Coffee, BBQ, grill - I've done them all when I worked at the actual Boat Basin Cafe Downtown New York years ago before it closed down. I've since been sharing my expertise and knowledge here to help you make your mornings more fragrant and your backyard more exciting.
So you’ve taken the first step and decided to quit smoking.
Maybe it was your New Year’s resolution for the year. Or maybe you just want to be a little bit healthier. Either way, it’s a big deal and a great idea.
But quitting smoking is easier said than done. You might be tempted to light a cigarette when you’re stressed, tired, bored, or in need of comfort and familiarity. And nicotine addiction is no joke─ you will feel terrible.
There are several things you can do to help the process of going cold turkey; using nicotine patches; using smokeless dips, and tobacco-free chews. And the cheapest method ever: we’ll tell you how to make Cowboy coffee chew.
Let’s get into this intriguing chewing tobacco alternative─ there’s a good deal to go through!
Traditional snuff or dip is finely ground dried tobacco. Snuff comes in two forms, dried or moist. The dried stuff is inhaled through the nasal cavity.
Moist snuff, also known as chew, is placed between your lower cheek or lip and gum. The nicotine is therefore absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth.
This kind of chew is both harmful and addictive. While it can be helpful to people who don’t want to quit cold turkey, it may prevent you from eliminating nicotine from your life altogether. Store-bought snuff contains plenty of tobacco and nicotine, which can lead to cancers such as
Nasal and Sinus Cancers
Oral Cancer
Esophageal Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Other health risks associated with snuff tins include greater chances of strokes, heart disease, pulmonary issues, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and cardiac diseases. Moist snuff can also cause halitosis, tooth decay, yellowing teeth, and gum infections.
Instead of something that is so obviously bad for you, Cowboy coffee chews are a safer, healthier, and more pleasant alternative. Better yet, why not make them yourself?
Cowboy Coffee Chew: A Quick Intro
[amazon box=”B00PV0KUVI”]
Cowboy Coffee Chew is a good option for those looking to quit smoking or chewing tobacco. It has no tobacco or nicotine, which makes it much safer and healthier for you while making it even faster for you to get over the urge to smoke.
This non-tobacco alternative is a great option for regular chewing tobacco or snuff. As it contains coffee, it has the ability to stimulate you through the caffeine present.
This stimulating property acts as a substitute for the effects of nicotine. It also suppresses hunger and decreases appetite.
Cowboy coffee dip can be ordered online in bulk and you can easily get a month’s supply to handle your cravings for smoking. Cowboy coffee chew in stores is also a good option, although they might be a little more expensive.
Why is this product so popular? Well,cowboy coffee chew ingredients include things like coffee, honey, creamer, and sugar. As a result, it tastes a lot like a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
Some people mix some of the coffee chew with a little smokeless tobacco dip during the earlier stage of nicotine withdrawal, as it makes the process easier.
Cowboy coffee chew reviews are full of praise as the product is effective, tastes great, and helps you get over the urge to smoke much more quickly. But if you feel like you need a giant supply of chews, repeatedly buying them can burn a hole through your wallet.
Instead, you can make them at home.
Cowboy Coffee Chew Recipe
Making cowboy coffee chews at home is a cost-effective and easy way to ensure you have an endless supply of tobacco-free chews at home. Homemade cowboy coffee chew recipes are fairly straightforward, and chances are, you already have all the stuff needed.
The best part? One or two of these chews will give you the caffeine rush of a cup of coffee, so you’ll be alert, awake, and ready to take on the world!
A drop or two of food-grade essential oil in wintergreen, peppermint, or spearmint (Optional)
Parchment paper
Large box or tin
Instructions:
Before you start, line a large baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. Cut out small lengths of parchment paper─ you’ll need these to wrap the individual chews in later.
Grind your coffee beans to a reasonably fine consistency. You don’t want them to be too coarse or ultrafine either. Chewing coffee grounds should be the texture of fine sand, not powder.
In a large bowl, mix the ground coffee, corn syrup, creamer, and honey or molasses. Start with a little bit of the sweetener and add more if needed later. You should aim for the typical chew texture.
Working quickly, pour the mixture onto the baking sheet lined with parchment paper, flattening it out. Once it is level and flattened, cut the chew into bite-sized pieces and wrap them in the lengths of parchment paper.
Lastly, store the wrapped chews in a large airtight container or tin.
It is best to heat the corn syrup gently, as it will warm the chew and make it easier to work with. Some users also suggest warming the individual chews in your pocket or between your hands before putting them in your mouth.
What Makes Cowboy Coffee Chews So Special?
This product is a safer and cleaner version of cowboy chewing tobacco. It has the same texture and will trick your brain into thinking it is getting a dose of nicotine. But besides that, homemade cowboy coffee chews have the following benefits:
They contain less sugar
They do not have artificial flavoring or preservatives
The caffeine will keep you awake and alert
They don’t contain any tobacco or nicotine
You can add any flavor you want, like chocolate, cinnamon, or caramel
They are very cheap to make
The texture and flavoring are way better than regular snuff
Still Got Questions?
Here you will find answers to questions people tend to have about making cowboy coffee chew.
01. How Do I Store Cowboy Coffee Chews?
Cowboy coffee chews need to be stored in an airtight container and kept away from heat, light, and humidity.
02. How Much Caffeine is There in a Pinch of Chew?
As each small tin has 3 coffee cups worth of caffeine, a pinch contains enough caffeine to keep you awake for a bit.
03. Does Cowboy Coffee Chew Expire?
While people don’t really talk about their chew expiring, they do tend to become drier over time, until you can’t exactly use them anymore.
04. Can I Mix My Coffee Chew with Tobacco Snuff?
Yes, cutting a little snuff with a pinch of coffee chew is a good way to reduce your intake of tobacco and decrease your nicotine dependence.
05. What are Other Cowboy Chew Flavors?
You can buy Cowboy Chew in flavors like BBQ, sweet hickory, and steak. When made at home, you can add any flavoring you want, so the possibilities are endless.
In a Nutshell
Quitting smoke is a journey and there will be leaps of progress and days full of setbacks. Coping with nicotine dependence is rough and you are encouraged to use whatever it takes to get through the first couple of days.
While nicotine patches help, we suggest shying away from snuff boxes and chewing tobacco. Instead, use smokeless tobacco alternatives like coffee chews.
Once you know how to make cowboy coffee chews, you have a fun project and can make large batches of these that last for ages. You can experiment with fun flavor combos, skip your morning coffee for a chew, and rest easy knowing that your tobacco alternative is safe and healthy.
Have you ever stumbled into your kitchen half-asleep at 6 in the morning, unable to speak until you’ve got your drip-coffee maker running and the first gulp of caffeinated goodness in you? If so, you have the inventor of the Bunn coffee maker to thank.
Whether you have been using Bunn coffee makers and want to upgrade to a newer model, or you want to start your foray into pour-over drip coffee machines, you may wonder how to use Bunn coffee maker.
Lucky for you, this article will tell you how to get your Bunn coffee maker up and running. If you want a simplified guide on using this line of coffee machines, keep reading to learn more!
What is a Bunn Coffee Maker?
Bunn coffee makers are automatic drip machines that use the pour-over method to brew coffee. They come in a variety of models, but the main difference between them is the brewing capacity.
You can get single-serve Bunn brewers that make just one cup of coffee, as well as 10-cup coffee makers that can make an entire carafe’s worth of coffee.
But that’s not all. These coffee makers are pretty easy to use, and they can brew a cup of coffee in just a few minutes!
However, most people ask how do Bunn coffee makers work? This is because they have a unique brewing mechanism and pour-over drip coffee makers work differently from automatic drip ones.
A Bunn coffee maker’s design is attached to its brewing mechanism. These coffee makers have a big tank in the back and a brewer funnel in the front. The front side of most Bunn machines is a carafe warmer that keeps your coffee warm after brewing.
Bunn coffee makers follow a pretty simple process. Once you pour filtered water into the brewer and close the lid, the brewer sends the water to the bottom of the tank via a special pipe. Since the water already inside the water tank is hot, the cold water will push it upwards.
During the brewing process, the showerhead of a Bunn sprays the coffee with hot water─ a bit like the manual pour-over method.
How to Use a Bunn Coffee Maker
If you’ve been wondering ‘How do you start a Bunn coffee maker for the first time?’, you’ve come to the right place. This coffee machine is extremely simple to use and you can use it in any kitchen or office space with a power source.
Along with your Bunn coffee maker, you will need the following things:
Up to 10 cups of fresh water, depending on your coffee maker
Coffee cup or mug
Sweetener of choice (optional)
First-Time Setup:
If you just unboxed a brand-new Bunn coffee maker, you need to set it up before brewing your cup of joe. It’s not very difficult, but you need to know what you are doing. Remember, don’t plug in the brewer unit before setting it up completely.
Instructions:
During this step make sure the machine is unplugged and switched off.
The water heating switch is generally located on the right bottom side of the coffee maker. Again, make sure the switch is turned off, as it can damage your Bunn device.
Make sure the brew funnel is in place, but do not insert a filter into the coffee maker just yet.
After the machine is set up and the funnel is in the right place, fill the coffee maker with up to 10 cups of fresh water, depending on the model of your brewer. Then, close the lid of the Bunn.
Place the carafe under the dispensing spout on the warmer. This way, if the machine starts brewing, you won’t have a mess on your hands.
The water will take 3 minutes to flow into the tank. Once the reservoir is full, your Bunn coffee maker is ready to brew.
Making the Coffee:
Once your coffee maker is all set up and ready, you can move onto making a steaming cup of coffee.
What You Need to Do:
When the reservoir is full and you are ready to brew coffee, plug the brewer into a power socket.
Then, turn the heating switch on. It will take around 15 minutes for the water to heat up properly.
After that, place your ground coffee and filter paper in the coffee maker.
Fill a carafe with cold water and add it to the brewer. Then set the coffee maker to its brew function.
Place the empty carafe under the brew funnel or dispenser to catch the coffee as it drips. As the coffee is dispensed, you can turn on the warmer function if your brewer has one.
Once your coffee starts brewing, you will have a full carafe of rich and fragrant coffee in minutes.
Pour your coffee into a cup, add sweetener if you want, and enjoy!
Why isn’t My Bunn Coffee Maker Heating Up?
If you find that your coffee maker isn’t warming up the water properly, you need to troubleshoot to find out what is wrong with it. The most common reason is usually a faulty heating element or a thermostat not working properly.
However, your Bunn coffee maker can also experience issues with the control board, thermal fuses, and even an ill-functioning water heater switch.
The best thing to do with a Bunn coffee maker that refuses to heat up properly is to contact customer service. They will be able to tell you what to do next and how you may remedy the matter. In most cases, you will need to repair or replace the part of the coffee maker that is malfunctioning.
How to Empty a Bunn Coffee Maker
Draining a coffee maker to get rid of excess water is a good way to make sure you don’t have to make coffee with stale water. This will prevent moisture and fungi from flourishing in the moist environment, and ensure your coffee always tastes crisp and fresh.
