As someone who’s always looking for a better espresso, I’ve heard the phrase “coffee snob” thrown around more than a few times. Coffee connoisseurs may embrace or deny the epithet, and there is no clear-cut definition. To the guy who relies on Dunkin Donuts for his morning fix, it’s his neighbor with the AeroPress. For her, it might be a friend who turned down a coffee date because the initiator suggested Starbucks.

Funny or Die’s take on the matter is certainly hilarious. Although clearly a parody, it isn’t too far off from reality. It demonstrates the genuine disconnect everyday drinkers have with coffee culture. As much as Starbucks and other coffee chains have bastardized true coffee, they’ve been successful because they understand how to connect with the masses.

Be a Helpful Coffee Snob

Rather than chide friends and family for their poor taste in brew, I’m all about coffee education. Snide remarks or a “holier than thou” attitude just turn people off. I don’t mind taking a few minutes to explain to a coworker why a dark roast doesn’t have more caffeine than a light roast, or how it might be time to ask Mr. Coffee to leave the kitchen.

There’s nothing wrong with being a coffee snob– it’s something I embrace. But you can be a snob without being rude. Like going to Starbucks? I really don’t care. Prefer Folgers instant because it’s convenient? I’m not one to criticize and actually accepted a cup from a friend last week (Belarusian instant coffee, no less). However, I always explain why I prefer alternatives– you’d be surprised how many people truly do want better coffee but don’t know where to ask. I always strive to point people in the right direction, but I would never tell people a certain choice of coffee is wrong. Who am I to decide?

Wear your coffee snob badge proudly, but remember that great coffee is for the masses. People may never truly understand or appreciate your pickiness. Chances are good they do want a few pointers for a better morning brew, though. Be a responsible coffee snob and lend a helping hand.

Main photo: Gui Seiz

The staff at CoffeeKrave hopes you’re getting through the week in one piece. Here’s a quick look at what we’ve been reading.

Say Yes to the Coffee, No to Sugar

According to UCLA researchers, sugar isn’t good for maintaining a sharp mind. On the other hand, coffee has been shown to reduce mortality.

Just Not Hot Enough

Like it hot? Then stay away from the Black & Decker 8-cup programmable coffee maker. Daily Shot of Coffee reports that although this drip coffee maker is affordable and easy to use, it just doesn’t brew hot enough. This is a problem with many coffee makers found at big box retailers.

The Perfect Home Espresso Machine

Looking for a good home espresso machine? The classic Rancilio Silvia can’t be beat. Read two old but highly relevant guides to the machine here and here.

These Times They Are A-Changin’

You don’t have to be Bob Dylan to feel a change comin’ on. You might think you’ve mastered the perfect brew method, but as Coffee Adventures points out, it never hurts to reevaluate and try something new.

Espresso Reviewed

Coffeestork recently reviewed Square Mile Red Brick Espresso. The blend is well-balanced with hints of fruit at first, but leads to a body of “caramel buttery creaminess” with notes of chocolate and molasses.

Main photo: Christian Kadluba

If you’re looking for a way to shave a few seconds off your morning routine, a 2-cup coffee maker may be for you. These clever coffee makers brew straight into a set of two travel mugs (or whatever mug you prefer). It’s a convenient way to make sure you and your partner get their morning caffeine mix without worrying about who took the whole pot.

Of course, the main disadvantage of 2-cup coffee makers is the lack of a carafe. They’re suited for couples who want to take their coffee and run– perfect for the subway or morning commute down the Interstate. A twin coffee maker isn’t for those who like to sit around and sip their coffee all morning.

You may find such a setup a good compromise between expensive single-serve coffee makers and brewing large batches at once if you’re often on-the-go. Two-cup coffee makers are also handy for camping or the office. Here are a few twin coffee makers worth considering.

Cuisinart TTG-500 Two-to-Go Coffee Maker

The Cuisinart Two-to-Go brews fresh coffee into the two included 14-oz stainless steel travel mugs, which are slim enough to fit into even the smallest cup holders (Saab and Mini, I’m talking to you). The machine features an auto shut-off and uses paper filters, so clean-up is easy. This two-cup coffee maker is just the right small for any small nook in your kitchen or RV. Unfortunately, the Cuisinart Two-to-Go is currently discontinued.     More details

Hamilton Beach Stay or Go

The Hamilton Beach Stay or Go might as well be the perfect solution for fighting couples. It can brew into the included travel mugs one day and the single 10-cup thermal carafe the next. The Stay or Go can also brew straight into mugs. I think this is a better design than the Cuisinart because you’re not going to want to “brew and go” every day.     More details

