The Best Dual Coffee Makers of 2023

Find out the best dual coffee maker for your home or office to cater to the varying coffee tastes of different family or team members without losing quality.

Best Dual Coffee Maker: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

Some like it hot, some don’t. Some prefer coffee first thing in the morning, while others a good strong cup of tea. While I love a strong espresso to pick me up mid-day, my coworkers take it easy over a latte. So many preferences but limited time to prepare the perfect morning, evening, or afternoon cuppa. But worry not! 

The best dual coffee maker can help you make your favorite cup of jo (or tea) without compromising on the flavor or taste. Whether it’s a quick single-serve K cup or a carafe of 12 cups of drip coffee, a dual coffee maker is your best bet. So, I present to you (drum rolls) the best dual coffee maker reviews to help you make the right choice.

What Is A Dual Coffee Maker?

A two-in-one or two-way coffee maker is another name for dual coffee makers. It can make single servings or full pots of coffee simultaneously. Furthermore, dual coffee makers with espresso machines on one side and carafes on both sides are available to make different types of brew at the same time. 

A hot water dispenser is seen on many two-in-one coffee machines so that you can also make tea, hot cocoa, or instant coffee from the same machine. Dual coffee makers are great for both office and household use where different members have different brew preferences. They can brew two types of coffee or two sizes of coffee at the same time. 

Benefits Of Using A Dual Coffee Maker

Not convinced about getting the best dual coffee maker? Well, here are some benefits that will definitely help you decide in case you are at loggerheads with other family members about getting a coffee machine.

Versatility 

The best dual brew coffee makers allow you to make two different types of coffee at the same time, thus giving you the most versatility. For example, if your spouse wants a strong cappuccino while the rest of the family wants a regular drip coffee, you can make a single espresso simultaneously while brewing a whole carafe for everyone else. And if your dual coffee brewer has a single-serving side with a hot water dispenser, you can also make tea or hot cocoa while offering a full carafe of coffee to a larger group. 

Convenience

A dual coffee maker will be more convenient for you because you don’t need two separate machines to brew two types or two sizes of coffee. If you have a K-cup single-serving brewer and a pour-over drip coffee maker, you can replace these two with one dual coffee maker. Not only is this more convenient to operate but it will also save precious counter space

Cost-Saving

Why waste money on two separate coffee makers when you can invest in one that doubles up as both an espresso machine and a drip coffee maker? Besides saving kitchen counter space, a dual coffee maker also helps to save money in more ways than one. You don’t really need to spend big bucks in coffee stores every day as you can make your own specialty coffee at home with most dual coffee makers.

However, you may face some issues even with the best dual coffee maker. Cleaning may not be a breeze given there are two units – one for making espresso shots and the other for making coffee in a carafe. Even the process of cleaning them may not be the same although there is an all-natural way to clean a coffee maker with baking soda. Secondly, you may not get the same quality from both units. They might perform one of the tasks successfully, such as making 10 to 12 cups of coffee but fall short of the pressure and consistency necessary to produce a solid shot of espresso. A machine that excels at both tasks will probably set you back more cash.

5 Best Dual Coffee Makers

ProductsFeaturesProsCons
Ninja CFP307 DualBrewBoth K pods and ground coffee
60-ounce removable water reservoir
12 cups capacity
9 brew sizes
4 pod brew sizes
4 brew styles
Thermal flavor extraction duo
Independent hot water dispenser
Multi-position water reservoir
Removable, dishwasher-safe parts
Permanent filter and scoop included
Versatile for catering to all preferences
Easy cleaning
Placement flexibility
Maximum flavor
Hot water dispenser for tea
Pause brew function for quick single-servings
Not suitable for a small family
or single-person household
Hamilton Beach 49902 FlexBrew Trio56-ounce removable water reservoir
Both ground coffee and pods are compatible
12-cup carafe capacity
90-second fast brewing function
Removable water reservoir
Easy-touch programming
Backlit display
Customizable brew options
Auto shutdown function
Both single-serving and carafe brewing
Both ground coffee and pods
Brew strength option
Saves time with only 90 seconds of brew time
Programmable settings for ready coffee
Saves power with an auto-shutoff function
Not suitable for kitchens with low-hanging cabinets
The water reservoir is not easy to clean
Keurig K Duo Coffee Maker60-ounce large water reservoir
12-cup carafe capacity
Heating plate included
Both K-pods and ground coffee are compatible
4 brew sizes for both carafe and single brews
Brew strength control option
24-hour advance programmable setting
Pause and pour function
Stylish design and easy to use
Makes both small and large batches
Keeps coffee hot for a longer time
Easy filling
More convenience with 8-inch travel mug space
No need to wait for the machine to heat
Compatible with 75 brands of coffee pods
Spillage from the carafe when pouring
Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer Coffee MakerGlass carafe with 12-cup capacity
96-ounce XL water reservoir
Separate single-serving side reservoir
Auto shutoff feature
24-hour programmable setting
Select-A-Brew coffee strength function
Clear buttons for various functions
Affordable and low-maintenance
Less time and cost involved
Two-brew feature for carafe and single-servings
Coffee strength of regular and bold
Easy to use
Not compatible with K pods
Separate reservoir for single-serving unit
Cuisinart SS-15BKSP1 Coffee Center12-cup carafe and 3 sizes of single-serving options
40-ounce removable water tank
Fully automatic
Temperature and strength control
Pause brew function
Compatible with most coffee pods
Cuisinart HomeBarista Reusable filter cup included
Self-clean function
Offers 3 sizes of single servings
Best taste with charcoal and gold-tone filters
Power-saving with auto-off function
Extra bold flavor with Bold program
Better temperature control
Easy refilling with removable water reservoir
Easy to clean
Close attention needed for perfectly placing the filter basket to avoid overflows

A lot of reviews on dual coffee makers include coffee machines that are multi-serve, not two-way coffee makers. The main difference between these is that the former is good for brewing a cup of hot or cold brew from coffee grounds or K cups, different brew styles, and sizes, while the latter brews two different types of brew or two different sizes at the same time. Just look at the unit and see if there are two brewing parts to it and that’s how you know it’s a dual coffee maker. 

In this list, I have included only the latter type of coffee makers, some good for household and a couple of others good for commercial use. Let’s get started!

01 Ninja CFP307 DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

The Best Dual Coffee Makers of 2023 1

This is one of the top dual coffee makers with a faster brewing technology that will satisfy everyone with its thermal flavor extraction duo for a flavorful cup. You can use K pods or ground coffee and choose from 9 brew sizes from pods to carafes and 4 brew sizes for pods. With either grounds or coffee pods, select four brew styles or select the specialty brew for an espresso drink. Top it up with thick foam, thanks to the convenient built-in and fold-away frother

The separate water system with two temperature settings of hot and boiling allow you to make tea, hot cocoa, soup, and more. No worries about cross-contamination as the coffee dispenser is separate. The 60-ounce capacity of the water reservoir allows you to brew up to a full carafe of 12 cups of coffee. Moreover, you can position it at the rear or the side of the unit to suit the space available in your kitchen. Furthermore, the water reservoir is removable for easy filling

Cleaning the Ninja DualBrew coffee maker is easy as it has removable parts like the water reservoir, pod adopter, and milk frother that are dishwasher safe. Plus, it has a Clean function to make your job easier. 

Key Features

Dimensions: 15.54″ H X 9.12″ W x 11.39″ D

Both K pods and ground coffee are compatible

60-ounce removable water reservoir

12 cups capacity

9 brew sizes from small to a full carafe

4 pod brew sizes of 6-, 8-, 10, and 12-ounce cups

4 brew styles Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty

Thermal flavor extraction duo

Independent hot water dispenser

Multi-position water reservoir

Removable, dishwasher-safe parts

Permanent filter and scoop included

Pros

Versatile for catering to all taste, texture, flavor, and size preferences

Easy cleaning and maintenance

Placement flexibility with a multi-position water reservoir

Perfect temperature control and even saturation for maximum flavor

Separate hot water dispenser for tea, soup, oatmeal, etc.

Pause brew function for quick single-servings

Cons

Not suitable for a small family or single-person household
Check price on Amazon.


02 Hamilton Beach 49902 FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker 

The Best Dual Coffee Makers of 2023 2

74% 5-star ratings on Amazon from over 28k reviews make the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 2-way coffee maker a strong contender in this category with its glass carafe on one side and a single-serving unit on the other. With 3 ways to brew, use your favorite ground coffee to brew up to 12 cups or a single cup using a pod or coffee grounds. You can use a pod to brew up to a 10 oz. cup, or you can use coffee grounds to brew up to a 14 oz., 7″ tall travel mug. Select-A-Brew function can make your coffee regular or bold. It takes only 90 seconds to get a single serving with the fast brew technology. 

The 56-ounce water reservoir capacity can make 7 single servings without any refilling hassle to save you time. The removable water tank also helps to refill with minimum fuss. The easy-touch programming allows you to set the timer with the help of the easy-to-read backlit display so that 12 cups of coffee are waiting for you in the morning. With more brewing customization options, you can select 5 different sizes for brewing with coffee grounds or 3 when using coffee pods.  You’ll get the same amount of perfect coffee each time. The power-saving auto shutoff function ensures the unit is off after 2 hours of brewing. 

Key Features

Dimensions: 13.8” H x 11.3” W X 13.2” D

A 56-ounce removable water reservoir

Both ground coffee and pods are compatible

12-cup carafe capacity

90-second fast brewing function

Removable water reservoir

Easy-touch programming 

Backlit display

Customizable brew options

Auto shutdown function

Pros

Both single-serving and carafe brewing at the same time

Both ground coffee and pods offer more brew options

A brew strength option allows for more customization

Saves time with only 90 seconds of fast brewing

Programmable settings for ready coffee

Saves power with an auto-shutoff function

Cons

Not suitable for kitchens with low-hanging cabinets

The water reservoir is not easy to clean

Check price here.


03 Keurig K Duo Coffee Maker

The Best Dual Coffee Makers of 2023 3

Undoubtedly the best dual coffee maker with k-cup, the Keurig K Duo coffee maker has great looks with a smart matte black exterior and a glass carafe with a 12-cup brewing capacity. A heating plate is included to keep your coffee hot. The removable 60-ounce water reservoir is large enough to brew both small and large sizes simultaneously and is perfect for easy refilling.  

Use K-pods or your favorite coffee grounds to brew a whole carafe or a single cup. The single-serving side also accommodates an 8-inch travel mug. Choose from multiple brew sizes – 4 different sizes each for brewing in either the carafe or the single-brewing unit. The strong brew function gives you the most robust flavored coffee. 

Want your cup ready in the morning? Use the programmable settings to time the brew 24 hours in advance. And if you can’t wait for the entire carafe to finish brewing, just pause for 20 seconds and pour to get your single cup. Save more time with the Keurig K Duo coffee maker as you don’t need to wait for it to heat before choosing your cup size. And the best part for me is that I can sample just about any brand of coffee pods in this single machine as it supports 75 leading brands. A wide range of pods means more delicious flavors!

Key Features

Dimensions: 12.92” H x 10.94” W x12.76” D

60-ounce large water reservoir

12-cup carafe capacity

Heating plate included

Both K-pods and ground coffee are compatible

4 brew sizes each for the carafe and single brews

Brew strength control option

24-hour advance programmable setting 

Pause and pour function

Pros

Stylish design and easy to use 

Large reservoir for making both small and large batches 

The heating plate keeps coffee hot for a longer time

Removable water reservoir for easy filling

More convenience with 8-inch travel mug space

No need to wait for the machine to heat

Compatible with 75 brands of coffee pods

Cons

Spillage from the carafe when pouring 

Check price on Amazon.


04 Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker

The Best Dual Coffee Makers of 2023 4

One of the best dual coffee makers with a whopping 5-star rating on Amazon from more than 42k reviews, the Hamilton Beach 2-way coffee maker is the most affordable and low-maintenance option you can get. It brews single servings and a coffee pot of 12 cups in less time and lower cost than the usual coffee chains. The 96-ounce XL water reservoir with clear markings is perfect for serving large groups. The single-side serving has a separate water reservoir. 

A mesh scoop is included to scoop, place, and brew without wasting time measuring your ground coffee separately. Power-saving with an auto shutoff feature after 2 hours, this two-way coffee maker can be programmed to brew in advance so that your cup is ready whenever you are. 

Its Select-A-Brew puts control of coffee strength in your hands – Regular for medium-ground coffee and Bold for a finer grind, decaf, or espresso roasts. It also accommodates a large 14-ounce travel mug on the single-serving side. A very simple front-facing interface makes the machine easy to operate with clear hours and minute buttons and other functions. 

The only downside is that this dual coffee maker is not compatible with K pods but at this price, it’s the perfect combination coffee machine with no frills. 

Key Features

Dimensions: 13.7″ H x 12.2″ W x 10.63″ D 

Glass carafe with 12-cup capacity

96-ounce XL water reservoir

Separate single-serving side reservoir 

Auto shutoff feature

24-hour programmable setting 

Select-A-Brew coffee strength function

Clear buttons for various functions

Pros

Affordable and low-maintenance

Less time and cost for good quality coffee

Two-brew feature for both carafe and single-serving brews

Coffee strength of regular and bold to suit your taste

Easy to use

Cons

Not compatible with K cups

Separate reservoir for single-serving unit

Check price on Amazon.


05 Cuisinart SS-15BKSP1 Coffee Center Dual Coffee Maker

The Best Dual Coffee Makers of 2023 5

Brew drip coffee for a group of 12 or just one to savor your me-time, you won’t be disappointed with one of these top dual coffee makers. Quickly get freshly brewed coffee in sizes 6-, 8-, or 10-ounce using your favorite K pods. Or use the reusable filter cup included with this machine to savor various flavors and tastes. You may want to try any of the 10 best Cuisinart coffee maker filters. The gold-tone coffee filter and the charcoal filter ensure you get the best coffee taste. 

The fully automatic dual brew coffee maker comes with a 12-cup glass carafe with a sturdy stainless steel handle. Set the hours and minutes for pre-programming up to 24 hours so you can wake up to ready-to-pour coffee. The auto-off function saves power by turning it off after 0 to 4 hours. 

