What can one say about Waechtersbach? (That's pronounced Vek-ters-bahk by the way) Well, for one thing, they’ve been making bright and colorful ceramics for over 175 years. Waechtersbach has distinguished themselves on a worldwide scale with their variety of exquisitely designed and patterned products, and are particularly famous for their red glaze.

Here at Whole Latte Love we are proud to carry such quality products and excited to announce the arrival of all new, machine washable, cups and travel mugs just in time for the holidays. Robust and colorful coffee cups, stylishly portable porcelain, and more await you on our Waechtersbach page.

Want more info? Check out our episode of What's Brewing starring Morgan and Tracy as they take an even closer look at these awesome new cups!

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One of the great things about my job are all the times I get to say “wow, that's really cool,” and I'm pleased to say I was able to do exactly that today when I took a look at the Aroma Point Capsule Adapter Kit from Crem International.

Anyone who's owned an Expobar machine can attest to their high performance capabilities. The Aroma Point Capsule Adapter Kit essentially doubles an Expobar's brewing capabilities. I was thrilled to discover that a machine like the Brewtus or Office Pulser could be modified to use any of the Lavazza Aroma Point or Filicori Zecchini capsules that we sell. The great thing about the marriage between an Expobar Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine and Lavazza Aroma Point capsules is the union of a proven high quality coffee drinks machine with the ability to brew coffee and steam milk at the same time and the wonderful mess free convenience of single-serve capsules. Plus, after the party is over and you want to exercise your barista muscles the next day with that Trinidad Blue Mountain blend coffee you just received you can revert the Expobar back to its regular portafilter and shower screen for making shots the usual way. Aroma Point capsule coffee assortments are great for people who entertain frequently, providing consistent shots even at high volume without the grinding, tamping, cleaning steps of semi-automatic espresso machine brewing.

If you are anything like me, you'll agree that significantly altering the beautiful facade of an Expobar Espresso Machine can be a deal breaker. I'm quite happy to say that the Aroma Point Capsule Adapter Kit does very little to change the appearance of the Expobar. The adapter makes use of a special shower-screen adapter plate and a specialized portafilter in order to brew the capsules.

Installation of the new shower-screen plate requires that the Expobar's original shower-screen be removed.

When you want to brew espresso the usual way, just reverse the installation steps and re-install the original shower screen

For me, the possibility of brewing Aroma Point coffee drinks on a semi-automatic machine really takes the pressure off. For anyone looking to increase the versatility of their Expobar machine, the Aroma Point Capsule Adapter is compatible with any of Whole Latte Love's current line of Expobar espresso machines.

When purchasing a semi-automatic or manual espresso machine another very important thing to consider acquiring is a tamper. A tamper is the critical tool for leveling and compacting ground coffee in a portafilter to make espresso. Some espresso machine manufacturers include a tamper with the machine, but many do not. Espresso coffee tampers come in a variety of materials among them stainless steel, aluminum, chrome plated steel, and plastic.

Solid plastic tampers will eventually curl up around their edges and not seal properly when tamping giving you an undesirable poor quality shot of espresso. They should be replaced with either an aluminum or stainless steel tamper. This raises the question: Which is better, an aluminum or stainless steel tamper?

To answer this question you need to know the purpose of a tamper in the espresso brewing process. A tamper simply levels and compacts espresso ground coffee in the portafilter. This is important because if the ground coffee is not level and packed tightly (in addition to being consistently and finely ground), during the brewing process the hot pressurized water will move either too quickly through the espresso grinds, not saturate the ground evenly, or both which gives you a poor quality shot of espresso with little or no crema.

A tamper sized correctly for your portafilter is important because it needs to seal properly around the edges of your portafilter to ensure tightly packed espresso. So, if your tamper is of the correct diameter for your portafilter, either an aluminum or stainless steel tamper will work very well. One significant difference between them is stainless steel tampers are often heavier and may help you easily achieve the 30 pounds of tamp pressure which most experts consider to be the perfect pressure.

Other tamper features to consider are the shape of the surface (flat or convex), the style to fit your decor, and special features like pressure sensing feedback.

Surface shape:
As to whether a flat or convex tamper will give you better results really depends on personal preference and experience. Some people say the convex tamper is better because it matches the convex shape of some brew baskets, giving you a more consistent tamp. While some people say they use both tampers depending on the grind they are using, and have seen a difference, I myself am old school and like a flat tamper because it gives me a nice flat consistent tamp and always good results.

Style:
A tamper often sets in plain view on the counter near the Espresso machine and you may want it to match your carefully considered décor. Reg Barber Logo Tampers come with wood handles, Espresso Gear Presso Luce Tampers are very colorful, and The Ultimate Tamper is a highly polished work of art.

Pressure sensing:
Some tampers like the Espro Calibrated Flat Tamper have built in mechanisms that sense when you have applied the proper 30 pounds of pressure and will “click” letting you know you have reached tamping pressure perfection!

