The powers that be at Colgate-Palmolive Company have announced plans for a toothbrush with an integrated caffeine patch to deliver that morning jolt. Perhaps they didn’t read our blog about the FDA investigating the use of caffeine in traditionally non-caffeinated products. Or, maybe, they’re hoping the promises of multi-tasking and efficiency will have you considering this quirky invention.

The idea is to embed chemicals into a patch located within the toothbrush head. The chemicals would be slowly released through use. Colgate has already filed the patent for the toothbrush and mentioned potentially using the system to deliver a variety of flavors and even medications - including painkillers and appetite suppressants - as well as caffeine.

So, what do you think? Will you give the caffeinated toothbrush a try or will you be sticking by your tried-and-true brew?

I had the good fortune of attending the National Restaurant Show in Chicago recently. We exhibited there and were really happy to be able to introduce the Gaggia line of commercial espresso machines. I am very impressed by and have been able to make some amazing drinks using these beautiful and powerful machines. We also featured the Ceado grinders at our booth. Ceado grinders are the quietest in the industry. Ceado has the only full line of NSF approved grinders on the market. NSF safety and sanitary standards that are very strict and in order to qualify for certification, companies must pay to have their equipment thoroughly tested.

One of the great things about having some good coffee, great machines and a little skill is you can make some pretty impressive drinks. At the trade show, our booth became quickly known as a place to get a great espresso or a wonderful latte. We got to make drinks for and talk business with a lot of potential customers in the restaurant industry. One of the things I found interesting was how much people actually knew about coffee and even more surprising was the awareness and fondness for a good-tasting, well-made espresso. People were really curious about the espresso and why it was so good and smooth; which naturally lead to discussions about the importance of having a good espresso machine and grinder.

The new Gaggia Deco espresso machine was a point of great interest for many of the visitors to our booth. It is absolutely beautiful and showcases a neat blue backlit piece set against the vibrant red of the machine. We feel very strongly that the Deco should be a centerpiece of any restaurant or cafe looking to make great espresso and specialty drinks. Along with an eye-catching design, this semi-automatic machine also features advanced technology to take it from a showpiece to a real, well-functioning machine. It has some great programming to give users control over the espresso. For instance, the heated group heads really help with temperature stability to result in smooth, well-extracted espresso.

Also, people who have some familiarity with grinders were impressed with the Ceado line, as the equipment was quiet, well engineered and was easy to operate. I think these grinders will be very well known someday and we are certainly doing our part to make that happen.

It was nice talking with all the restaurant people, it seems they have a lot of passion for their business and are always looking for that next great item. I really enjoyed listening and talking with everyone and was very proud to introduce the Gaggia and Ceado lines.

Mark
Whole Latte Love Commercial

It wasn't pixie dust, but ingenuity and technological know-how that brought one of the world's smallest single-serve machines to our doorstep. The itty-bitty Nespresso Pixie is about eight capsules tall and as wide as the length of the average spoon. At only 6.5 pounds, the Pixie weighs less than most newborns. Think of it as the Thumbelina of the espresso world. The Pixie can fit in almost any nook and cranny; you can park it at home or your cubicle and kiss burnt office coffee goodbye. It's even available in 6 vibrant colors to suit your personal preferences and décor.

Lest you think otherwise, the Pixie doesn't just rest of its good-looking, space-saving laurels. Equipped with a thermoblock boiler that could, this single-serve espresso machine posts record-breaking warm-up times. On average, it takes the Pixie only 25 seconds to go from a cold start to ideal brewing temp. This means you can turn the machine on and prepare a fresh beverage in less than 60 seconds. You'll be able to brew a great shot and make it to the next department meeting with plenty of time to spare.

