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.
khkremer I've never had good luck with espresso machines in the $100 category. They just don't produce anything that I consider good coffee. When on a budget, I would opt for a stovetop espresso maker (which I've used for many years, and still enjoy on every camping trip): They are cheap and produce some pretty good coffee. And WLL is selling them :)
11-11-2010 12:38pm |