For those of us who like our coffee hot, warm cups are a must. It brings a tear to my eye to admit that not every machine comes with a built in cup warmer, which is why I was so happy when I un-boxed the Jura-Capresso Cup Warmer.

My first impression was that the Cup Warmer looked a little bit like a computer, I found this quite fitting as coffee and computers are both essential parts of my life. Because its largely made out of plastic, the Cup Warmer is lightweight, reasonably sized, and looked great next to the Jura-Capresso Impressa C9 espresso machine that I was working on.

	In terms of features, the Cup Warmer was pretty straightforward. It has two drawers and can hold anywhere from 4-10 cups depending on the size. The large volume of cups makes it great for entertaining. I measured the clearance on the drawers and found that it's about 3.6" wide and 4.25" tall so anything larger than that is out of the question. The drawers heat up to 130°ƒ and I was pleased to find that the Cup Warmer can be programmed to turn on and off automatically. Personally, I recommend programming the machine to turn on roughly 10-20 minutes before you plan on making your coffee as it takes a little while for it to heat up.
With a stylish aesthetic and high capacity, the Jura-Capresso Cup Warmer is a great addition to any barista’s arsenal and is a wonderful companion to any Jura-Capresso espresso machine.

Choosing a quality tamper is often overlooked as an important consideration of brewing good espresso. I like to think that brewing espresso is a lot like a science experiment. You have many variables that need to be adjusted or altered so that you are able to brew the best shot possible. Tamping is a key part of making that great shot of espresso, and a quality tamper can contribute to your success.

Too much tamping pressure can result in a bitter cup and too little pressure can result in a watery shot. You will need to find the pressure that works well for you based on your grind setting. Great Baristas know that once the perfect combination of tamping pressure and coffee grind fineness are determined, that it is crucial to repeat those elements every time you brew so that the end result does not vary from shot to shot.

I like to use the Espro calibrated tamper because it gives you feedback by a clicking motion once you have reached 30 PSI of pressure which is often considered the optimal tamping pressure. This is beneficial because you will now be able to have a consistent tamping pressure which will bring you one step closer to constantly repeating the perfect shot. After a bit of trial and error you will be able to hone-in on the correct tamping pressure.

I am confident that a little more attention to the important element of tamping pressure will make a wonderful difference in your espresso brewing skills, and yield some great tasting espresso!

As a coffee lover, I always take the proper steps to make sure that my coffee stays fresh. There are several steps that you can take to ensure that you get the longest life out of your coffee. In this video we will cover how to store your coffee along with some useful tools that will help keep your beans fresh.

It may be the happiest time of the year, but this is also a busy travel season. Chances are, you or your loved ones will be taking to the roads, rails and skies in advance of the holiday celebrations. As always, good coffee and espresso can be hard to find when you're on the go. But, don't leave it to the roll of the dice this year, pack the following items in your suitcase and you won't have to be at the mercy of others when the need for a good beverage strikes.

Bodum Travel Press
New to Whole Latte Love, the Bodum Travel Press is an ingenious combination of a travel mug and French Press. It will let you prepare coffee or loose-leaf tea and drink without having to switch from press to cup. The Bodum Travel Press comes in black, green, white, orange and red...so you'll be able to match it to your luggage for a stylish ensemble. Choose from 12 or 15-ounce sizes as you see fit.

Handpresso Wild and DomePod
One of Oprah's Favorite Things, the Handpresso Wild and DomePod will let you brew authentic espresso on the go. These hand-held espresso makers do not require electricity to operate, so they are perfect for the frequent traveler. Choose the DomePod if you want to brew using ground coffee otherwise, opt for the Wild which works with ESE pods.

Hot Water Kettles
If your holiday trip involves a hotel stay, consider taking along the Capresso H20 Pro Programmable Cordless Kettle. Great for the entire family, this electric kettle will let you make hot water for coffee, tea or even hot chocolate for the little ones. The Capresso H20 Pro has 11 variable temperature settings and a large 56oz capacity so you'll brew enough for the entire family!

Gourmet Tea
There's nothing like a cup of warm tea to calm down a hectic trip. Travel-friendly Te Teas and Teaposy sachets are the perfect treat for a long trip. Take a time out with one of Te Teas' unique concoctions including Peppermint Chamomile Jazz, Rooibos Mandarin Twist, Black Velvet Chai, South Pacific Green Tea and more. If you're one to indulge in a blooming tea at home, be sure to check out The Teaposy Concert Series. The elegant flavors and aromas of blooming teas have been preserved in nylon sachets that can be easily packed into carry-on luggage. Teaposy Concert Series sachets are available in Concerto, Duet, Sonata and Symphony blends.

It doesn't matter if you packing gloves and sweaters or a bathing suit and sun block for your next trip, be sure to make room for these must-have travel companions. Travel with the comforts of home and delicious espresso, coffee and tea to boot.

This video goes over everything that you need to know about the Gaggia Milk Island. I have used the milk island for quite some time and would like to share my tips and tricks with you. Enjoy!