Toastess Silhouette 2-Cup Coffee Maker

The Toastess TFC-42T Silhouette isn’t as elegant as the Hamilton or Cuisinart, but it’s priced for those on a budget. The $30 price tag is especially easy to stomach seeing as it comes with a pair of 15-oz travel mugs. The Silhouette has two separate brew chambers with individual nylon filters– you put different amounts or types of coffee into each chamber. He can have it weak and she can have it strong, or maybe he prefers dark roast and the other he prefers a lighter blend. This machine provides more options.  More details

As an alternative to these 2-cup coffee makers, you might also consider the Bodum Travel Press. The travel press is a traditional coffee press placed inside a coffee mug. A pair of these might be more appropriate for a couple more picky about their coffee. A press will beat out a drip coffee maker any day.

It takes just the right grind to get the best-tasting coffee, so a top-notch grinder is key. Although I don’t agree with Capresso’s claim that this conical burr grinder is “commercial-grade,” it has more than enough power for the home barista.The 8.5-ounce capacity and 16 grind settings will never leave you wanting. The sub-$100 price point is especially easy to digest– the Capresso Infinity conical burr grinder is a superb value for the money.

Why a Conical Burr Grinder?

The advantage of burr grinders is they provide a consistent grind without using too much abrasive force (more on that here). Excessive friction heats the ground too much, but conical burr grinders like the Capresso Infinity preserve maximum flavor by grinding more gently. This also makes the Infinity less noisy, so you can grind away and still hold a conversation. Speaking of which, this grinder has a built-in timer– so you can also grind away and walk away.

As far as design and ease of use are concerned, you couldn’t ask for something better. The bin on top is easy to load and the machine is overall easy to clean. However, you have to measure the coffee yourself. More advanced competitors like the Breville Smart Grinder take care of measurement for you. But hey, for $100 who’s complaining?

More on the Capresso Infinity

The Capresso Infinity is available in black, silver and a brilliant stainless steel / chrome. The latter will cost you a few extra Benjamins, which could be well worth it to match the rest of your kitchen. I personally just don’t like the look of plastic, even the high-end plastic of the black and silver models. This burr grinder manages to pull off plastic and still look classy, though.

A grinder is something you just shouldn’t skimp on– budget models provide inconsistent results you can taste. Less expensive blade grinders are notorious for their sloppy results. Keep in mind that the cost of a high-end grinder can easily reach the mid-hundreds. The Capresso Infinity provides great results at a much lower price– it’s definitely the conical burr grinder of choice for anyone on a budget.

You may not be a professional, but every home barista should have at least one frothing pitcher handy.These stainless steel containers are a necessity for using the steam wand on your espresso machine to froth milk. Whether you’re making a latte, cappuccino or any other milk-based drink, it all starts with frothing. This process adds air to the milk and accentuates the drink’s flavor.

Frothing pitchers come in two forms: one with a handle adjacent to the pitcher and another with a handle that juts outward like a pan. The former are by far the most common and the easiest to use.

For a typical home espresso machine (like the Bugatti Diva) with a small amount of steam power, a 20 oz is enough to froth milk for two. Adjust upward or downward depending on how many people you’re serving. Considering how inexpensive stainless steel frothing pitchers are, my recommendation is to have two or three around. A small one for light jobs and a medium milk frothing pitcher for multiple people at the very least. You might be surprised how little milk you need for some drinks.

Of course, you also want to make sure the pitcher you buy fits the machine. Some home machines may not have enough clearance for large milk frothing pitchers. Other than that, almost any frothing pitcher should get the job done. You can also froth milk without a steam wand using gadgets like the Bodum Shin or Aerolatte.

You can find pitchers online, at any cooking store or maybe even at a second-hand shop. You can wash them by-hand or use the dishwasher. One good accessory to have is a dial thermometer specifically designed for pitchers. These temperature readers sit on the rim of a pitcher for convenience and make it easy to determine if your milk is the proper temperature.

Main Photo: Kevin Jaako
Content Photo: David Hart

Maybe you feel jittery and have trouble concentrating at the end of the day, or perhaps you have a fever or throbbing headache. Either way, the symptoms of a caffeine overdose are usually very apparent– they often involve a trip to the toilet. Some symptoms of too much caffeine manifest themselves later in the day, such as insomnia and restlessness. But what about the gray area between a few cups of coffee and too much caffeine?

How Much Caffeine is Too Much per Day?

According to the Mayo Clinic, 200mg- 300mg of caffeine (2-4 cups of coffee) is healthy for adults. More than that is likely too much caffeine. Approximately 200mg is enough to reap all the positive benefits of caffeine (alertness, decreased risk of Alzheimer’s) without going overboard. More than 500mg is considered too much caffeine per day– I wouldn’t drink more than 4 cups.