It’s convenient to control the brew strength with the Bold function. Additionally, you can also control the temperature to keep your coffee warm or hot by turning the carafe temperature knob to a high, medium, or low setting. The brew pause function allows you to pause and pour your cup before the brew cycle is completed. 

The removable 40-ounce water reservoir is easy to fill and clean and features an easy-view window to check the water level. If you’re wondering how to clean Cuisinart dual coffee maker, well, it’s quite easy – just press the Clean button and you have a squeaky clean coffee maker!

Key Features

Dimensions: 14.25″ H x 10.38″ W x 10.13″ D  

12-cup carafe and 3 sizes of single-serving options

40-ounce removable water tank

Fully automatic 

Temperature and strength control

Pause brew function

Compatible with most K cups

Cuisinart HomeBarista Reusable filter cup included

Self-clean function

Pros

Offers 3 sizes of single servings

Best taste with charcoal and gold-tone filters

Power-saving with auto-off function

Extra bold flavor with Bold program

Better temperature control

Easy refilling with removable water reservoir

Easy to clean

Cons

Close attention needed for perfectly placing the filter basket to avoid overflows

Check price on Amazon.

Things To Consider When Buying The Best Dual Coffee Maker

Now that you have a list of the best dual brew coffee makers with various features and functions, you could be a little overwhelmed with all the info when trying to decide which one to buy. Let’s take the guesswork out and help you come to the best decision by listing some of the key factors to consider before buying. 

Purpose

First, decide on the dual coffee machine’s purpose or use in your office or home. Does someone at home absolutely need single serving K cups using K pods while others are happy to get a cup of coffee made from ground coffee? Or do you want two carafes to make a large batch at the same time for everyone at the office? 

There are three primary choices available to you: a carafe and a single-serve brewer, a carafe plus an espresso maker, or two carafes. Choose two carafes if you host large parties often or for your office. If everyone is picky about getting their preferred flavor of jo, it’s better to get a single serving with a carafe option. For those who can’t do without a daily cappuccino or latte, an espresso dual coffee machine with an element to froth milk is the right choice. 

K Cups Or Ground Coffee

A two way coffee maker may use ground coffee for brewing both types of coffee – single serving and carafe – or depend on K cups for brewing single servings. However, K pods are not environment-friendly and are also expensive, not to mention the stale coffee they have inside as we don’t know how long they’ve been sitting on the store shelf. However, you can buy reusable K cups to prevent damage to the planet and enjoy various ground coffee blends. 

Size And Capacity

The sizes of dual coffee makers come in a wide variety. Although side-by-side designs provide you the freedom to work on multiple brewing programs simultaneously, they are often wide and occupy more counter space. There are compact and sleek dual coffee makers with a single unit that can handle multiple brewing tasks. You can make many beverages using this, but only one at a time.

How much coffee you drink, the size of your kitchen, and whether or not you have the time to brew each beverage individually will all affect the size and capacity of your dual coffee maker.

Programmable Settings

Customizing your cup of coffee to a great extent requires a good bunch of programmable settings on a two way coffee maker. With a brew strength control, you can choose to have a mild or strong coffee or something in between. You may need to control the temperature depending on how hot you like your tea or coffee. You may prefer setting your coffee maker on a 24-hour advance brew setting so that you can wake up to the smell of coffee. And if you don’t want to wait until the whole carafe is ready, look for a brew pause function so that you can grab your cup in the middle of brewing. 

Make sure you are on board with the host of programmable settings the dual coffee maker offers. Otherwise, it would be a waste if all you need is some coffee at the press of a button. 

Type Of Carafe

You can get either a thermal carafe or a glass one with a dual coffee maker. A thermal carafe is better at keeping your coffee hotter for a longer time without using electricity. Moreover, the stainless steel body of a thermal carafe is durable. On the other hand, a glass carafe is fragileand you need to handle it carefully. Plus, it won’t keep your cuppa hot for a long time although a glass carafe is cheaper and you may want to settle for it if you want to save some money. But if a whole pot of coffee vanishes within ten minutes in your office or home, a glass carafe is okay. 

In terms of taste, a glass carafe is kept on a hot plate to keep the coffee warm and therefore it often develops a burnt taste. A thermal carafe has double walls for better insulation and to retain the fresh aroma and taste of coffee. 

Ease Of Maintenance

Dual coffee makers feature more intricate designs, which might make them more difficult to clean than ordinary coffee makers because they lack removable parts like the filter basket and carafe. Find a model that has few parts and is simple to disassemble if you want to make cleaning and maintenance easier. 

Additionally, some dual coffee makers have pieces that can be cleaned in the dishwasher, which makes things even simpler. Check if there’s a self-cleaning function in the dual coffee maker to make your cleaning and maintenance tasks easier. 

Additional Features

Permanent coffee filters save waste and cost. By removing chlorine, calcium, and other minerals from tap water, water filters help to minimize unpleasant tastes and odors. The auto shutdown function turns the machine off automatically after a predetermined period of time and helps to conserve energy. Touch-screen and LCD screens facilitate ease of use. Some dual coffee brewers have a built-in grinder so that you can have fresh coffee grounds to brew your cup. These additional features may make your life easier so look for them when shopping for a dual coffee maker.

FAQs

What Dual Coffee Maker Makes The Hottest Coffee?

Hamilton Beach 2-way brewer coffee maker is one of the dual coffee makers to make the hottest coffee. For a more comprehensive list, check out the hottest coffee maker

What Is The Best Dual Coffee Maker On The Market?

There is no single best dual coffee maker on the market. Depending on your purpose, the features you need, and the type of brew style and size you want, you can choose the best dual coffee maker as per your budget. 

How To Use Keurig Dual Coffee Maker?

To make either a full carafe or single-serving coffee with K cups, fill the water reservoir and turn on the machine. For making a single serving, lift the pod holder, place a K pod, and close the lid by lowering the handle completely. Put your coffee cup on the drip tray, choose the serving size and brew strength, push the mug icon on the right side, and press the brew button.  
For brewing a carafe, fill in the water reservoir until the MAX marking. Pull out the filter brew basket and add ground coffee as desired or find out how many scoops of coffee for 12 cups for a better brew. Push back the filter brew basket, place the carafe on the drip tray, press the power button, select the carafe icon button on the left side, and press the brew button. 
For both methods, select the Strong button before pressing the Brew button if you want a stronger cup. 

Do Oily Coffee Beans Affect the Taste of Coffee?

When you’re in the market for good coffee, you may have noticed that some coffee beans are more “oily” than others.

But what is the real reason behind the oiliness of some coffee beans? Does it change the taste of your coffee?

In this article, we’ll break down why is your coffee beans oily, as well as the impact that oiliness has on the flavor of your coffee.

From the effects of the coffee roasting process to the type of coffee bean used, we’ll examine the various factors that contribute to the oily sheen of coffee beans.

Some Common Reasons Behind the Oiliness of Coffee Beans

Do Oily Coffee Beans Affect the Taste of Coffee? 6

Coffee beans are the seeds of a fruit, and like other fruits, their appearance can vary from one variety to another.

Whether the coffee beans are oily or not is determined by their variety, their growing conditions, and the roasting process.

Naturally Oily Coffee Bean

Different varieties of coffee beans have different levels of oiliness. For example, Arabica beans are more oily than Robusta beans.

This is because Arabica beans are grown in higher altitudes, where the air is cooler and drier. This environment results in less oil production in the beans.

Coffee Beans Roast Level

When coffee bean is harvested, farmers cover them in a protective layer of surface oil. This layer of oil helps protect the bean from the elements while processing, and the coating also helps to preserve the flavor of the green coffee bean.

As the green oily coffee beans are roasted, the oil is cooked off, leaving the bean dry and crunchy (initially).

However, coffee beans contain oils inside them where all the flavors, amino acids, antioxidants, and caffeine contents reside. This coffee oil starts coming out as it is roasted from the endosperm to the surface of the coffee bean.

Dark roast beans tend to be more oily than light or medium roast beans, as the higher temperatures and long roasting times cause more oil to be released from the beans.

Dark Roast vs Dark Beans

When it comes to dark beans, the oils are not released during the roasting process, but rather during the brewing process.

The oils in dark coffee beans are released when the beans are ground and exposed to hot water, which causes them to “bloom” and release their oils.

The oils in dark beans are what give them their deep, rich flavor.

Processing Techniques

How the coffee roasters process beans can also affect the level of oiliness in coffee beans.

Wet-processed coffee beans, for example, tend to be oilier beans than dry-processed beans, as the wet-processing method leaves more of the oils intact.

Storage Conditions

Coffee beans that are stored in warm, humid environments will release more oils, according to a study on Molecules Journal, resulting in oily coffee beans.

Also, the oils in your coffee bean will begin to leak if they have been stored on a shelf at the store for a long period. This is why we suggest buying recently roasted coffee.

The Chemistry Behind Oily Coffee Beans

Oily coffee beans are the result of the coffee roasting process, and the chemistry behind it is fascinating.

When coffee beans are roasted, the bean’s outer layers undergo a chemical reaction called Maillard Reactions.

This reaction occurs when the heat from the roaster causes the proteins and sugars present in the bean to break down, forming new compounds and producing the characteristic aroma and flavor of the coffee roasts.

During the roasting process, oils are released from dark roast coffee beans, which is what gives coffee beans their trademark oily texture.

The oils are composed of triglycerides, which are fatty acids that are responsible for the coffee’s flavor and aroma. These triglycerides are broken down by the heat of the roaster, and the oils are released.

The oils released during the roasting process also contribute to the unique flavor of the coffee. The oils contain compounds called esters which provide coffee with its characteristic flavor.

These compounds also interact with the proteins and sugars present in the beans and contribute to improving flavor.

It is important to note that the oils released during roasting can be harmful if they are not handled properly. They need to be stored in an airtight container and kept away from heat and light, as these will cause the oils to break down.

If the beans are not stored or handled properly, they can contain rancid oil, leading to off-flavors and a less-than-ideal cup of coffee.

Are Oily Coffee Beans Good or Bad?

Do Oily Coffee Beans Affect the Taste of Coffee? 7

Now that we understand the underlying reasons behind shiny coffee beans, the question comes “is this a good thing or bad?”

Oily coffee beans have been a subject of debate among coffee aficionados for some time now.

On one hand, some believe that the residual oil on the beans helps to improve the flavor and texture of the final cup. On the other hand, some say that oil can ruin the flavor and make the coffee taste unpleasant.

The truth is that ideal coffee depends on how you prefer it.

Many people find that the added coffee oil on the over-roasted beans can give a more intense flavor to the final cup of coffee, making it more robust and full-bodied. This is especially true for dark-roasted coffee beans and espresso blends.

Some people don’t like the oily texture of roasted coffee beans and may find that it detracts from the flavor of the coffee.

Another factor to consider is the freshness of the beans. If the beans are fresh, the oil on them will help to lock in the flavor, ensuring that the coffee tastes better for longer.

However, if the beans are old and the oil has had time to oxidize, the flavor of the coffee will be affected.

For some people, oily coffee is difficult to digest. So, you may want to start with a light roast if you’re not accustomed to drinking coffee oils from long roast.

What Are Some Problems with Oily Beans?

Do Oily Coffee Beans Affect the Taste of Coffee? 8

Oily coffee beans can sometimes cause weird problems:

Bitter Taste

The first issue with oily coffee beans is that they can produce a bitter taste. This is because the oils can interact with the acids in the beans, creating a bitter flavor.

While some people may prefer the taste of a bitter cup of coffee, it isn’t for everyone.

Also, the bitter taste can be intensified if the beans are over-extracted. Therefore, it’s important to use the right burr grinders and water temperature when brewing coffee.

Clog Filters

Another problem with oily beans is that they can clog filters.

This can be a particular issue with metal filters, as the oils can get stuck in the small holes and block the flow of water. This can result in a weak, watery cup of coffee.

If you’re using a paper filter, the oils may not block the flow of water, but they can still affect the taste of the finished product.

Damaged Equipment

Oily beans can put extra strain on your grinder or espresso machine.

This is because the oils can collect in the brewing chamber and other parts of the espresso machine, making it difficult for the water to pass through.

If this happens, the automatic coffee machines may need to be taken apart and cleaned. This can be a time-consuming process and can also lead to expensive repairs.

When Should You Pay More Attention to Oily Beans?

If you have a fully automated expresso maker!

The machine grinders inside the espresso machine might be fussier. Oily bean tends to adhere to the walls of the grinder which will gradually impair the performance of your machine.

Continued usage of oily beans may result in exorbitant maintenance costs (regular cleaning) and equipment downtime. It may also alter the flavor of your espresso and result in an unpleasant aftertaste.

That’s why we don’t recommend using very dark roasts (more oily) for espresso machines. You can instead use a French press with medium-dark roasts.

How Can I Prevent Oily Coffee Beans Problems?

Here are some tips on how to prevent oily coffee beans:

Choose the light to medium roast coffee – The darker the roast, the more surface oil will be released. Choose a light-roasted coffee or medium-roasted coffee for the best flavor and the least amount of oil.

Buy fresh coffee grounds Older coffee beans start to lose their flavor and oils as soon as they are roasted. Buy freshly roasted beans or coffee grounds from a reputable source.

Use pre-ground dark roast – Pre-ground dark roast coffee beans can be used as an alternative to freshly roasted coffee beans. Grinding your beans just before brewing will help to keep the oils locked in the beans and not released during the brewing methods.

Clean your coffee makerOils can build up in your coffee maker over time. Regularly cleaning your coffee machine with vinegar or a special cleaner will help to remove any built-up oils. Or you can instead use a manual burr grinder.

Store properly – It’s important to store your beans in a cool, dry place to keep the oils from going rancid or becoming low-quality coffee beans. An airtight container is best. You can read this article on storing coffee beans for more advice on this.

Don’t use flavored coffee beans – Flavored coffee beans tend to have added oils and other ingredients that can increase the risk of oily beans. If you want a flavored coffee, it’s best to purchase unflavored beans and add the flavor yourself.

Use the appropriate amount of coffee-Using too much coffee will result in more oils being extracted, so measure out the appropriate amount of coffee for your brew.

Experiment with different brewing methods– Some brewing methods, like as French press, extract more oils than others, so experiment with different methods to determine which produce less oily coffee.

Experiment with different coffee blends- Some coffee blends are inherently less oily than others, so experiment with different blends to find one that suits your taste and is less oily.