Unplug your Bunn coffee maker and place an empty carafe or decanter on the machine’s warming plate.
Fill a second jug or carafe with cold water and pour it into the reservoir to cool the heating element inside the coffee maker. Let the machine rest for about 15 minutes once it has been unplugged and the cold water has been poured in.
Next, remove the coffee carafe from the warming plate and pull the machine’s filter basket from the brewer. Empty the contents of the carafe and filter basket into a sink and rinse them under warm running water.
Turn the round disc over the brew funnel in a counterclockwise motion until it comes off. This component is called the spray head and it helps to evenly spray hot water over the coffee grounds.
Then, hold the Bunn coffee maker securely in your arms as you turn it upside down over a sink to pour out the contents of the tank. Keep holding the coffee maker over the sink until water stops pouring from any part of the machine.
Replace the spray head by screwing it back on into the brewer unit. Set the filter basket and glass coffee carafe back into their original positions and refill the reservoir with clean water if you want to brew coffee right away.
Wait for at least 5 minutes before switching the Bunn coffee maker on again once it has been emptied and then refilled.
Still Have Questions?
Below you’ll find answers to questions we get asked the most about using a Bunn coffee maker.
01. How Long Does It Take for a Bunn Coffee Maker to Heat the Water?
It generally takes a Bunn coffee maker about 15 minutes to heat the water in it. However, this may vary slightly depending on the exact model you purchased.
02. Should I Always Leave My Bunn Coffee Maker on All the Time?
You can do so, but leaving water in your reservoir can invite a whole horde of bacteria and nasty germs to live there. Your coffee will also have a stale taste when brewed.
Because of this, you need to fill the reservoir to keep the brewer on all the time, but empty it out and refill it with fresh water just before making coffee.
03. Can I Clean a Bunn Coffee Maker with Vinegar?
To remove deposits from inside your coffee maker, fill the brewer with equal parts water and white vinegar and run this mixture through the Bunn device. For more details, check outhow to clean your coffee maker in detail.
04. How Much Coffee Do I Put in a Bunn Coffee Maker?
Depending on how strong you like your coffee, add one to two heaping tablespoons of coffee into the brewer for each cup.
05. Do Bunn Coffee Makers Use a Lot of Electricity?
Because Bunn coffee makers brew coffee in a very short time, they need a lot of electricity. As a result, this may translate to a steeper electricity bill.
In Conclusion
A good cup of coffee soothes the soul and bolsters the spirit on the bleakest of days. If you are always on the run, a good coffee maker like Bunn pour-over machines will whip up a quick cup of joe in no time at all.
How to use a Bunn coffee maker may be a common question for those new to this kind of appliance, but once you use one a few times, you’ll get a hang of them quickly.
If you have a Bunn coffee maker sitting in its box in your kitchen, I hope this guide has inspired you to take it out, set it up, and brew yourself a lovely pot of coffee. Sit back with a nice dessert and enjoy your coffee─ you deserve a nice little treat!
Have you lovingly prepared a cup of coffee, only to be called away before you could drink it?
Maybe you have to go run errands, or tend to your kids or get back to work.
But coffee is expensive and throwing out your brewed joe can feel like a stab in the wallet. And reheating your coffee in the microwave after leaving it on the counter for a few hours can make it taste like warm dishwater. Can brewed coffee go bad? Yes, and then it’s no good.
Whether you want a plan to keep your coffee fresh after abandoning it, or you want to brew a big batch in advance for guests, this article will show you how to store brewed coffee. Freshly brewed coffee can retain its vibrant and rich flavor with just a few tips and tweaks.
So the next time you have trouble storing brewed coffee, just come back to this article and you’ll be good to go!
How to Keep Brewed Coffee Fresh
If you hate waking early in the morning, you may be tempted to brew your coffee the night before. How to store brewed coffee overnight? Brewed coffee starts being oxidized as soon as it is exposed to air, and lasts 2 hours before it loses its flavor.
So how can you extend the life of your beloved cup of coffee without any change in flavor?
Here’s what you got to do:
Take It Off the Heat:
If you are making drip coffee or percolator coffee, you need to take your coffee off the heat as soon as it has finished brewing. When left on the burner, the coffee can be over-extracted and begins to be oxidized even faster. This will make it taste burnt, sour, and acrid.
Keep It Warm:
Just because you need to take your coffee pot off the heat, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep it warm. You just need to do it without any extra heat.
The best way to do this is by decanting your coffee into an insulated airtight thermos. The airtight thermos will slow down the process of oxidation and help preserve the flavor and keep the coffee warm at the same time.
This is also convenient, as you can bring your coffee along with you wherever you are and enjoy it without any loss of flavor.
Add Creamer to Your Hot Coffee:
This might sound pretty strange, but adding cream to your hot coffee can stretch its lifespan and preserve its flavor. Things like cold milk, cream, half-and-half, and even plant-based milk and creamers actually keep the coffee hotter for longer.
There are a couple of reasons for this, all explained by science. Firstly, black coffee is darker so it emits heat at a faster rate than lighter colored coffee that has creamer added to it. Similarly, once you add cold cream, the initial temperature drops, but then the coffee gives off heat much more slowly.
Another reason may be because viscous liquids (like coffee with cream) evaporate more slowly than something more fluid than black coffee. As a result, there will be reduced heat loss through evaporation.
Refrigerate It:
Many people who enjoy iced coffee hate the fact that they need to start with hot coffee and pour it over ice. A lot of ice is needed to cool the coffee and as the ice melts, it can water down the coffee.
So, how to store brewed coffee in the fridge? After the coffee has been brewed, pour it into a secure carafe and put it in the fridge. The coffee won’t lose any flavor, and it will be nice and cold so you won’t have to go overboard with the ice.
Use Coffee Ice Cubes:
This is another great tip for iced coffee lovers who hate the idea of watered-down joe. Brew a pot of strong coffee and then fill an ice cube tray with it. Freeze the cubes and whenever you want iced coffee, use these frozen coffee cubes instead of ice.
If you want an iced latte, pour a glass of milk and then drop a couple of coffee ice cubes for a smooth and silky cup of coffee that isn’t diluted at all.
Store Ground Coffee Instead:
If you are worried that cranking up your favorite coffee grinder will wake the dead at the crack of dawn, you grind a whole batch in advance. While it is true that ground coffee loses flavor after a couple of hours, there are some ways to get around this.
To store ground coffee, simply store them in a tight airtight container away from sunlight. But how to store brewed coffee grounds? There are lots of things you can do with used coffee grounds; like using them in a compost bin or repurposing it as a body scrub.
Place your used grounds on one or two sheets of kitchen towels. Squeeze out any moisture left in them. Then leave them to dry out on the counter, on a windowsill, or even out in the sun if that’s possible.
The key to storing the coffee grounds properly without them going moldy is to dry them as thoroughly as possible. Then store them in a freezer or fridge in some kind of airtight container.
Freeze an Entire Pot of Coffee:
Just like freezing coffee in an ice cube tray, you can also freeze an entire pot of coffee in a plastic carafe. This would make it easy to prepare a large batch of iced coffee or, even hot coffee if you want to reheat it in a microwave or even gently on a double boiler.
Store your coffee in the freezer some kind of airtight container or jar. Then, 12 hours before you wish to serve the coffee, move the coffee to the fridge. Your coffee will be cold, liquid, and perfect tasting.
Uses for Stale Coffee:
If you’ve accidentally left your coffee out on the counter and it has lost most of its flavor, you don’t have to throw the whole thing out. Instead, you can put it to the following uses:
Add It to Your Cooking:
Coffee has been used in many Latin American dishes, including savory ones. Coffee seriously raises the umami profile of meaty dishes like stews and roasts. Also, some recipes call for a splash or two of black coffee in marinades for BBQs and grilled meats.
Want a simple, yet fancy steak dinner? Marinate it in a mix of red wine, black coffee, and a sprig of rosemary. In the mood for a lavish breakfast? Try making fried eggs with coffee chipotle mole for a rich flavored breakfast that wakes you right up.
Include It in Desserts:
Coffee and chocolate desserts go hand in hand. A splash of coffee or a pinch of espresso powder brings out the taste of chocolate, intensifying it and adding a bitter twist to balance out the sweetness in mousses, brownies, and chocolate cake.
You can also use the previously brewed coffee in puddings, custards, and even buttercream frosting. People even add coffee to their muffins, waffles, pancakes, and scones, for a coffee breakfast that will perk you up.
Looking for a project that will cool you down in the heat? You can even make coffee ice cream from leftover coffee!
Indulge in Happy Hour:
Coffee is an important part of coffee-based drinks like cocktails. Mixed coffee drinks have a significant need for leftover coffee and you can use it to make things like an espresso martini or a fancy Jazzed Up, or even a Southern Limerick.
Coffee cocktails can be something simple like a splash of whisky in your coffee, or a luxurious creation. Depending on your mood or the time of the day, you can let your imagination run wild.
Have Other Questions
01. How Long is Coffee Good for in the Fridge?
Once your coffee has been brewed, you can store it in the fridge for 3-4 days safely without any change in flavor or texture. However, you can extend this time period by freezing the coffee instead.
02. Does Brewed Coffee Go Bad?
When left outside, brewed coffee becomes acrid and sour after 12 hours.
03. Does Cold Brew Coffee Need to be Refrigerated?
Cold-brew doesn’t need to be refrigerated after it has been brewed, but keeping it inside in the fridge will keep it nice and cold.
04. How Long Can I Drink Hot Coffee after It Has Been Brewed?
It is usually considered best to drink coffee 30 minutes after it has been brewed for the best flavor. You can however stretch this out for an hour or two, but after that, the taste will deteriorate.
In a Nutshell
Knowing how to store brewed coffee will help you make coffee in advance and keep it fresh for a longer time. This comes in handy if you are busy and don’t have time to brew a fresh pot all the time, or if you want to brew a batch beforehand for a large gathering or guests.
If you are partial to iced coffee, you will certainly enjoy the tips mentioned above. Either way, which method will you be trying out first when storing your brew?
If you’ve decided to curb your Starbucks by making coffee at home, chances are you’ve invested in some sort of coffee maker, like an espresso machine or French press. You’ve bought high-quality coffee beans and an assortment of syrups and sauces.
But the one thing we tend to overlook is the humble coffee grinder. While this is a less glamorous aspect of coffee making, it is a crucial step for perfectly brewed coffee. And while noisy, this stage is what infuses your home with that lovely roasted coffee bean smell we know and adore.
There are loads of great coffee grinders out there for novice brewers, so there’s a good chance you’ll be spoiled for choice. Instead, why not have a look at a pair of grinders that are quite popular among home baristas?
This article will give you the ultimate Baratza Encore vs Capresso Infinity, so you can figure out which one will work best for you. We’ll be taking a look at each of the coffee grinders first, before comparing their features.
So, without further ado, let’s find out which device packs the greatest grind.
The Baratza Encore in a Nutshell
[amazon box=”B007F183LK”]
TheBaratza Encore conical burr coffee grinder is a small and compact coffee bean grinder meant for home use. It is the perfect tool for those who just want a uniform grind and quality coffee without shelling out the big bucks.