Of course, everyone is different. Men tend to be more susceptible to the effects of caffeine than women. People with sensitive stomachs may not tolerate much caffeine at all, and caffeine metabolism is at least partly genetic. At the same time, a heavyset individual’s caffeine intake may be too much for a gymnast.

The Symptoms of Too Much Caffeine

Restlessness, the jitters, insomnia, muscle tremors, anxiety and irritability are all symptoms of too much caffeine. You may not fully notice these side effects if you are dealing with problems or stress– it’s easy to attribute sleeplessness and anxiety to a stressful job and then forget about how much coffee you drank that day.

Cutting Back

Coffee is the favorite drink of many, but too much just isn’t healthy. Even if you’re bordering on 4 cups it may be time to cut back. Instead of going cold turkey, slowly curtail your caffeine consumption. Replace coffee with green tea, which has around a third of the caffeine content. This is enough to give you a slight kick and still feel like you’re drinking something. Decaf is always an option as well.

Caffeine in Popular Drinks

Espresso– 50-100mg
Generic cup of coffee– 80- 100mg
Black tea– up to 80mg
Green tea– 20-30mg

Brew time is the most important factor in determining caffeine content. Reduce brew time for less caffeine. You can also share a pot of coffee with a friend or coworker, space your coffee out over a longer period of time (sip instead of guzzle) or mix caffeinated coffee with decaffeinated brew. Or you could just live with drinking too much caffeine, but this isn’t advisable in the long-term.

Main photo: Logan Ingalls
Content photo: Angelo Juan Ramos

“What is the best-tasting coffee in the world?” I’ve been asked this question or a similar one more than a few times. And the answer isn’t so straightforward. There may be a best car under $20,000, best restaurant in town or a best man for your wedding, but there is no single best-tasting coffee for everyone.

What Are the Best-Tasting Coffee Brands

According to a 2011 Consumer Reports taste test, Gloria Jean’s and Newman’s Own took the top spots with ratings of “very good.” Eight O’Clock is a more affordable brand that also scores well in taste tests. A high price isn’t necessarily indicative of high quality.

You can ask your friends and family for advice, but it’s best not to rely on anecdotal evidence in your quest for the best-tasting coffee. The brew method (Chemex, Percolator, coffee press, etc.) and age of the coffee make a substantial difference. Everyone has their own preferences and some “coffee experts” have more expertise than others.

Choosing the Right Roast

Contrary to popular belief, the roast intensity does not indicate how much caffeine (or “how strong”) the coffee is. The caffeine content is the same all around. Rather, it refers to how long the coffee was roasted. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

Light roasts have a high acidity and light body with few discernible flavors. Medium roasts have more aroma and a deeper body– this is what you might get if you just asked for a “cup of Joe” at a coffee shop. Dark roasts have a very intense body and often have somewhat of a burnt taste. They have the least acidity and are the roast of choice for espresso. Medium roasts are preferred for coffee tasting– many laymen would call them the best-tasting coffee.

Tips for Better-Tasting Coffee

As previously stated, the brew process plays a major role in getting the best coffee possible. Always use recently-roasted whole beans and grind the coffee right before brewing. Find out the right grind type for your brewer. Since coffee starts losing flavor as soon as its ground, pre-ground coffee is a no-no. If you have no other choice, then at least store it in an air-tight container away from light.

You should also use filtered water when available and clean your coffee maker regularly. Avoid sweeteners– you shouldn’t need them if you make the coffee properly. Buy from local roasters if possible. They’ll be more than happy to advise you on the right coffee preparation techniques and you know the beans will be fresh.

Main Photo: Daniel Epstein
Content Photo: Curious Expeditions

As much as I love my French press, there’s a reason why so many people use drip coffee makers– they can make a large amount of coffee without much fuss. Yet drip brewers have a fundamental flaw– some coffee grounds get more water than others. A new offering, the Bunn Phase Brew, does things differently. Rather than send a waterfall of lukewarm water through the middle of your coffee grounds, it shoots properly heated water evenly across the grounds once it reaches the optimum temperature. This produces an overall better cup of coffee.

The Bunn Phase Brew Coffee Maker

The Bunn Phase Brew makes up to 8 cups of coffee (4o fl oz) in 10 minutes. The thermal carafe keeps coffee warm for hours and the stainless steel construction will not only match your Whirlpool refrigerator, but is also easy to clean and won’t hold odors. The thermal carafe design helps saves energy because there is no need for a built-in heating plate. Drop a glass carafe on a tile floor and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a replacement. You can drop a stainless steel carafe and break a tile before you break the container. Note that a less expensive version with a glass carafe is available.