You may limit your consumption of oily coffee beans and enjoy a less greasy, more flavorful cup of coffee by following these steps.

FAQs

Are Starbucks Beans Too Oily?

Starbucks coffees tend to be more on the oily side. This is because the roasting process used to create Starbucks coffee beans is “dark roasting,” which leaves an oily residue, but has a stronger, more intense flavor. However, Starbucks also offers light roast and medium roast coffee beans.

How to Dry Oily Coffee Beans?

To dry oily coffee beans, you can either spread them out on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven at a low temperature (200 degrees Fahrenheit or lower) for 15-20 minutes, or you can use a food dehydrator set to the same temperature. Make sure to stir the beans occasionally to ensure even drying.

Does Kombucha Have Caffeine? All Your Questions Answered

Does kombucha have caffeine? Find out in our article today! We answer every question you’ve ever had about caffeine content with kombucha.

Does Kombucha Have Caffeine? All Your Questions Answered

Caffeine content is a necessity for some – and something to avoid for others. So, you want to know how much caffeine each drink has.

So, if you’re here to find out how much caffeine kombucha has – or if it even has caffeine in the first place – you’re in the right place! Caffeine can be detrimental to your health, so let’s begin:

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a type of sweetened black tea drink that has undergone a fermentation process. This fermentation process includes sugar, tea leaves, and yeast. As the beverage is being fermented, kombucha contains and releases bacterial and fungal compositions, along with acid and some alcohol.

It is sometimes referred to as kombucha tea to distinguish it from bacteria and yeast cultures. Normally, juices and spices are also added when brewing kombucha, resulting in different flavors. Normally, it tastes a lot like apple cider vinegar.

Aside from acids and alcohol, it contains caffeine as well.

Does Kombucha Have Caffeine?

If you’re watching your caffeine consumption or caffeine intake, we’re sorry to tell you that most kombucha does have caffeine levels in them! The caffeine is naturally occurring due to the tea leaves used. Oolong, black, green, and white teas all contain caffeine.

Around 15 mg of caffeine is in a kombucha drink. It’s barely noticeable, so even if you’re watching your caffeine content, you can still drink kombucha! Kombucha contains more nutrients than caffeine, and the caffeine isn’t that much in comparison to other beverages.

How Much Caffeine is In Kombucha?

It has around 15 mg of caffeine content per serving. During the kombucha tea fermentation process naturally reduces the amount of caffeine in each serving. If you’re wondering how much caffeine is in your own kombucha, you can have a benchmark depending on how long the brewing process is.

The longer the brewing process, the more caffeine is eaten up by yeast and bacteria.

How to Make Kombucha

Does Kombucha Have Caffeine? All Your Questions Answered 9

What You May Need:

Making kombucha starts water, a cup of sugar, 8 bags of your chosen tea (either black or green tea works best!), 2 cups of starter tea, and 1 scoby per fermentation jar. For more flavor, you might also need fruit juice, chopped fruit, flavored tea, honey, and some herbs and spices.

If you prefer to watch over your caffeine content, you can look for a tea bag that’s decaffeinated. Less caffeine is good for you, too!

Step 1: Brew the Base

Heat water until boiling before stirring in sugar. Add tea bags and let steep for a few hours until the tea and water mixture has cooled.

Step 2: Add Starter Tea

Remove the bags from the water. Stir in the starter tea. Don’t forget this step – it helps stop harmful tea fungus and bacteria from forming as it makes the hot liquid acidic.

Step 3: Add the Scoby

Transfer your liquid into jars and add scoby into each jar. Cover the mouth of the jar to make sure that no insects get in!

Step 4: Ferment

Ferment multiple kombucha jars out of sunlight. Keep it in an undisturbed, cool, dry place for seven to ten days. There are several microbial and biochemical dynamics going on! You might notice new scoby forming, or sediments and bubbles forming as well. The yeast will eat the sugars and create carbon dioxide.

Don’t worry – these are just signs of microbial fermentation, and the living cultures that exist in kombucha!

The fermentation process allows for kombucha nutritional compounds to form, too. It contains these nutrients that you benefit from!

Keep tasting the beverage until it reaches a flavor you like in your typical cup.

Step 5: Remove the Scoby

Lift and remove the scoby out of the fermented tea. You can now proceed to bottling your beverage! Then, carbonate and refrigerate it according to the exact amount of kombucha you want.

Can You Brew Kombucha With Decaffeinated Teas?

Want less caffeine? We’ve got you. Just like there’s such a thing as decaf coffee, there are also decaffeinated teas. Instead of the usual caffeine you find in most teas, decaf tea provides you a safer way to have kombucha without worrying about caffeine content.

Which is Healthier: Coffee or Kombucha?

The amount of caffeine is much higher in coffee compared to kombucha, but it’s not just the amount of caffeine that’s different. The health benefits differ, too.

If you want something healthier for the same amount of beverage you have each day, kombucha is much healthier for your gut and overall well-being! Green tea is also a healthier alternative in comparison to coffee. If you want caffeine, consider going for black tea.

What Are Some Healthy Kombucha Brands?

The Health-Ade Kombucha Tea, GT’s Kombucha, Brew Dr. and Better Booch Kombucha Organic are some bottle labels you should look out for! If you’re looking to ditch coffee or caffeine, Brew Dr., Health-Ade, GT’s, and Better Booch are the best for you!

FAQs

What is kombucha good for?

Kombucha has a number of health benefits, and it’s good for you if you want a healthy gut! It can improve digestion, mental task performance, and helps manage diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

Who should not be drinking kombucha?

Some forms of kombucha have caffeine and alcohol. Due to the drink being unpasteurized, it’s best if kombucha is limited from pregnant people and anyone breastfeeding. Should kombucha result in an allergic reaction, liver complications, or acidosis, you should also stop kombucha right away!

Is it healthy to have kombucha daily?

Yes, you can drink kombucha everyday. Due to its probiotic-rich formula, it helps in digestion and is a healthy dose to drink everyday.

Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Can: Caffeine Content Facts

Find out Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew can caffeine content and how it’s different from their regular cold brews so that you can enjoy this drink to the fullest.

Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Can: Caffeine Content Facts

If you’re a fan of Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew, you’ve likely wondered how much caffeine is actually in each cup. This popular iced beverage is made with cold brew coffee, nitrogen, and a few other ingredients, so the caffeine content can vary depending on the size of your cup and the type of coffee used. Let’s take a look at the caffeine content of Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew so you can make the most informed decision when it comes to your coffee consumption.

What Is Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew?

Starbucks Nitro cold brew is a particular type of cold brew coffee that was introduced in 2016 in some Starbucks stores but gradually spread to all of their coffee shops. This nitro cold brew has a distinct look, flavor, and texture and is prepared and served in a separate way. Although nitro cold brew is a cold coffee beverage, it is not the same as iced coffee, which is made by quickly brewing coffee with hot water and then chilling it. 

Compared to how coffee is typically prepared, cold brew is made at a considerably lower temperature. This method necessitates a longer brewing period. Contrary to drip coffee, which brews in hot water in only a few minutes, nitro cold brew typically requires 12 to 24 hours of steeping in cool to room temperature water; Starbucks steeps its cold brew for 20 hours.

Instead of going into a coffee maker or urn, nitro cold brew is often placed in a bottle or keg to be held at a cold temperature. Simply put, nitro cold brew is cold brew coffee that has been kegged and added nitrogen as it is poured into your cup.

The nitro cold brew is served without ice as it has already been brewed cold and stored at a cold temperature in a keg. I was slightly taken aback as there was no straw that came with my nitro cold brew. I realized that a straw won’t help me get the full experience of the thick foam in the nitro cold brew. Then I noticed the broad hole in the lid that does the job right. 

Differences Between Cold Brew, Iced Coffee, And Nitro Brew

Nitro BrewCold BrewIced Coffee
The base is cold brewMade from coffee grounds steeped in cold water for 12-24 hoursMade from hot coffee brewed
for a few minutes
Infused with nitrogenNot treated with any gas
Heavier, smoother, creamier textureLighter textureLight texture
Served from a tap without iceServed from a pitcherServed with ice
Thick foam on topNo foam on topNo foam on top
Resembles stout beerNo distinct appearancePlain appearance
Caffeine content varies as per flavor
and cup/can size
Lower in caffeineHigher caffeine content due to
hot water brewing
Less acidic, less bitter, and sweet tasteLess acidic and less bitterMore acidic and bitter
Chocolate notesCoffee notesCoffee notes
Available in Starbucks cansNot available in cansNot available in cans

Nitro cold brew and iced coffee differ in brewing time, brewing temperature, brewing method, serving method, caffeine content, taste, texture, and flavor. Iced coffee is made from hot coffee that has been brewed for a few minutes and then poured over ice. Nitro cold brew is made from coffee grounds steeped in cold water for 12 to 24 hours to absorb all the caffeine, color, and flavor. It’s then strained to get a coffee concentrate that can be mixed with milk or dairy alternatives. 

Nitro cold brew is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen, a colorless and odorless gas that changes the texture of the coffee beverage, giving it a rich and silky mouthfeel. And here lies the main difference – the texture. While cold brew coffee is light, nitro cold brew is heavier

Appearance is also different as you don’t get a foam top on a cold brew coffee whereas you get a thick topping of foam on a nitro cold brew because the nitrogen in the cold brew coffee is light and rises to the top. 

A cold brew coffee has a lower caffeine content because of cold brewing, which does not extract the full spectrum of caffeine, oils, and flavor compounds from the coffee. So, there is less acidity, less bitterness, and more sweetness than regular cold brew.

Whereas cold brew coffee is served from a pitcher, nitro cold brews are served from a tap and the nitrogen in it adds some sweetness and chocolate tones. One more difference is that you can get canned Starbucks nitro cold brew in different flavors. 

What Does Nitro Cold Brew Taste Like?

Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Can: Caffeine Content Facts 10

The taste, appearance, and texture of Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew are surprisingly different from what I expected when I first ordered it. The nitro cold brew flows slowly from a tapped keg, resembling more a stout beer than a coffee beverage. The nitrogen causes a froth of tiny bubbles to form, fill the cup, gradually separate, and rise to the surface of the liquid. You get a cup of rich, dark coffee topped with a head of thick, luscious crema that will remind you of your favorite beer. 

FeatureDescription
AppearanceResembles a stout beer, with a slow pour and froth of tiny bubbles
TextureRich, substantial, and silky smooth
TasteSweet, chocolatey undertone with lower acidity than standard cold brew
SweetenerNo need for added sweetener
DigestibilityEasier on digestive system due to lower acidity
Nutritional BenefitsHelps with weight loss, retains nutrients and antioxidants

The drink’s consistency is also more similar to that of a stout than a cold brew coffee. Regular hot or cold brew coffee is more watery than Starbucks’ Nitro Cold Brew. In your mouth, nitro cold brew feels more substantial, rich, and silky smooth.

What does nitro coffee taste like?Starbucks nitro cold brew is noticeably sweeter due to the nitrogen that was added and it also draws out the chocolatey undertone. That’s why there’s no need to add any sweetener and you would be ruining its taste if you did so. Plus, its lower acidity makes it less bitter than a standard cold brew coffee, and a better choice for people who need a cold brew that’s easy on their digestive system. The bonus point of Starbucks nitro cold brew is it helps in weight loss and retains a lot of nutrients and antioxidants as it’s brewed in cold water.

Starbucks Canned Nitro Cold Brew Caffeine Count

Caffeine Content ComparisonCaffeine (in mg)
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Grande (16 fl oz)280
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Tall (12 fl oz)215
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Black (11 fl oz)235
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Black, Unsweetened (9.6 fl oz)155
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Vanilla Sweet Cream (9.6 fl oz)110
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Dark Caramel (9.6 fl oz)155
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Dark Cocoa Sweet Cream (9.6 fl oz)110

Caffeine count depends on the coffee beans you are using, the grind size, and the brewing time and method. If you’re a regular at Starbucks, you may want to know how much caffeine in Starbucks drinks

You can choose either a Tall (12 fl oz) or a Grande (16 fl oz) of Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew. Don’t expect a Venti nitro cold brew because you won’t get the same nitro cascade or the stream of bubbles in a larger Starbucks cup size. The Tall size has 215 milligrams of caffeine while the Grande size has 280 milligrams as per their website. So, if you compare the caffeine count of Grande nitro cold brew with that of a Grande Hot Pike Place Roast (310 milligrams) or a Grande Hot Blonde Roast (360 milligrams), it’s lower. But it’s higher than that of a Grande Iced Coffee which contains 165 milligrams of caffeine. 

You can carry the nitro cold brew taste in a can. Here’s a list of all the Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Can flavor and their caffeine content. 

FlavorCaffeine (mg)Size (fl oz)
Vanilla Sweet Cream1109.6
Black Unsweet1559.6
Black23511
Dark Caramel1559.6
Dark Cocoa Sweet Cream1109.6

As you can see, the Starbucks nitro cold brew sweet cream caffeine content is the lowest as is the dark cocoa sweet cream among the canned variety. The black variant is very high in caffeine content, almost reaching the daily recommended limit of 300-400 milligrams. You can buy all these Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew cans online from Amazon. And if you have trouble with caffeine, you can order any of the 30 Starbucks low caffeine drinks

FAQs

Is Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew The Most Caffeinated Drink?

No, Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew is not the drink with the highest caffeine content. With 340–380 milligrams of caffeine per Grande serving, Clover Brewed Coffee has the highest caffeine content. With 280 mg of caffeine, the Nitro Cold Brew is Starbucks’ second-most caffeinated beverage. However, the menu does not provide a Venti nitro cold brew. In comparison to other beverages in the bigger venti size, Nitro Cold Brew has less caffeine. Cold Brew, Americano, Iced Shaken Espresso, and a venti-sized cup of plain brewed coffee all include 300 milligrams or more caffeine.

How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?

According to FDA, 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is okay for an adult. This means four to five cups of coffee in an 8-ounce coffee cup size. 

Starbucks Blenders: Are They The Right Choice For You?

Find out the Starbucks blenders are used to make blended beverages, which is right for you, and compare them with other blenders to make the right choice.

