Coffee Tips
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The life hack you need to clean your coffee machine!
There is nothing quite like that first cup of coffee in the morning for coffee lovers. It's a well-known morning ritual; in fact, 62% of Americans enjoy coffee every morning, with the average coffee drinker having three cups of coffee a day. If you're a fan of our coffee, you know something about homebrewing a good cup of joe, but we're always here to help with a few tips and tricks! Today we share an ingenious hack to cleaning your coffee maker.
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First off, "Why clean your coffee maker?" one might ask. Well, just as with any other machine, maintenance is essential for several reasons. When you brew coffee regularly, the coffee leaves a residue that leads to mineral build-up. This build-up is a haven for bacteria, yeast, and mold. This build-up can also affect the taste of your coffee, creating a bitter effect. An uncleaned coffee machine can have a build-up of debris that can clog your device and impact its ability to perform and its longevity.
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Traditionally, the way to clean your coffee maker involved flushing the machine with a solution of water and vinegar. However, many feel that this alters the smell and taste of your coffee for the first few batches after the cleaning. So, how can you regularly clean your coffee machine without all the fuss? An easier and scent-free cleaning option is using denture cleaning tablets.
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Denture tablets use the antibacterial and alkalizing properties of sodium bicarbonate (the main ingredient in baking soda, and a well-known cleaning agent). The tablets' fizziness scrubs and cleans on a micro level, getting into all those hard-to-reach crevices in your machine.
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How to clean your coffee machine using denture tablets:
Fill up your coffee machine's water reservoir, drop-in one to two denture cleaning tabs, and allow them to dissolve. The tablets will remove bacteria and also descale any mineral build-up. Next, run the program you typically brew to flush the machine with the cleaning solution until the water reservoir is empty. Next, remove and rinse the water reservoir and any other removable parts. Finally, fill the water reservoir with fresh water and re-run the machine to rinse; once the water runs clear, you are ready to go!
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Experts suggest cleaning your coffee maker every three to six months, depending on how often you use it.
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So, wake up and smell the coffee, and don't forget to clean that coffee maker!
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Why freshly ground coffee is better than pre-ground coffee
If you've been reviewing this blog for a while, you'll know that we take our coffee seriously and are always looking for ways to inspire and educate our loyal customers and fellow coffee enthusiasts. Today we talk about fresh-ground coffee beans and the top reason you should grind your coffee beans right before use: So that you can unlock all of the sensory goodness locked in those beans and thereby enjoy the best cup of coffee possible.
When you buy coffee to prepare at home, you can choose between pre-ground (and bagged or canned) sachets and whole coffee beans. Using freshly ground coffee means that you grind just enough beans for your brew each time you make a pot or cup. While some people might find this to be a tedious or unnecessary step, there are benefits to grinding your beans right before using them.
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The most important reason you should consider grinding your coffee is that ground coffee tends to degrade or lose important quality factors more quickly than do whole beans. This means that your coffee can become stale before you use it. All coffee starts to lose some of its special characteristics as soon as it's roasted (it's unavoidable), and the process really accelerates after coffee is ground. As long as ground coffee is in a sealed bag, the process is slowed down a bit, but as soon as the bag is opened and air comes into contact with the grounds, the grounds quickly lose both taste and aroma. A chemical reaction called oxidation occurs when coffee compounds come into contact with air. The longer ground coffee is exposed to oxygen, the more oxidation will occur, which alters flavors and allows flavors to evaporate.
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If you compare coffee brewed from freshly-ground beans to a batch of coffee brewed from stale grinds, you'll notice and taste the difference immediately.
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Another problem with exposing your grinds to air is that water molecules in the air will react with coffee's compounds. This process does happen somewhat with whole coffee beans, but once coffee beans are ground, more surface area speeds up the process. When ground coffee is exposed to the elements for a prolonged time, the water-soluble oils will dissolve and disappear from your coffee grinds.
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Grinding up coffee beans increases the surface area, which is great for extracting flavor when brewing coffee, but it also works against a good cup of coffee because more CO 2 is able to escape. These molecules play a vital role in creating the coffee's aroma—less CO2 and the less aromatic flavors your coffee will produce. So the best practice is to grind your beans right before using them.
