rather than an everyday affair.

Different Materials

You can buy a Turkish coffee maker made from various materials. Traditionally there are two types of Turkish coffee makers, copper and brass. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your preference you can choose a copper or brass Turkish coffee maker.

A copper coffee maker will brew coffee faster as copper conducts heat better than brass. On the other hand copper is not as hardy as brass and it will lose its shine more quickly. If you would like your Turkish coffee maker to be both functional and decorative then a copper pot may not be the best choice. Copper coffee makers come with a tin lining to protect you from the copper but it is still not considered as safe as its brass cousin.

A brass Turkish coffee maker is as mentioned a little slower in brewing coffee. However traditionalists will swear that this is the best way to brew your Turkish coffee. They are also considered superior to copper coffee makers with the plus that they retain their shape and shiny appearance for much longer. If you are clumsy and often drop pots and pans in the kitchen then this could be a better option.

Aluminum is also becoming popular as a material for Turkish coffee makers. These versions are of course not traditional but also have advantages. It is lighter and this can be a huge bonus if you buy a bigger coffee maker, for example one that is capable of brewing four servings or more. It will also brew coffee much faster than either of the traditional coffee makers.

If you want something traditional then avoid the aluminum ones, as it will be quite obvious that you don’t have an authentic Turkish coffee maker on hand. These models however can look very chic and elegant. Though there is no beating the rustic charm of the traditional coffee makers.

No responses yet

Oct 15 2008

Shopping Online for a Thermal Coffee Maker

Published by Author under Coffee Makers, Espresso Machines

A thermal coffee maker is a coffee maker that can keep the coffee warm for hours, because it is made of thermal material. This is the most popular type of coffee maker available today, and one that every household should have.

Anyone shopping for a thermal coffee maker should be aware of the best online companies that they can go through for this.

Kitchen Contraptions

One of the first companies anyone shopping for a thermal coffee maker would want to visit is Kitchen Contraptions. They are a fabulous online company that not only contributes reviews on the different models but also tests them out themselves.

Sears

Sears also offers some great thermal coffee maker models. One of their most popular models is the Cuisinart 12-cup brew central thermal coffee maker. It features 12-minute brewing time, warming plate with non-stick coating, auto shut off, 24 hour programmable, auto drip stop, brew select with 1-4 cup brewing options, water-level indicator, and a charcoal water filter is included.

Nextag

If you want to do some comparison shopping before deciding on a thermal coffee maker, Nextag is the perfect online company to go through. They are known for being the leading comparison shopping site for products, financial services, travel, automobiles, real estate, education and more.

They are an extremely efficient sales channel with its highly qualified traffic and performance-based pricing and more than 17 million people per month use the company to research, compare and save on different products and services around the world.

Equator

You may also want to check out the Equator Company for a thermal coffee maker, and they are an incorporated company that is seeking to expand the use of fairly traded coffee in Canada. They are committed to forming a team environment for employees where fun, purpose and old-fashioned hard work will allow them to meet their objectives.

They always approach each customer differently and they want to provide the products and service that each requires. They offer one of the largest and most varied selections of thermal coffee makers in the world and definitely one that anyone looking for a thermal coffee maker would want to check out.

Just make sure you take the time to ensure that the coffee maker has all the features that you are looking for and at a price you can afford. There are thousands of different makes and models to choose from so you should be able to find just the right one.

No responses yet

Oct 13 2008

Making Great Coffee with a Tassimo Coffee Maker

Published by Author under Coffee Makers, Espresso Machines

That first cup of coffee in the morning is important to everyone. It transcends a caffeine fix; it’s about the taste and the ritual of drinking that delicious freshly brewed cup of coffee. If you love coffee and love lattes, cappuccinos and all the other fancy coffees available only at your local coffee shop then a Tassimo coffee maker could be just what you’re looking for. With a Tassimo coffee maker you can have that perfect cup off coffee made the way you want, at whatever time, maybe even better than what Starbucks has to offer.

Something for Everyone

A Tassimo coffee maker is not just for mom and dad. With a Tassimo coffee maker you can make more than just coffee. Besides making espressos, cappuccinos, lattes and any other fancy type of coffee you can think of you can also make delicious hot chocolate with this machine. This way you can get lots of use out of your Tassimo coffee maker.

It’s also a very efficient way to make coffee or other hot drinks. You can make multiple drinks at one time, and each a different type. No need to stop and start the machine to make a new type of drink or new cup of coffee. This machine has it all down to a science so that the right amount of time is used to brew the coffee, the perfect amount of water is used and so on.