Starbucks Blenders: Are They The Right Choice For You? 11

‘Tis the season for Starbucks pumpkin spice, peppermint mocha frappuccino, or any other blended beverages that come in different flavors this time of year. It’s time to indulge and I, for one, am a regular fan of these seasonal beverages.

I’ve often wondered what blender does Starbucks use to get the smooth and velvety frappuccinos and if it would be worth it for me to get it for use at home. So I went about doing my research as usual and here’s what I found out.

Which Is The Starbucks Blender Of Choice?

Which Is The Starbucks Blender Of Choice?

To end all your speculations here’s the answer to what blender Starbucks uses to produce one after another beverage blended to perfection. The Quiet One Vitamix Blender is the typical blender used at Starbucks. Starbucks uses this Vitamix blender for a wide range of reasons.

Noise-Free

To maintain a decent coffee shop atmosphere where customers can converse and enjoy their coffee without annoying burring sounds, Starbucks needs their commercial blenders to be as quiet as possible. This blender was made specifically to be very quiet with a special air management system for noise reduction. Although it’s a strong blender, other blenders of a similar size are usually considerably noisy. It features a sound shield to assist in muting some of the sound and vibrations produced by the motor. As a result, this product is 4X quieter than comparable blenders. 

Powerful

The 3-peak output horsepower engine effortlessly combines many servings of smoothies, frappés, and frozen drinks while swiftly pulverizing the ingredients. The motor can cut through anything. Many of Starbucks’ blended drinks contain a lot of ice and other frozen components. They require a flexible blender that can easily and consistently shred through components like ice with minimal hassle. 

Efficient

Starbucks baristas move quickly since there is a steady stream of customers waiting impatiently for their beverages, thus their blenders must be able to keep up with the flow of customers’ orders. This blender can blend everything in one go without any need for re-blending and has been made for quick and active use, right down to the no-drip, smooth-pour spout.

Programmable

Another reason is the blender’s programmable settings, like the automatic shut-off feature, ensure further efficiency. Thanks to the 6 program buttons and 34 optimum parameters included with this blender, Starbucks can produce drinks with higher consistency, flexibility, and efficiency. This product can even handle special recipes without any hiccups. 

Durable

Starbucks needs a blender that won’t need to be fixed, replaced, or even meticulously maintained, given how frequently they use them. This blender is made to withstand years of continuous commercial use. It features a durable blade too. 

Easy Maintenance

The blender is easy to clean with its removable parts and is also simple to maintain. The plastic sound shield is easily removable as there are no screws involved, making maintenance effortless. Both the container and lid can be washed in the dishwasher, or you can let them clean themselves by blending a drop of dish soap with warm water for 35 seconds.

Key Features:

  • 48-ounce capacity
  • Advanced dampening technology for noise reduction by 18 decibels
  • Magnetically designed floating sound enclosure for easy removal and cleaning
  • 6 program buttons and 34 optimum parameters for professional quality drinks
  • The one-piece circuit board and keypad sealing for more reliability
  • 3 horse-power motor for faster blending and more efficient operation
  • 3-year warranty

Should You Get The Vitamix Blender That Starbucks Uses?

Should You Get The Vitamix Blender That Starbucks Uses?

First off, the blender that Starbucks uses is one of the commercial blenders, not meant for domestic use. While Starbucks is a commercial enterprise, the Vitamix blender is perfect for them because it is made to withstand years of continuous commercial use. Unless you want to get one for your coffee shop, you’re better off without it. 

Other reasons that you should not consider getting a Vitamix blender for home use are:

Cost-Benefit Analysis

When you do a cost-benefit analysis, it doesn’t make sense to pay more for a blender when you can get other cheaper blenders that will do the job just as well. The Starbucks blenders cost a pretty penny – close to $2k. You can get some of the best blenders under $200. For domestic use, you don’t blend up hundreds of drinks every day and it will be hard for you to justify the high price tag of the Starbucks blender.

Noise Reduction

Although we have mentioned that the Vitamix blenders used in Starbucks are specially designed to reduce noise, there have been reports where users said there are blenders that make less noise. If you want to find one of these, the 10 best quiet blenders review may be up your alley. 

Ease Of Operation

This blender has a lot of power, but at first, it might be too much for you to handle or know what to do with! This blender’s pre-programmed blends are designed to deliver consistent drinks. Those baristas at Starbucks just add the ingredients in the appropriate amounts, hit a button, and watch it blend! Unlike homemade blends, where you would want more control over the blending process, this is different. There will probably be a small learning curve to use this blender to its maximum ability.

Other Vitamix Blenders

Starbucks Blenders: Are They The Right Choice For You? 12

There are other Vitamix blenders you can get for your home instead of a commercial blender. For starters, the Vitamix Professional Series 750 blender is priced much lower than the one Starbucks uses. 

Features:

  • 5 pre-programmed settings to heat, chop, blend, emulsify and grind
  • 6-foot cord for ease of movement
  • Variable speed control and Pulse function
  • Kitchen-friendly design with a 64-ounce capacity
  • Laser-cut hardened stainless steel blades for rough and tough ingredient handling
  • High-speed, fast-action blades for heating colder ingredients fast

Pros:

  • Makes puree, frozen desserts, smoothies, and hot soup, nut butter, baby food recipes with its pre-programmed functions
  • The Pulse function enables you to make chunky and thick vegetable soups and salsas
  • Creating different textures with variable speeds and more control
  • Perfect capacity for serving the whole family
  • Low-profile design can be stored comfortably
  • Quick 30- to 60-second self-cleaning that saves time
  • Cold ingredients become hot within 6 minutes with friction heating

Cons:

  • It can be noisy

Check the price at Amazon.


Instant Ace Plus Blender Review

Instant Ace Blender Plus review may make you change your mind about getting one of the blenders used at Starbucks. Because if you’re looking for instant pot blenders that cook and blend virtually everything, then the Instant Pot Ace Blender is all that you need. From nut milk, margaritas, dips, baby foods, and frozen treats to hot soups, the instant pot ace blender doubles up as a 24/7 chef. 

Features:

  • 25,000 RPM 10-speed powerful bender for tasty and healthy smoothies
  • Fully customizable cooking temperature for more control 
  • Smart Program for cleaning jar and blades in under 60 seconds
  • Crushed Ice Program for making professional-standard margaritas and blended beverages with crushed ice
  • Instant pot blender for uniform cooking with a heating element and soup function
  • 4 hot-blending programs and 4 cold-blending one-touch programs
  • 54-ounce capacity

Pros:

  • Hot and cold functions for making both hot food and cold drinks
  • More versatile as it allows you to make milkshakes, pizza dough, cake batter, puddings, and more
  • Cooking hot soups doesn’t depend on blade friction but on the proper heating element for uniform cooking
  • Keeps food warm automatically for 2 hours after making a hot blend
  • Easy to use with a simple LED display and touchscreen interface for changing settings and monitoring the temperature of your meals. 
  • Accessories like a cleaning brush are included for a thorough cleaning, measuring cups for proper ingredient measurement, and for making nut milk like soy milk

Cons:

  • The bottom of the blade section of the instant pot ace blender cannot be removed and may lead to mold formation
  • Cannot knead the dough
  • Not dishwasher-safe

Check the price at Amazon


Ninja Mega Kitchen System 

Starbucks Blenders: Are They The Right Choice For You? 13

This is another alternative blender that you can use at home for convenience and quick meal prep. The extra large size pitcher, a food processor bowl, and the on-the-go Nutri Ninja Cups are specially designed to give high-performance blending, processing, and vitamin and nutrient extracting processes.

Features:

  • 2 horse-power motor for fast and powerful blending
  • A 72-ounce pitcher that crushes ice to snow in seconds
  • Even chopping with an 8-cup food processor
  • Four 16-ounce on-the-go Nutri Ninja cups with lids for carrying everywhere
  • Dishwasher-safe and BPA-free plastic parts

Pros:

  • Makes 2 pounds of dough in 30 seconds
  • Powerful motor for fast and efficient blending and processing
  • Extra large pitcher and food processor to make meal prep easier
  • Maximum vitamin and nutrient extraction with Nutri Ninja cups
  • Easy to clean

Cons:

  • Ninja Mega Kitchen System soup recipes are the only thing you can’t make in this blender as it doesn’t support blending hot ingredients as per the information shared on their website

Check the price on Amazon.


Ninja Foodi Blender Vs Instant Pot Blender

If you compare Ninja Foodi blender with the Instant Pot Blender, you will notice some similarities and differences. The Ninja Foodi Power Blender And Processor is a powerful blender using 1400 watts to crush ice and other ingredients very fast. The 3-in-1 product crushes, processes, and makes dough. You can make 1½ pounds of dough in just 45 seconds. With smartTorque technology, there is no need to stop, shake, or stir tough ingredients. The 72-ounce pitcher capacity helps make food and beverages for the whole family a matter of pressing buttons. 6 preset Auto-IQ programs to make a one-touch dough, smoothies, and chopping a breeze. The stacked blade design delivers superior chopping performance. Thanks to the variable speed control, you can have ingredients as smooth or as chunky as you want. Cleaning up this blender is simple as the attachments are dishwasher-safe and you also get a cleaning brush if you want to handwash the gadget. The Ninja Foodi blender can do all chopping, crushing, and kneading activities with ease. 

The Instant Pot Ace Nova Cooking Blender is powered by a 1000-watt motor to quickly prepare soups, smoothies, nut butter, oat milk, soy milk, baby foods, and more and bring out all the nutrients for a healthy meal. Its hot blending feature is intuitive and keeps food warm for up to two hours. With the dough-kneading function, you can prepare bread, cakes, and pies at home. The 56-ounce blender takes only a minute to clean with its Smart cleaning program that removes almost all the food residue from the pitcher and the blades. 

Although the Instant Pot Blender costs less than the Ninja Foodi Power blender, it offers both cold and hot functions and therefore, more versatility. The capacity of the pitcher is smaller, making it less suitable to prep meals for a family or to entertain a large group of people quickly. The Ninja Foodi blender is larger and more powerful and it saves time as there is no need to stall it. Although it offers fewer preset programs, it depends on what you want to use your blender most often for to choose one over the other.

Ninja Foodi and Instant Pot Blenders Comparison Table

Ninja Foodi BlenderInstant Pot Blender
Amps1400 watts100 watts
Hot and Cold FunctionsNoYes
Customizable cooking temperatureNoYes
Dough making functionYesYes
Number of preset programs612
Easy to cleanYesYes

 

FAQs

How To Clean Cloudy Ninja Blender?

Mix water and baking soda to make a paste. It should be thin enough to spread but not too thin to adhere to the interior without dripping. The paste should be evenly coated inside. After letting it sit for about 20 minutes, scrub the container with a scrub pad. To remove all the baking soda, repeatedly rinse the paste.

How Many Amps Does A Blender Use?

A Vitamix blender uses 12 Amps while a Ninja professional blender uses 12.5 Amps.

Coffee Machine In Starbucks: What Espresso Machine Does Starbucks Use?

Find out which coffee machine in Starbucks is used to pull one after another perfect espresso shots to satisfy their customers and keep them coming back. 

Coffee Machine In Starbucks: What Espresso Machine Does Starbucks Use? 14

Whether I’m going to work or chilling on the weekend, there’s rarely a single day that I don’t stop at Starbucks for coffee. There’s nothing not to love about Starbucks coffee as it’s served quickly, fresh, and full of flavor and that oh-so-wonderful aroma. And countless times, I tried to emulate the Starbucks coffee taste at home even using their coffee beans but alas! Each time I tried, there was something not quite right. Then it finally occurred to me that the espresso machine used at Starbucks must be the trick to making the coffee taste so good.

So I tried to find out what espresso machine does Starbucks use and if I could get my hands on one. Here’s what I found out.

History Of What Kind Of Espresso Machine Does Starbucks Use

Starbucks always didn’t use the fully automatic espresso machine that they use today. In the beginning, they used standard espresso machines to cater to their customers’ caffeine cravings. Here’s a brief history of what kind of espresso machine they started with and why they have upgraded to the Mastrena II today. 

Back in the 1990s, Starbucks used a different machine – the Linea by La Marzocco. If you want to use these machines to their full potential, you need to be an expert because they’re just like regular espresso machines with regular portafilters. In other words, you need some skills to pull that perfect espresso shot. 

When Starbucks became the powerful coffee company it is today, it switched to using super-automatic machines. The old espresso machines needed to be watched a bit, but super-automatics only need you to set the settings and push a button.

They got a Mastrena from Thermoplan AG, which was made for them in 2008. This Swiss coffee machine, the Mastrena CS2, was super-automatic. It had a huge hopper on top that could hold a lot of beans. The CS2 also had a built in burr grinder that could grind coffee beans faster than you would need for home use. The unit had a steam wand attached to it.

The Mastrena CS2 has been around for a while, but a new model called the Mastrena II is slowly taking its place.

What Coffee Maker Does Starbucks Use Now?

Coffee Machine In Starbucks: What Espresso Machine Does Starbucks Use? 15

The Mastrena High Yield Espresso machine that Starbucks uses is made by a Swiss company, Thermoplan AG. Thermoplan actually created the espresso machine expressly for Starbucks. Because of this, it will be difficult to locate them elsewhere.

A fully automatic coffee maker with a high yield, the Mastrena High Yield Espresso Machine can quickly serve customers. There are other benefits of this beast of a machine that makes it an integral part of Starbucks.

Design

The Mastrena High Yield Espresso Machine has a unique design that makes it shorter than standard commercial coffee makers so baristas can make eye contact with clients and develop personal relationships with their clients as they prepare their drinks. In the service industry, it’s very important to establish one-to-one relationships with customers; eye contact is one of the main ways of doing so. 

Since the Mastrena espresso machine used at Starbucks was explicitly designed for the coffee chain, it has a built in coffee grinder that makes possible rapid production of coffee and also makes it hassle-free for the barista. The barista only needs to place the coffee beans in one end of the machine’s bean to cup system and receive the drink in the other. 

Efficiency

How Starbucks makes coffee directly relates to its efficiency and customer satisfaction. The Starbucks automatic coffee machine has contributed to the chain’s high customer satisfaction rate as it can churn out espressos faster – 240 shots per hour – and maintain consistent quality. Not only has it sped up the process of making drinks but the automatic commercial coffee machines Starbucks also create the perfect water-to-coffee ratio to make the best espresso shots. 