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Another issue when dealing with pre-ground coffee could be contaminating your coffee with the flavors and aromas of other items in your kitchen or in the environment. Whole bean coffee offers more protection against the elements and can hold flavor profiles for the most prolonged periods.
And lastly, when you're in charge of grinding your coffee beans, you can decide the level of coarseness. There's a science to getting the right texture of coffee grounds to suit your brewing methods, and today's market carries a variety of coffee grinders to fulfill any coffee lover's needs. See some of our other blog posts about grinders.
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Any coffee specialist will tell you that freshly ground coffee is preferred over pre-ground coffee. But sometimes life can get hectic, and the last thing you want to do is add another task to your morning routine. If that's your situation, at Lola Savannah we're pleased to grind your coffee for you. Just be sure to store it properly (see earlier blog posts) and use it relatively quickly.
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Lola Savannah offers you high-quality, freshly-roasted beans (whole bean and ground) so that you can enjoy every cup.
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A Beginners Guide to Coffee Grinders
When it comes to making a good cup of coffee, multiple factors affect the final product. True coffee connoisseurs (like you!) know that it starts with having on hand some fresh-roasted whole bean coffee from your favorite coffee company—hopefully Lola Savannah—so that you can prepare a cup or pot for yourself.
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Another important step is using the right kind of coffee grinder. Indeed, the way you grind your coffee is essential to the whole process. If your grinder overheats the beans or results in an inconsistent grind (that is, different sized grounds), you won't end up with the flavor profile you may have been aiming for. This blog post deals with options for coffee grinders, focusing on the two main kinds of grinder most frequently seen for the home application: burr grinders and blade grinders.
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First, some good news: There are many brands of both kinds of grinder. Choosing which kind of grinder is suitable for your lifestyle comes down to deciding what is convenient for you. So, let's explore and discover the best coffee grinder for you.
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Blade Grinders
Blade grinders are typically less expensive than other options are. They use a fast-spinning rotary blade, similar to a food processor, that "grinds" the coffee beans. The blades spin to cut, break, and bash the beans into smaller pieces. For a finer grind to the beans, you simply run the blades for a longer period of time. If you use a French press to brew your coffee (in which case you should have very coarsely grounds beans), you would run the blade grinder for a shorter period. If, on the other hand, you have a drip or pour-over coffee machine, you would run the blades for longer to get a finer grind on your beans.
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Some purists don't much like blade grinders because of how they work and the attention required to get good results. Blades cut the beans and throw them against the container walls. For best results, you want to use a pulsing action, instead of holding the button the entire time: when you hold down the button to activate the blade without pulsing or pausing, it generates heat that can damage the coffee grains. Also, most home-use blade grinders don't deliver a perfectly consistent size of grounds. To be fair to blade grinders, though, they are usually smaller and less expensive, so they're a good choice for less-experienced consumers or people with space limitations in their kitchens (who doesn't need more space in the kitchen!). With some practice, you'll be able to get more than adequate results from a blade grinder.
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A word of caution: We strongly suggest that you not use your blade grinder for anything other than coffee. For example, many people are tempted to grind spices in their grinder. Even if you very carefully wipe out the spices after grinding, there's a real risk of leaving behind some residue or oils that may come through on your later-ground coffee beans.
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You can find a wide selection of blade grinders at most kitchen appliance stores. They usually cost anywhere from $20 to $100.
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Burr Grinders
Burr grinders (also known as burr mills) are what you will typically find in most coffee shops. (This is also the kind of grinder we use at Lola Savannah for fulfilling customer orders and brewing the coffees we enjoy daily.)
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Burr grinders genuinely grind the beans by running them between abrasive surfaces. The distance between those surfaces determines the grind size, with more space resulting in a coarser grind and less space resulting in a finer grind. Burr grinders ensure a uniform size of grounds within a grinding run, which helps with getting a consistent result. They also are almost infinitely "dialable" so that you can get the optimal grind for the brewing method you're using.
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Because they tend to be bigger and more expensive than blade grinders, burr grinders are generally found in commercial operations—or in the kitchens of super-dedicated coffee aficianados. It might take more research and looking to find a burr grinder, and costs can be significantly higher, but our guess is that you'll really enjoy the results.
