| Another
important consideration in the preparation of your coffee is the machine
that will brew the beans into that palette-pleasing cup. Different
methods will produce different results, but here are our favorites. Electric Drip -- There are two types of Auto Drip machines available: the cone-shape filter and the flat-bottom filter design. We prefer the cone-shaped filter because it delivers slightly stronger flavor and better body than the flat-bottom design. Your machine may include extras such as automatic timer, thermal carafe, etc. Look for: Thermal carafes instead of glass pots. Wattage ratings of least 850 and preferably 1,000 watts. Gold-washed metal filters that fit into the basket as a substitute for paper filters. Buy: A thermal carafe and metal filter if the machine doesn't come with them. Also, packets of cleaning powder to be run through the machine's brew cycle once a month. See: Our Gift & Accessories section. French Press -- This popular method uses a cylindrical glass carafe and a stainless steel mesh filter to separate the coffee grounds from the water. The grounds stay at the bottom and strained coffee stays above the filter, ready to pour. A French Press is excellent for highlighting the darker roasts and blends. However, expect some sediment to pass through the filter into your cup, giving the brew a slightly fuller texture. This method brews cooler, so be sure to preheat your plunger pot first with hot water. Look for: A metal filter screen, not nylon mesh. A tight fit of filter screen into glass container. A wide knob for pushing down the screen, which will ensure even pressure and reduce risk of breaking the carafe. Brew tips: Rinse the glass container with hot water first. Wrap a terry-cloth towel around the pot during steeping. See: Our Gift & Accessories section. |
