Select Espresso Machine

Taste an espresso and you do not ever serve to your coffee maker. Its taste is more refined, its flavor is richer, its perfume is more delicate, its smell of roasted beans Just make it irresistible. A coffee of quality depends on the quantity of coffee, the water temperature, its beautiful version, the speed and pressure of percolation.

Espresso Machines Types

The strong and pronounced taste of an espresso comes from the coffee type you use (original molding, roasting) and, secondly, how you prepare it. Espresso machines extract the coffee with a pressure system that makes the coffee strong but smooth, topped with a light golden foam. Most machines are steam or pump. With a steam system, the pressure pushes the water upwardly so that it mixes with the brewed coffee. With a pump system, water is driven towards the coffee by a mechanical pump.

The pressure is higher than a steam system. The pressure is measured in bar. The more bar, the higher your coffee. From 15 bars, the quality of your espresso is guaranteed.

There are three types of espresso machine: manual steam, semi automatic and automatic espresso machines.

- The Steam Espresso Machine: The water, contained in the bottom compartment of the coffee maker, is heated and produces the steam needed to create enough pressure. This pressure sends the water in the central compartment, where the coffee was packed, to finally finish in the top compartment. Coffee is ready to serve. These devices lack of pressure (only 2 bars). In addition, this same pressure and temperature can not be controlled, which can significantly alter the taste.

- Semi-automatic Espresso Machine: This is the most common model at home. It is provided with a pump which generates the pressure needed for the extraction of coffee. Make sure the throwing, dosage and crowding coffee and determine the amount of coffee in each cup. The temperature is automatically controlled, you are more likely to succeed your espresso. Most machines have a frothed milk essential for cappuccino and latte cafes.

- Automatic Espresso Machine: is similar to semi-automatic by its pressure pump, the temperature control is already established. The automatic model also determines the level of coffee to pour into each cup. The machine can be preset according to taste, and ensure greater consistency.

The espresso comes from Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is the most popular with its rich aroma flavor. Robusta has a chocolate aroma. Arabica and Robusta are finely ground to be made into espresso but you can choose the package according to your preferences: capsules, pods, ground coffee or beans. Warning: This package is often determined by the type of machine you use.

Espresso Machines Features

The most sophisticated espresso machines have multiple options:

* Steam function allows the cooling of the espresso machine. Depending on the models, this function can be automatic or not.

* The drops stop function allows to stop the flow of coffee when the coffee is removed.

* Programming function for models with a timer. It is possible to program the preparation of the coffee in advance.

* The 'spout insulation' function: it is isothermal, it keeps the coffee hot longer.

* The 'milk frother' function: froths milk to make delicious cappuccinos and lattes.

* The 'hot cup' function: which keeps the cup or the coffee maker hot.

* The water tank of large capacity and removable, facilitates back and forth constant between sink and coffee maker.

Choosing a Washing Machine

How to choose a washing machine? You want to buy a washing machine, an indispensable instrument of daily life, but you do not know what to choose among the many existing models on the market? Before making your choice, it is important to know the criteria to consider when purchasing your washing machine: washing programs, spin, energy  consumption.

Models of washing machine

There are two types of washing machines: conventional washing machines (front load/window or top load) and the combined washer (washer and dryer).

The top-loading washing machine: It is deeper and narrower than its competitors (40cm wide on average), which makes it very suitable for small spaces. The top loading is easier but its capacity is reduced (5 kg). This model is particularly suitable for a young couple or a small family.

The front-loading washing machine: This model is ideal for big families with an average depth of 50 cm, a width of 60 cm and a capacity of 10 kg. Very practical, it fits easily under a worktop or turns itself into worktop. Another space-saving trick is to position the dryer on the cover of the washing machine door.

The combined washer dryer machine: This washing machine can be in front as top loading, and allows a considerable saving of space. You should know that its drying capacity is less than its washing. For example, if you wash 5 kg of laundry, you can dry only the half. The number of options available make it more expensive than the simple model.

Wash programs

All washing machines operate in the same way, namely: a pre-wash cycle and then hot washing (between 30 and 90°C), followed by a cold cycle and a spin cycle. Wash programs differ depending on the model. Most washing machines have automatic programming and more which you can adapt the level of temperature, the spin speed to the quality and quantity of laundry you are washing.

* Fast program: short wash cycle

* Intensive program: longer wash cycle for heavily soiled laundry

* Half load program: shortest wash cycle, suitable for load

* Program handwashing: the normal cycle for delicates and wool

The system of delayed start is a very useful feature in terms of energy consumption and money. Indeed, thanks to this function, so you can make your machine run during off-peak hours, for example the evening or the night .

Dewatering of the washing machine

Dewatering of the washing machine is calculated rpm. Standard machines have a spin: 1000, 1200, 1400 and 1600 rpm. Less sophisticated have spin at 400 rpm while the most efficient reach 1800. The more spin speed, the more dry for your laundry. It is highly recommended to buy a washing machine with a rpm above 1000. Below this figure, its effectiveness will be very poor. Recent releases on the market offer a dual spin system: fast for cotton and slow for  wool and delicates, or the possibility to select your spin speed.