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And again, we strongly suggest that you not use a burr grinder to grind other items, like nuts or spices. Clean-up is much more involved and complicated, including breaking down the machine to get at the burrs.
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Final Thoughts
For an optimal coffee experience, there is no more important step than grinding your own beans right before using them. (Even so, if you're not interested in or able to have your own grinder at home or the office, we're delighted to hook you up with ground coffee. Just check that option at the particular coffee's page.) And as with all things coffee, it really comes down to what you like. Here at Lola Savannah, we're with you every step of the way to make sure that you're getting what you want: flavored or not, organic or not, whole bean or ground, we roast the best quality coffee we can find. After that, it's up to you! Have fun.
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Coffee Grounds to Water Ratio
One of the most common questions people ask when brewing coffee at home is the proper coffee to water ratio for a good brew. On today's "Coffee Knowledge" blog, we discuss the importance of measuring your doses of coffee grounds and water when home brewing.
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There is a common misconception that the roast level determines the difference between a strong cup of coffee and a weak cup of coffee. Dark-roasted coffee is commonly described as being strong in flavor, when people in reality are trying to describe the smokey, "roasty" notes that dark roasted coffee carries. The term "strong" in the coffee industry describes the concentration of the brew based on the ratio of extracted chemical compounds from ground coffee to the amount of water.
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In a recent post, we discussed the extraction of coffee grounds and the importance of a good coffee grinder to ensure an even extraction; the next step is zeroing in on your preferred dosage to impact the strength of the coffee in your cup. When you brew your own coffee at home, you get to control how strong or weak you want your coffee to be.
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The brewing dosage standard for a 6 fluid ounce cup of coffee is 2 tablespoons of ground coffee. This ratio is based on the industry-standard coffee-to-water ratio called the "Golden Ratio" - 1 gram of coffee to every 16.7 grams of water. Here's a link to a handy ratio chart for the "Golden Ratio" by manuelcoffeebrewing.com.
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In the coffee world, it is universally accepted that brewing coffee by weight is the most accurate method. Measuring by volume always involves some small amount of eyeballing to get a level tablespoon or to get the right volume of water. This is why you see high-end coffee shops weighing their water and coffee grounds to get a consistently accurate read on their measurements. If you want to go that extra mile and add a small scale to your brewing process, it's a pretty simple addition to your routine, and it just might make your morning coffee experience feel like a science project. If this doesn't interest you, don't worry: you can still measure as accurately as possible to get near the standards of the Golden Ratio, and you'll be fine without the investment in a scale.
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Nevertheless, the "standards" of brewing dosages shouldn't keep you from brewing coffee the way you prefer to enjoy it. These standards have been established as a baseline to develop sufficient coffee strengths, but they shouldn't keep you from exploring and learning about your personal coffee preferences. Dosages may vary based on your current brewing method, particular coffee characteristics, and experimentation on your part.
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The "perfect" cup of coffee is itself a blend of both art and science. You can tweak a lot of variables, from the roast level of the coffee to how and when you grind it, from the variety of the beans to the ratio between grounds and water. The most important thing is to enjoy what you create and drink. Coffee should be fun!
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With Lola Savannah coffee blends, you'll surely find your sweet spot. Come and explore our website and add some fun to your coffee experience.
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The best investment for Brewing Coffee at Home
This news may come as a surprise, but if you grind your coffee beans, your grinder is the most essential tool in your coffee-making arsenal. An excellent coffee grinder can transform your coffee experience and can rival what you get from your favorite coffee shop. We talked about the advantages of grinding your coffee beans right before using them. So today, we take an in-depth look at coffee grinders. With your own reliable coffee grinder, you can experience full-flavored and fresh coffee whenever you want. And once you own one, you might never want to go back to pre-ground coffee.
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The main advantage to grinding coffee beans yourself is that you can set the grind size to accommodate your brewing method. For example, if you like to use auto-drip pots, the fine consistency of pre-ground coffee works well. But if you're using any other means to brew your coffee, such as a French press or a pour-over method, adjusting grind size is an advantage you don't want to miss out on. You just won't find varying grind sizes in pre-ground coffee, so having your own grinder is the way to go.