There are some pretty impressive gourmet restaurants out there. At times, the food may be debatable, but the presentation is always impeccable. Great chefs know that a part of the culinary experience lies in the table service. You just don't serve a gourmet meal on disposable plates. And, so it is with fine espresso. But, it's not solely aesthetics; the cup you're extracting into could have a tangible impact on your espresso.

Everything from the shape, size and material of a cup should be taken into account. Though there is no "standard" shape for an espresso cup, most of them tend have to a softly rounded form that is narrow at the bottom and gets progressively wider at the rim. The wider opening at the top is said to enhance crema presentation, while narrow bottom encourages espresso flavor concentration. The shape also allows to the cup to retain heat evenly so that you don't get hot and cold spots within your beverage.

The size of the cup is also critical. A widely respected espresso authority, the World Barista Championship (WBC), states in its Rules and Regulations that espresso must be served in two- to three-ounce (60-90ml) cups with handles. The Gaggia Logo, Rancilio Logo, Pasquini Logo, Illy Almodovar and Julian Schnabel espresso cups are all solid choices that fall within WBC guidelines. Espresso cups are made tiny for a reason. The compact size of the espresso cup is designed to promote heat retention by reducing the surface area exposed to the air. Also, a single shot of espresso is only 1-1.5 fl.oz, while a double shot barely tips the scale at 2-2.5 fl.oz, so the espresso would be lost in a large cup. A 2-ounce cup is perfect for a single shot; if you're brewing a double go for a 3-ounce demitasse.

Espresso-machine manufacturers go through great lengths to ensure heat stability during the brewing process, but once the espresso is extracted, it's up to the cup to prevent heat loss. We always advocate preheating your cups, but you can also guard against premature cooling by paying close attention to the material of your espresso cup. Most demitasses are made of porcelain, as it is an excellent insulator. Though, you should keep in mind that there are different grades of porcelain. Porcelain created using high firing temps is tougher and more durable; most connoisseurs prefer thick porcelain espresso cups like the Bodum Pavina Grip Porcelain, Francis Reptilia or Gaggia Platinum cups. Also particularly adept at heat preservation are double-walled cups. The contents stay hot while the exterior of the cups remain cool to the touch; if this is appealing to you, check out the Bodum Pavina, Assam or Canteen Glass cups. Of course, glass cups also have the added advantage of allowing you to see and appreciate your espresso.

In this blog, as a follow-up to my blog “Semi Automatics – Essential Accessories”, I will provide some assistance on helpful accessories for super or fully automatic espresso machines. Many of the products recommended in the semi-automatic blog are also useful for super automatics. For instance, it is still a good idea to have accessories such as frothing pitchers, frothing thermometers, shot glasses and cups. Whether you have a semi-automatic or super automatic, these accessories will be useful.

As far as accessories are concerned, the main difference between a super automatic and a semi automatic is the way they are cleaned and maintained. I cannot stress enough how important it is for the life expectancy of your machine to maintain a regular cleaning program. You would never neglect changing your car oil for two years; the same applies to descaling your espresso machine. Since we have a repair shop, we have first-hand experience with what happens to espresso machines when they are not properly maintained. That being said, properly maintaining your machine is not a hard thing to do at all.

Like a semi-automatic, you will want to descale your super automatic machine every three months or so. Many machines have indicator lights or display messages that notifies you when it is time to descale your machine. Products to use are Urnex Cleancaf and Durgol Swiss Espresso Descaler . Jura Capresso also has a descaling tablet they recommend for their machine. For a more potent solution you can use Urnex Dezcal . We recommend to that you use dezcal once a year for machines that use water with normal water quality or twice a year when hard water or well water is being used. Many super-automatic machines have a descaling program that you can run. Refer to your user’s manual on how to properly descale your machine or give us a call if further assistance is needed.

It is a good idea to also run a cleaning cycle periodically. The cleaning cycle uses a detergent that removes the oils from your brew group and brew spout as well as any chambers in between. Your machine will need to have a chamber that bypasses the grinder when brewing coffee. This feature is commonly referred to as a bypass doser or preground coffee funnel. You simply drop one of these tablets in this funnel and run the cleaning cycle. You should use the Urnex cafiza super auto cleaning tab for this purpose. Jura Capresso has their own version of this product that they recommend using for their machines called Jura Cleaning Tabs .

Aside from maintaining a regular descaling cycle, it is always a good idea to filter the water that you put in your machine. You can purchase filters that fit directly in the water reservoir and operate similar to a Brita filter system. Jura has several varieties of filters

that can be used in their machines. The aqua prima water filters can be used in most Gaggia and Saeco semi automatic machines. These filters can be found in the parts and care section of our site. Please refer to your user’s manual when choosing the proper filter for your machine or contact us so we can assist.

To sum up the essential accessories for a super automatic machine, you will need a descaling product, a brew group cleaning product and a water filter. As mentioned in my semi-automatic blog, it is also good to have accessories such as frothing pitchers and shot glasses and, of course, cups and coffee. As always feel free to give our staff a call should you need further assistance in choosing the proper accessories for your machine.

Darren Ruffell

Sales Manager