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Java Junkie
Enabler of a Coffee/Espresso/Cappucino drinker (My wife). We are stationed in Germany in the US Army.
Just like to say, I purchased the Baby Gaggia Twin for my wife for Christmas, I am not a coffee drinker but she is. I got major Kudos for this purchase, also the additional supplies (Vacum packed containers, frothing cup, grinder etc..) Just would like to say thank you to WHOLE LATTE LOVE and their informative website and videos, to assist in educating me on a great purchase!
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Me again, what is the difference between "foamed" milk and "steamed" milk? What I am getting out, as I read around, the difference between an Espresso, Americano and Cappucino, and am I am to make all three with this machine? Again, perhaps questions I should have called and asked about before making the purchase. Never said us Military Folk are the smartest people, ha ha ha.. This is what I get for not being a coffee drinker. Thank you again for your time!
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A A The difference between steamed milk and frothed milk is the texture. Frothed milk is the foam that is on top of drinks. Steamed milk is simply milk heated with the steam wand without inserting air into it. If you see milk drinks in a clear cup, you will see from bottom to top: Steamed milk, espresso, frothed milk. Espresso is 1-2.5 oz of coffee brewed at high pressure. Its a concentrated, rich version of coffee. As for Americano's, the story I love telling customers is that during WWII, the American GI's didn't like the strong flavor of the Espresso that was being served in Europe. So the Cafe Batista's would add hot water to the Espresso so that it would water down the flavor, making the drink more like coffee as it is generally known in the States. Cappuccino is a milk drink that is defined as being steamed milk, Espresso and frothed milk in equal parts. Your Gaggia Baby Twin is able to make all of those drinks. It's a great machine, and very versatile for home use.
cdnlager24 Thank you for your feedback!
A A Batista's was meant to be Barista's! Spell check strikes again...!
Sanfam ♦ The biggest difference is, as the name implies, that Foamed (or Frothed) milk has a layer of stable foamed or frothed milk on top of the liquid, while Steamed milk has simply been heated and stretched by having hot steam mixed into it--No significant foaming action will have taken place, leaving it basically a slightly thicker liquid.
I have a follow up question, to the below question I posted about the Gaggia Baby Twin and having a Grinder. My understanding is that depending on the type of "grind" meaning how thin or thick the consistency is grinded will determine the best results? So, what is purchased in the local grocery store whether already pre-ground or you dump your beans into a grinder at the grocery store and grind there, that will or will not work for this machine? Again, I am someone who does not drink coffee or Espresso's. I am sure my wife will be a lot more knowledgeable. I just am curious if it is truly necessary to purchase a grinder? If so, what Grinder would be best recommended with this machine? Secondly, my understanding is this only makes Espresso's and not an actual cup of coffee? Again, I am naive when it comes to this. I also have viewed the video several times and researched somewhat. They mentioned "Americano" I assume that is close to a cup of coffee? Thank you for your time and I apologize for the silly questions! Finally, do you offer Military Discounts; I am stationed in Germany in the US Army. I did call to ask if this machine is dual voltage, which it is not, I assume it should not be an issue plugging it into a transformer. We do that for many of our other appliances etc.
Thank you again.
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mjackson ♦ First, Thanks for all you do for our Country. The Gaggia Machines come with two brewing systems. A normal or non pressurized basket for your portafilter. That basket requires a proper grind. Your grind truly controls the quality of your shot. Read this article - http://www.wholelattelove.com/articles/the_golden_rule.cfm or this one to get a better understanding - http://www.wholelattelove.com/articles/troubleshooting_espresso_routine.cfm. Then you would want to get a grinder like the Gaggia MDF, as it is a true espresso grinder meant to grind fine enough for espresso. It has more range on the fine side of grind compared to a grinder that costs less. You may be able to indeed get a fine grind from a grocery store but it will take a lot of experimenting to see what grind setting will work best with those types of grinders and to still be able to brew according to the Golden Rule article. The machine also comes with a pressurized basket see here - http://www.wholelattelove.com/videos.cfm?playvidID=345. This allows the machine to get the correct pressure to brew espresso no matter what kind of grind. Or if you want to grind fresh you can get away with a lesser grinder and still get a pretty good product. Say a grinder like this - http://www.wholelattelove.com/JuraCapresso/infinityburr.cfm. An americano is espresso added o water to make more of a cup of coffee like drink. I hope this helps and thanks again.
I am not a coffee drinker or a Expresso drinker, I just ordered the Gaggia Baby Twin for my wife for Christmas, who is! We do not have a coffee grinder, we purchase coffee at the Grocery store. How important, and/or what is the difference when buying your own beans and grinding vs what we get at the Grocery Store. Is it imparative to have our own Grinder? Thank you for your help.
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A A Charles, Grinders are often the unsung hero when it comes to an Espresso setup. The grinds will make or break your shot. With the Gaggia Baby Twin comes a pressurized filter basket that will negate the need for an exact grind and proper tamping, giving you a "good" shot consistently. If you really want to get the best out of your Espresso machine, having a grinder in your home is indispensable. They allow you to adjust a critical part of the process to get the best possible coffee out of your machine. Happy brewing! Half of the fun is playing with different variables to find a process that gets your the shot you love to drink!
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mjackson ♦ CDN,
Thanks for the great comments. We sell to many non coffee drinkers and thanks for using us. I should probably say come drink some coffee, but that is up to you. So glad it all worked out.
02-12-2013 8:12am |