Author's posts
May 16 2024
Best Compact Espresso Machines for Small Kitchens: Models Compared
A good espresso machine doesn’t need to take over your kitchen counter. For apartment kitchens, small coffee stations, RVs, offices, and homes where counter space is already crowded with appliances, a compact espresso machine can provide much of the functionality of a larger machine in a footprint only five or six inches wide. But dimensions …
May 15 2024
Breville Barista Express Review: Features, Pros, Cons & Who It’s Best For
The Breville Barista Express has been one of the most recognizable home espresso machines for years. Its appeal is easy to understand. Instead of buying an espresso machine and grinder separately, the Barista Express combines a conical burr grinder, 54 mm portafilter, pressure gauge, PID-controlled Thermocoil heating system, manual steam wand, and hot-water dispenser into …
May 14 2024
Best Nespresso Machines: Original vs. Vertuo Models Compared
Choosing the best Nespresso machine starts with a decision that is more important than the machine itself: Original or Vertuo? Nespresso operates two separate capsule systems, and their capsules are not interchangeable. Original machines concentrate primarily on traditional espresso-sized drinks, while Vertuo machines expand the concept to include everything from single espresso to full-size cups …
May 13 2024
How to Clean a Breville Espresso Machine: Daily Care, Cleaning Cycles & Descaling
A clean Breville espresso machine doesn’t just look better on the counter. Regular maintenance helps protect coffee flavor, keeps the steam wand working properly, prevents coffee oils from accumulating in the brewing system, and reduces problems caused by mineral scale. The confusing part is that “cleaning your Breville” can mean several completely different things. You …
May 12 2024
Does Chai Tea Contain Caffeine?
Yes—traditional chai usually contains caffeine. The reason is simple: masala chai is typically made with black tea, and black tea comes from the caffeine-containing tea plant Camellia sinensis. The cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and other spices commonly added to chai do not provide meaningful caffeine on their own. How much caffeine is in …
May 11 2024
Earl Grey Tea Guide: Flavor, Varieties, Brewing & Food Pairings
Few teas are as instantly recognizable as Earl Grey. Open a box and the aroma gives it away before the first sip: bright citrus, floral perfume, and the unmistakable fragrance of bergamot layered over a base of tea. Traditional Earl Grey is usually made by flavoring black tea with bergamot, a fragrant citrus fruit. The …
May 10 2024
Best Keurig Coffee Makers: K-Supreme, K-Duo, K-Café & More Compared
Choosing a Keurig used to be fairly straightforward: pick a machine, insert a K-Cup pod, and brew a cup of coffee. The current Keurig lineup is much more varied. You can still buy a simple single-serve brewer such as the K-Express, but you can also choose machines that adjust brew strength and temperature, make coffee …
May 09 2024
Keurig K-Duo Review: Hot & Iced Gen 2 Features, Pros & Cons
The Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced Gen 2 is designed for households that don’t want to choose between a single-serve pod machine and a traditional drip coffee maker. On a rushed weekday morning, you can insert a K-Cup pod and brew one cup. On Saturday, you can fill the filter basket with ground coffee and …
May 07 2024
Green Tea Benefits: What the Research Actually Says
Green tea is often described as one of the healthiest drinks in the world. Depending on what you read online, it supposedly burns fat, prevents cancer, protects the brain, lowers cholesterol, controls blood sugar, fights inflammation, and adds years to your life. The scientific evidence is considerably more nuanced. Green tea is a nutritious, low-calorie …
May 06 2024
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio Review: Features, Pros, Cons & Who It’s Best For
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio is designed for households that can’t decide between a traditional drip coffee maker and a single-serve pod machine—and would rather not choose. Its basic idea is unusually practical: brew a full pot with ground coffee, brew one cup with a K-Cup pod, or brew one cup with your own grounds. …
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