Baratza specializes in making coffee grinders and is known for next-level customer service. Don’t believe it? You can easily get a Baratza encore burr replacement, and even refurbish your old unit with their repair program.
Besides this, the Baratza grinder is very easy to use and has a simple interface with a few clearly marked buttons. There is an ON/OFF switch and a pulse button, both of which give you absolute control over how fine you want your coffee.
As there are 40 grind settings, the ground coffee from the Encore is suitable for several brewing methods. The burrs are made from hardened alloy steel, which gives the grinder a sturdiness as well as finer grind ability.
Key Features:
Dimensions: 4.7 x 6.3 x 13.8 inches
Weight: 6.83 pounds
Manufacturer: Baratza
Pros:
The appliance comes with a warranty, a repair program, and reliable customer service.
Comes apart easily and safely for cleaning, so there is no risk of accidents.
The pulse option makes dispersal much easier and gives you better control over ground size.
Has 40 grind settings and works well for various brewing methods.
Can be connected to other coffee accessories and attachments.
Cons:
You have to manually grind the beans as there is no auto-shutoff feature.
Why Customers Love It:
This coffee grinder is popular because of its elegant design and sheer simplicity. The Baratza Encore is perfect for beginner-level brewers because it does what it says and won’t overwhelm you with choices and unnecessary customizations. At the same time, experienced brewers will love it because of how durable and reliable it is.
A Quick Look at the Capresso Infinity
[amazon box=”B0000AR7SY”]
In terms of features and performance, theCapresso Infinity burr grinder is quite comparable to the Baratza Encore. Also known as the Capresso 560 Infinity burr grinder, it has commercial-grade steel burrs with an advanced cutting design.
Like the Encore, it has a variety of grinds and can produce coarse grinds for Turkish coffee, and finer grounds for pour-over brewing. What makes it special? The intense aroma preserves the richness of the coffee beans in a sip of your final product.
Also, the sharp blades and powerful motor creates very little, resulting in a grinder that works much more quietly than similar models. It is also easy to clean and can be disassembled quickly.
It has 16 grind settings, as the focus is on efficiency and simplicity over customizations and endless options. It also works quickly and has an auto-shutoff feature, so you won’t have to babysit your coffee grinder.
Key Features:
Dimensions: 14.6 x 9.6 x 7.8 inches
Weight: 4 pounds
Manufacturer: Capresso
Pros:
Very easy to use, making it perfect for new home grinders.
Makes very little noise when in use.
Comes with complimentary tools for cleaning and maintenance.
Sturdy and durable body, so it is suitable for long-term use.
Preserves aroma and body even for the finest grind.
Cons:
Fewer grind settings to choose from.
Can result in a static charge for some brands of coffee beans, which can result in a little mess.
Why Customers Love It:
As far as entry-level coffee grinders go, this one packs quite a punch. It is simple, yet powerful which makes it ideal for use at home and in small office spaces. The auto-shutoff feature and grind settings give you a good deal of freedom when brewing. Also, the design is funky and innovative, which contrasts with the quality coffee grounds it produces.
Baratza Encore Vs Capresso Infinity: How Do They Compare
Here’s a quick rundown on how the two coffee grinders differ in performance, design, and other factors.
Ease of Use:
It is safe to say that the two are pretty much tied in this category. Both the Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity are meant for beginners, which makes them easy to use. They have clear interfaces, labeled buttons and knobs, and just a few straightforward settings that need to be tackled.
Design:
Both of the coffee grinders are well designed and are meant to work for a long time. Each one has a conical bean container while including a different compartment for the ground coffee. Both have heavy-duty plastic chassis that can resist wear and tear.
The Baratza has steel alloy burrs, while the Capresso uses commercial-grade steel. However, they both function similarly and get a fine ground.
Size and Weight:
This one is interesting. While the Baratza Encore is smaller in size, it is actually heavier than the Capresso, which is larger. In spite of this, both are suitable for the average kitchen counter space. If you have very little room, you will prefer the Baratza.
Capacity:
When it comes to the capacity for holding whole coffee beans and their ground counterparts, the Baratza has an 8-ounce hopper and a 5-ounce grounds bin. Meanwhile, the Capresso Infinity has an 8.8-ounce hopper that can hold 4 ounces.
However, the Baratza Encore conical burr coffee grinder with bin feature allows you to add an accessory that gives you an extra 9 ounces of storage. My take? Go for the Capresso if you only drink coffee periodically and have less storage space.
Grind Settings:
This is where the Baratza really gets to shine. It has a whopping 40 grind settings that will cover almost any kind of brewing needs. You can produce anything from a coarse grind to an ultrafine powdery one. This means you grind coffee for French Press, Moka pot, drip coffee makers, and even the pour-over method.
This grinder is designed to run at 250 RPM, but you can manually alter the motor to 200 and 299 RPM to get an even more consistent grind.
On the other hand, the Capresso is more suited for the minimalist brewer. There are 16 grind settings in four categories. It runs at less than 250 RPM, which keeps the motor cool and quiet, but you can’t manually adjust the RPMs.
Price:
The Baratza is a little pricier than the Capresso, but it makes sense when you factor in the high-quality burrs, better grind settings, and the fact that you can attach and use extra accessories with this unit.
However, if you want something affordable, the Capresso is a better option.
Performance:
When it comes to grinding power, both units perform very well. They both grind coffee according to your specifications and produce a grind that is just the way you like it. They work quickly and cleanly so there is little mess to clean up.
Coffee made from both the Baratza and the Capresso has a clear and strong taste, a lovely aroma, and brews like a dream. Whether you like your coffee black or with some sort of creamer, hone brewers and pros love the flavor and texture!
Needless to say, it’s a tie on this front!
Here are the differences between the two coffee grinders summed up neatly:
Feature
Baratza Encore
Capresso Infinity
Grind Settings
40
16
Burr Material
Alloy Steel
Commercial Steel
Price
More Expensive
More Affordable
Ease of Use
ON/OFF and Pulse Buttons
Auto-Shutoff Feature
Hopper Capacity
8 oz.
8.8 oz.
Ground Capacity
5 oz.
4 oz.
Usable with Accessories?
Yes
No
Where You Can Get the Baratza Encore and Capresso Infinity
[amazon box=”B007F183LK,B0000AR7SY”]
The good news is that you can find both of these coffee grinders pretty easily. Both the Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity can be purchased on Amazon. However, you can also order them from the Baratza and Capresso websites.
These appliances can also be found in chain stores like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot. They are easily accessible, so you might even see them at local stores and shops!
Still Got Questions?
Here you’ll find answers to questions we get asked the most about the differences between Baratza Encore and Capresso Infinity.
01. Is the Baratza Encore Worth Buying?
Yes, this is an affordable option for both new and experienced home baristas. It is even a good option for small coffee shops and diners, as well as offices. Although it is small, it works very well and grinds coffee according to your specifications.
02. Is Baratza Encore Good for Espresso?
While it isn’t marketed as a grinder for espresso, you can grind coffee for espresso with the Baratza. This works best on the ultrafine grind settings.
03. How Long Does the Baratza Encore Last?
The burrs of the Baratza Encore can run for 10 years, and grind over 500 pounds of coffee.
04. Where Are Capresso Coffee Grinders Made?
Capresso’s grinders are made and assembled in Switzerland.
05. How Do I Maintain a Baratza Encore?
These steps will help you keep your Baratza clean and functioning properly:
Twist and remove the hopper: First, twist the hopper on top of the grinder. It will come away easily when the nubbins are aligned.
Remove the top gasket and set it aside: The top gasket is located right at the front of the grinder and can be taken out with your fingers.
Remove the burr and clean with a brush: Below the top gasket and in the very center of the grinder are the burrs which tend to be the dirtiest. Clean with a brush and wipe away the excess.
Clean inside the grinder: Use the same brush to clean the inside of the machine. However, don’t turn it upside down to dislodge any debris.
Brush away all excess and replace the top: If any loose grounds or dust are remaining on the components, brush them off and wipe down the exterior before putting the grinder back together.
06. Is Baratza made in China?
The burrs are made in Europe and the Baratza grinder is built in Taiwan.
Final Verdict
Most entry-grade coffee grinders work similarly, but the Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity are unique because they are also popular among more experienced brewers and baristas. When it comes to a Baratza Encore vs Capresso Infinity comparison, the Baratza comes out ahead with its durability and grind settings.
However, the Capresso can hold down on its own just fine. It works very well and is great for smaller budgets. With all that being said, which one of the two would you prefer using? Or are you looking for a more sophisticated coffee grinder?
For the longest time, I thought the coffee flavor determines how strong the coffee is. I’m sure a lot of people think the same way. Well, guess what? It’s totally wrong!
When we feel sluggish, the first thing most of us do is grab a coffee. But for those specific days where you need to stay at your 100%, attention can drift and the mind can wander. The solution is pretty simple. Try a high caffeinated coffee for once.
In this article, we have tried to put together all the strong coffee brands for when you want a strong kick of caffeine.
What is the Strongest Coffee?
I used to think the bitter your coffee tastes the stronger it is. Well, it turns out that’s not the case at all. The strength of your coffee is determined by the amount of caffeine it contains. And caffeine is dependent on the type of coffee beans you use.
So it all comes down to the coffee beans. Most coffee places use Arabica beans which do not have that high amount of caffeine. The serving size is also an important factor to keep in mind.
Arabica and Robusta are the two most popular types of coffee beans around the world. Robusta, however, has more than double the caffeine content. Most instant coffee uses Robusta beans for that reason.
So if you are wondering which coffee has the most caffeine, look for Robusta beans. On that note, keep in mind, the roast style does not impact too much on the caffeine level. So whether you go for a dark roast or a light one, it’s all the same.
The roast level of coffee influences its strength as well. A darker roast offers a stronger flavour profile, and the longer the roasting process, the more caffeine there is. Light roasts, on the other hand, are gentler and contain less caffeine.
Origin
The origin of the coffee beans might also influence its strength. Different locations produce coffee beans with differing caffeine levels, and certain nations, such as South and Central America, are noted for producing stronger coffee. The soil, climate, and altitude of a place can all have an impact on the growth of the coffee plant and the strength of the coffee it produces.
The Health Consequences of Drinking Strong Coffee
While most people perceive coffee to be healthy, excessive caffeine use can have significant health consequences. The following are some of the negative health effects of drinking strong coffee:
Consequence
Description
Sleep Disruption
Caffeine, a stimulant, can disrupt sleep and cause insomnia, especially if consumed late in the day.
Heart Problems
Caffeine can raise heart rate and cause palpitations, which can be dangerous for those with cardiac problems.
Dehydration
Caffeine is a diuretic and increases the desire to urinate, leading to dehydration.
Stomach Trouble
Excessive coffee consumption can cause stomach issues such as acid reflux, nausea, and diarrhea.
Anxiety
Caffeine can make some people anxious, and strong coffee may amplify this effect.
✍️ Note: These health consequences can vary from person to person and depend on individual caffeine tolerance and sensitivity. Consult with a healthcare expert before making changes to your coffee consumption.
