We all know how disappointing it is to crave a good cup of coffee only to be let down by a cup of what amounts to being dirty dishwater.
Bland, boring and bitter.
Making coffee at home is a good way to guarantee a cup of coffee that is up to your standards.
Making a perfect cup at home is not rocket science. Anybody can do it. Yet, there is a slight learning curve.
Here are a few tips to make sure that your morning cup of coffee is as good as it needs to be. It all starts with a good machine and good beans
What is a good coffee maker?
This is a bit tricky to answer. Sometimes it means spending a lot of money to get all the bells and whistles. Sometimes it’s more a matter of specialization. In other words that the machine only makes one kind of coffee and just does it well.
It all depends on what you plan to use your coffee machine for. If you want a machine that can do different kinds of coffees, then check out the Ninja coffee bar. It’s like having barista at your fingertips. The only thing it can’t do is make a Unicorn coffee!
If you just want a good espresso then having a machine that specializes in just that is important. Look for one that has high pressure (measured in bars), temperature control and heats up quickly.
Water makes a difference
Using tap water to make coffee at home is not the best idea. It usually contains chlorine or chloramines that affect the flavor. You’ll need a good filter to remove chloramines and chlorine.
Also, hard water can do a number on your machine so it pays to have a filter either on your coffee maker or one that softens the water as it comes into the house.
Hard water is high in calcium and will clog the intricate insides of the coffee machine. You end up losing a few years of longevity when you don’t treat hard water.
Grind it fresh
Grinding whole beans just before you plan to brew the grinds makes a huge difference in taste and texture. In the case of espresso, you can only get that lovely, rich cream of foam on the top when the oils are still present in the bean.
Look for machines that have a grinder so you can do a proper bean to cup with one touch. You can also get a grinder that is not attached to the machine, but you are adding more steps to make the coffee.
Summary
One last thing to mention is when you’ve found the right machine for you, that you put it where it will be used. Don’t let it become another piece of furniture in your kitchen.
Take advantage of a fine machine that wants you to enjoy your morning cup of coffee by letting it take center stage in your kitchen.