Coffee Month

I love my Keurig coffee Machines, yeah I have two of them. Here is my first one.

My Keurig’s B40 is basic, but there is nothing wrong with that. With the price at $99.95, it is affordable for everyone and a good starter unit. A relatively new feature for this model is two brewing sizes to choose from, 7.25 ounces, and 9.25 ounces. The B40 offers many of the same features of the more expensive B60 such as single button brewing, indicator lamp that lets you know when the water is heating and when it is ready to brew. It will also tell you if you need to add water. The water reservoir and drip pan are removable. I really like that the water reservoir comes out, that makes filling it easier. The B40’s water reservoir is the same size as Keurig’s B60 model. The Keurig B40 (like many Keurig’s models) can be left plugged in and turned on for as long as you want. If you leave it on, the water in the reservoir is kept at near brewing temperature so it is ready when you want a cup. There is a two-hour automatic shut-off for safety. If you are worried about wasting electricity you can turn it off, you will just have to wait for the water to heat up again when you turn it back on.

The Keurig B40 definitely takes up more space than the average coffee maker. It could be a little lighter in weight (12lb empty; 15lb full), and smaller in size. However, one must assume that to heat the water and dispense it so quickly it has to have a little more machinery on the inside than the average coffee maker. I could confirm that but I just cannot bring myself to take it apart. Just find it a good spot, and do not plan on moving it around like you could a regular coffee maker. The machine measures: 13″H 10″W 13.25″D if you want to check out your available counter space.

Using it is the same as most single serve brewers, fill up the water reservoir, preheat the water, put in your K-Cup, and press brew. The 7.25 ounce setting is perfect for filling regular size mugs, the 9.25 ounce option is for lager cups like travel mugs. It may take brewing a few cups before you get the hang of it and know which setting is right for your mug.

The only real clean up that is necessary to do regularly is disposing of the used K-Cup’s. The de-scale indicator is really cool; it lets you know when you need to clean your machine (by running vinegar through it). Tip: Use distilled water to brew with to reduce frequency of de-scaling, since the water is clean there is less stuff left behind in your brewer.

The Keurig B40 is a good machine for the sophisticated coffee snob.

What I am drinking now: A Starbucks Mocha Frappacino

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To those of you who observe this Holiday. Happy Easter..

Karen aka coffeelover

What I am drinking now: Gevalia’s Amaretto

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One of these days you may be hearing terms like ‘single shots’ and ‘skinny something’ when you visit Starbucks. You may hear of other names like triple grande carmel macchiato. All this coffee terminology will be very hard to grasp at first. In fact purchasing coffee can be a very daunting task. However you can master the art of buying a great cup of coffee. You don’t have to drink instant coffee next time, just order something new and different.

With so many types of coffees out there, you may be genuinely interested in finding out the perfect cup. However you may be confused in the beginning but don’t worry you can taste all those exciting flavors. Just leave that Maxwell House behind you and feel free to explore new possibilities. You may be thrilled to know that coffee drinkers throughout America are rediscovering coffee.

You may feel highly satisfied by drinking espresso or any other top quality coffee. Americans are also catching up with Europeans in their coffee drinking routines and practices. They are learning new things and are on their way to enriching their lives with a world of new aroma, tastes and flavors. Recently there has been a shift in American lifestyles. There has been an increasing demand for top quality products. This sudden interest in coffee represents an urge for superior lifestyle and better products.

Espresso type drinks like mochas, lattes and cappuccinos are gaining popularity. They all offer interesting flavors with which you can enjoy your self on one of those busy days. Espresso is affordable. You can feel greatly satisfied by the fact that every cup of espresso is individually prepared for you.

Amongst the other types of coffee that you are going to love is specialty coffee. Its taste is unique probably because it is different from all other types of coffees. Specialty coffee is not prepared from Robusta beans which have been an American favorite for decades. It is in fact prepared from Arabica bean.

Making an espresso is an art. Every time you order espresso, whether it is a vanilla latte, a grande mocha or simple double shot it requires a great amount of skill to prepare that perfect cup. You need the best shot, ingredients in the right proportions and perfect milk to prepare that ideal cup of coffee.

Brewing great tasting coffee is a science and an art!

What I am drinking now: Gevalia’s Amaretto

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