The Strongest Coffee Brands
Here are some of the best coffee brands with the strongest caffeine level. Keep reading to find out what is the strongest coffee to buy. We have included amazon links to help you find them easily.
Just like the name sounds, it is indeed a Death Wish if you want to try this coffee. Made with a premium blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, this coffee will leave you with a smooth, subtle yet intense flavor.
Many people claim this to be the strongest coffee in the world. With its 728mg/12 oz caffeine level, you honestly can not argue with them.
To put things in perspective, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the safe limit for daily caffeine intake is 400mg. This means one cup of Death Wish is stronger than 5-6 cups of normal coffee!
The beans are sourced from Peru and India, the two best places for high-quality Robusta beans. The brand, however, does not reveal the type of coffee beans they use. Whatever they are using is working is stronger than anything else which is why Death Wish is at the top of our list.
We will talk about Death Wish Coffee shortly again. But before that, let’s explore our other picks!
Another one that could easily be on the no.1 on our list is Black Insomnia. There are controversies that Black Insomnia has a higher caffeine level than Death Wish. Whether it’s true or not, it’s definitely one of the strongest coffee in the world.
The first thing that will catch your eyes is the packaging. It’s almost as if the coffee is warning you not to drink it. But for the hardcore coffee enthusiasts, this sounds like a challenge!
We must say, the taste of Black Insomnia is not anything unique from other premium coffee brands. The main difference is the high caffeine level.
So you will be awake the whole night without feeling an inch of tiredness. Pretty brutal if you ask us!
We must warn again that no one should consume coffee like Black Insomnia and Death wish every single day. This is probably not very healthy. But when you need that caffeine boost and kick, there is nothing better to go to.
Claimed to have 928 mg caffeine per 16 ounces, Biohazard Coffee can easily be on the top of our list. This one is another brand that claims to be “world’s strongest coffee”. One thing we like about biohazard is that it’s not pre-grounded like most options.
As it’s a whole bean coffee, you have to grind the beans yourself. There are some great grinders that can do the job in seconds.
When we want stronger coffee, we add an extra tablespoon of coffee beans. This not only wastes a lot of money, but it also does not make the coffee much caffeinated. Biohazard is efficient in the sense that you don’t need too many coffee grounds to make an energy-boosting beverage.
If you are into fitness a lot, this brand is worth checking out. It’s great for working out and hyperfocusing.
For most coffee lovers, aroma and flavor is a big factor in deciding which coffee to go for. Not all of us drink coffee only for the caffeine boost. For those who want both, Devil Mountain is a great option.
This one is a gourmet coffee that provides a smooth and strong flavor. The great thing is, despite being one of the most caffeinated coffees, it’s not bitter at all.
Devil Mountain uses premium high-altitude organic beans that have a rich body. So your coffee won’t feel too watery or thin.
This non-GMO and gluten-free option is known as a cherished find for coffee connoisseurs. Who says strong coffee has to be burnt and bitter?
Bean source: Indonesia Bean type: Arabica and Robusta
If you are picky about where your coffee beans come from, try Nuke Coffee without a hint of doubt. Brought from the heart of Sumatra’s volcanic mountains, this coffee tastes very distinctive.
The beans are found in Gayo mountain in Indonesia. It’s a high caffeine coffee and perfect for dark roasting.
It has a fruity winy undertone with a deep chocolaty taste. This is due to the red coffee cherries they use to create their blend. Needless to say, it’s absolutely delicious, especially during summertime.
We all have had those days where the work pressure feels way too much to even bother trying. You get tired by the mere thought of finishing all those pending tasks. Imagine how easy it’d be if there were a drink that could give you instant boost and energy. Oh well, that’s literally what Death Wish is!
Death Wish is probably the strongest cup of coffee you will ever try. Here are some proven benefits of drinking Death Wish or other high-caffeinated coffee:
Instant Energy Boost:
When we say it packs a punch, we mean it! You will be awake all night long with just one cup of Death Wish. caffeine helps to process glucose better which means you are less likely to get type 2 diabetes.
Antioxidants:
Even though caffeine is the first thing that comes to our mind about coffee, there are other amazing things hidden in it. Antioxidants, for example, are very high in coffee. It helps to reduce inflammation so you don’t get seasonal sickness easily.
Decreases Pain:
If you struggle with joint pain, consider trying Death Wish coffee. Due to the high caffeine content, it’s a great way to ease your mind off of the physical pain. As your muscles relax, the pain slowly starts to fade away in the background.
Frequently Asked Questions
01. Is Espresso Stronger than Coffee?
If you compare espresso with normal drip coffee, then it’s definitely stronger than that. Espresso has a higher concentration of caffeine, which gives an instant boost to your body. The higher the caffeine level, the stronger the coffee.
02. Which Coffee is Stronger- Medium or Dark Roast?
The type of coffee bean you use determines how strong your coffee will be. Roasting does not impact the caffeine level very significantly.
Having said that, we all want to get the most out of our coffee. If your goal is the same then go for a medium roast. Each time you roast your coffee beans, they lose a bit of volume and caffeine. So while darker roasts taste much richer and complex, it does not pack the same level of caffeine.
03. Which Coffee has the Highest Amount of Caffeine?
Till now the Death Wish coffee holds the record for the highest amount of caffeine per cup. It has a 728mg/mug caffeine level.
If you compare this to normal coffee, it would mean one Death WIsh is equivalent to 6-7 standard coffee! Nothing will give you as caffeine jitters as this one.
04. Is the Death Wish Coffee Safe?
Death Wish coffee is surely super intimidating and almost scary to look at. Their packaging does not help to promote a “safe” vibe either. The truth is, Death WIsh coffee is totally safe according to the FDA. but you should not consume more than a cup per day.
We should not consume more than 400mg of caffeine each day. But Death wish is almost double the amount. So be mindful of how much you use.
We also don’t think this is something anyone should drink every day. It can be an emergency booster for days when nothing else is working for you.
05. Why is Death Wish Coffee So Strong?
The brand takes its coffee very seriously, so much so that they don’t reveal anything about its formulation. It’s not clear what type of coffee beans are used in Death Wish coffee.
They use an intensive and time-consuming process of bean selection and roasting to provide the strongest coffee in the world. It’s no wonder they are so expensive!
06. Is Turkish Coffee Stronger than Espresso?
If you have never tried Turkish coffee before, you must as it’s very unique. Turkish coffee is known for its strength and richness. They have a higher caffeine content compared to espresso.
The coffee itself is thicker and creamier than normal coffee due to it being unfiltered. Even though there are many different types of Turkish coffee, the classic one does not use any milk or cream whatsoever.
To See You Off
Even though all of these coffee brands provide super delicious cuppa, we recommend only those who have a high caffeine tolerance.
Even though high-caffeinated coffee doesn’t taste particularly different from normal ones, it can actually kill you! If you over-consume then of course!
If you are a skeptic we recommend trying one of our picks on a tiring day. You will feel vibrant, energetic, and ready to win life!
The name conjures the image of a colorful drink with an array of flavors and concoctions, a dimly lit bar, a certain sparkly dress named after the beverage, and a night full of possibilities.
And although cocktails are seen as a ‘girly’ drink, don’t let the cutesy glasses and garnish fool you─ these drinks are potent. But have you ever sat there, nursing your drink, waiting for someone, and then wondered,’ Why is it called a cocktail? How did this name come up?’
This article takes a deep and boozy dive into the history of cocktails. We’ll talk about cocktails origin, how (we think) it got its name, as well as the anatomy of the beverage.
Whether you are a bartender in training, or just someone who is into the history and etymology of food and drink, this will be a useful and interesting article to go through!
A Brief History of the Cocktail
Truth be told, there is no clear-cut mention of the invention of cocktails in history. In fact, the idea of mixing alcoholic spirits with flavored juices, syrups, or liquors must have been born since the discovery of fermentation in the age of antiquity.
Cocktails are incredibly old; even appearing in Homer’s Iliad in depictions of slaves making concoctions of wine, honey, and aromatics. Ancient Chinese and Indian cultures also have records of combining fermented spirits with sugar, citrus fruits, and whole spices.
While contemporary cocktails with their little umbrellas are seen as an American invention, it is more likely that they have their origin in British punches; big bowls of spirits mixed with juices, herbs, and spices. In fact, the term cocktail was first used to refer to a drink in a British newspaper in 1798.
But the term was properly defined later in 1806 in New York. This definition sounds more like the cocktails we know and love today and describes it as an alcoholic beverage made by mixing spirits, bitters, sugar, and water. The sugar nowadays comes from syrups and juice, and the flavors from infusions and liqueurs.
Throughout European colonization, and later the introduction of different spirits during WWII, things like rum and mezcal were used as spirits. Ice was also sold commercially in the 19th century and this led to cocktails being a chilled drink meant to be drunk in warm weather.
The invention of different fermentation and distillation, as well as the discovery of different spirits from across the world, as well as add-ins like exotic fruit and spices, resulted in a greater range of cocktails being created.
As the profession of bartenders grew, individuals began to experiment with different combinations and flavors, leading to local cocktails and new drinks.
Nowadays, the idea of molecular mixology is on the rise, so bartenders and chemists use science to create innovative cocktails, taking this timeless concoction to new heights.
So Why is the Drink Called a Cocktail?
The short answer to this question is that no one is sure how the term was coined. The etymology of the word cocktail is unclear but there are lots of theories, some of which are more credible than others. Let’s get into these theories:
The Eggcup Theory:
This theory comes from an online Etymology Dictionary. According to the theory, the word cocktail comes from a mispronunciation of the French word for egg cup coquetier which is pronounced as cock-tay in English.
It is derived from the idea that a certain apothecary served a mix of bitters and brandy in eggcups in the 18th century.
The Tavern Dregs Theory:
In the 17th and 18th centuries, tavern owners would mix the remains (or dregs) of spirits and other alcoholic drinks in the barrels and sell the mixture at a lower price. This drink would be called cock tailings as the tap or spigot of the barrel was referred to as the cock.
The Docked Horse Tail Theory:
In the 17th century, animal tails resembling those of a rooster or cock were highly coveted. Coach and hunting horses often had their tails docked for practical purposes, so they looked like those of a rooster.
Racehorses also had docked tails and the ones with cocked tails were often seen as perky and energetic. As the drink would have the same effect on people, the term cocktail stuck.
Another theory comes from the idea that the process of docking changed the horses’ tails. Similarly, the spirit was altered by adding liquor and spices, so a cocktail was used to refer to adulterated spirits.
The ‘Other’ Horse Tail Theory:
This is a pretty distasteful theory, but experts suggest it comes the closest to the truth. Like we’ve established before, horses that could carry their tail well were popular. Also, racehorses have to be perky, skittish, and alert.
To achieve these effects, a piece of ginger was often used as a suppository for racehorses to make them appear lively, giving them the cock tailed appearance.
As drinks were often served at horse races, drinks that had things like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and other such aromatics added came to be known as cocktails.