The Capsules
The single-serve Pixie uses proprietary Nespresso capsules to prepare your drinks. This is something worth keeping in mind, if you're interested in purchasing not just the Pixie but any Nespresso single-serve machine. Nespresso capsules are available exclusively through the Nespresso Club and are not sold through Whole Latte Love or any other retailer. There are 16 Grand Cru capsules to choose from, ranging from ristretto to espresso, regular, decaf and café lungo varieties. Ground coffee is sealed within the aluminum-coated capsules to protect against air and light exposure and guard against oxidation, flavor and aroma loss. By any standard, the Nespresso capsules and brewing system are some of the best in the industry.

Brewing
The Pixie can accommodate all Nespresso capsules. Shot volume is programmable; you can opt to brew one, two or three-ounce espressos to suit your preferences. Even for the uninitiated, the Nespresso Pixie is easy to use. Simply insert a capsule of your choice and press the single or double-shot button. The Pixie will brew and dispense fresh espresso directly into your cup. Spent capsules are automatically discarded into the capsule container, which is capable of holding approximately 10 capsules.

If you want to brew into an espresso cup, leave the cup tray down; otherwise, the cup tray can be pushed up and out of place to allow you to accommodate a tall glass (up to 5.5" inches). The Pixie is also exceedingly energy efficient. It'll let you go green by using 40% less energy than comparable single-serve machines. Nespresso will even get you started on the right foot with 16 free capsules. If you've been waiting for a small, easy-to-use single-serve espresso machine, the Nespresso Pixie is just what the doctor ordered.

The Gaggia for Illy Plus Single Serve Espresso machine is the culmination of a joint venture between two of Italy's most respected coffee authorities. At first, Gaggia and Illy may seem like strange bedfellows but, upon reflection, the partnership makes perfect sense. Gaggia brings to the table its vast engineering expertise and rich history. After all, it was Achille Gaggia who invented the first espresso machine. With over 50 years of espresso innovation, Gaggia has earned its place as the #1 manufacturer of home espresso machines in Italy.

Gaggia's partner, Illy, has an unmatched reputation for delivering premium coffee and espresso; in fact, 2 million cups of Illy coffee are served daily in Italy, a true testament to the brand's popularity. One of Illy's most significant contributions to the espresso industry has been its invention of the revolutionary iperEspresso system. Unlike most single-serve systems, iperEspresso capsules use a patented two-step extraction process to ensure maximum flavor, aroma and crema extraction. Since the brewing process is self-contained within the individual capsules, you won't run the risk of contaminating your machine with residual coffee. iperEspresso capsules are available in medium, dark and decaf roasts.

So, what do you get when you combine the efforts of Italy's leading espresso authorities? The Gaggia for Illy Plus, of course!

This groundbreaking machine is designed especially for the iperEspresso system and it brews espresso so good you won't believe your drink came from a capsule. It's one thing to streamline and simplify the brewing process, but it's rare for single-serve espresso to taste as good as its hand-brewed brethrens.

Steam it up
Like all Gaggia machines, the Gaggia for Illy Plus has pretty impressive steaming and frothing capabilities. In fact, Gaggia didn't scrimp on this single serve unit; it comes outfitted with the famous no-burn Pannarello steam wand. You'll be able to create rich steam and froth for lattes and cappuccino; it's the best of both worlds—the convenience of a single-serve machine with the steaming capabilities of a semi automatic.

The Details
Now that you have an idea of what the Gaggia for Illy Plus can do, here's how it does it...This machine is powered by a 15-bar pump and robust stainless steel boiler. The brew button is programmable to allow the Gaggia for Illy Plus to adapt to your preferences. You can set the brewing duration and subsequently drink volume by pressing and holding the brew button; this is one of the unique features that distinguishes the Gaggia for Illy Plus from its peers. Also exclusive to the Gaggia for Illy Plus is the adjustable cup holder and drip tray; it can be raised or lowered to make room for cups and mugs of all sizes. Water purification comes courtesy of a Mavea filter, which removes minerals from the contents of the one-liter reservoir to prevent scale buildup.