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If you find the benefits of owning your a home coffee grinder alluring but still feel unsure on which kind of grinder you should buy (or have someone gift you!), keep reading as we explore what makes a coffee grinder useful, and which features are worth paying for. We won't discuss specific brands, but here are some key thoughts.
Blade grinders are the easiest to find, but they don't provide much of an improvement over pre-ground coffee beans. These grinders don't produce consistent, uniform coffee grounds. And that in turn causes the ground coffee to extract at different rates, which results in an unbalanced cup of coffee. Really, blade grinders chop more than they grind, and thus they don't allow you to set a grind size. If you do go with a blade grinder, you should probably have one dedicated to coffee. Otherwise, if you use the same blade grinder for a bunch of different items like spices, even if you wipe it out carefully you're still likely to get cross-flavoring.
Burr grinders are by far the better option. The burrs funnel the coffee beans down a pathway and grind/pulverize them to a consistent size, unlike the chopping action of blade grinders.
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The next decision point is choosing between a manual grinder or an electric grinder.
Manual coffee burr grinders are an excellent option for exploring this type of grinding without making a huge commitment or breaking the bank. These typically cost $20-$30, which is the same for an inexpensive blade grinder, but they perform much better than the blade grinders do. This option does require some elbow grease but can be added to your morning routine as a meditation ritual or an added arm exercise as a bonus! These grinders are very durable, lightweight, travel-friendly, and great for camping.
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Electric coffee burr grinders offer fast and convenient results, but there are a few drawbacks to consider. First, they come at a much higher price point, and you'll find that you can quickly get to over $100. Less expensive electric burr grinders are sometimes built with cheap plastics, unaligned burrs, and poorly designed settings, and they can be quite loud. That noise can be a nuisance in the early morning hours. As often happens, you get what you pay for, and if your coffee and the ritual are important to you, you probably won't regret the investment in a higher quality burr grinder.
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If you plan to travel with your coffee grinder or if you're a considerate early riser and don't want to wake up everyone else, a manual grinder would certainly be suitable. The same is true if you're not looking for a daily arm workout. For most folks, though, we suggest making the investment in a high quality electric burr grinder. And don't forget the Lola Savannah coffee beans for an unforgettable cup!
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Whole Bean vs. Ground Coffee
The act of making coffee at home is a popular ritual in the US; according to the National Coffee Association (NCA), 79% of Americans prepare their coffee at home. From choosing your favorite coffee brand (say, Lola Savannah) to your favorite blends and brewing methods, the art of coffee making at home is a personal experience that has only gotten more serious with the start of the pandemic. But no matter how you drink your coffee, the best piece of advice to yield the most incredible flavor and aroma is: Buy whole bean coffee instead of ground coffee. Here's why!
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A recent article by HuffPost interviewed coffee roasting experts and coffee quality pros. They agreed that whole coffee beans ensure the most outstanding flavor when it comes to making great coffee. Scott Buyington, the co-founder of Denver's Queen City Collective Coffee, told HuffPost: "A lot of taste comes from the smell. The grinding process starts to release a lot of those aromatics...so if you release the aromatics before you try the coffee, the taste is going to be more diminished, dull, and flat."
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Research within the coffee industry has shown that after grinding whole coffee beans, the exposed surface area increases and starts to oxidize faster. Ground coffee packaged and sold has already lost some of its taste and smell, and based on how this coffee is stored, it can continue to lose these characteristics.
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Although these experts do not specify when it becomes noticeable and claimed that the loss of flavor and taste characteristics is different depending on the coffee, the verdict is that taking the added time to grind your beans right before brewing maximizes the coffee's original aroma and flavor and has bigger payoffs in the taste and smell.
But let's be honest, not everyone has room for a grinder, and some don't feel the need for another kitchen appliance. Other folks love the ease and convenience that ground coffee beans provide. And that's OK, too. At Lola Savannah, we encourage mindful storage practices, including storing ground coffee in a dark, dry place away from humidity. Read more on our best coffee storage advice, below.