The George Bishop Theory:
According to George Bishop’s book, the term cocktail comes from the English word cock-tail which was used in the 18th century to refer to a desirable woman, yet considered impure. The word was then used by ex-pat Englishmen to refer to the American habit of adding things like ice and liqueur to British gin.
As using ice in booze became normalized, the hyphen in the term was removed and the word was reintroduced back into English vocabulary. This isn’t the most credible theory but is certainly interesting.
The Mexican Tavern Theory:
Another delightful theory was published in 1936, which speaks of English sailors who were served mixed drinks in a Mexican tavern centuries ago. The drinks were mixed and stirred using the root of a plant with a distinct shape, known as Cola de Gallo.
The meaning in English? Cock’s tail.
The Anatomy of the Cocktail
Watching a bartender whip up a cocktail can make it seem like a complex art form, but as with most things, there is a formula. Once you nail down this formula, you can make any kind of cocktail and even deviate from the formula to make your own custom concoctions.
2 ounces of spirit + 1 ounce of sweet + 1 ounce of sour
The spirit is usually something like gin, rum, vodka, tequila, or whisky. The sweet element often comes from simple syrup, but any flavored syrup works well too like grenadine, maraschino liqueur, limoncello, or amaretto─ anything that is very sweet and sugary.
The sour element is generally something like lemon or lime juice. Citrus is always a good choice, especially freshly squeezed. You can use the bottled version, but it won’t taste as good.
Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, add the spirit, syrup, and lemon juice, and then shake for 15-20 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass, garnish with some citrus peel or a cute little umbrella, and enjoy!
You can get all innovative and use things like honey and honey substitutes, ginger, chocolate, and coffee liqueur, instead of simple syrup. You can even ditch the lime juice for something mint syrup or crème de menthe. Some boozy recipes also call for muddled fruit, seltzer, and even sprigs of mint.
Using this formula, you can easily make a classic cocktail like Daiquiri, Whiskey Sour, Margarita, and Sidecar right in your own kitchen.
Still Got Questions
Here you will find answers to questions people have about all things cocktail-related.
01. What are the Main Components of a Cocktail?
A cocktail is made of three components; a base (the spirit), the modifier which adds smoothness (the sweet element), and the flavoring (the sour element).
02. What are the 6 Major Cocktails?
The six basic cocktail drinks are the Daiquiri, the Jack Rose, the Manhattan, the Martini, the Old Fashioned, and the Sidecar.
03. Why is It Called a Molotov Cocktail?
The Molotov cocktail has a negative connotation, coined after Soviet foreign minister Vyacheslav Molotov. The weapon is made by combining things like broken glass, nails, and some kind of spirit in a bottle and lighting it before deploying it.
04. Why are They Called Cocktail Peanuts?
Virginia peanuts are also known as cocktail peanuts and are roasted in oil. No one is fully sure how they got their names, but it is most likely because they are served in bars and are often nibbled along with drinks.
05. How Long Do Bottled Cocktails Last?
It is generally safe to drink bottled cocktails for 3 months or whatever is mentioned on the label.
In Essence
There are lots of theories about the history of the term cocktail, some of which are stranger than others. There isn’t any confirmation that any of them are true but they are certainly fun to speculate on.
So the next time you’re enjoying a Sidecar alone, ask yourself, “Why is it called a cocktail?” and decide which theory makes the most sense.
What if I told you there was a dish that feels rich, yet light and healthy? A dish that is versatile with lots of depth and flavor? A dish that you can have for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack? As an appetizer or a main?
Nope, I’m not dreaming. I’m talking about hummus. And in this article, you are going to learn about all the things you can pair with hummus to elevate the dish from something simple to much more.
Besides that, we’re also going to talk about ways to revitalize a basic hummus recipe and give it fun and exciting twists. So if you want to find out what to eat with hummus, keep reading and become a master at this elegant and well-loved dish!
What is Hummus?
It’s funny, but people who are used to eating takeout often ask, ‘Is hummus a vegetable?’ Many people don’t really know what finished dishes are made of. So an introduction to hummus is long overdue. You won’t be wondering ‘What is hummus food?’ after you go through this section.
Hummus is a very old recipe, originating from the Middle East. It is basically a pureed dip, made from chickpeas, and is meant to be eaten with bread. Does hummus have protein? Yes, because chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein.
Hummus meals are typically made by mashing chickpeas with an acid and olive to form a thick puree that is a rich and creamy dip. In North America, recipes using hummus often add a vegetable or two for added flavor, and you can also find ‘layered hummus’ dishes as well. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, Hummus is a delicious party favorite.
How to eat hummus? Like we mentioned before, it is traditionally eaten with a variety of Middle Eastern flatbread like a pita. People also enjoy eating it with rotis or naan.
The best chips for hummus are bagel chips, French onion chips, and even crackers. There are lots of other things that pair well with hummus (more on this later!)
Modern renditions have led to different hummus types. You can find hummus made of beans, avocados, and many people even consider Muhammara (roasted walnut and red pepper dip) to be a variant of hummus.
Basic Hummus Recipe
If you want to make classic hummus, this recipe will bring out all the authentic flavors.
Make sure your chickpeas are well cooked. Simmer your canned chickpeas (this will only take a few minutes!) If you are using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and then simmer for 2 hours until well done and soft.
For an extra smooth dip, peel your chickpeas. If you like your hummus rustic, you can leave the peels on.
Add the chickpeas to your food processor. Run it until the chickpeas form a thick, almost powdery paste.
At this point, add the rest of your ingredients except the EVOO. Blend them all together for another 4 minutes. If the paste is too thick, drizzle in a little hot water. Your hummus should have a creamy consistency.
Taste for salt and add extra seasoning if needed.
Serve your hummus in a large bowl. Pour a generous amount of olive oil and garnish with a little cumin or paprika and add a few sprigs of parsley to add color to the completed dish.
What Should I Eat with Hummus?
If you’re bored of pita bread, you might be wondering what other things to eat with hummus that taste good. What goes with hummus? What’s good with hummus?
The answer is almost everything. Here are the highlights that you can never go wrong with.
01. Use It as a Spread:
The creamy texture and flavor make hummus a perfect add-on to bread. You can use it as a spread on toast for a healthy and filling breakfast. Or, you can use it as a substitute for mayonnaise or to replace mustard in your sandwiches.
It might sound a bit odd, but hummus pairs really well with lunch meats. It is also an easy way to make an easy hummus lunch that isn’t boring.
02. As a Salad Dressing:
Plain oil and vinegar dressing get boring soon. Instead, blend some hummus with olive oil, vinegar, and the seasoning of your choice. Voila, you now have a rich and creamy salad dressing that feels luxurious but is quite healthy in reality.
You can also add some hummus to your bowl of kale or chard as an alternative to olive oil. This adds body and won’t make your leafy greens soggy and unappetizing.
03. Pair It with Fruit:
Hummus has a mild enough flavor that makes it suitable for both sweet and savory flavors. You can add a little hummus to fruit bowls. It works particularly well with dates, dried apricots, sliced apples and pears, and even with berries.
04. Make Healthy Pasta Sauce:
Lots of healthy pasta recipes use boiled and blended cauliflower to make a thick sauce. Instead, sauté your hummus in some olive oil and thin it out with some pasta water to make a rich, yet low-calorie pasta sauce. Add your boiled pasta and parmesan cheese and you have pasta that won’t taste like remorse.
05. Add It to Baked Goods:
Sounds strange, but adding hummus to baked goods makes them softer and richer. Add a spoon or two to replace the fat in things like brownies, carrot cake, or banana bread.
It adds moisture to cakes and dense breads as well as an earthiness which makes them more complex. The umami also brings out caramel and chocolate really well.
06. As a Chip Dip:
If you want something easy to answer the question of what to serve with hummus, chips are always a safe option. Next time you host a watch party, add hummus to your array of dips.
You can make chips from stale flatbreads, nachos, regular potato chips, as well as things like crackers, crispy endives, and even fried sweet potatoes.
07. As a Veggie Dip:
Anyone on a diet will know that veggies and hummus are a match made in heaven. Vegetables are the number one among healthy things to dip in hummus. The best veggies to dip in hummus are crunchy things like cucumber, celery sticks, carrots, and even sugar snaps.
If you are into eating well, hummus can also be paired with things like broccoli, grilled asparagus, and radish shavings.
08. In Mashed Potatoes:
I am always on the lookout for ways to jazz up mashed potatoes without adding a pound of butter or heavy cream. One of the best hummus uses is adding creaminess and richness without any extra fat. Add half a cup of hummus to your mashed potatoes for texture and flavor.
09. Add It to Veggie or Buddha Bowls:
If you run out of ideas for what to dip in hummus, use it in Buddha or vegetable bowls. Load up your bowls with slices of vegetables, the protein of your choice, something like quinoa or brown rice, and finish off with a big dollop of hummus. You can also add it to rice-and-meat bowls for added flavor and a creamy texture.
10. Add It to Eggs:
You can use hummus as a filling in folded omelets and deviled eggs. You can also use a spoon or two to finish off scrambled eggs and make them even creamier. If you are vegan, you can instead add it to a tofu scramble.
Variants of the Classic Hummus
Traditional hummus is great, but you might sometimes want to change things up. Here are a few recipes that follow the process of making hummus but with different ingredients.
Red Lentil Hummus:
Red lentils are used instead of chickpeas and add roasted carrots and peanuts for lots of extra flavors. This protein-rich dip is brightly colored and tastes great with a variety of flatbreads.
Beet and Yoghurt Hummus:
Swap chickpeas for beats and you will have a beautiful and eye-catching dip for bread and other vegetables. If you don’t like the taste of beets, a combination of Greek yogurt, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice will transform the vegetable into a creamy lush spread.
Smoky Sweet Potato Dip:
Roasted sweet potatoes make for a smoky and sweet hummus that pairs well with heavy meaty dishes. It is also pretty spicy, thanks to the addition of ground coriander, cumin, chipotle peppers, and chili powder.
Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus:
Roasted butternut squash gives this hummus a rich, velvety texture. Seasoned with just a little chili powder and garnished with sesame, it is mild and ideal for spreading on toast and adding to veggie bowls.
Got More Questions?
Here you will find answers to questions people have about things to pair with hummus.
01. Is Hummus Healthy?
Hummus contains good fats and proteins, so it is a pretty healthy option for all diets.
02. What is Traditionally Served with Hummus?
Hummus is generally eaten with fresh pita, a simple cucumber and tomato salad, and even falafel.
03. What are the Best Seasonings to Add to Hummus?
Spices like cumin, coriander, cayenne, and paprika are good ways to add heat and flavor to your hummus.
04. Can I Refrigerate Hummus?
This dip lasts much longer when stored in a tightly sealed container and kept in the fridge.
05. Can I Eat Hummus with Rice?
A deconstructed rice bowl made of rice, a simple salad, and grilled meat goes wonderfully well with a great big mound of hummus.
06. Does Hummus Have Fiber?
Hummus is a great source of fiber, containing 6 grams of fiber for every 100 grams, which is 24% of the daily recommendation for adults.
07. Does Hummus Have Dairy?
Hummus doesn’t have any dairy and gets its creaminess from olive oil and tahini.