The computerized menu system of Starbucks espresso machines remembers the exact process of making espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes, making them an indispensable part of the coffee experience at America’s favorite coffee shop. 

Cost-Saving

With the latest model of the espresso machine used in Starbucks, overall operations costs are reduced as it requires very little training to get a new barista onboard. No hefty training expenses are involved when the machine can grind coffee beans and channel them to produce an excellent cup of espresso at the touch of a button. 

Easy Maintenance

Another advantage is the ease with which the Mastrena espresso machine can be disassembled. This makes cleanup simple for whoever is in charge. Being able to easily disassemble this machine is useful for maintenance in addition to cleaning. It takes a huge load off the café manager’s shoulders. 

Future-Ready

The Mastrena II is equipped with artificial intelligence or AI and is fitted for the future. It’s connected to the central office and collects information such as customer preferences, when the machine is supposed to get routine maintenance, the likelihood of the machine breaking down, and even updating recipes digitally.

In the Internet of Things age, Starbucks has been smart to upgrade its espresso machines and utilize them in more ways than just pulling espresso shots. 

 1: Benefits of The Coffee Machine In Starbucks

1. Barista-Friendly Design

2. Efficiency

3. Cost-Saving

4. Easy Maintenance

5. Fitted For The Future

Coffee Machine In Starbucks: What Espresso Machine Does Starbucks Use? 16

Can You Get A Starbucks Coffee Machine In Store?

Unfortunately, you can’t get the latest Mastrena II coffee machine in Starbucks stores or anywhere as Starbucks inked an exclusive deal with Thermoplan. That means it’s not open for public purchase. Also, it wouldn’t make sense to use one of these machines at home when you can buy one after reading reviews of the top 10 best bean to cup coffee machines

Moreover, there’s nothing all that special about this espresso machine except that it’s Swiss-made. Well, there is another thing special about it. Everything’s computerized and calibrated so with just one push of a button, you can get a fresh cup without any fuss. 

Another point that doesn’t make it a sensible choice to own the same espresso machine that Starbucks uses (even if you could!) is its price. Do you know how much the Mastrena espresso machine cost? It costs between $15k to $28k. I think it’s not worth it for home users to invest so much in an espresso machine. Even for small and medium businesses, it’s not feasible as it would take a long time to get back the return on investment. 

But if you’re bent on getting one, try looking for an older espresso machine from Starbucks. It still costs a lot and you can do better by buying a new espresso machine for much less. 

Other Coffee Machines Used In Starbucks

Apart from the Mastrena II, Starbucks uses other brewing equipment like the Clover brewing system. In this method, one cup is brewed at a time by using both the French press and the vacuum system to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid coffee. Starbucks acquired the manufacturing company of the Clover brewing system – Coffee Equipment Company – in 2008. That’s why these brewing machines are not sold commercially. 

Another espresso machine used is the Verismo Brewer. This light coffee machine uses espresso pods to brew espressos and lattes. In just 15 seconds, it can brew 10 ounces of coffee using high-pressure extraction for full flavor and aroma. 

What Kind Of Espresso Does Starbucks Use?

1Starbucks Classic Dark Espresso Roast
2Starbucks Decaf Espresso Blend
3Starbucks Light Roast Blonde Espresso

It’s not only the espresso machine that Starbucks uses that makes a difference in their coffee beverages. What type of espresso does Starbucks use also has an impact on the outcome of the Starbucks drink.

Starbucks house blend coffee and other types of Starbucks coffee beans used for brewing coffee are what make them stand head and shoulders above any other coffee shop.

Starbucks Classic Dark Espresso Roast, Starbucks Decaf Espresso Blend, and Starbucks Light Roast Blonde Espresso are the three main types of espresso used in Starbucks. Starbucks Signature Espresso Roast is used for making most espresso shots that carry a robust flavor with caramel notes. 

Unless you ask for the Starbucks Light Roast Blonde Espresso or a certain recipe calls for it, it’s not usually used. It has a smooth texture and citrus notes with a sweet undertone and goes well with plant-based milk and honey, for example, ice blonde vanilla latte and other Starbucks keto drinks

FAQs

What Espresso Does Starbucks Use?

To answer what kind of coffee does Starbucks use, we need to look at the coffee beans they use and the roast. A blend of coffee beans from Asia/Pacific and Latin America is used to make an espresso dark roast that’s deep with rich notes of caramelized sugar and molasses.

Which Coffee Machines Use Starbucks Pods?

Creatista Uno Nespresso, Breville Nespresso Expert, Breville Vertuo Coffee And Espresso Machine, Breville Espresso Essenza Mini Original Espresso Machine, and Nespresso Lattissima Pro use Starbucks pods.

How Hot Is Coffee Supposed to Be Served? The Facts According to Science

How hot is coffee supposed to be served? Find out the facts according to science with this guide that breaks down everything you need to know.

How Hot Is Coffee Supposed to Be Served? The Facts According to Science

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world and there are many ways to prepare it. The temperature at which coffee is served can have a big impact on the taste and quality of the drink.

So, how hot is coffee supposed to be served? The answer may surprise you.

According to a scientific study published in Burns Journal, the perfect temperature for serving coffee without any risk of burn is 136 °F (57.8 °C). This temperature will give you the best balance between burn safety and flavor.  

However, it’s not possible to serve coffee at a defined temperature every time. The optimum temperature range for serving coffee is 130 °F to 140 °F (54.4–60 °C).

Don’t let the numbers confuse you. For one, the preferred drinking temperature will be lower than the serving temperature. Also, there is a difference between serving and brewing temperature, and it’s not certainly suggested as the best-tasting temperature for hot coffees!

The following article discusses these confusions as they come up in detail – so you can better brew your own coffee the same way you would be an experienced barista.

Different Types of Coffee Served Temperature

Type of CoffeeAverage Served Temperature (°F)Average Served Temperature (°C)
Espresso150°F – 170°F65.5°C – 76.6°C
Drip Coffee140°F – 160°F60°C – 71.1°C
French Press140°F – 160°F60°C – 71.1°C
Pour Over140°F – 160°F60°C – 71.1°C
Cold BrewBelow Room TemperatureBelow 20°C

Note: Temperatures may vary based on personal preference and serving methods.

☕️ Note: Temperatures may vary based on personal preference and serving methods.

How Temperature Can Impact Your Experience of Drinking Coffee?

How Hot Is Coffee Supposed to Be Served? The Facts According to Science 17

If coffee is served too hot, it can become bitter and burnt tasting. On the other hand, if it is not hot enough, the flavors will be muted, and the coffee will lack the characteristic richness that we all love.

But how hot is too hot? Which temperature range allows for the coffee to retain its flavor and aroma while still being hot enough to enjoy?

Let’s take a look at how your coffee may taste at different temperatures, according to science:

180–185 °F: Warming Sensations and Almost No Taste

This is considered too hot for serving coffee. At this temperature, you’ll barely taste anything, and your taste buds may burn.

Some commercial coffee shops serve coffee at this temperature only because they assume it will stay fresh for a while.

155–175 °F: Hot, Less Acidic, Rounded, and Bitter Notes

Most coffee experts recommend serving coffee between 155- and 175 degrees Fahrenheit.

The coffee will taste “hot,” but it is still palatable in this range. In this heat setting, the taste isn’t very strong; you may taste a momentary acidity or bitterness in the beginning.

However, these temperatures bring forth a distinct scent. If it’s a chilly morning or you’re drinking a subpar cup of caffeine, you may drink at this temperature range.

140–150 °F: Lots of Flavor and Warmth

Some argue that even 155°F is too hot for coffee, even though it may seem like a proper temperature to you.

140–150°F is the middle ground for drinking a hot, high-quality ground coffee with a sweeter taste. You’ll taste the coffee’s roast flavor and distinctive bitterness around this temperature range.

Dark roasts and those who like a hot beverage’s warmth should drink their coffee at this temperature.

120–140 °F: More Acidic, Smooth, and Mellower Flavor

120 to 140 degrees, you’ll be able to taste the complete flavor of coffee at its best. Coffee is more acidic and has a sharper flavor.

Your taste buds will experience the complete spectrum of subtle aromas and acidity with each sip, which lasts for a few seconds. Also, under 140 degrees, the coffee is no longer “hot,” but it still feels warm.

This range is especially recommended for a light roast with distinct nuances.

Below 120 °F: “Cool,” Yet Delicious

The coffee is now considered to be “cold.” Heat no longer reaches your tongue. This enables the taste to linger and become perceptible on the tongue.

Many drinkers will try to reheat their cup of coffee when the temperature drops below 120°F. However, reheating coffee alters its flavor profile, therefore we don’t advise doing it.

Instead, once the temperature approaches 100 degrees, you should enjoy it as a cold coffee and even pour over some ice!

So, What’s the Ideal Temperature?

So, you want a conclusion? How hot coffee is supposed to be served for a delicate balance of hot and cold?

The only real takeaway from this discussion may be that your ideal serving temperature for coffee depends on your own taste preferences as long as it is neither lukewarm nor boiling hot.

Sorry to say that you won’t find an answer everyone agrees on.

However, don’t leave disappointed. Here are some general guidelines from us to help you find the perfect temperature for your cup of coffee:

  • You would be better off staying in the 155–175 °F range if you like the warm, sweet, rounded, and bitter characteristics of coffee.
  • But if you like a cup that is sharper, brighter, and more acidic, aim for a temperature between 120 and 140 °F.
  • Finally, though we don’t recommend it, a cup between 180 and 185 °F served right after brewing would be ideal for you if you have an evolutionary bias toward hot beverages.

Our recommendation is that you may serve coffee a bit hotter since it will cool down and the person consuming it can choose when it is ready, so long as you don’t burn the coffee when you boil it. When it’s cold, it’s more difficult to reheat it.

Your Personal Preference Is the Key Here

Of course, the ideal coffee temperature is just a starting point. Your personal preferences will ultimately dictate what temperature is perfect for you.

So, if you like your coffee on the hotter side, go ahead and crank up the heat. If you prefer your coffee on the cooler side, don’t be afraid to let it cool down a bit before you take your first sip.

The perfect cup of coffee is out there waiting for you, and with a little experimentation, you’ll find it in no time.

What Temperature Should Coffee Be Brewed at?

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If you’ve come this far, it should be no secret to you that the temperature of your coffee can have a big impact on the coffee flavor. But what many people don’t realize is that the brewing coffee temperature and the serving temperature can be very different.

The serving temperature is the temperature of the coffee when it is finally poured into your cup. This can be anywhere around 120-180 degrees Fahrenheit.

The brewing temperature is the temperature of the water when it comes in contact with the coffee grounds. According to the National Coffee Association of USA, this temperature should be between 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, brewing coffee is an inexact science, and there are a lot of variables that go into making the perfect cup of coffee.

So, what is the ideal temperature to brew coffee?

The answer is: it depends. On what? The type of coffee, the grind, the brewing method, and the water all play a role in the final brewed coffee.

  • Different types of coffee beans require different brewing temperatures. For example, light roast coffee beans are best brewed at a lower temperature than dark roast beans.
  • The grind also makes a difference. A finer grind will require a higher brewing temperature, while a coarse grind can be brewed at a lower temperature.
  • The type of brewing method also plays a role in the final temperature. A French press will require a different temperature than an espresso machine.
  • And finally, the water you use can also affect the final temperature. Hard water will require a higher brewing temperature than soft water.

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for the ideal coffee brewing temperature. The best way to figure out the ideal temperature for your coffee is to experiment and find what works best for you.

So why is there such a big difference between the brewing temperature and the serving temperature?

It all has to do with the extraction process.

At higher temperatures, the coffee grounds will release more of their oils and flavors into the water. Therefore, brewing at a higher temperature will result in a more flavorful cup of coffee (which is why it’s recommended). However, if the coffee is too hot, it can become bitter and unpleasant while drinking.

On the other hand, brewing at a lower temperature will result in a less flavorful cup of coffee. But the coffee will be less likely to taste bitter.

How to Ensure Preferred Temperature While You Drink Coffee?

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From all the discussions, it turns out that the temperature of your brewed coffee can make a big difference in the coffee flavor. And now that you know about the ideal brewing and serving temperature for coffee, it’s time to bring all the knowledge to your coffee table.

How do you make sure your coffee is at your preferred temperature?

Whether you like it piping hot or relatively cool, there are a few things you can do to make sure your coffee is always at your preferred temperature.

While You’re at a Coffee Shop

You may think you’ve no control over the coffee when you’re in a coffee shop outside. But that’s not the case.

Here are a few tips:

  • If you like your coffee hot, ask for it to be brewed with boiling hot water.
  • If you prefer your coffee to be more on the lukewarm side, request that it be brewed with room-temperature water.
  • If you want your coffee to be at a specific temperature, you can always ask the barista to adjust the water temperature to your liking. You can also ask to see the coffee brewing temperature gauge.
  • If you’re not sure what temperature you prefer, just drink in as they serve for the first time. Next time you’re there, you’ll know what to ask.

While You’re Brewing at Home

If you’re someone who likes to brew his own coffee in the morning, here are some things you can do:

  • Use a thermometer: A thermometer is the best way to ensure that your coffee is at your preferred temperature. Place the thermometer in the coffee pot or mug and wait until it reaches your desired temperature.
  • Pay attention to the water temperature: If you like it hot, make sure to use hot water when brewing. Conversely, if you prefer your coffee on the cooler side, use cooler water rather than cooling down later.
  • Use a preheated mug: If you’re using a mug, make sure to preheat it before adding the coffee. If you’re using a carafe, do the same. This will help keep the coffee hot.

By following these simple tips, you can make sure your coffee is always at your preferred temperature. So go ahead and enjoy that perfect cup of coffee, just the way you like it.

The Best Way to Keep Coffee Hot

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The best way to keep coffee hot is to use a thermal coffee mug or thermos. It’s also called a “thermal carafe “.

These mugs have a double-walled construction with a vacuum seal between the walls. This helps to keep the coffee hot for hours. You can also find mugs with a built-in heating element that will keep your coffee hot all day long.

If you are using a regular coffee mug, you can preheat it by filling it with hot water and letting it sit for a few minutes before adding your coffee. You can also put a lid on your coffee mug to help keep the heat in.