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Whether you're a die-hard ground coffee fan or enjoy grinding whole coffee beans yourself, we've got you covered at Lola Savannah. Either way, we always source the best and freshest beans and roast them daily to ensure a fresh cup of happiness every time.
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Differences between Cold-Brew and Iced Coffee
With spring in full bloom and summer temperatures nearing, coffee lovers are making the switch to cold coffee. What better time than now for us to discuss the differences between cold brew and iced coffee options.
When coffee is cold brewed, the coffee beans are brewed in cold water for an extended time, roughly half a day or more. On the other hand, iced coffee is brewed quickly, uses warm water, and is then poured over ice. You don't have to buy special coffee beans (but might we suggest some Lola Savannah!) to make either cold-brewed or iced options, but the apparatus to brew each is fundamentally different, as are the flavors produced by each method. By understanding their differences, you can explore which brewing method is suitable for you.
Cold Brew
To make cold-brewed coffee, you typically use a pitcher with a steeping filter made with mesh or stainless steel. This process creates a "coffee concentrate" that is then mixed with water or milk to create different beverages. This concentrate typically has a very high caffeine content and a strong taste; it is not recommended to drink it independently without watering it down.
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The steps are simple: fill the steeper with your favorite coffee, say Lola Savannah's Texas Pecan, and fill the pitcher with the cold water per the recommended ratios. Shake the pitcher until the cold water turns to a brown color, although not all cold brew systems require this step. Then steep this concentrate for 12-36 hours, remove the filter, and dilute with water or milk/creamer of your choosing.
Here are some of the downsides seen to cold brewing:
-the long steeping period requires considerably more time when compared to iced coffee
-the filter can be challenging to clean
-you'll need to experiment with diluting your concentrate when you want a coffee beverage (but practice makes perfect!)
Iced Coffee
Iced coffee, on the other hand, is brewed the same way as you brew hot coffee. And these days, there are even special coffee machines that allow you to adjust and cool the water temperatures. If your brewed coffee is too hot, don't pour it over the ice immediately or you'll melt the ice too quickly and dilute your coffee. Instead, allow the brewed coffee to come down to room temperature (or pop it into the fridge to cool off further) before serving it over ice. Check to see if your coffee maker has temperature settings to make iced coffee at home more accessible.
Some downsides to iced coffee:
-coffee machines that feature temperature adjustments for brewing iced coffee are significantly more expensive than cold brew coffee makers
-iced coffee tends to get watered-down and diluted as the ice melts
-iced coffee is more acidic than cold brew
Conclusions
Each of the two methods results in distinct taste differences, and the equipment and time needed also vary. But regardless of your preferences, and regardless of the method you end up choosing, you'll end up with a great result when you start with any Lola Savannah coffee.
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A Convenient Guide for Coffee Grinding
There is a lot to consider when looking for the perfect home-brewed cup of coffee. Even when you buy the best beans from your favorite coffee company (Lola Savannah!), other factors influence the result. There are different brewing techniques, ideal water-to-coffee ratios, water temperature, etc.
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But have you considered the consistency of your coffee grounds? With 79% of Americans choosing to brew coffee at home, many underestimate the importance of getting the proper grind, or particle size, to their coffee beans. Let's uncover the importance of coffee grounds consistency and why it's a vital step in making great coffee at home.
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While some households prefer buying pre-ground coffee beans, others prefer to grind their coffee beans at home right before making a pot or cup.
When coffee beans are ground, they are broken into much smaller pieces, and thus there is more surface area where oxygen can react with the cells and bring out that distinctive smell and lively flavor. Without the grinding step, proper extraction does not occur, and coffee tastes muddy, dull, and soapy. By grinding your beans at home, not only do you not risk losing any essential qualities of freshness but in fact you enhance the likelihood of getting the best-tasting cup.
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And there's more: You can also adjust the coffee grind and experiment with different brewing methods that require different consistency of coffee grounds.
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The type of coffee grounds you need for your brewing method can determine the extraction of your coffee. The two ways your coffee brewing can go wrong with the incorrect grind size are under-extraction and over-extraction. Under-extraction can occur when grinds are too coarse and results in a sour, acidic, or salty taste. With coffee grounds that are too fine, your coffee can be over-extracted, resulting in dull, bitter, or a dark cup with no distinct features.