To Pack Up
No matter how you like it, it is hard to think of a more versatile meal than hummus. I mean, you can even make chocolate hummus to use as a dip for graham crackers and strawberries.
It is so flexible and forgiving, you won’t be left wondering what to eat with hummus. With all that being said, what do you want to eat your hummus with?
We love eating deep-fried goodies, but deep frying at home is nothing short of terrifying. Especially if you are a new cook.
Sometimes you have to deal with unexpected hot oil spills and splatters. Sometimes your oil gets too hot and starts to burn.
Peanut oil is hailed as one of the best oils for deep frying due to its high smoke point. It is also one of the few oils that smell and taste great, which makes your cooking taste even better. But not everyone has access to peanut oil.
Maybe your local grocery store is out of peanut oil. Maybe you’re just allergic to peanuts. Either way, you need a peanut oil substitute. That’s why this article sums up all the possible cooking oil replacement options you can ever hope for.
These replacements are great for deep frying, sautéing, making confits, and basically every other culinary use for cooking oil. With all that being said, let’s help you find a great substitute for peanut oil.
A Quick Rundown on Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is also known as groundnut oil. It is a light yellow, sweet-smelling oil with a slightly nutty taste.
It is made from pressing the seeds of the peanut plant to extract the oil. Peanut oil is very popular among Chinese and other Asian cuisines.
As mentioned before, it has a high smoke point of 225C (437F). This makes it ideal for deep frying, as the oil won’t burn. It is also commonly used for sautéing and stir-frying. Peanut oil is also special because it doesn’t retain the flavor of the food cooked in it, so it is great for reusing.
This kind of oil is rich in Vitamin A and E, as well as monounsaturated fats. It also has lots of antioxidants and ‘good’ fats that are great for your skin, hair, and nails.
There are four main variants of this oil:
Cold-Pressed Peanut Oil:
This kind of oil involves using crushing peanuts to produce the oil. The process uses very little heat, so the oil retains a lot of the signature nutty flavor.
It also has most of its vitamins and nutrients intact. Is this peanut oil healthy? More so than many other oils.
Refined Peanut Oil:
Refined peanut oil is bleached and deodorized, a process that removes the allergenic parts of the oil. This makes it a safe option for people with peanut allergies. It is also commonly used for deep frying things like fries and fried chicken in restaurants.
Roasted or Gourmet Peanut Oil:
With a rich deep color, this kind of oil is made from roasting and isn’t refined. This gives it a more intense and complex flavor. As a result, it is used in stir-fries and confits to kind of infuse the peanutty flavor into foods.
Peanut Oil Blends:
Since peanut oil can be rather pricey on its own, some manufacturers mix it with cheaper oils like safflower or soybean. This kind of peanut oil isn’t as good as cold-pressed or roasted peanut oil as far as taste and quality go, but it is a good option for deep-frying in bulk.
10 Best Substitutes for Peanut Oil
In this section, you will find the best peanut oil substitutes, what they are best used for, and the products I suggest using for ideal results. So, let’s find out which peanut oil substitute you need in your pantry!
01. Almond Oil:
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Want something very rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats? Almond oil is the ingredient of your choice. It is chock full of Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids so it is pretty food for the heart as well.
Like peanut oil, it has a high smoke point (215C) so it is great for roasting, deep-frying, and stir-fries. Similarly, it also has a mild nutty taste, which adds excellent flavor to many dishes. Besides its use in cooking, it is also used in dressings and is drizzled over food as a finishing touch.
As well as cooking, almond oil is also used in skincare. The oil is light, which makes it a great moisturizer. It is also used as a hair oil as it softens and conditions the hair and scalp.
When used in masks it softens and moisturizes dry skin on the face and body. It is also a carrier oil for more potent essential oils like tea tree or peppermint.
However, almond oil is pretty expensive and not accessible to anyone. It is available in both refined and cold-pressed forms.
Best for: Frying, sauteing, salad dressings, and roasting
Not Recommended for: People with nut allergies and those on a budget
Sunflower oil is made by pressing the seeds of the sunflower plant to extract the oil. There are four kinds of sunflower oil and they are all high in linoleic or oleic acid. Also, this oil is rich in Vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Once again, it is a good option for deep frying due to a very high smoke point (232C). It has a pretty neutral taste, which makes it good for all kinds of cooking, including baking, roasting, and sauteing.
Some research suggests that sunflower acid can reduce levels of blood cholesterol. However, studies are inconclusive and there isn’t much evidence to confirm this hypothesis.
Also, although it has a high smoke point, sunflower oil isn’t stable at high temperatures. It may release toxic compounds when heated to high temperatures repeatedly, so reusing it for deep frying is a bad idea.
Unlike peanut or almond oil, sunflower is a neutral oil and doesn’t really have much of a flavor of its own. This makes it great for light and quick frying, as well as a substitute for melted butter in baking.
Moreover, using it in cooking won’t alter the flavor of the food at all, so it is used in quick dressings and making mayonnaises.
Best for: Everyday cooking, baking, light frying, and sauteing
Walnut oil is a near-perfect substitute for peanut oil, in terms of flavor and taste. Made from walnuts, you can buy this oil in refined and cold-pressed varieties. Walnut oil has many health benefits and contains lots of healthy fats.
At the same time, it has Vitamin E, C, B1, B2, B3, and Niacin. It is also rich in minerals like magnesium, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.
These factors make it great for the body, as well as the skin and hair. As a result, cold-pressed walnut oil is used in many cosmetics and skincare products.
Because walnut oil is incredibly expensive, it isn’t wise to use it in things like deep frying or bulk cooking. Instead, it works best in salad dressings, drizzled over dips, and added to things that are already cooked or are eaten raw.
It has a rich and unique flavor, brushing over roasted fish or meat will give it a nutty and delicate flavor. Walnut oil is also great in dipping sauces and works particularly well in desserts and fruit-based dishes.
When heated to high temperatures this complex and pleasant flavor becomes quite bitter. As a result, it is best used raw or lightly warmed.
Best for: Dips, dressings, desserts, and brushed over freshly baked bread, fish, or meat
Not Recommended for: Deep frying and long cooking processes
This kind of oil is super trendy at the moment. Extracted from the pulp of the avocado fruit, it is crammed with healthy fats like oleic acid. As a result, it reduces the cholesterol levels in the blood and improves overall heart health.
Avocado oil also has lots of antioxidants, which makes it good for eyesight, hair, and skin as well. Like extra virgin olive oil, it is unrefined and has a mild taste. It has a very high smoke point, so it is good for things like roasting and frying.
Because it isn’t very flavored, it is close to a neutral oil, which means you can cook things like stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and tempura without changing any delicate tastes. Moreover, it is also good for dressings and sauces.
Avocado oil has a very rich and creamy texture, without being thick or cloying. It has an extremely high percentage of monounsaturated fats and Vitamin E. It is great for making things like mayonnaise, Hollandaise, and similar things. However, it is really pricey.
Best for: Deep and shallow frying, roasting, barbecues, dressings, sauces
Not Recommended for: Baking and flavored oils (like chili crisp or garlic oil)
Canola oil is one of the most common oils when used in cooking. Another name for this oil is rapeseed oil. It has a neutral flavor and is rich in monounsaturated fats, making it a relatively healthy option.
It has a lower smoke point when compared to peanut oil, but is still good for frying and roasting. Canola oil is highly processed, which makes many people think it is a rather unhealthy choice.
The light flavor makes it very good for making infused or flavored oils. It holds onto flavors remarkably well, like garlic, rosemary, and chili flakes.
You can quite easily use canola oil in baking things like carrot cakes, as well as spongy castella cakes. This oil is very similar to conventional vegetable oil, especially in terms of flavor, smoke point, and use in cooking.
Also, canola oil is relatively inexpensive and can be found in almost any grocery store. If you want a more affordable alternative to peanut oil for frying, this is a great option.
Best for: Deep frying, regular cooking, baking, and dressings
With a pretty high smoke, grapeseed oil is a great substitute for peanut oil in most cases. This makes it a great option for deep frying, as well as things like pan-frying and everyday cooking. The oil is extracted from grape seeds that are a byproduct of wine-making.
Grapeseed oil is low in nutrients but has a pretty high level of Omega-6 fatty acids. Cold-pressed grapeseed oil is a better option as it involves minimal processing and oxidation. Also, grapeseed oil has lots of Vitamin E, which gives it a few health benefits.
Compared to many other oils mentioned in this list, it isn’t a very healthy option. However, it is a good option for cooking because it can withstand high temperatures and a pretty neutral taste.
However, grapeseed oil is pretty expensive, so using it for deep frying is pretty wasteful.
Best for: Pan-frying, sauteing, and regular cooking
Not Recommended for: Deep frying, sauces, and salad dressings
This is yet another perfect replacement for peanut oil. It has an extremely high smoke point of 266C.
To make this oil, the seeds of the safflower are crushed and the oil is extracted. It has a neutral taste, which makes it ideal for several different cuisines and recipes.
There are two main varieties of safflower oil, the high oleic and high linoleic variants. The monounsaturated variant of safflower oil is great for deep frying and stir-frying at high temperatures as the oil is pretty stable and can withstand high temperatures.
It is also a good ingredient for regular cooking and even baking. For every ½ cup of solid butter or shortening, use 1/3rd cup of the oil. This is a good choice for cakes and some kinds of bread.
The polyunsaturated form of safflower is a better option in salad dressings and other raw recipes. Because the oil has no flavor of its own, it is good for light and delicate dishes as there won’t be a clash in flavors.
Best for: Deep drying, everyday cooking, baking, and salad dressings
Not Recommended for: Mashed potatoes and dipping sauces
If that dense, nutty taste is what you are after, sesame oil is a good alternative. The flavor profile is very similar to that of peanut oil, and sesame oil is very popular in East Asian cuisines.
Sesame oil comes in light and dark varieties. Light sesame oil has a high smoke point, making it good for cooking and frying.
Dark sesame oil, made from roasted sesame seeds, has a more intense flavor and a low smoke point. It loses flavor when heated, so it is unsuitable for high-temp frying.
Instead, it is best for quick stir-fries, Asian-style salads, dipping sauces, or drizzled over dumplings and fried meats. Because the flavor can get lost in complex dishes cooked over a long time, it is best to use sesame oil in raw or lightly heated form.
Unlike many of the other oils mentioned here, sesame oil doesn’t have much to offer in terms of vitamins and minerals. However, it contains lots of fatty acids and antioxidants, as well as phytosterols.
Best for: Salads, stir-fries, dipping sauces, and raw dishes
Widely used in cooking, vegetable oil is inexpensive and available pretty much everywhere. Vegetable oil is actually a blend of oils extracted from different plants or vegetables.
Because of this, the ratio of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fats differs depending on the blend used by different brands.
To keep things somewhat healthy, avoid using vegetable oil with over 20mg of saturated fats per 100 grams. Either way, vegetable oil isn’t as healthy as canola or safflower. However, it is super convenient to use for pretty much all kinds of cooking, especially frying and roasting as it has a high smoke point.