Energy class of washing machine

The devices are classified according to their energy consumption (electricity and water), on an alphabetical scale from A to G (european label). A washing machine Class A is more more ecological and economic than washing machine category B and so on. Class G models are very consumable of power. The lines A, B, C are quite expensive but your initial investment is quickly recouped through energy savings. The vast majority of washing machines have a criterion A for washing, C for spinning and A for energy consumption.

The Heating Blender

The heating blender is made to simplify your life - shovel vegetables and you already have a soup that is in preparation. It only takes 20 to 30 minutes for a healthy and balanced meal. In addition, as nothing evaporates, all the vitamins and minerals are preserved.

A heating blender can cook and mix in one process. You can prepare soups easily and without having to stay in your kitchen.

5 things to know before buying a heating blender

Choose a heating blender can be a real headache: tons of different styles, features to no end and technical specifications that differ between brands... Before investing in a heating blender, here are 5 tips for choose the ideal heating blender:

1) Choosing the right bowl

Bowls generally have a capacity between 1.2 and 1.8 liters. It takes about 300ml per soup serving for an adult. 1.2 liters therefore can feed about 4 people and 1.8 liter about 6 people. 1.2 to 1.5 should be enough for a family of 4. If you decided to make a soup as a starter for a big meal, 150 to 200ml should be enough (so the 1.2 liter blender will make an entry for 6 people). The blender with the greatest consistency is the Moulinex Soup & Co with a capacity of 1.8 liters.

The bowls are available in glass, plastic or stainless steel. The advantage of stainless steel is that it is more solid, but you can not see the ingredients cook which is always useful and interesting...

2) 1, 2 or... 14? How many gears do you need really?

The speeds seem important at first, there are more better. But upon reflection, is the result will be very different between the 7th and the 8th speed of 14? It is better to have at least 3-4 speeds, more is not really necessary but will not hurt.

If the speeds are not necessarily essential, it can be handy to have a function "pulse" that mix in spurts. It is ideal for mixing nuts and it allows you to mix gradually controlling the food structure.

3) 500 W or 1500 W - which engine to choose?

The engine power is very important, especially if you plan to use your blender daily. 500 W is enough to make a soup from time to time. If you also want to loot ice or make juices regularly, should be at least 1000 W or more. In the long term it will also allow a better power while the unit ages.

4) Warranty

All heating blenders come with a one year warranty but some blenders have a warranty of two or even three years. It is also a guarantee of quality, especially with less established brands.

5) Indulge!

A heating blender is also for your personal enjoyment, so choose a model that can make you want to cook. Maybe the heating blender you like of less speed than other but a better design, why hesitate? You must also choose the features that make you happy and make you want to surprise the family with an original recipe!

Heating Blender Price

The Heating blenders for simple soup start with a price range of less than U.S $123 (eg Philips blender Soup Maker or heating Simeo blender). Professional blenders are usually several hundred dollars and can perform functions more developed as cooking or frying food or even raise a dough or whipping cream (eg for a little less than U.S $1 205.37, Robot Riviera multifunction cooker or Lacor Chef Natura that is a bit disappointing however for more than  U.S $535.72).

If you decide to invest more than U.S $401.79 in a heating blender, maybe you could buy a multifunction food processor instead.

Indeed, these robots generally have also a blender / mixer (not heating) and allow you to make many different recipes. They also allow you to beat eggs in snow, knead bread or prepare a mayonnaise.

The least expensive heating blenders now are two blenders below. My recommendation is the Philips because in addition to a very competitive price it offers the guarantee of a recognized brand.

Recipes for heating blender

The heating blenders were originally designed to prepare soups but they can achieve much more simple or more complex recipes. Smoothies and fruit juices are also recipes that are very simple with a heating blender (and also with a blender / traditional mixer...). All you need is a little inspiration! But not everything has to be new and exclusive, the blender also helps you in the kitchen every day to chop parsley, prepare ice loot or even crumble bread for breadcrumbs.

Below are some simple original ideas but do not hesitate to publish your best ideas in the comments.

Hot chocolate marbled in 10 minutes

- 75g dark chocolate

- 75g milk chocolate

- 1/2 liter of milk

Cut the chocolate into small pieces and put it in the blender with milk. Boil for 8 minutes at 70-80°. Serve in a cup and add some chocolate chips on the surface. The result is a true type of hot chocolate, a real treat!

Homemade pesto - 5 minutes

- 100g Parmesan

- 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

- about 200g fresh basil

- 80g pine nuts

Put the pine nuts and parmesan in the blender and chop until a fine powder. Cut the basil with scissors and insert it into the blender. Mix for 2 minutes by adding gradually the olive oil until having desired consistency.

Spread the hazelnuts - 15 minutes

- 150g condensed milk

- 120g butter

- 80g dark chocolate (or half milk chocolate and half black)

- 30g hazelnuts

You must begin by melting the butter and chocolate separately and mix them. Chop the hazelnuts with the pulsation function. Add the butter, chocolate and condensed milk and mix everything for about 2 minutes until having desired consistency.

You can also prepare danettes, sauces for pasta, gazpacho, velvety...

There are even special recipes books for heating blenders, click the image below for more information.

You have planned to buy a heating blender and do not know which model to choose? You've done good or bad experiences with some models? Or maybe you have unique recipes to suggest?

Feel free to comment below and share your experience!