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A balanced extraction will produce well-rounded, sweet, and crisply acidic tastes. That's the goal!
Follow this simple guide to learn the main types of grinds and which ones we recommend for each brewing method.
EXTRA COARSE / COARSE
Extra coarse coffee grounds resemble the consistency of kosher sea salt. This consistency of coffee grounds is used for French Press and percolator and is also great for the cold brewing process.
MEDIUM-COARSE / MEDIUM / MEDIUM-FINE
Medium-coarse and medium grounds resemble the look of table salt, respectively. This consistency is best for drip coffee brewing methods.
FINE / EXTRA FINE
Fine coffee grounds resemble powdered sugar and are used for espresso brewing, Aeropress, and Turkish coffee.
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When you know your preferred brewing method, dial in the consistency of your coffee grounds and keep your household stocked with the best quality coffee from Lola Savannah.
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It may take some experimenting, and even a not-perfect cup of coffee is still pretty great.
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At Lola Savannah, we work hard to ensure that you experience a consistently excellent cup of coffee, and we want to help make sure your cup of brewed coffee is as good as can be!
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Zen and the art of Coffee Machine Maintenance
We are committed to providing you with the best quality coffee (whole bean beans or ground) so that you can have a fresh cup every time. On our "Coffee Knowledge" blog, we've discussed brewing practices and methods, but have you ever considered how maintenance affects a coffee machine's efficiency? Over time, your coffee maker can collect hard-water buildup, mold, bacteria, or clogs. Here's a no stress cleaning schedule that can help you with regular maintenance, which will help keep your coffee machine germ-free and working better to provide a better-tasting cup of joe.
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Brewing leads to the buildup of coffee oils and grounds, and if they aren't removed regularly, your coffee may start to take on bitter or burned flavor-notes. Just like you wouldn't want to drink your coffee out of a dirty cup, we recommend cleaning your carafe and filter basket after every use. It should take only a minute of your time, but cleaning this one thing with some water and a mild detergent frequently can improve coffee quality.
Once a month, you should clean the filter basket holder and any parts that collect coffee grounds and buildup. We also recommend cleaning the water tank of your coffee machine once a month thoroughly. Empty the carafe and filter basket of leftover coffee grounds, and use a soft brush or paper towel to wipe down all areas. If there are removable parts to your carafe, disassemble them and hand wash these pieces with mild detergent. Wipe down your unit with a soft, damp cloth, allow to dry, reassemble, and you'll be ready to brew.
At Lola Savannah, our goal is to make safe, quality products that you'll be proud to serve to your family and friends, and we want to keep it that way!
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Best Coffee Storage Tips
There are a couple of misconceptions and myths when it comes to coffee storage. We're here to set the record straight with the best coffee storage tips!
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Coffee beans are best stored in dry, cool spaces away from extreme heat and extreme cold. Perhaps you've heard that keeping your coffee in the fridge will keep it fresh longer, but in fact that's not true. Storing your coffee in the freezer or fridge does not promote ideal temperatures. Likewise, keeping coffee on a counter that gets catches sunlight isn't ideal, either.
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We recommend storing coffee beans in a dry place, like a cupboard, in an opaque, airtight container. Unlike a clear or transparent container, an opaque container will block out sunlight and protect coffee beans from heat. Using an airtight container, you can protect your beans from oxidization, which can lead to staleness. The less oxygen, the longer your coffee will stay fresh.
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And while you can control the humidity and light levels by storing coffee in your fridge, the temperature swings when you open and close the door accelerate the aging process, causing your beans to go stale faster. Another side effect of storing coffee in a fridge is that coffee beans tend to absorb other smells, which means that your coffee might take on different aromas and flavors from other items stored in your fridge. Garlic coffee? No thanks.
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The general rules are: watch out for heat, light, air, and moisture to keep those beans fresh because when you're brewing Lola Savannah coffee, you know you're always getting the best!
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Which home brewing method is right for you?