This oil also has a very neutral taste, which makes it great for everyday cooking. However, vegetable oil is hard to reuse after deep frying as it retains a lot of the smells and flavor of the food you just fried.
The main disadvantage of using vegetable oil is that you have no idea what is in it. As a result, you can’t control exactly what you are consuming. There are also great alternatives to vegetable oil for cooking.
Best for: Frying, regular cooking, baking, and salad dressings
Not Recommended for: Any recipe that requires an oil with its own flavor
If you need to deep fry large batches of chicken or things like fritters and don’t want to use peanut oil, soybean oil is your next best bet. It is heat stable and has a high smoke point (238C) so it can withstand super-hot temperatures without any change in flavor.
The oil is extracted from the seeds of the soybean plant and doesn’t have much of a strong flavor on its own. Combined with the high smoke point, these features make soybean oil extremely versatile so you can use it for all sorts of cooking.
Soybean oil has also been linked to benefits for the teeth, bones, and even the heart. However, it is also a very rich and refined oil that has lots and lots of Omega-6 fats, so it should be consumed in moderation.
It also has plenty of Omega-6 fats, which reduces inflammation and can prevent chronic diseases. Soybean oil can be easily used to replace sunflower, safflower, canola, and vegetable oil and used for cooking and baking.
Best for: Frying, regular cooking, baking, and sauteing
While canola oil is a decent stand-in for peanut oil, there are a couple of key differences between the two, besides how they are sourced and extracted. We’ll look at a few of these differences here.
Smoke Point:
Peanut oil has a pretty high smoke point of 225C (437F). On the other hand, canola oil has a slightly lower smoke point of 205C (400F). Either way, both can be safely used for deep frying and sauteing.
Fat Content:
Canola oil has a very high percentage of monounsaturated fat. It is 62% monounsaturated fat, along with 31% polyunsaturated fat, and just 7% saturated fat. This makes it comparatively healthy, as far as oils go.
However, peanut oil has a higher proportion of saturated fat. In total, it has 18% saturated fats, making it a tad bit unhealthier than canola oil. It also contains 48% monounsaturated fat and 34% polyunsaturated fat.
Flavor:
Peanut oil has a roasted, deep peanut flavor that is pronounced but not very strong or overpowering. This makes it a great choice for sauteing, stir-fries, and even deep-frying, as it adds a bit of dimension to fried goodies, without altering the taste.
Peanut oil is also good for salads, and in dipping sauces and marinades, as it adds flavor to vegetables and raw ingredients.
On the other hand, canola oil has a neutral flavor so it can be used in pretty much any kind of cooking. It works best for deep frying, braising, grilling and roasting, and everyday cooking. You can even use it for baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find answers to questions home cooks tend to have about peanut oil substitutes.
01. Is Peanut Oil Healthy?
Although peanut oil has a significant amount of saturated fats, it also has lots of monounsaturated fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, so it is pretty healthy when consumed in moderation.
02. Is Peanut Oil Bad for Me?
Peanut oil is unhealthy when eaten frequently, as it can result in inflammation and high cholesterol levels.
03. Can I Substitute Peanut Oil for Vegetable Oil?
Yes, peanut oil is a good alternative for vegetable oil, especially as there won’t be any noticeable change in flavor for most cooking.
04. Can I Substitute Olive Oil for Peanut Oil?
Olive oil only works as a peanut oil substitute for stir-fries, shallow or pan-frying, and regular cooking. It isn’t a good idea to use olive oil for deep frying as it has a lower smoke point.
05. Can I Substitute Peanut Oil for Butter?
If a recipe calls for melted butter, you can replace it with peanut oil.
06. How Can I Make Peanut Oil from Scratch?
Start with a couple of cups of fresh peanuts, with their shells and peels removed.
Put the peanuts in a bowl and fill with boiled warm water and soak for 15 minutes.
Drain water and then blend peanuts in a blender until very smooth.
If the paste gets too stiff, add 1-2 tbsp of warm water.
Pour the paste into a sterilized airtight container, cover it, and put it in the fridge.
Let it sit, undisturbed for one or two days to let the oil rise to the top.
Strain through a fine sieve a couple of times to separate the oil from the peanut paste. There should be no trace of solid peanuts in the oil. Store in a dark container and keep it in a cool and dry place.
07. Does Peanut Oil Have Taste?
Cold-pressed peanut oil has a very mild nutty flavor, while roasted peanut oil has a stronger flavor.
08. Is Peanut Oil Good for Baking?
Using a touch of peanut oil for baking will infuse your baked goods with a nutty taste. However, you shouldn’t replace softened butter with peanut oil when baking.
09. Which Peanut Oil is Best?
For deep frying, cold-pressed peanut oil is the best. But if you are looking for something to drizzle over dumplings, fritters, salads, or dipping sauces without cooking, roasted or gourmet peanut oil is a better option.
Epilogue
Peanut oil is a great cooking ingredient, especially in Asian cuisine. It has lots of vitamins and minerals, a high smoke point, and great flavor which makes it ideal for cooking. However, a lack of peanut oil shouldn’t stop you from deep frying or making fancy salad vinaigrettes.
So the next time you don’t feel like making a trip to the other side of town, just use a peanut oil substitute mentioned here. No one will know the difference!
Have you had enough of the nasty swamp water coffee from the old coffeemaker you pinched from your parent’s house?
Want to set up a home café at an affordable price? Yes, I said affordable. You don’t need a fancy espresso machine to make good coffee at home. There are plenty of other ways to make a great-tasting cup of joe.
What you do need are great coffee beans, whole milk or plant-based creamers, syrups and sweeteners, and optional toppings like sweet foam, chocolate shavings, and sauces.
Ahigh-quality coffee grinder is also necessary. You also need some kind of brewer that will extract the most caffeine and flavonoids from your coffee.
The last point is where most people go wrong. Because most people can’t afford an espresso machine, they stick to subpar drip coffee makers, not realizing there are lots of great inexpensive brewers.
In today’s article, I’m going to look at two of these brewing methods. I will examine pour over and French press brewers, how they work, the quality of their brew, and which method is better. Once you’re through, you will be sure to pick the right brewer for your home!
Pour Over Brewing
The idea of pour over coffee involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds and allowing it to steep. The grounds are placed in a cone-shaped component (a lot like a funnel).
The grounds are then wet in 2 or 3 additions. There is a filter in the cone-shaped component which allows the grounds to be soaked in a circular motion, which removes constant contact with the grounds.
The result? A much smoother coffee without bitterness or overwhelming notes. The best temperature for pour over coffee falls within 195 to 205F, as anything above this temperature can over-extract the coffee, making it taste bitter.
Want to know the best way to make pour over coffee? Start with light roast coffee beans. The best coffee grind for pour over brewing is a medium-fine grind. Then follow these instructions:
Heat your water to 205F. To do this, bring it to a boil in a goose-neck kettle and let it sit for 30 seconds.
Then unfold a coffee filter, fold it into a 3-sided cone shape and insert it on top of your brewer.
Pour a little hot water around the inside of the filter for about 5 seconds. Keep the filter in place and discard the water. This step seals the filter to the brewer and prevents your coffee from tasting like paper.
Pour 5-7 tablespoons of ground coffee into the filter and gently shake the brewer once or twice to get the grounds to settle in the filter.
Slowly pour just enough water over the grounds to wet them evenly, around 70 grams or just over half a cup. Let it sit for 45 seconds (use a timer for the best results). This step ‘blooms’ the coffee.
Hot water forces the coffee to release trapped gases, which causes the grounds to expand, bubbling at the surface, and infusing the air with that lovely coffee aroma we all love.
Next, keep pouring water slowly in a circular motion. Avoid pouring the water right in the center or around the edges of the filter.
If you think the filter will overflow, stop for a few seconds and wait for the water level to subside. Pour water for 2 minutes or until you add 2.5 cups to the brewer.
Let all the water drain through the filter. Remove the filter from the brewer and throw away the grounds. The total brewing time for the pour over coffee method is 3 minutes.
Amazon Product Recommendations:
Not sure where to start getting pour over coffee equipment? I’ve got you covered!
Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker: This is a good option if you want to make enough coffee for just 2 people. It is sturdy, brews rich and flavorful coffee, and will look great in your kitchen!
CHEMEX Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker: Want to make coffee for a crowd? Chemex never fails to please, and this brewer will concentrate on the best flavor. Best of all, it will last for ages.
Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper: If you end up making a single cup of coffee pour over like me, this brewer will be an indispensable tool. Besides that, it looks cute, comes in many different colors, and can be set over your coffee cup, minimizing clean-up.
The Pros:
Makes a robust and hearty brew every time.
Coffee will taste smooth, with no bitterness.
The method is relatively straightforward and easy.
Brewing equipment is pretty inexpensive.
The Cons:
Coffee won’t be as strong and intense for some people.
French Press Brewing
This method is a personal favorite. A French press (also known as a cafetiere/coffee press), is made of 3 parts: the open-topped carafe, a stainless-steel filter, and a plunger. It has an extremely simple brewing method; simply add your coffee grounds to the carafe and pour hot water letting it steep.
Then, push down the plunger, separating the brewed coffee from the used grounds. After that, you just need to pour the coffee into your cup and add whatever you want to it. The ideal water temp for the French press is 195F.
When brewing with a French press, use a coarsely ground medium-dark roast coffee for a cup of joe that is rich and intense.
Why use a French press? It makes a strong cup of coffee that tastes amazing every single time. In fact, French press coffee is pretty comparable to the stuff brewed in an espresso machine!
Follow these steps to make a wonderful cup of French press coffee:
Preheat your French press. Add your boiling hot water to the carafe, let it sit there for a minute, and swirl it around a little. Then discard the water.
Weight or measure out your ground coffee. You will need a large tablespoon (around 8 grams) of coffee for 200ml of water.
Add your coffee grounds and hot water to the carafe.
Cover the carafe with the lid and set a timer for 4 minutes. The French press time to brew shouldn’t exceed this time, or else your coffee will taste bitter.
Once this time has passed, slowly push the plunger down. Make sure you push it down all the way, or your coffee will be over-extracted.
If there is a lot of resistance when you push, then the grounds are too fine. If it is pushed down too easily, then they are too coarse.
Transfer the brewed coffee into another carafe or coffee pot. Then, serve individual cups and add your sweetener and dairy.
How long to French press? Some people suggest blooming the coffee first, for 30 seconds. Others say it’s alright to skip this step. Either way, try to keep the total brewing time to 4 minutes.
Amazon Product Recommendations:
This little guide will set you in the right direction when buying French presses. Whether you are new to this kind of brewing, or you’ve been doing it for ages, you can’t go wrong with these brewers!
Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee: This brewer can hold 34 ounces of coffee and looks sleek and elegant. But what sets it apart is that it is easy to clean and use. You can also use it for steeping tea.
Mueller Double Insulated French Press: It is one of the best French presses out there, and gives you a great brew at an affordable price. Best of all, the double insulation will keep your joe nice and hot as it brews.
