On The Hob

Not every one’s favourite coffee is from an espresso machine in Starbucks.  In the home Cafetieres and Stovetop coffee makers are increasingly popular.  But what are they and which should you choose?

Cafetieres

A Cafetiere is a glass or plastic pot with a plunger on top.  The brand La Cafetière  is most popular but they are also known as a French Press coffee maker or just a coffee maker.

Cafetieres

To use a Cafetiere you take the lid and plunger off, spoon in your freshly ground coffee and then hot water from a kettle.  Put the lid on with the plunger up.  Then once you have allowed sufficient time push the plunger down to separate the coffee grounds from the coffee.

Cafetieres are simple to use and great when you have guests, they come in all sizes from one cup to 12 cups, so much quicker than making an espresso for every guest!

Click here to buy a Cafetiere coffee maker

Stovetops

Stovetop coffee makers are becoming increasingly popular.  As the name suggests these are coffee makers for use on the stove / on the hob.

Stovetop Espresso Makers

A stovetop coffee maker has three components.  The water reservoir at the bottom.  A funnel shaped filter in the middle and the jug top ontop.  To use the coffee maker fill the bottom section with water, and the filter with your ground coffee.  Then place on the hob.

As the water heats it will produce steam.  But with nowhere for the steam to go the pressure forces the water up the funnel and through to the ground coffee.  As the water combines with the ground coffee it expands the coffee effectively “self tamping” and means more pressure is required for the water to pass through the coffee.  This pressure means that the coffee produced is espresso rather than a standard coffee you would get from a Cafetiere.  As the last of the water passes through the coffee it makes a characteristic gurgling sound telling you the coffee is brewed and ready to drink.

The most popular range of Stovetops is the Moka range by Bialetti.  You can buy the stovetops in “cup sizes” from just a one cup all the way to a 18 cup.

Click here to buy Bialetti Moka Stovetops from Amazon UK

Still not sure about stovetops?  Take a look at this great YouTube video showing how simple it is to make the perfect espresso.

Click here to buy Bialetti Moka Stovetops from Amazon UK

If you’re after a coffee machine this is a fantastic set.  Both a coffee machine and a aeroccino for the perfect milk to top off your coffee.  Note that this is a Nespresso coffee maker so will only use Nespresso coffee pods.  Though this has its advantages as the pod system is easy to use, clean (not coffee grounds everywhere) and produces a perfect cup every time.

Magimix Nespresso M100 Coffee Maker & Aeroccino

The Magimix Nespresso M100 espresso machine combines ease of use and advanced technology to deliver great results time after time. Impressive 19 bar pressure allows the perfect espresso everytime, while the stylish design of the unit makes it the perfect addition to any kitchen.

After your first taste, you will immediately appreciate the difference between an espresso and a filter coffee. Its flavour is stronger, its aromas more developed and its body thicker and more velvety. This is thanks to its unique method of preparation, which consists of passing water through finely ground coffee under high pressure and rapidly extracting the soluble substances. The quality of the results depends on various conditions: the measure of coffee, the pressure used, the water temperature, how finely ground the coffee is and the extraction time. Taking these conditions into account, using an award winning capsule system, Nespresso has created a process that allows you to prepare the perfect espresso.

The Magimix Nespresso M100 comes with a Aeroccino milk frother which can also be used to heat milk. Get perfect milk froth in just a few seconds. Maximum capacity: 75 ml (for milk froth preparation), 180 ml (for hot milk preparation). Diameter: 9 cm, height: 14.5 cm. Mains operated.

Product Details

Click to Buy the Magimix Nespresso M100 Coffee Maker & Aeroccino

Click to Buy the Magimix Nespresso M100 Coffee Maker & Aeroccino

NESCAFÉ and KRUPS have joined forces to bring café culture into your home with the launch of NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto, a stylish, multi-coffee capsule system that will change the way you make, drink and think about coffee. With four delicious varieties, whether you prefer a frothy cappuccino, shot of espresso, a multilayered latte macchiato or a rich coffee lungo, NESCAFÉ Dolcé Gusto delivers a quality coffee for every mood and occasion.

Krups Nescafe Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine

NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto combines the precision and technical perfection expected from KRUPS with the nation’s best loved coffee, to create a must-have kitchen accessory for the busy modern lifestyle. Sleek, funky and easy to use, this compact accessory comes in black, ivory, and red, guaranteed to bring a touch of flair into your home.

The NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto system from KRUPS uses the kind of high pressure normally found in professional machines. Simply lift the lever, pull out the pod-holder and pop in a specially designed capsule of 100% arabica, roast and ground coffee. Push the holder back, press down the lever and you’ll hear a pop. Move the knob to hot or cold and hey presto! Great tasting connoisseur coffees in a matter of seconds. You can even choose exactly how strong you want your cup – no hassle, no mess – which means you can relax and enjoy your favourite drink in style.

The new models boast improved features including:

• High 15 bar pressure, the ideal espresso pressure to extract all the flavour of the coffee
• Better, more sleek design for a qualitative look in the kitchen
• Improved ergonomics for ease of use
• A larger variety of drinks
• New water tank, with built-in transparent handle
• New safer and better quality brewing head
• Larger drip tray
• Magnetic pod holder provides a neat ‘stick-in’ feel

What’s more, every NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto system comes with a fantastic starter kit containing a chic and contemporary white cappuccino cup and saucer, latte macchiato glass, variety pack of capsules and a quick start guide containing recipe cards and instructions.
Product Features

Shop for the Krups Dolce Gusto Coffee Maker

Shop for the Krups Dolce Gusto Coffee Maker