The Bunn phase brew looks great in the kitchen.

The design of the Bunn coffee maker gives off a vibe of serious business. It’s all about making top-notch coffee and it wants you to know it. You’d better have other striking appliances in your kitchen or the Bunn will capture all the attention. The built-in LCD screen is discreetly placed, giving off a high-end ambiance. This isn’t the Bunn you know of from the local diner.

Many budget coffee makers struggle to heat water to the right temperature. The Bunn consistently heats water to 200 F. This video shows the spray head in action:

Bunn has a reputation for making top-notch coffee makers. The Phase Brew is a good choice for small families and offices with 5 or fewer employees. Since it only brews a minimum of 4 cups (20 fl oz) at once, this machine is not the best choice for a solo coffee drinker. As with any other coffee maker, only use freshly ground coffee and filtered water. You might also look into the Cuisinart DCC-1200.

Priced between $90- $120 (depending on where you buy it), the Bunn Phase Brew should be seen as a long-term investment in better coffee. The machine comes with a 36-month warranty. Be sure to buy the high-altitude version if you live in the mountains. You can see a demo of the Phase Brew in action on Bunn’s website.

The best part of waking up certainly isn’t Folgers in your cup, or any type of coffee in your cup for that matter. Here’s a list of 15 amazing coffee wallpapers worth waking up to for your morning email check. A beautiful desktop is certainly an inspiration for me.

Have a wallpaper to add? Feel free to chime in with your own.

1. Colorful Coffee

This coffee wallpaper will definitely add color to your desktop.

2. Coffee and Cookies

Looks pretty tasty. I love the execution of this composition.

3. Coffee Serendipity

This coffee desktop backround is pure bliss.  You can download the full size version at The Paper Wall.

4. Moka Owl

He’s cute and he’s made of coffee. Get this little guy here.

5. Coffee and a Smoke

Some things are better in pairs. Download this beautiful coffee desktop background here.

6. Loving Coffee

Keep the lace and give me the coffee.

7. Cafe in Fall

Another beautiful cafe desktop background.

8. Crowded Table

I love the great use of contrast in this black and white wallpaper. Download here.

9. Day at the Cafe

There’s nothing better than an afternoon at your favorite cafe. Download this cafe wallpaper here.

10. “Joe” by Avatarpalin

This black and white coffee wallpaper at Interfacelift adds a subtle jolt to your desktop.

11. Late Night Coffee

A coffee desktop wallpaper from Desktop Nexus sure to provide some late-night inspiration.

12. Nespresso City

This is actually from a Nespresso advertising campaign, but you can download it as a desktop wallpaper.

13. Good Morning

Simple isn’t always so bad.

14. Coffee Camera

Maybe this is more of a photography wallpaper than a coffee desktop wallpaper, but old cameras and java go well together.

15. Coffee Butterfly Coffee Wallpaper

This coffee wallpaper may not be real, but it’s definitely beautiful. You can download it at DeviantArt.

Note: I tried to find the original source of each coffee desktop wallpaper, but was not able to for several wallpapers. If you know the original source of a desktop background, please contact Coffee Krave so I can give credit where credit is due.

The Cafe Solo from designer kitchenware maker Eva Solo is functional aesthetic in a small package. Like the Scanomat TopBrewer, the Danish-designed Cafe Solo leaves nothing to be desired in the style department.

Brewing with the Solo is an experience into the essence of coffee. Add ground coffee, boiling water, stir, wait several minutes and pour through the mesh cone filter on top. The neoprene jacket keeps the joe warm while you wait.

You control the brew process, so it’s important to use the right grind and brew time with this coffee maker. In contrast to drip makers, this total immersion brewing method provides a much richer and more concentrated cup. Brewing too long could produce a cup that is too bitter and acidic. Make sure the grind isn’t too fine, or you could end up with sludge in your mug.

Cleaning is easy– just rinse it out. You will of course want to keep your Cafe Solo spotless since it’s such a great display piece.

Cafe Solo: Price and Availability

The Eva Solo Cafe Solo comes in three sizes: 0.6 l, 1.0 l and 1.4 1. Starting at around $80, it’s just as much an investment in aesthetics as good coffee. Outside of those high-end snooty cooking stores, it’s only available online. You might also look into the matching Eva Solo Thermo cups, which run for 35 EUR on the Eva Solo website.

What’s stopping me from buying one? Cats and travel. Readers on a budget may want to consider a French press instead. While the Cafe Solo certainly makes great coffee, it’s by no means the only path to attaining coffee Nirvana. As with any full immersion brewer, coffee drinkers with sensitive stomachs should opt for something that extracts less acid.