The Fastest Way to Cool Down Hot Coffee

If you’re looking for the fastest way to cool down hot coffee, here are a few methods you can use:

  • One way is to pour the hot coffee into a container with a lid and place it in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes. This will help the coffee to cool down quickly.
  • Another way to cool hot coffee is to pour it into a cup with ice cubes. This will help to lower the coffee’s temperature quickly.
  • If you’re in a hurry, you can also try blowing on the coffee to help cool it down.
  • If you find that your coffee is too hot or too cold, add a little bit of milk or cream to adjust the temperature.

The next time you make coffee or order one, be sure to pay attention to the temperature. Everyone’s taste is different, so you’ll have to experiment to find the temperature that suits you best. And once you find that perfect temperature, your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs

How Hot Was the Coffee in The McDonald’s Lawsuit

In the McDonald’s lawsuit, the coffee was determined to be too hot. It was estimated to be between 180 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit and it was determined that this was too hot for consumers.
This lawsuit led to McDonald’s changing their coffee brewing practices, and the company now brews its coffee at a lower temperature.

How Hot Is Coffee Served at Starbucks?

Starbucks coffee is typically served at around 155 degrees Fahrenheit, which is close to the industry standard for coffee. However, this can vary depending on the individual store and the type of coffee being brewed.
Some people find this temperature to be too hot, so Starbucks also offers its coffee at a lower temperature upon request.

How Hot Does Coffee Have to Be to Burn You?

Coffee has to be pretty hot to burn you – around 70 degrees Celsius or 160 degrees Fahrenheit.  
At this temperature, it will cause a first-degree burn, which is when the top layer of the skin is damaged. This is hot enough to cause a serious burn in just a few seconds. If you have coffee that is this hot, be careful not to spill it on yourself.

How Many Scoops of Coffee for 12 Cups?

Wondering how much coffee you need for a gathering? We’ve got you. We cover everything you need to know about measuring coffee in this article!

For 12 cups of coffee, it’s actually quite straightforward.

How Many Scoops of Coffee for 12 Cups?

How Many Scoops of Coffee for 12 Cups?

If a scoop of coffee equates to two tablespoons, then ideally, you can put 6 scoops of coffee for 12 cups. This means you’re going to have one coffee scoop for two cups of coffee.

However, we’re basing this off of ground coffee — it’s different if we’re talking about flavored coffee, whole coffee beans, and other coffee measurements! You also have to factor in different brewing methods, cup size, and coffee strength.

Let’s put this all into context by diving into the article below.

Why Measure Coffee?

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Why should we bother measuring coffee in the first place? Well, there’s a lot that can result from the measurements, including the following:

Taste Consistency

It’s one of the things that keeps us coming back to coffee shops: consistency.

We know the taste of each consistent cup of coffee that they make. When you make coffee at home, the resulting taste varies each time. Maybe you put in too much ground coffee, or too little. Maybe you overshot the water used, or you were too cautious and put only a small amount.

Measuring coffee and water used produces consistent, brewed coffee every day.

Adjusting Strength

Coffee makers aren’t just in the craft of making coffee for the fun of it. I’m sure you want to unlock the benefits of coffee per cup, too!

The strength, then, matters a lot when making your perfect cup. If you want a stronger cup of coffee for the jolt of energy in the morning, measuring out ground coffee is necessary. If you only want a light brew per cup, you have to take into account what kind of beans to use and how to brew them properly.

How to Adjust the Amount of Coffee for Different Brewing Methods

The Different Brewing Methods

There are multiple methods in brewing coffee grounds. The brewing method affects the amount of caffeine that’s extracted from your coffee, so it also helps if you’re looking for the perfect coffee taste.

MethodYieldAmount of Coffee (tablespoons)
Drip Coffee Maker2 to 12 cups12 tablespoons (6 scoops) for 12 cups
French Press1 cup2 tablespoons for 1 cup
Pour Over Brewer1 cup1 level scoop for 1 cup
Espresso Machine1 shot20-30 grams (around 20-30 seconds to pull)

01 Drip Coffee Maker

Your standard drip coffee maker can yield anywhere from 2 to 12 cups of coffee. Chances are, a drip coffee maker is what you’ve got in your kitchen!

Using a drip coffee maker is quite simple. You add water into the attached water reservoir, then add a filter – either a reusable or disposable one. Make sure you have the right coffee to water ratio. Add the coffee grounds to the filter.

If you’re making 12 cups of coffee, you’re likely to use around 12 tablespoons of coffee, or six scoops. Press the brew button and you’re all ready to go!

02 French Press

A French press is simpler and distinct from the drip coffee maker. Instead of waiting for coffee brewing to finish, you pour coffee grounds into the French press before adding hot water. Be careful, however — the water should just be a little bit below the boiling point or it may taste burnt!

But it shouldn’t be that cool, either, or you risk getting weaker coffee. For a strong cup, good extraction is a must. Here’s the best ratio for French Press.

After letting the coffee grinds bloom, you press down on the French press and let the coffee grounds and water separate. You’re all done!

For a press, however, how many coffee cups you make is limited. It can contain, at most, more than one cup. So you’re only looking at around a single scoop of coffee for a single serving. Can you remember how many tablespoons that would equate to?

Yes, that’s right – just two tablespoons. It’s going to be time-consuming to make 12 cups of brewed coffee, but the taste is well worth it!

03 Pour Over Brewer

A pour-over brewer is one of the simplest ways to make strong coffee. You don’t need anything special — at most, you might want to invest in a gooseneck drip kettle. We’ll explain why below.

The brewing methods in a pour-over brewer is already in its name: pour-over. You get a coffee filter, add some coffee grounds, and slowly pour in the water for your coffee.

This brewing method should make use of wetting, or slowly immersing your coffee grounds in water.

This is why a gooseneck drip kettle is important. It allows you to control the distribution and amount of water you incorporate into the coffee brewing process.

However, this technique is also time-consuming for those who want to make twelve cups of coffee. One level coffee scoop is more than enough for one cup, and you need to repeat the coffee brewing process for each cup if you want to serve twelve people.

04 Espresso Machine

If you want the most caffeine out of your ground coffee, an espresso machine is the way to go. To use an espresso machine, you just have to follow these steps:

  1. Preheat the Machine

Begin the entire process by starting up your machine to warm it up. Make sure the entire machine is preheated.

  1. Grind Whole Beans

If you have ground coffee, that’s perfectly fine. However, the best cup of coffee includes grinding whole beans. Use a fine grind size and fill up your portafilter of around 20 grams of coffee. Brush away the excess coffee grounds to get ready for tamping.

  1. Tamp Evenly

It’s time to tamp! Make sure everything is evenly distributed before tamping down. Press the puck straight down, and spin it to polish the ground coffee off.

  1. Pull and Dial in the Shot

Allot around 20 to 30 seconds to pull your first shot! If you want to adjust the taste and strength of the next shot, take note of the dial of the pressure gauge — if you have one on your espresso machine, that is.

Like other brewing methods mentioned in this list, however, an espresso shot only serves one. If you’re looking to serve twelve cups of coffee, you’re going to have to take some time in serving each! A coffee pot with a drip coffee maker is the ideal one for you.

Other Factors That Affect Coffee Measurements

Other Factors That Affect Coffee Measurements

Cup Size

It might seem obvious, but this detail often escapes people’s minds. The size of your cup can determine how strong your coffee is or how much coffee you need to make. The coffee to water ratio is also affected.

If your cups are larger, expect to make more coffee — that means more coffee scoops and more water. If your cups are smaller, you can easily make twelve cups.

Type of Coffee Roast Can Affect the Amount Needed

Ideally, you start with whole bean coffee and make them into ground coffee or coffee grounds. What you have to look at now is the type of roast. This will have a direct link to its strength.

Light

A light roast is distinctive with its light brown color. There’s little to no oil on the coffee beans, and retain much more caffeine than you think. It’s a common misconception that light roasts have less caffeine that medium and dark roasts, but since they roast for far less time, they have more caffeine than others.

If you want a stronger cup of coffee, coffee ratios with a light roast will vary.

Medium

A medium roast is known for its brown, thick body and balanced flavors. They lose more caffeine in comparison to a light roast.

Dark

A dark roast comes in dark, blackened colors, with a glossy surface from the oils. The robust, full-body flavor is notable as well! It can be hard to achieve a proper dark roast without burning it, so you have to make sure you buy the right brands.

Spoon Size

This is also an obvious thing in measuring out how much coffee you need, but it does slip a lot of people’s minds! If your spoon or scoop size is bigger than usual, then you need less coffee per cup. If your spoon or scoop size is smaller, then you may need more than six scoops of coffee or more than twelve tablespoons of coffee.

The Golden Ratio Method

In measuring coffee, you can follow the golden ratio in figuring out how many tablespoons or coffee scoops you need per coffee cup.

The golden ratio is the following: 1 gram of coffee to 15-18 grams of water. This golden ratio achieves a good balance between the acidity and flavorful notes. Using more water can make the coffee weaker but much more bitter, while using less water than usual will lead to a concentrated, sour taste.

For more information on coffee ratio, you can check out the Specialty Coffee Association’s website. They’ve got everything you need to know about brew methods, cup measurements, and proper measuring tools!

Using a Scale to Measure Coffee

But how do you even achieve the golden ratio? It’s easy — use a coffee scale. Weigh out a gram of coffee to 15-18 grams of water, then multiply that amount by twelve if you need! That means you have to measure out water for twelve grams of coffee.

Coffee Beans Measurement Conversions

If you’re going to start questioning how much ground coffee you need per cup, it’s best to use a scale to weight it in grams instead of volume. We explain why below:

The Advantages of Using a Scale to Measure Coffee

Precision

With a scale, you can achieve the golden ratios of coffee per cup much easier. If you don’t remember, the golden ratio says that a gram of coffee needs 15-18 grams of water. That vaguely translates to one to two tablespoons of coffee for every six ounces of water.

However, if you want the coffee per cup to taste consistent and of quality, it’s best if you use a scale. Unlike with measuring coffee out with a measuring cup or a spoon, measuring with ground or bean weight makes sure you’re not prone to any variabilities.

Flexibility for Different Roasts

If you didn’t know, the different roasts means various densities for each coffee bean. For example, a dark-roasted bean will be less dense than a light-roasted bean due to a longer roasting process. How many grams it used to have as a green coffee beans has been burned off.

Grinds will also factor into how many grams or how many scoops you should put into a cup of coffee.

There will be gaps in the coffee grounds with a coarser grind, for example, and if you measure a cup of coffee in volume, you wouldn’t have an accurate measurement. It’s best to use a scale – for your coffee to water ratio and coffee scoops!

Taste Consistency

Having a scale as a technique to measure coffee per cup will make each coffee pot you make taste better. A little bit of precision goes a long way!

What to Consider When Brewing Coffee

The Equipment

Ideally, you want to have all the top-notch equipment you could have in your kitchen. This includes everything from the any coffee puck to grinders you use to the automatic drip coffee makers you will get.

When shopping for equipment, make sure you get ones that are good in terms of price for value.

You want something that’s of quality and is durable, but you also don’t want to break your wallet! You don’t need all the barista tools in your home as a beginner in coffee-making, but if it seems like a good investment, we won’t stop you.

Aside from having all the tools you need, it’s also important to have them all cleaned after each use.

Cleaning everything thoroughly after each use isn’t just hygienic – it also helps preserve the flavor of your coffee!

When you clean your equipment, you make sure that there are no grounds or oils left. If there are some left when you don’t clean up properly, you run the risk of leaving your coffee rancid and sour to taste.

Water Used

Coffee is 98% water, so it’s best if you’ve got quality water available for your coffee-brewing!

Ideally, you should have some sort of filtration system involved for your water. It can drastically improve the taste of your coffee.

The mineral build-up can affect the taste and once that’s removed, making coffee will be a much more pleasurable experience.

Avoid distilled or softened water for the best possible results.

Water Temperature

Water temperature is a whole different ball game when it comes to coffee-brewing. For optimal extraction, it’s best to have it within 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit!

Go too hot, and you’ll lose the taste quality, but if you go too low, the coffee will taste flat and under-extracted.

Of course, you should always make safety your top priority when brewing coffee. Make sure you have every precaution set first!

The Beans

Each coffee cup owes its taste to great beans. All coffee makers know this! You should check the following before even putting a coffee scoop into your coffee pot:

  • Coffee’s country and region of origin
  • Coffee’s variety
  • Roast type
  • Grind texture

There are a lot of choices out there, but don’t worry. You’ll get used to experimenting and trying out different variations of coffee — from the coffee grind to the roast. Enjoy different combinations as much as you can!

Freshness

If you can buy whole bean coffee, all the better. Ideally, you want to be the one roasting and grinding the coffee yourself, but that doesn’t stop you from buying pre-ground coffee, too!

Just make sure they store it properly so you know the coffee beans — or coffee grounds — are still fresh. Each fresh coffee scoop matters! We recommend looking for vacuum-sealed, opaque packaging for your freshly roasted or ground coffee.

Grind

The grind of your coffee beans also matters a lot! If you’re grinding the beans yourself, a burr grinder is preferable to a blade grinder.

It’ll give you a better grind more than anything else! You might get an under-extracted, more bitter taste if you let the coffee beans be ground too fine, so be careful.

Benefits of Drinking Coffee

Benefits of Drinking Coffee
  1. Enhanced Energy Levels

Suffering from a bout of the blues? Or maybe you just can’t seem to get your energy up after a long day at work. It may seem obvious, but a coffee pot is the answer to your troubles!

We can all thank caffeine, which is present no matter how much coffee you consume.

Coffee lovers all know the jolt of the mild stimulant that caffeine gives. However, you do have to be careful: while caffeine can wake you up when needed, you can also develop a higher tolerance to it over time.

How much coffee you might consume to develop a tolerance is unknown, but don’t overdo it to be safe! Stick to a cup or two a day.

2. Get a Boost from Antioxidants

Depending on the grams of coffee you take per cup, you have a high chance of benefiting from antioxidants coffee offers. The two main antioxidants coffee boasts are hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols.

Hydrocinnamic acids neutralizes free radicals that may cause cancer. Meanwhile, polyphenols prevent a number of conditions, including heart disease and cancer!

The coffee industry is probably the biggest modern source of antioxidants out there.

How many coffee cups would be safe, then, to get the most antioxidants out of those ground beans? Around one to two cups consumed everyday should be fine.