There’s no getting even a mediocre cup of coffee with this excellent machine. The fact that the whole family can use this machine to brew up a great hot drink only makes it more attractive. Even better there is hardly any input on your part. All you have to do is decide what you want to drink.

The Tassimo coffee maker is very easy to use and you will soon have mastered the machine. Once you know how to use it you can have hot drinks in just a minute, or less depending on what you have decided to drink. From the little time it takes you would be surprised at the quality of coffee that you get. It really does taste like a professional barista whipped it up for you.

You can save a lot of money on coffee runs now that you have a Tassimo coffee maker. As well as valuable time since there’s no need to leave home to get a good cup of coffee. This is definitely a machine that will pay for itself. Do the math and you will see that this is a wise investment.

No responses yet

Oct 11 2008

Starbucks Espresso Machine Now Available For Home Brewing

Published by Author under Coffee Makers, Espresso Machines

For some people, Starbucks coffee shops have set a new standard for what they crave in the form of espresso. As some already know, espresso is made by forcing hot water through tightly packed coffee grounds and it typically has a significantly higher caffeine content than regularly brewed coffee. In order to duplicate the flavor of the drinks they get at their local shop, some die-hard espresso lovers are buying a Starbucks espresso machine to use at home.

For some espresso aficionados, the name makes all the difference while some others may offer a different opinion. However, the typical Starbucks espresso machine maintains tight controls over water temperature and the size of the basket holding the grounds to help the home barista make a perfect shot of espresso each and every time they use their new Starbucks espresso machine. While the machine plays an important role in espresso production, so does the quality of the beans used and how they are ground.

Coffee grinds used in Starbucks espresso machines are much more fine than those used in tradition drip brewing or percolators. Of course those that own a machine from their favorite coffee shop will usually insist on using the same quality beans in hopes of replicating the same familiar taste in their espresso.

Standards The Same For Home Espresso Machines

When the company put its name on the different models of Starbucks espresso machines, they had to be certain that the same exacting standards were in place to produce the same quality and taste of the shot. With the machines adhering to the same standards as the equipment used in the restaurants, it is likely the flavor of the finished product will be nearly the same.

With the different models on the market, there is a Starbucks espresso machine for the beginner who only wants the occasional home brewed shot as well as fully automatic units that set the stage for a host or hostess offering the perfect shot to their guests. Adding steam or frothed milk can also be part of the brewing process with some models of the Starbucks espresso machine.

Although many people believe that only espresso made the old fashioned way as it was in Europe where it all started, the availability of a Starbucks espresso machine for home use makes it much more likely that more people will be able to enjoy a similar flavor at home as they would inside a Starbucks coffee shop.

No responses yet

Oct 10 2008

The Perfect Cup of Coffee from a Senseo Coffee Maker

Published by Author under Coffee Makers, Espresso Machines

When looking for a perfect cup of coffee rarely do people consider the single serve coffee makers as being the best.  This article is going to change that by taking a look at a wonderful Senseo coffee maker.

Senseo Coffee Maker – Different is Good!

The idea of single serve coffee machine is something that is completely foreign to most people; however the Senseo coffee maker is so good that it will change your thinking.  First things first, this is no ordinary single serving coffee maker.  Many manufactures that product these units fail to add any innovation into their products, however the Senseo coffee maker makes up for this in spades.

The first thing that separates this unit from a normal coffee maker is that it brews under pressure.  What this means is that more of the coffee bean and flavor is extracted by the brewing process leading to a superior cup of coffee.

The second thing that is immediately apparent is the modern styling of the Senseo coffee maker.  Breaking from tradition, this unit comes in a sleek blue version and has a very modern look.

In addition to making a superior cup of coffee, by adding pressure to the brewing process you can actually brew faster.   The time to brew a single cup of coffee is less than two minutes.  This means that that you actually can have your coffee faster than you normally would from a drip machine and if you start your second while drinking the first one you will have your coffee ready in no time.

The fourth thing that really seals the deal on this coffee maker is how easy it is to use.  Open the top, drop in a pod, fill with water and away you go.   Simple easy and superior tasting coffee in a well packaged inexpensive unit is now here.

The only downside to this product is that it only accepts pods and you can not use loose coffee.  While the coffee in the pods is outstanding, you really will not be able to incorporate your current favorite blend or bean.  This is a minor drawback however and once you find a brew you like, you will be in heaven.