With so many different options today, the choice can seem daunting. Each home brewing process offers distinct advantages for different types of coffee drinkers. Whether you are exploring new possibilities, looking for an upgrade, or want to brush up on your coffee knowledge, let us walk you through the basics! Different brewing methods offer different results; some provide more control, while others offer convenience. Some are more suited for black coffee connoisseurs, and others offer various beverage choices with the click of a button.
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First, let's talk about Home Espresso Machines. Espresso machines, first invented in Italy in 1884 became a staple in cafes throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, and are now widely available for home purchase. Smaller and more user-friendly options are appropriate for home use. Espresso machines usually break down into three categories: manual, semi-automatic, and automatic. Most home espresso machines are semi-automatic, meaning you grind the coffee, load the portafilter, tamp, and press a button to start the shot. These machines give you a variety of control that can customize your espresso. Automatic machines are basically the same, but only require you to press the button once to start the process. With a home espresso machine, you can make beverages such as cappuccinos, lattes, and americanos. Although mastering this method takes time and practice, it allows you to experiment with coffee in new ways.
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Then there are Pod and Capsule Machines. If you still want to enjoy an espresso-style coffee experience but prefer more convenience, a pod or capsule machine might suit your needs.
These coffee machines offer easy preparation and minimal maintenance. Another bonus is the variety you can enjoy, such as brewing individual cups of coffee to accommodate any palate. Using these machines is simple: you insert a pod into the machine, press a button, and receive extracted coffee in seconds. With several presets to choose from, you can still customize your coffee to a certain extent, and with these machines' growing popularity, more coffee options are becoming available. If you haven't already, make sure to check out our unique selection of pods available at here at www.lolacc.com.
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For those who enjoy a less intense brew than espresso, Filter Machines and Batch Brewers are excellent choices. They offer a completely different type of coffee, are easy to use, and can provide a large amount of coffee in a short amount of time. Batch brewing is excellent for families that drink a lot of coffee because you can brew a whole pot at once and keep it warm for some time. Although this brewing process can sometimes take up to five minutes to extract, the longer brew time will also bring out the more complex and delicate flavor while offering a lighter and cleaner coffee than espresso. Filter- and batch-brewed coffee makes an excellent choice for those who prefer black coffee.
Using a batch brewer is simple. Add water to the tank, grind your coffee, and place it into a filter in the brewing chamber. After that, you typically press a button to start the brew.
However, using a predetermined coffee and water ratio will help you bring out the best characteristics in the coffee. While ratios vary from machine to machine, a coffee-water ratio of around 1:16 is often recommended.
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Manual brewing methods, such as pour-over filter coffee and full immersion brewers, require more skill and technique but can unlock different cup profiles. Pour-over brewing extracts crisp, clear notes, more tea-like textures, and generally less acidity.
You will most likely need more equipment to successfully brew coffee manually, including a scale, a good grinder, and possibly a pouring kettle. These brewing methods offer different flavor profiles, and some people enjoy the intimate, manual process.
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No matter how you choose to brew at home, we have you covered for all your coffee and tea needs at Lola Savannah!
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Tips for the perfect cup of coffee:
Find yourself making more coffee at home these days? There’s more than one way to brew a great cup of coffee. Whether you prefer to use the drip method, a pour-over contraption, or a French press, we want you to get the most out of your favorite blends. Here are some pro tips to help you brew your best cup of joe at home!
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Store coffee in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve fresh coffee beans/grinds.
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Use fresh filtered water. Tap water can contain minerals, fluoride, and salts that can add unwanted flavors to your coffee.
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Do not use boiling hot water when brewing your coffee. Water boils at 212°F/100 °C, slightly above the recommended 200 °F/93 °C for brewing.
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If you’re using a coffee press, time your extraction. If you don’t brew long enough, your coffee can come out tasting sour; if you wait too long, your coffee can taste bitter and chalky. Four minutes is the recommended brew time for a coffee press.
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Lastly, clean your coffee making tools every day! Oils can build up in your grinder, so make sure to clean your grinder after each use and thoroughly wash your method of extraction (pour-over, drip, press, etc.). No need for soap, just make sure everything is clean of coffee grinds.
Whether you’re making a cup of coffee for yourself in the morning or entertaining with guests, we want to make sure each cup is as good as the last. Cheers!
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