Just remember that the antioxidants from coffee doesn’t replace antioxidants you get from whole grains and plant food!

  1. Jumpstart Your Memory

Studies have shown that moderate caffeine consumption can boost your memory. However, this study was based on caffeine capsules — at 200 milligrams each. There’s no telling how many coffee cups you need to be able to boost your memory properly, too.

Studies still do show the many active ingredients found in a cup of coffee. Your cup of coffee can contain chlorogenic acids, cafestol, kahweol, and trigonelline, all compounds that benefit your biological pathways in one way or another.

Aside from boosting your memory, coffee can also improve different parts of your brain function, including mood, reaction time, and attention.

If you want to strengthen your regular cup of coffee, get the measuring cup out or a coffee scale. Knowing how many coffee grounds go per cup can make a difference!

  1. Activate Your Heart Health

Surprisingly, your coffee scoops can also benefit your heart. In fact, a habit of coffee-drinking has been linked to a lower risk of coronary heart disease in women. In general, habitual drinkers of coffee can lower their risk of heart failure by 30%.

However, just because there’s evidence on how coffee scoops can lower your risk of heart diseases doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t be careful on how you drink those grams of coffee.

If you’re drinking it for heart health, don’t dress it up with sugar and cream. As much as possible, you want to get a cold brew or a plain Americano to get all the health benefits and none of the downsides.

Be careful about lattes or macchiatos, and you’re good to go!

There are some limitation to this study — for example, they didn’t distinguish between other brewing methods or other ways to get caffeine, like in energy drinks or tea. Just remember to keep those coffee scoops in moderation.

  1. Reduces Body Fat

Looking to lose those last few pounds? Several grams of coffee incorporated into your daily routine can help you with that!

There are studies that show how coffee can reduce fat, while at the same time, increase your metabolism per cup consumed.

Several stimulants found in coffee can boost your metabolism, including caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, and chlorogenic acid. The latter can even help the breakdown of carbs!

As coffee stimulates your nervous system, it also helps your cells to mobilize fat breakdown much faster.

It also increases your metabolic rate by a lot! You have more advantage of an increased metabolism with your cold brew if you’re young and lean — the effect is less pronounced with those who are older and/or obese.

  1. Increases Physical Activity

Maybe part of the reason why coffee can reduce body fat per cup is because it also increases physical activity. When consumed in doses of 3-6 mg/kg body mass, caffeine can greatly improve your exercise performance.

Get the coffee scale out for the coffee to water ratio for the measurements!

If you’re looking to enhance performance, coffee is the best suit for you. From your hormones, to muscle-building, and to fat-burning, coffee has got your covered.

For endurance exercises, 100 to 200 mg doses of caffeine combined with a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink can go a long way. Performance improvements are almost guaranteed.

Aside from endurance exercises, caffeine is also great for high intensity exercises, strength exercises, and fat loss.

  1. Lessens the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Now, we mostly have caffeine to thank for most of these benefits, right? But lessening the risk of type 2 diabetes is found in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee.

Due to the high amount of antioxidants found coffee, you can actually enjoy the lesser risk of disease with your typical dose of java.

However, if you already have Type 2 diabetes, caffeine may not be good for you.

It actually gets tougher to control your blood sugar! If you find it hard not to keep up with your coffee habit, it’s best to get a decaffeinated cup instead.

  1. Curbs Depression and Anxiety

Studies have found that caffeine can decrease the risk of developing depression — and at the very least, help out with symptoms. There’s even proof that a long-term relationship with coffee can lead to a lower risk for suicide as well!

However, if you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, don’t go for a cup of coffee right away. In some cases, it may overwhelm you instead of helping you out! It also has a negative impact on sleep, which can easily lower your mood.

If you want to curb the symptoms of depression but not have palpitations, try watering your coffee down so the strength isn’t that high.

Look into your regular coffee to water ratio, use a dark roast, and try a different brewing method.

  1. Reduces the Risk of Liver Diseases

Another benefit caffeine has is lowering your risk of liver diseases. When the body digests caffeine, a chemical called paraxanthine is formed, which helps slow the growth of scar tissue in fibrosis.

This slowing down fights liver cancer, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and even hepatitis C.

Kahweol and cafestol are also to thank. They help fight cancer, and other acids in coffee can help fight hepatitis B.

  1. Guards Against Alzheimer’s Disease

Worried about being forgetful in old age? Lessen your risk with coffee. Regular caffeine consumption can lessen your chances in a lifetime to develop Alzheimer’s or dementia. It’s especially helpful during the pre-morbid phase!

How much ground coffee you need every day is in question, but just enough to make one to two cups should be fine.

How to Store Coffee Beans

You can either use a vacuum-sealed bag or keep whole coffee beans in an airtight and opaque container for long periods of time.


Roasted entire coffee beans can be vacuum-packed and stored for three to five months.
Roasted coffee beans can be frozen in vacuum-sealed bags for at least two to three years.

How to Select High-quality Coffee Beans

Several factors should be taken into account when searching for premium coffee beans.

One must first consider the origin of the beans. For the best coffee, seek out beans grown in places like Colombia, Ethiopia, and Jamaica. Second, picking the best bean is crucial. Compared to Robusta beans, Arabica beans are thought to be of higher quality and have a softer flavour.

The degree of roast should be considered next. You can pick beans that have been roasted to your prefered level of doneness, whether that’s light, medium, or dark. Beans that haven’t been roasted for more than two weeks aren’t worth buying, so keep that in mind. Find specialty-grade coffee beans with few flaws for the highest quality.

In closing, consider long-term effects. Pick a company that stands for sustainability and fair trade by looking for things like organic labels and fair trade practises. If you want to make sure the coffee is to your liking, you should try a small amount first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many scoops of coffee do I put in a 12-cup coffee maker?

You can put six scoops of coffee for a 12-cup serving. In other words, you can put twelve tablespoons of coffee — or two tablespoons per scoop.

How many scoops of coffee do I put in for 10 cups?

You can put five scoops of coffee for a 10-cup serving. For tablespoons of coffee, it’ll be around 10 tablespoons — once again, it’s going to be two tablespoons per scoop.

How many cups of coffee is a scoop?

One scoop of coffee can yield two cups of coffee. However, there are variations to this due to the sizes of spoons and cups.

How many cups of coffee a day is healthy?

It’s okay to drink around two to four cups of coffee a day. It’s even better if you take it as a cold brew, as it’s the healthiest one you can drink! However, too much coffee can lead to adverse health risks, so remember to be careful.

What Is A Macchiato? Is It Different From A Latte?

What is a macchiato and how does it differ from a latte or a cappuccino? Find out the differences so that you can order or make the perfect cup of coffee.

What Is A Macchiato? Is It Different From A Latte?

I sometimes get overwhelmed by the long list of coffee drinks – cappuccino, latte, espresso macchiato, cortado, flat white, latte macchiato, and so on at the local coffee shop. 

Coffee is coffee, right?

Wrong!

Although the essence of espresso drinks has coffee at their heart, the ratio of hot milk, foam, and espresso makes them unique.

Consequently, the taste, texture, and flavor of coffee can vary greatly.

On top, there are regional differences in how coffee is prepared. 

Moreover, adding flavored syrups also changes the taste of a traditional cup of coffee. 

In this post, we will look at how macchiato differs from other coffee drinks like latte and cappuccino. 

Grab your mug and off we go!

What Is A Macchiato?

What Is A Macchiato? Is It Different From A Latte? 22

A macchiato is an espresso beverage prepared with steamed milk and one shot of espresso

The foamed milk is poured over the espresso. 

The Italian word macchiato, which means “stained” or “marked,” refers to the little “mark” of foamed milk in a macchiato. 

Baristas had to explain to servers the difference between an espresso shot and an espresso with some milk in it, hence the name “macchiato.” 

The precise coffee-to-milk ratio will vary depending on your neighborhood coffee shop or a particular barista. 

Regional variations also come into play; a macchiato from an Italian coffee shop would not taste the same as one from an American café.

A traditional Italian macchiato uses one shot of espresso while the American version uses two shots. 

What Is The Difference Between A Latte And A Macchiato?

LatteMacchiato
Whipped cream, frothed cream, or 5 millimeters of milk foam on topNo milk foam on top
Sweeter tasteStrong taste of espresso
Mild flavorRobust flavor
1/3 espresso to 2/3 steamed milk ratio2/3 espresso and 1/3 steamed milk
11-15 ouncesSmaller serving of 1 and 1/4 ounce

Latte literally means “milk” in Italian.

😀Fun Fact: If you ask for a latte in an Italian restaurant, you’ll get a glass of milk!

Café latte or as the French like to call it café au lait is “coffee milk”. 

In Germany, it’s called “Milchkaffee‘ (milk coffee).

It’s made by adding foamed milk to a single espresso shot. 

A latte can have a thin layer of whipped cream, or frothed milk on top and if you don’t mind having more calories, you might also ask for sugars or syrups to be added. 

The taste of the standard latte is sweeter with a more mild flavor as it contains more milk and less coffee. 

There are variations in making lattes by country. 

The French version of the latte contains a double shot of espresso, while you will find the American version laced with caramel or chocolate syrup. 

In fact, in the US, you can have a latte made from non-dairy milk like almond or soy, or coconut milk. 

The bottom line: latte is ⅓ espresso and ⅔ frothed milk that’s rich and creamy. 

What makes a macchiato different from a latte is that it’s made with a higher percentage of coffee to milk – ⅔ espresso mixed with ⅓ steamed milk

The milk is steamed and then foamed and added to the coffee, which gives the macchiato its characteristic thick, white, and rich consistency.

So, the difference between macchiato and latte lies in the proportion of coffee and milk and the way they taste. 

Plus, macchiato does not have foam on top.

There’s one more difference: macchiato is a smaller serving than most other coffees as it contains 1 and ¼ ounces or 37 milliliters of coffee. 

A typical latte serving is 11 to 15 ounces. 

Macchiato is not prepared in the same way everywhere in the world. 

For example, in Australia, a macchiato will have two shots of espresso and just a splash of milk. 

Latte vs macchiato can be confusing but if you can remember that latte means milk, it’s easy to order your choice of drink.

You can find variations of both these drinks on the Starbucks keto drinks list. 

What’s A Latte Macchiato?

What’s A Latte Macchiato?
Espresso MacchiatoLatte Macchiato
Milk is added to espresso        
Espresso is added to milk
One shot of espressoOne or half shot of espresso
Robust espresso flavor        Sweeter milky flavor

You might wonder what is a latte macchiato coffee when you see it on the menu of one of your neighborhood coffee shops. 

There are two main types of macchiato coffee: espresso macchiato and latte macchiato.

The “stain” of the original macchiato is a shot of espresso that has been slightly diluted with 1-2 teaspoons of steaming milk. 

The espresso macchiato has the highest espresso to milk ratio, and because milk is used as a supplementary ingredient, the espresso still dominates the flavor profile.

On the other hand, the latte macchiato is a sweeter, layered espresso beverage

It is made by adding a shot or half a shot of espresso to a glass of warm milk, topped with a milk foam layer. 

Note that instead of milk being added to espresso, the latte macchiato has espresso added to a glass of hot milk. 

Herein lies the main difference between latte and latte macchiato. 

Unlike an espresso macchiato, served in a short glass, a latte macchiato is served in a tall glass.

The latte macchiato meaning can be remembered easily if you can recall that “latte” simply means milk. 

There are countless permutations and combinations you can make by using macchiato and latte. 

Speaking of which, let’s look at macchiato vs latte iced first. 

The difference between iced latte and macchiato is the order in which the ingredients are added.

In a glass, a shot of espresso is added, followed by milk, and finished off with ice cubes on top to make an iced latte.

Usually, low-fat milk is used to make iced latte.

The finished drink has one color and looks a lot like milky coffee.

As we have already seen, macchiato as a typical drink does not contain ice and it’s not served in a glass. 

Just like we have iced latte, we have iced macchiato.

Now, let’s take you through iced macchiato vs latte in detail.

Whole milk is poured into a glass, lots of ice is added, and two espresso shots are topped off to create an iced macchiato.

You’ll notice a visually appealing marble appearance as the coffee and milk gel when the espresso falls into the beverage.

As you have already seen, latte in its basic form does not come with ice and it’s made by adding steamed milk to an espresso shot, not the other way around. 

Iced LatteIced Macchiato
One shot of espresso, milk, and ice cubes in this orderMilk, ice, and two espresso shots in this order
Low-fat milk        Whole milk
Plain milky coffee effect        Marble effect

What Are Cappuccino, Flat White, And Cortado?

Milky coffees come in many forms and sizes and while we are on the topic of latte vs macchiato, let’s have a look at other popular milky espresso beverages like cortado, flat white, and cappuccinos. 

Cappuccino

What Is A Macchiato? Is It Different From A Latte? 23

In Italy, traditional cappuccino is a morning drink and is seldom consumed during the daytime or evening.

This Italian espresso drink is made by using equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. 

However, the certified Italian cappuccino uses 25 milliliters of espresso coffee and 100 milliliters of cold milk that should be steamed to a volume of 125 milliliters.

A visible dome shape cap of frothed milk is added to finish off the coffee drink which is then served in a white porcelain cup with a 150-160 milliliter capacity. 

When sipping a cappuccino, you’ll be greeted by a stiff and thick milky foam and then a rich and warm espresso coffee.

No wonder the drink has a smooth, rich, and creamy mouthfeel. 

But the key to a great cappuccino is the quality of the espresso as it contains less of it and more milk, making it imperative that the espresso is of top-notch quality. 

Flat White

What Is A Macchiato? Is It Different From A Latte? 24

A latte is an espresso drink that has extra milk foam on top. 

This milk foam typically has a thickness of 5 millimeters. 

A flat white, in contrast, is a latte with a thinner milk foam layer on top, typically less than 2 millimeters thick. 

It is “flat” as a result of that.

Cortado

What Is A Macchiato? Is It Different From A Latte? 25

One to two shots of espresso and about the same amount of steamed milk are used to make a cortado. 

The Spanish verb “cortar” means “to cut,” as in “cutting the coffee with hot milk.” 

This coffee drink has a higher milk content than a macchiato and less milk than a cappuccino

In addition, the milk is steamed rather than heavily frothed, giving the coffee drink a different texture from typical Italian coffee drinks.