This coffee machine is revolutionary and has great applications for home or the office.  Set it on your desk and be the envy of your coworkers as they wait in line watching the standard drip coffee take minutes to brew a pot.  Push a button, two minutes later perfect coffee is yours.

No responses yet

Oct 09 2008

Pod Coffee Makers in the 21st Century

Published by Author under Coffee Makers, Espresso Machines

Are you one of them?  You know…the Pod People?  Do you enjoy coffee in single-serving doses in prepackaged little containers that have the filter and grounds all rolled up in one?  This form of coffee, the Pod, and accompanying Pod coffee makers, is taking the coffee world by storm.  But how did a single dose of such a social substance become so popular?

‘Fight Club’ Made Me Do It

The 1999 movie ‘Fight Club’ revolved heavily around the theme of isolation.  When the protagonist first starts addressing us, the audience, he goes on a rant about single servings and how they have permeated every aspect of our culture.  Single-serving dinners, single serving silverware, even, he points out, single serving friends.  What would he think of the Pod and its coffee makers, churning out single dose one after another?

Statistically, the Right Coffee

Many people complain that they’re short on time.  These days, life really does seem too busy to take coffee beans, grind them, peel off a filter (sometimes a thirty-second process in itself), throw the powder in filter with the basket, and flick the switch.  Enter Pod coffee makers for the busy single drinker.  It’s coffee to match the average age of marriage going up to 28 and the divorce rate keeping relatively stable at 50%.

Is It Any Good?

Pod Coffee, like the many pod coffee makers, comes in a variety of forms.  The original producer, Senseo, was known for using a medium to high brand of coffee.  Since a judge ruled that the term “pod” could be used as an industry trade word, any range of quality is possible.  Make yourself a single serving sometime and try ‘em all.

Cut Down On Mess

Consider also the way that pod coffee makers, with its individually wrapped pods ready to go anytime, could revolutionize break rooms across the country.  No longer will people be depending on 8 cups of lukewarm coffee to get their company through the day.  Instead, employees can just pop a pod and get on with it.  Coffee doesn’t sit on the warmer and burn.  Cleanup is simple.  Dump.  Grab.  Go.

Don’t Ever Change, Pod Coffee Maker

So, what’s next for individual coffee drinkers in this country?  Will there be more emphasis on producing coffee in small, quality amounts?  Think of a world without the “Venti”.  Then again, maybe pods and Starbucks coffee, with their individually packed accoutrements, are on to the future of coffee drinking.  Unmarried, divorced, whatever…if you don’t have time to make a pot of coffee, maybe there’s not room for much else?

No responses yet

Oct 04 2008

Where to Find a La Cimbali Espresso Machine

Published by Author under Coffee Makers, Espresso Machines

If there is any type of coffee machine that is worth buying it is a La Cimbali espresso machine. The La Cimbali name is one of the leading names in the coffee making industry and they offer a large and varied selection of coffee makers for you to choose from.

One thing you do want to be aware of however is that the La Cimbali espresso machine models are generally much more expensive than other models. Most of the La Cimbali espresso machines cost in the thousands of dollars, and although the price is considered as being well worth it by many consumers, you may just simply not be able to afford the hefty price tag.

Shopping

If you are interested in finding a La Cimbali espresso machine that you can purchase, there are a few companies you will want to check out. One is Espresso Plant. They are a company that retails coffee makers from a variety of the top designer names, including Capresso, Jura, Krups, Spidem, Rancilio, LaSpaziale, Saeco, and Solis, to name a few.

They are known for carrying one of the largest selection of coffee makers online, and their large retail selection includes espresso machines, espresso makers, table top roasters, bean roasters, drip coffee makers, dispensers, filters, French presses, stove tops, latte whippers, irish cream coffee glass sets, and much more.

Another company you may want to visit for a La Cimbali espresso machine is 1st Line. One of their best selling La Cimbali espresso machines is the Cimbali Junior DT1. This is one of the best espresso machines in the world, and features a beautiful stainless steel with satin finish for complimenting your existing stainless steel appliances, multi-directional steam wand and hot water wand made of stainless steel, and a 2.25 boiler capacity.

With it you are also offered a four programmable dosage which allows you to preset the amount of water for your espresso extraction and one of the buttons is actually operated as a semi-automatic which means that with it you are able to dose the water through the coffee grinds. The built-in volumetric pump provides superior output for the most discriminating barista, and the large sturdy feet of the machine help keep it balanced.