KONA French Press Coffee Maker: Want a snazzy brewer to make your coffee? This attractive brewer extracts all the lovely essential oils from your coffee grounds and makes a strong and aromatic cup of coffee. Best of all, it will last for years!
The Pros:
Strong and bold flavor profile.
Can customize the brew strength by altering steeping time.
Inexpensive equipment.
Easy to use and assemble.
The coffee taste will be consistently smooth and rich.
The Cons:
Cleaning can take some time and effort.
If your coffee is ground too finely, the brew will feel gritty.
Pour Over vs. French Press: How are They Different?
Now that you know all about these two methods, let’s see how they differ.
Brew Time:
While the two have similar brew times, the total brew time for pour over coffee is 3 minutes. On the other hand, you should brew coffee in a French press for 4 minutes in total.
Brew Method:
Pour over coffee extracts coffee from the grounds through infusion, a bit like steeping tea. However, French presses use immersion to extract the coffee compounds from the ground beans.
Taste:
Because the two brewers use different methods to extract the coffee, the resulting brew will also taste different. Pour over coffee has a lighter flavor profile and is milder in terms of strength. In contrast, French presses produce a stronger brew, with a robust and full-bodied profile.
Kind of Coffee Used:
The two brewing methods also work best with different kinds of coffee. Pour over coffee makes the best cup of joe with a light roast coffee that is ground to a medium-fine consistency.
French presses work best with a darker roast, ground to a coarse texture. This is because a fine coffee grind can escape the filter and leave a gritty taste in your beverage.
While the 2 methods are different, in the end, it is a matter of personal preference and lifestyle. If you don’t mind a slow and leisurely brewing method that you have to keep an eye on, you will prefer the pour over method.
On the other hand, if you don’t want to babysit your brewer, using a French press is a better option. As long as you don’t mind a bit of extra cleanup!
Where to Buy Pour Over Brewer and French Presses
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The good news is that the tools to make pour over coffee and French presses can be found anywhere. The most common place to start looking is with online retailers like Amazon. You can also find them in chain stores like Target, Home Depot, Walmart, and others like it.
If you look around, you will also find coffee shops that sell brewing equipment. Even places like thrift shops often have high-quality brewing equipment at a very affordable price.
Got More Questions?
Below you will find answers to questions people often have about pour over and French press coffee.
01. Does Pour Over Coffee Better Taste Than French Press Coffee?
Pour over coffee is smoother and lighter than French press coffee, so people who like a milder brew will prefer it to coffee brewed by a French press.
02. Why is French Press Coffee Bad for Me?
French press coffee is seen as unhealthy as it doesn’t filter out cafestol which is a kind of ‘bad’ cholesterol. However, you can use paper filters to get around this issue or limit the amount of coffee you consume.
03. Is Pour Over Coffee Really Better?
If you like your coffee black, you will prefer pour over coffee as it has a smooth and clean taste. This method of brewing also allows the more delicate notes of the coffee to shine through.
04. Does French Press Coffee Have More Caffeine?
French press coffee is among the strongest caffeinated drinks out there, with 107.5mg of caffeine per 8 ounces. This makes it even more caffeine-dense than espresso.
05. What Is So Special about French Press Coffee?
Most French presses use stainless steel filters, which preserve many of the flavors and notes. Paper filters also trap a lot of the essential oils which give coffee its flavor. French press brewing also allows these oils to filter into the brew.
06. Is French Press Coffee Smoother?
Thanks to the immersion process, the coffee extracted from a French press will be richer, stronger, and smoother.
07. Should I Stir French Press Coffee?
After adding the hot water to the coffee grounds in the French press, you need to stir the mixture to make sure all the grounds are soaked and there are no clumps.
08. How Does a French Press Work?
A French press works by brewing the coffee in the carafe and using the plunger to separate the brewed coffee from the used grounds.
09. What Is the Best Pour Over Coffee Water Temp?
The best temperature for brewing pour over coffee falls within the 195 to 205F range.
At the End of the Day
Coffee is a pretty subjective topic as two people can have wildly differing tastes when it comes to their cup of joe. This article tries to give you a balanced view of two brewing methods, how they work, and the kind of coffee you can get from them.
Which side of the pour over vs. French press debate you end up in depends on many factors; most notably how you like your coffee, and how much effort you want to put in the brewing process.
With all that being said, are you planning on buying a French press or a pour over brewer?
If you’ve never used a pellet stove before, getting used to it can take some time. After all, most of us are more used to gas grills. If there’s a pellet stove auger not working, you may need to check the motor to make sure it is in good shape.
This article will show you how to discover pellet stove auger motor problems by bench testing it. But before that, we will also go into how auger motors work, and the signs that they may be malfunctioning.
If you want to learn more about troubleshooting your pellet grill’s auger motor, keep reading to find out!
What are Auger Motors and How Do They Work?
The term auger motor describes a device that consists of an electric motor and a reduction gearbox. These components turn an auger shaft at a set speed to deliver fuel (aka the wood pellets) from the hopper to the firepot in a pellet grill or stove.
After analyzing the data delivered from various switches and sensors in the stove, the control board completes the electrical circuit to the auger motor.
There are different types of auger motors used in the pellet grill. However, the two most popular auger motors in North America are the shaded pole and the synchronous varieties.
Shaded Pole Auger:
This kind of motor uses a standard C-frame electric motor, turning at a high speed, to rotate a set of gears that turn the auger at a constant, slower rate with a much higher force.
The torque of this auger motor can be tested with a pair of channel lock pliers to try and prevent the turning of the motor shaft. If you can stop the motor shaft from turning without much effort, the motor is weak and needs replacing. These kinds of auger motors generally have a torque output of between 16 to 20 feet/pound.
Synchronous Auger Motor:
A synchronous motor rotates at a rate directly proportional to the frequency of the AC input. They are much more efficient and quieter than standard C-frame motors. These motors are usually mounted on a smaller gearbox and put out between 5 and 10 feet/pound.
Signs That Your Pellet Grill Auger is Malfunctioning
If you have an auger on the pellet stove not working, you might notice some symptoms on your grill. There may be a few hiccups when you are grilling or cooking on it. Here’s what you need to look out for:
Low pressure on your auger, so that the pellets feed more slowly into the firepot.
Wildly stove fluctuating temperatures.
The auger stops feeding the firepot altogether.
The auger stops turning and seems stuck.
The auger motor gets really hot pretty quickly.
The Pellet stove auger stops feeding halfway during the grilling process.
How to Test an Auger Motor in a Pellet Grill
This part of the article will show you how to test the auger motor in your pellet stove. Whether you have a Traeger or any other kind of grill, this bench test will work for any kind of pellet stove.
Whether you have a QuadraFire pellet stove auger not turning, or you’ve planned an American Harvest pellet stove troubleshooting session, this is a foolproof method!
What You Need:
Your pellet stoves auger motor
An adapter
A test wire
Power Source
Channel-lock pliers
Instructions:
Start by making sure your grill or stove is completely cool. Unplug the wire and disassemble the grill/stove.
Remove the auger motor from the appliance.
Connect your auger motor to the test wire, using the adapter if needed. (Find out how to make a test wire here!)
Make sure the surge protector is switched off. Connect the test wire to the surge protector.
Turn the surge protector on. The motor should begin to rotate immediately.
Next, use a pair of channel lock pliers to try and stop the output shaft from turning. If your motor is working as it should, you won’t be able to stop it, because it has enough torque to keep it turning.
After you switch off the surge protector, you shouldn’t be able to turn the output shaft by hand, or with a pair of pliers. If you find that you can rotate it by hand, the motor has gone bad and needs to be replaced.
This video will help you understand how to test your auger motor more clearly.
How Else Your Auger Motor Might be Creating Trouble
A faulty auger motor doesn’t mean you have to throw out your motor or control board. Sometimes a faulty auger motor can point to trouble in the other components of your grill. This can include:
A Faulty Vacuum Switch:
Vacuum switches are generally in line with the power to the auger motor. The vacuum switch senses back pressure within the stove.
As a result, if the chimney hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it fills up with debris and ash. This means that the airway will be blocked.
This will trigger the vacuum switch to turn on, shutting off the auger motor. In this case, cleaning out the chimney and ‘resetting’ the vacuum switch will get the auger motor of your pellet stove to start running again as usual.
A Broken Pressure Switch:
If the chimney is clear, but your motor still isn’t working, the vacuum switch may have broken due to lots of pressure, resulting from heavy usage.
In this case, you can pull the wires off the vacuum switch, and connect them together again. This can be done with a paperclip, safety pin, or any other metal that connects the wires so they can conduct electricity.
After that, put the switch back, reassemble your stove and see if the auger is working as it should.
Malfunctioning Plugs or Sockets:
Sometimes the wiring of your stove can be shot. In some cases, your power socket may be faulty, so that the auger motor isn’t receiving any current.
To find out if this is the problem, follow the steps mentioned above to bench test your auger motor by connecting the motor directly to your power source.
If your motor rotates when hooked up to the power, then your plug or grill cords are faulty. If it still doesn’t work, try another outlet or power source.
If it works when hooked up to a different outlet, then your motor is fine. However, if not, then you need to get a new motor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to questions people tend to have about testing the auger motor in pellet motors.
01. Why is My Traeger Auger Not Turning?
An auger motor can stop turning for a number of reasons. The auger can be blocked by debris or even external objects falling into the motor by mistake.
The motor can also fail due to age or even overheating. Sometimes the auger will not work because the vacuum switch is broken.
02. Why Does My Pellet Stove Auger Keep Jamming?
An auger can be jammed because the vacuum switch is triggered to open due to excessive pressure, blocked airways, or any other reason. Sometimes the auger can be blocked by knives or utensils falling in by accident.
03. Why Has My Auger Stopped Feeding Pellets into the Stove?
Besides a faulty motor, the auger may have stopped feeding wood pellets because the hopper door is open or jammed for any reason. It may also be that the hopper doesn’t have enough pellets. If these aren’t the reasons, check the auger motor, chimney, and vacuum switch to make sure they are working properly.
04. How Can I Manually Light a Pellet Stove?
While this isn’t recommended, you can light your pellet stove by yourself. After filling the hopper with pellets, open the fire pot and add an accelerant to the pellets in it. Light the pellets with a long-reach butane lighter.
Then wait for the fire to reach the other pellets and start burning before adding more fuel to your stove or grill. The fire is hot enough once the pellets turn red and start glowing.
05. Can I Reset My Pellet Stove?
If your pellet stove has a reset button, you can use that to restart the stove and see if the auger motor functions normally. If not, you can reset the stove by letting it burn out all the pellets in the hopper. Once all the pellets are burned through, the stove will go out and you can add more and restart it.
To Finish Off
It can be annoying and nerve-racking when your pellet stove or grill starts malfunctioning out of the blue. There’s nothing worse than planning a lovely cookout, only to have your auger motor act all weird at the last possible minute.
Instead of freaking out and asking your guests ‘How do you test an auger motor?’, follow this guide instead!
Knowing how to test an auger motor in a pellet stove or grills will help you keep a cool head and methodically figure out what is wrong with it. This in turn will make it easier for you to find a solution and get your stove working as usual in no time at all!