Caffeine Content: Macchiato Vs Latte Vs Cappuccino: Which Is The Strongest?

Each serving of all three coffee drinks has about the same amount of caffeine.

For instance, since a shot of espresso is used to make both cappuccinos and lattes, they both have the same amount of caffeine.

The actual amount of caffeine in a medium 16-ounce (475 ml) cappuccino and latte is around 173 mg.

In contrast, a 2-ounce (60 ml) macchiato provides less than 85 mg of caffeine per serving or nearly half the amount of caffeine.

If you’re trying to cut down on caffeine intake, these Starbucks low caffeine drinks are right for you.

How To Make Caramel Macchiato At Home

If you want to know how to make caramel macchiato at home Starbucks style, here’s a step-by-step guide.

What Is A Macchiato? Is It Different From A Latte? 26

Things you need:

Milk steamer like this

Espresso machine

Method:

  1. Inside your coffee cup, drizzle thick caramel syrup all around by turning the cup while you squeeze out the syrup.
  2. Add half-inch thick of caramel syrup to the bottom of your cup. 
  3. For every two 1-ounce shots of espresso used in a 16-ounce beverage, steam 12 ounces of milk.
  4. Allow space at the top of the jug when adding the milk. 

The milk level shouldn’t go higher than the internal spout of the jug. 

Keeping things level will prevent overflow because milk expands as it warms. 

Your milk will reach 140° using the steaming spout on an espresso machine or a premium steaming wand in around 40 seconds.

  1. Prepare your espresso shots after the milk has steamed. 

Letting the milk settle will aid in the milk’s frothed portion floating to the top. 

Your steamed milk can achieve the ideal consistency while resting.

  1. Use freshly ground Arabica or dark espresso coffee beans to get the best flavor from your latte. 
  2. Pull the required espresso shots and add them to the coffee cups. 
  3. If you are planning to use any sweeteners or syrups, now is the time to add to the hot espresso so that they mix in well. 
  4. Gradually pour the steamed milk into the coffee cups.

You will see that the milk separates from the froth as you pour it. 

The froth will be left at the bottom of the jug.  

  1. Top the coffee with the froth.
  2. Then add whipped cream and some caramel syrup to get a nice cup of caramel macchiato.

FAQs

What’s The Difference Between A Latte And A Macchiato?

A latte has 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk, has a milk foam on top, with a milder and sweeter taste, and comes in 11 to 15 ounces serving.
Macchiato has 2/3 espresso and 1/3 steamed milk, making it more robust with a stronger coffee flavor, and a traditional macchiato comes without a milk foam on top and is served in a small cup of 1 and 1/4 ounces.

What Makes A Coffee A Macchiato?

A coffee that has 2/3 parts espresso and 1/3 part steamed milk is called a macchiato.

What Is A Macchiato Vs Latte Vs Cappuccino?

Macchiato is 2/3 espresso and 1/3 steamed milk.
The latte is 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk.
The cappuccino is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 milk foam.

What Is The Point Of A Macchiato?

The point of a macchiato is to tweak an espresso by adding a splash of milk.
Thus, it’s not as bitter or strong as an espresso but not weak or mild like a latte.

Why Keurig Coffee Tastes Burnt: Turn Every Cup From Bitter To Better

Why Keurig coffee tastes burnt unraveled so that you know all the reasons why including how to clean your Keurig and how to make Keurig coffee taste better. 

Why Keurig Coffee Tastes Burnt: Turn Every Cup From Bitter To Better

The recent pandemic has impacted the lives of everyone everywhere forever.

With more home-office set-ups, it’s not wonder that Keurig coffee systems sales shot by 10% in 2020.

Along with that, there has been a concern that Keurig coffee tastes bad.

Let’s find out the reasons!

Why Keurig Coffee Tastes Burnt: Turn Every Cup From Bitter To Better 27

Why Keurig Coffee Tastes Burnt?

There are a few reasons why your Keurig coffee tastes burnt.

It could be because the machine is not cleaned well, how you made your coffee, or the coffee beans you used. 

Let’s take a closer look. 

Buildup In The Keurig

Did you know that coffee beans have oils that lend them their aroma?

So if you have residual coffee from past brews, these oils build up in the machine.

When you make a fresh cup, the residue gets mixed with it and the Keurig coffee tastes bitter.  

Type Of Coffee Beans Used

Check if the coffee beans are fresh.

Stale coffee beans will not produce the best mug and you could end up wondering why Keurig coffee doesn’t taste good anymore. 

Check the expiry date on the package and don’t use expired coffee beans. 

You should always store coffee beans the right way to avoid them from getting stale. 

Water Temperature

The water temperature affects the taste of your coffee. Keurig coffee tastes burnt when you are using still-boiling water. Why? Oils, acids, and caffeine are extracted more quickly when the water is hotter. 

At higher temperatures, it is more difficult to control the pace of extraction because each of these ingredients has a different effect on the flavor of the coffee. 

This might result in over-extraction and you feel that your Keurig coffee tastes burnt.

Coffee Roasting Time

The coffee roast level and time can affect the taste of your coffee. 

In simple terms, the longer you roast your coffee, the darker the roast; hence, your Keurig tastes burnt. 

If the coffee beans have been over-roasted, your coffee will taste bitter. 

Invest in a home coffee roaster so that you can control the temperature and time to get the right flavor and taste of Keurig coffee. 

Quality Of K-Cups

There are so many different types of K-Cups you can get with various flavors and roast types. 

You can’t tell what’s inside these.

So, if there’s low-quality coffee inside the K-cups, you won’t get a pleasant taste of your coffee. 

To avoid this, always buy 100% Arabica coffee beans as Robusta beans are cheaper, are not of good quality, and produce bitter coffee. 

Water Quality

Another reason why your Keurig coffee tastes bad could be the quality of water you’re using to make coffee. 

It does influence the flavor and taste of your coffee if your tap water has an excessive amount of calcium or other minerals. Consider getting a water filter.

While bottled filter water is thought to be the finest option, tap water and filtered water are both acceptable.

Amount Of Water

The amount of water you use is crucial to getting the perfect cup of coffee. 

Suppose you don’t use enough water and too many coffee beans. 

Naturally, you’ll get a bitter coffee Keurig through no fault of the coffee maker!

Brewing Time

Brewing time is so important to make or break a cup of coffee. 

If you brew your coffee too long, there is over-extraction and the coffee will be bitter.

Brewing it not long enough will fail to extract the full flavor and aroma of the coffee, leaving you wondering why is my coffee watery from my Keurig.

How To Make Keurig Coffee Taste Better

How To Make Keurig Coffee Taste Better

There are several ways you can make Keurig coffee go from bitter to better. 

Starting with the water to choosing the best coffee brands, there are a host of things you can do to prevent Keurig burning coffee. 

  1. Choose Your Water Carefully

The secret to making great coffee is using fresh water. 

Better-tasting coffee is a given with a simple practice like filling the tank with fresh water each morning.

Additionally, significant factors include water hardness. 

Compared to soft water, hard water draws out more flavor. 

So, avoid tap water if the water in your area is soft water. 

You can make coffee without spending a fortune on pricey bottled water. 

Use filtered or bottled water if the quality of your tap water is poor and if it tastes or smells strong.

If bottled or filtered water is not an option, use a water filter. 

Note: Distilled water is not a good option as both this and soft water are poor at extracting coffee and will disappoint you with watery coffee Keurig. 

Another reason using soft water is discouraged is because the sensor in the Keurig machine reservoir can’t detect soft water and this leads to water leakage.

Speaking of water, avoid filling the reservoir in the Keurig all the way as too much water will leave you with a less desirable cup.  

  1. Pre-Heat Both The Keurig Coffee Maker And Your Mug

If you are constantly complaining about your Keurig coffee not being hot enough, you’re not being paranoid. 

It’s true that Keurig cannot brew coffee at a temperature higher than 192°F (89°C). Since you can’t change the temperature control, you can do two things. 

One, before making the coffee, run one brew cycle without inserting the pod to heat the machine to make the coffee a little hotter.

Two, rinse a mug in hot water before setting it down on a drip tray. 

This way, the coffee won’t cool off in a heated mug, and the temperature will remain constant and you will stop wondering why does my Keurig coffee taste bad.

  1. Use A Proper Roast And The Right Cup Size

Another frequent complaint about Keurig coffee is that the coffee isn’t strong enough or why does my Keurig coffee taste like water. 

Check your K-cups’ roast level and experiment with various cup sizes. Light, medium, and dark roasts are the three main stages of roasting. 

Dark roasts produce a robust, powerful coffee, while light roasts produce mild, flowery overtones.

Select dark roasted K-cups for Keurig coffee to make it stronger and get full-bodied coffee. Medium roasts can also be a nice option if you prefer something milder and less bitter. 

Light roasts lack flavor and are very acidic and weak.

Next, remember that using a single K-cup to brew 12 ounces of coffee is never satisfying. Pick a smaller cup size instead. 

The ideal cup size falls between 6 and 8 ounces.

Use two K-cups on the smaller cup setting if you need to create 10 or 12 ounces in a large mug.

  1. Use A Descaler To Remove Buildup

To remove the machine’s internal calcium and oil deposits, descaling is the process of running a certain type of solution or white vinegar through it.

By descaling every three to four months, you can remove the calcium and oil buildup in your machine to make Keurig coffee taste better. 

The buildup prevents the water from getting hot enough and you will get a lukewarm cup.

Plus, if the water isn’t at the right temperature, it will fail to bring out the flavor of the coffee and the result will be disastrous. 

Descaling not only removes the buildup but also improves the performance of your machine

A descaler can help you do that. 

  1. Use The Reusable K-Cup The Right Way

Reusable K-cups can’t hold two tablespoons of coffee that’s necessary for a strong 8-ounce cup of coffee. 

So, your best bet is to use a dark roast coffee and brew your coffee at a 6- or 8-oz setting.

Coffee grounds should not extend past the mesh’s top of the filter basket as you load it. 

Fill the filter with the desired amount of coffee, being careful not to fill it past the MAX fill sign if your reusable filter has a Max fill line.

To level the top, tap the filter onto your counter. Never tamp or press the coffee. 

  1. Choose The Right Coffee Grind And Roast

The perfect grind level is somewhere in the middle – not too coarse and not too fine. 

A too-coarse grind will result in watery coffee, while a too-fine grind can cause the water to take a long time to brew or easily become clogged.

So, choose a medium grind for the best results. 

Pick coffee that is described as dark or French roast for a large cup brew setting. 

Also, a good option is medium roasts.

Try to avoid breakfast blends as they are lighter roasts and when brewed at a larger cup setting, will give you watery coffee. 

  1. Clean Your Keurig 

If Keurig coffee tastes bad, it’s time to clean the machine. 

Regularly clean and maintain your Keurig coffee maker.

Every week, clean the external, detachable elements of your machine, change the used water filter cartridges every two months, and descale it every three to four months.

You may gradually improve the flavor and taste of your Keurig coffee by strictly adhering to this cleaning schedule.

How To Clean Your Keurig Thoroughly: Step-By-Step Guide

The number 1 reason Keurig coffee tastes sour is that you’ve probably made coffee for days without giving the machine a thorough clean inside-out. 

The oil and calcium deposits in the coffee maker hamper its full functionality and you keep wondering why does my coffee taste burnt from my Keurig. 

Before we go into the details of cleaning, here’s a list of what you need:

  • White vinegar or descaling solution
  • Keurig water filter refill cartridges
  • Both wet and dry soft microfiber wipes
  • Soapy water solution

So here’s step-by-step instruction on how to clean your Keurig.

  1. Unplug the machine before you take off the removable parts of the Keurig. 

You can take apart the water reservoir first, then take off the mug tray, lid, and K-cup holder.

Wash and clean these removable parts of your Keurig every week

  1. Use a soapy water solution to wash the mug tray and K-cup holder. 
  2. Wash the water reservoir and the lid with soapy water and remove all excess water with a dry and soft microfiber cleaning cloth

If you own a Keurig 2.0, then you should know how to empty the internal tank properly. 

  1. This is the perfect time to replace your old water filter cartridges with fresh ones. 

To maintain proper water processing functioning, you must change the used water filter cartridges every two months.

  1. Wash the exterior part of the Keurig machine and dry with a clean, dry, and soft microfiber cloth
  2. With white vinegar or a good quality descaling solution, descale your Keurig. 
  3. Check if coffee grounds are stuck to the needle of the machine. 

If so, you need to clean the Keurig needle to remove all deposits. 

How Often You Should Clean Your Keurig

My Keurig Coffee Tastes Bitter Even After Cleaning It

Why does my Keurig coffee taste bitter even after cleaning it properly?

Well, this could be because of the descaling solution or vinegar that’s giving you bad tasting coffee. 

To get rid of the vinegar taste in your coffee, here’s what you need to do. 

  1. Take the pod out of the machine.
  2. Completely fill the reservoir with water. 

Run the machine repeatedly until the reservoir is empty. 

Throughout this procedure, make sure there isn’t a pod in the dispenser.

This may require a total of two to three full reservoirs.

  1. Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda if you’re still having trouble getting rid of the vinegar flavor. 

It has a fairly bland flavor that balances the bitterness and is known to neutralize the vinegar.

  1. After thoroughly mixing the baking soda into the water reservoir until it dissolves, run the machine three times.
  2. Repeat if necessary.

You could come across all sorts of weird problems with your machine but Keurig troubleshooting is easy if you know how to identify the problem.

FAQs

Why Does My Coffee Taste Bitter All Of A Sudden?

There could be oil and calcium build-up in the coffee maker, the water used was not the right quality or too hot, the coffee beans were stale, the brewing time was too long or the beans were roasted excessively, or you used too little water with too much coffee or used low-quality K-cups.  

How Do I Get Rid Of The Nasty Taste In My Keurig?

Descale with white vinegar or any descaling solution to get rid of the nasty taste in your Keurig. If it still persists, run the machine without the pod and only with baking soda dissolved in the water reservoir two to three times. 

Why Does My Keurig Coffee Taste Bland?

Check the roast of the coffee beans you have been using to make coffee. A breakfast blend is light and will give you watery coffee. Choose a medium roast or a dark French roast to get a cup of coffee that tastes better.