May 20 2009

Espresso Steel

Published by admin at 11:06 am under Coffee, Cocoa and Tea Equipment

Espresso Steel

A Francis Francis Espresso Machine Will not Go Unnoticed in Your Kitchen

Author: K. Braun

When you start shopping for a Francis Francis Espresso machine, you might be startled by the unique design and color options. When you recover from the shock, you will notice the Italian craftsmanship and unique style of the Francis Francis machines. Get ready, because these machines are different than anything else you will see in your espresso shopping adventures. A Francis Francis machine plus your kitchen will surely equal a show stopping “wow” from your guests. If you like, you can get a shiny Francis Francis espresso machine in red, white, black, orange, or yellow. If that is not enough pizzazz for you, check out the X1 model that is available in deep blue, pale blue, stainless steel, yellow, orange, red or black. A machine this bright and shiny will help you start waking up in the morning before you have even brewed or consumed any coffee. Francis Francis offers a few different models to suit different budget and brewing needs.

X1
This machine offers the most wide range of color options, so if adding a bright blue espresso machine to your kitchen decor is at the top of your to do list, check out the X1. You can use either espresso pods or you own coffee – whatever you prefer. The X1 comes with a sturdy stainless steel steam wand that allows you to steam milk and make great froth for cappuccinos and lattes.

X3
If the wild Francis Francis colors are your main attraction to this brand, then this model will probably not be what you are looking for. It is available in fairly standard stainless steel, black and silver. The one unique color option is “almond”, which is a creamy, light brown. It is also a compact model that should fit easily onto your kitchen counter. You can use either espresso pods or ground coffee to pull your shots, although many users suggest forgetting the pods and going for the real thing.

X5
The X5 machine is available in a standard black and warm, wild orange, yellow and red. It will surely make an impression on guests, but many users report that it is difficult to make several drinks to serve a dinner party if you don’t want to spend your entire evening in the kitchen. However, it may be the perfect machine to knock your socks off in the morning as you prepare your own espresso drink and get out the door.

X6
This is one of the most space age looking machines that Francis Francis manufactures. Its most notable aesthetic feature is the shiny, metal-trimmed oval display head that shows a thermostat and hosts the operation buttons. Color choices are black, red and white. No one disputes that this machine looks cute, but a few consumers had problems with leaks, which may discourage shoppers from looking further at this model.

X7
This is the least expensive Francis Francis model at about $400. However, it runs on capsules only so that will make owning and operating the machine a little more expensive than if you were to use pods or grind your own coffee. The only color option is black, which may disappoint Francis Francis espresso machine fans, although it does feature an electric blue stripe on the side of the machine. Users who bought this machine rate it very high in convenience of use. If your main goal in buying an espresso machine is to easily make some decent beverages, this machine could be the ticket.

One thing to bear in mind: you will pay a premium for the stunning design of the Francis Francis espresso machines. If the looks are not your priority, you can get a cheaper espresso machine that does the same job.

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If retro look and color options are important to you, consider also the Ascaso Dream espresso machine.
If you want to find out more about buying espresso machine, have a look at some tips about selecting the best espresso machine for you.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – A Francis Francis Espresso Machine Will not Go Unnoticed in Your Kitchen

Themos Bottles, Stainless Steel, How To Clean?

Having great difficulty cleaning interior of one liter (quart) stainless steel narrow neck Thermos bottle I use daily for home brewed espresso coffee with hot milk. Sidewall encrustations are ruining the taste now. Have destroyed two prior Thermos bottles by trying bleach in 1’st, mild liquid dish soap in 2′nd. (Apparently the thermos seals got destroyed by the solvents.) Have also tried bottle brushing, but none have stiff enough bristles to scrape the crud off. Any previously successful suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

I have an inexpensive, quick, and easy solution! After washing with mild dish washing liquid and rinsing the thermos, pour a bottle of lemon juice in the thermos, put the lid on and shake it up, and let it stand for about 5 minutes. Then, add hot water to the lemon juice in the thermos until it is filled, reattach the lid, shake it up good and let is stand for another 5 minutes. If there is “crud” on the top or outside rim, simply soak a paper towel in the lemon juice and lay the soaked paper towel on the “cruddy part” for about 5 minutes. It worked well for me – let me know how it worked for you!

Ascaso Steel Duo Prof Tronic Espresso Shot