Watch our video on the Gaggia Milk Island for Gaggia Platinum super-automatic espresso machines. Learn tips on tricks on how to use the Milk Island for lattes and cappuccinos. Tracy and I will also give you a rundown of cleaning instructions and regular maintenance to help you keep your Milk Island in proper working condition.

Maybe you're strapped for cash but still want to have great coffee and espresso on hand...Or, perhaps you're simply a savvy shopper, it doesn't matter; there are a ton of often-overlooked equipment that come in way under budget. In fact, we've got the best-kept secrets right here; and, they all retail for under $100!

French Press
Celebrated by industry experts for creating the "best regular coffee," French Presses were introduced in the early 1900s. Its operation is simple, a press allows the user to exert control over the steeping time to customize the coffee. It is best to use 1 tbsp of coffee per 4oz of water to achieve optimal results. You should also brew with filtered water between 195° and 205°F, so that the flavors and aromas may be properly extracted.

Our French Presses all have price tags in the $12.99-$99.95 range, making them a great choice for the coffee lover on a budget. At the top of the line is the 12-cup Bodum Columbia Thermal Coffee Press, a meticulously crafted, stainless-steel, double-walled press designed for maximum heat retention. Thanks to advanced insulation methods the contents can be kept warm for up to four hours. The Bonjour Unbreakable Hugo is our most affordable coffee press, available for under $15. It has a polycarbonate body and dual-action filter lid ideal for daily use. If you're considering a French Press, be sure to check out our most popular models, the Bodum Chambord, Unbreakable Chambord and Brazil Presses—all of which have gotten five-star rating from Whole Latte Love customers.

French-Press Tip: If you will only be drinking one cup of coffee at a time, consider a press with a 3-cup capacity. To brew multiple cups at once, go with an 8 to 12-cup press.

Coffee Makers
Drip coffee accounts for the majority of the coffee consumed in the US; it follows that the drip coffee maker has become one of the most popular household appliances in the nation.

According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America, 10 grams of coffee should be used for every 6oz of water when brewing with a coffeemaker. In order to keep your brews tasting their best, you should also decalcify the coffeemaker once every 3 months. Our coffeemakers are available with glass and thermal carafes. Go for a thermal carafe if you need to keep a pot of coffee hot for a few hours; the superior insulation means that the carafe does not have to sit on a hot plate to stay warm. You’ll greatly reduce the potential for burnt coffee with a thermal carafe. Glass carafe coffee makers, on the other hand, make it easy to see how much coffee is left. Krups, Cuisinart, Capresso, Bunn and more manufacture coffee makers under $100.

Coffee Maker Tip: Choose a coffee maker with a filtration system to ensure fresh, pure coffee.

Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
Of all the different forms of coffee, espresso is the most prestigious. It's a drink celebrated for its sophisticated flavors and aroma. If you want to dapple in espresso on a budget, take heart, it's not impossible. Delonghi, Capresso and Krups all offer semi-automatic espresso machines under $100.

There is one thing other than coffee that my family is passionate about…technology. It is fair to say that we are a family of early adopters. Whether it was the first personal digital calculator or Apple’s first personal computer, we were there, ready to buy. Given this, it will be no surprise that the highlight of the year in the Black family was the ultimate in Mother’s Day gifts to Mom from my brother Tom of a shiny new iPad. Of course this was a shameless, and failed, attempt for my much older sibling to gain ‘favorite’ status with our dear mother. I will have to admit though, the iPad is by far one of the coolest pieces of technology I have ever seen. Of course, one of my first thoughts was, “What can the iPad do for the coffee world?”

Big Corporate Apps
Of course the big corporate giants stepped up to the plate first with their “where to find the nearest” apps because, after all, America is running on them, and how could people possibly get by without “my Starbucks” for a day. These apps have a full menu of the coffee shop’s drinks and allow coffee gophers the ability to create a checklist so that they don’t forget anyone’s order.