At any one of these companies you can purchase a high quality and affordable La Cimbali espresso machine, and this is a purchase that you are not going to regret. You will always have the most delicious brew of coffee and never again have to deal with charred or burnt roasts.

No responses yet

Oct 03 2008

Krups Coffee Maker Offers both Form and Function

Published by Author under Coffee Makers, Espresso Machines

When you’re busy and just need a cup of coffee, you need a coffee machine that will do all the thinking. If you can eliminate the time in your day that is taken up by messing around with your coffee machine then you could have extra time to yourself in the mornings.

With little extra time to chat with your loved ones or some down time to yourself over the papers, just think, you could have all that by simply switching your coffee machine. The Krups coffee maker will do the thinking for you so that all you need to do is pour the coffee and savor it.

Stylish Simplicity

Every Krups coffee maker is designed with an outward simplicity that belies its many features. You will never be ashamed to have a Krups coffee maker sitting on your kitchen counter. Each model is sleekly designed to match a modern sensibility of understated elegance. These machines will fit almost any décor and color scheme without fear of a monstrous color or design clash.

Maximum Flavor

Coffee is so much more than just something to get you going in the morning. It’s all about the taste and that taste is lost if you have an inferior coffee maker. With a Krups coffee maker you can be assured of great coffee every morning. With these machines the concept of extracting as much flavor as possible from even small quantities of beans is understood fully.

There is even a filter that can extract chlorine and lime scale that is present in some water. This way you have the certainty of knowing that you are tasting coffee, as it should be. You can even adjust the heating plate that the carafe sits on for the time that you want to keep the coffee warm. Whether that’s an hour or five hours, you can be assured you will have hot coffee.

Personalization is a big thing with a Krups coffee maker. This is a machine that will let you program it so that it switches on exactly when you want it to. It even has an audible signal to let you know when it’s done brewing, just like a kettle. There’s also a feature that allows you to pause the brewing process to pour a cup of coffee. Great for a two or more person household with conflicting schedules. Overall the Krups coffee maker is great for anyone who needs a stylish yet effective coffee maker.

No responses yet

Oct 02 2008

Why You Should Choose a KitchenAid Coffee Maker

Published by Author under Coffee Makers, Espresso Machines

You can never go wrong with a KitchenAid coffee maker. With a KitchenAid coffee maker you will have exceptionally smooth and flavorful coffee within minutes. There are thousands of different coffee makers offered by the KitchenAid Company, a few in particular which will be discussed here.

12-Cup Programmable Pro Line Series Coffeemaker

One of the top KitchenAid coffee maker models is the 12-Cup Programmable Pro Line Series coffeemaker. With this coffee maker you are offered the perfect blend of style and performance, and the powerful stainless steel heat pump and commercial-style showerhead ensure evenly distributed hot water for superb brewing, each and every time.

KitchenAid KCM511ER 10-Cup Programmable JavaStudio Collection Coffee Maker

This is another KitchenAid coffee maker you may want to consider. A few of the many features offered include programmable 10-cup coffeemaker with wrap-around housing and front-fill water reservoir, 1100-watt heat pump, electronic temperature control, brew pause, brew timer and clock, auto shutoff, dishwasher-safe glass carafe, flat-bottom brew basket, and more.

KitchenAid JavaStudio 14-Cup Coffee Maker

Another option for a KitchenAid coffee maker is the KitchenAid JavaStudio 14-Cup coffee maker. This model features a full-dispersion shower brew head which helps to evenly saturate the coffee grounds for an optimal full-bodied flavor.

The convenient “time since brewing” means that you will never have any old, bitter tasting coffee, and there are also pause-and-pour and automatic shutoff features.

How to Decide

There are a few things that you should keep in mind when you are trying to decide on a coffee maker. For one, try to stick to a familiar name, like a KitchenAid coffee maker for instance, which you know you are going to be able to trust and get a high quality coffee brewing machine from.

You also need to make sure that the particular machine you are considering is going to offer you all of the features and components that you are looking for. Taking the number of coffee drinkers in your household into consideration is also important here, because the more people there are, the larger sized coffee maker you are going to have to get.

Think about how often you are going to be using the coffee machine, because if you are only going to be using it for the occasional dinner party for instance then you can usually go with a cheaper model. If you are likely to use it daily on the other hand then it is going to be well worth it for you to spend a bit more on it and get one with more features and which is going to last.

No responses yet

Next »