Where Is Coffee?
So, if corporate coffee houses are not your thing, then this is the app for you. Where Is Coffee? helps you find all of the unique, privately owned coffee shops in your area. The app even has a brief review of cafés, any special events they have going on, as well as their hours.

Coffee Talk
Ever have anxiety over embarrassing yourself in front of a barista? Worry no more! Coffee Talk is a complete dictionary of coffee house lingo. So the next time you order a grande double-mocha caramel soy latte with extra foam and whip, you can do it with confidence.

Coffee Buzz
The whole aim of Coffee Buzz is to bring the “coffee social” to the iPad and the iPhone. This app uses Google Maps to help you find local cafes and locate other users on the network having coffee nearby.

Barista
If you are trying to fine-tune your espresso and latte making skills at home, you should download Barista. It provides you with tutorials and videos to help teach you espresso-machine basics and also has two latte art demonstrations.

Make Coffee
If you encounter one of those people who happen to see the glass half empty and want to tell you what your iPad can not do, you can open this fun little app and point out to them that your iPad can even make coffee! Make Coffee is a virtual espresso maker that is very easy to use with graphics that are extremely realistic.

Star Trek Tech for the Strada
La Marzocco is known for being at the leading edge for quality and workmanship within the coffee industry. In collaboration with Stanford University and Apple, La Marzocco has developed the ultimate in iPad applications for their forthcoming Strada commercial espresso machine. This app will interface with the Strada and control functions and parameters such as time, temperature, pressure and cup profile. This amazing program even has analytical tools, using sensors in the grouphead, that will measure the body of a shot in viscosity measurements, spot TDS, and determine coffee origin. It even utilizes a pre-configured scoring of 0 to 10, termed the God Shot scale, that grades the quality of the shots produced from the Strada. With new generations of the iPad being released with built in cameras, the app is already configured to adapt facial recognition to recognize a barista and brew his or her favorite shot profile. When it becomes possible to connect an external camera to the iPad that faces out towards the café, it will be possible to do the same for regular patrons.

There is no telling what we can look forward to in the future of technology for the coffee world or for the iPad, but for now, we can enjoy all of the great programs that are out there. Developers are coming out with new apps on a constant basis, so make sure to keep watching for them as they come out.

Are there any other coffee-related apps for the iPad that you would like to share?

What kinds of coffee related apps would you like to see developed for the iPad?

I can’t decide if the Solo is ground breaking or a serious throwback machine—way back…to the Stone Age. But, if you’re not quite ready to for a concrete block on the kitchen counter, check out one of Lavazza’s more conventional machines, such as the Blue 2210 or Espresso Point.

There are coffee sippers and guzzlers; if one French company has its way, there will soon be "whiffers." Le Whif, the brainchild of Harvard Professor David Edwards, wants to have you literally inhaling your food and beverages.

Being dubbed "breathable food," Le Whif's lipstick-style case contains coffee and chocolate powder broken down into tiny particles that gets inhaled with each puff. While not intended to replace a morning espresso or a bite of your favorite candy bar, Le Whif is certainly an interesting experiment in coffee and chocolate consumption. What do you think; does Le Whif get the thumbs up or down? Are you ready for a coffee inhaler?

It's an undisputed fact, workplace kitchens are black holes for all things of personal value. If you're trying to prevent a co-worker from helping him or herself to your coffee mug, scratching your name into it with magic marker does not work. This is why a new invention called the "Lock-Cup" has taken mug preservation to the next level. The five-finger-discount-proof cup has a hole that prevents unauthorized drinkers from using it; only the owner--who has a unique key that acts as a plug can use the mug. While the theory behind the "Lock-Cup" is rock solid, do you really want to be known, amongst your co-workers, as that guy that locks up his mug?

In other invention news, Japanese designer Ryohei Yoshiyuki has created the world's first ashtray made of coffee grounds. Spent grounds are known for their ability to mask the smell of cigarette ash. Yoshiyuki's invention gives a whole new meaning to coffee and cigarettes.