Jura F50 vs Sprada TX5: The Test of Time vs The Future?

Jura is a name that has stood the test of time, while Sprada (as their trademark slogan indicates) is – admittedly – The Future.

So, what if we need to decide between two seemingly similar Automatic Bean to Cup Coffee Machines – and we’re down to the face off between two giant names – packaged into two small machines?

We compare them side by side, of course.

Which Machine Is Better?

As we can see from the above side-by-side comparison, the Jura F50 and Sprada TX5 are so similar in almost every facet it’s impossible to rate one as the winner.

Both machines are small, with minor capacity differences in terms of bean hopper and water tank size. They will both serve the purpose – if their intended use is for a small home or office space which enjoys a few milk-based drinks and coffees throughout the day.

Their aesthetic (in both instances) are not their drawing point – but due to the lesser amount of “bells and whistles” – we see the price bracket of +/- R 11 000.00 for either machine come into play.

What it may come to is two factors; ease of use and backup support.

While both machines have a basic LCD screen display and rotary selection, the TX5 is far more feature filled and may be a bit more difficult for first-time users.

In terms of backup support, both Sprada and Jura do local repairs – while Jura may be more difficult to have serviced and repaired due to specialist suppliers having the monopoly.

Whichever machine you choose – be sure it makes YOU happy – there is no right or wrong choice – just the right or wrong chocie for you.

Happy sipping!

The post Jura F50 vs Sprada TX5: The Test of Time vs The Future? appeared first on Aquaspresso.

Jura Errors – Decoded

I’d like to make my opening statement a bet; I bet you there’s not much more in this world so frustrating a finally having a Jura coffee machine in your home or office, you press a button for your anti-grumpy medication (AKA – coffee) and your machine comes to a grinding (pun intended) halt and displays that horrific word: “ERROR”. Your world comes crashing down and you don’t know what to do.

Well, here’s what your Jura Errors really mean:

Error 1 – coffee thermoblock is not reaching the required temperature to brew coffee.

This could be one of two possible issues with your thermoblock. Firstly, and in the worst case scenario, your thermoblock may have malfunctioned – and the only way of rectifying this is taking your machine back to the supplier or to Jura itself. The alternative issue could be within the thermosensor. This is a much easier fix – but wills till require that you take your machine in to be fixed.

Error 2 – the machine is too cold after sitting idle for an extended period

This is a very easily fixed issue. The simplest two ways to heat up your machine are to either fill your water tank with hot water and allow it to run through the machine, by pressing any of the buttons used to normally brew a drink. It may take a while, and make some funny noises along thee way – but it will heat up your machine undoubtedly. The pother option is to get a hair dryer, remove the water tank and blow hot air on the side where the water tank was.

Voila!

Error 3 – steam thermoblock failed to reach required temperature

You can firstly visually check to see if the cable to the Thermal Sensor is broken, or if the contact pins are corroded. If so, take it to Jura or your supplier so they can replace or repair the cable. This error could also indicate that the steam thermoblock is defective – because, over time, the thermoblock may become clogged with scale, preventing it from reaching the required temperature. You may try to run a de-scaling cycle on your machine, if if the error persists, kjust take it in to Jura or your supplier.

Error 4 – steam thermoblock exceeded maximum temperature

Sheesh, from one extremer to another, right? This error indicates that the thermoblock may be corroded (also from scale build-up). You can, again, visually check to see if the cable to the thermal sensor is broken, or if the contact pins are corroded. If this is the case, you’ll need to take it in to Jura or your supplier. An attempt at running a de-scale cycle may assist, but as with Error 3 – if it does not assist – you know what top do and where to take it.

Error 5 – required temperature not reached

The biggest culprit for this Error is that the thermoblock is severely corroded or clogged with scaled and needs to be replaced. De-scaling will likely not assist in this instance. The power board could also be to blame, and if that is the case, it will need replacement. In a worst case scenario, the “Over-Temperature Protection” is blown and needs to be replaced. It is recommended to replace the thermal sensor, as well, as a precaution taken to avoid another malfunction. Take it to the supplier or to Jura.

Error 6 – coffee/ water/ steam valve failed to initialise

This valve distributes water to the hot water pipe, coffee dispenser and steam pipe. Over time, the valve becomes clogged with scale build-up, and therefore, it cannot switch between the aforementioned functions. If your Jura has a Reactive Cable in the rear of the machine, try clean the contact pins, dry them and apply contact spray, if necessary. If this doesn’t work,. Your machine will need to go to the Jura hospital.

Error 7 – ceramic valve, encoder or brew group malfunction

This is a tough one. There is really no simple fix to this error – you’ll need to take the machine to your supplier or to Jura and have the ceramic valve or encoder replaced. If neither of these issues are to blame, it will be a brew group malfunction, for which case, refer to Error 8, below.

Error 8 – brew group malfunction

Jura’s have non-removable brew groups, which is great in terms of ease of maintenance, but a bit of a hiccup in terms of it malfunctioning. There is, again, no way to remedy this error at home – so if you experience Error 8 – take your machine to the nearest supplier or to Jura.

Some of this info was extracted from juraparts.com

The post Jura Errors – Decoded appeared first on Aquaspresso.

How To Upgrade Your Home Coffee Machine

Coffee machines in the home and office have become somewhat of what the Walkman was back in the 90’s; at first, it was a luxury item that was almost always “too expensive”, and one that “served no real purpose”. Using that as our example, and moving along 20+ years, we now see ourselves all walking around with the modern equivalent of the Walkman – either in the form of music on our phones, iPod’s etc.

We can directly translate this to the boom of coffee machines in almost all spaces of late – it all started with a capsule coffee machine that coffee lovers brought into their homes, to get something in-between an instant cup of coffee and café-quality coffee.

Times have changed, again, and now we’re seeing affordable, pint-sized bean to cup coffee machines taking over that market. Even the capsule machines we have come to know are progressing at the speed of light – with attachable milk frothers and capsule selections spanning beyond our wildest imagination.

If you’re stuck somewhere between owning a capsule coffee machine and needing (read: wanting, desperately) a better quality coffee machine, here’s a logical way to go about making exactly the right selection for your needs.

What Type of Coffee Machine Is Best For My Home?

This question/answer is user-specific. However, it’s safe to say that size does matter, especially in this case. Instead of listing the “right” options for home users, let’s first mention what’s never going to be the right choice.

Vending machines and commercial-sized bean to cup machines are going to be a waste of all your resources.

-They take up far too much space to justifiably be placed in a kitchen or living room.

-They look bulky.

-In the case of a coffee vending machine, chances are you’ll be compromising quality either by using instant coffee or powdered milk, and a large commercial bean to cup machine will simply not be utilised to it’s full potential.

Now that we know what to avoid – what should we be scouring as “minimum requirements” for a home coffee machine? Well, that also depends on the users starting point.

If you are using instant coffee and want to bump it up a level, consider a capsule coffee machine. This is going to allow you to select different types of coffee, and if it’s a small home usage application, you won’t be putting yourself too out-of-pocket. Some of the more advanced capsule machines can have a milk frother fitted, allowing you to have creamy cappuccino’s etc. Consider that using a capsule daily may add up financially over time, so keep an eye on that.

If you don’t want the “fanciness” of a capsule machine and are more of a coffee purist – consider investing in a filter coffee machine. Using an industrial filter coffee machine in your home is the exception to the home/ commercial coffee machine dynamic. See, using an industrial filter coffee machine allows you to brew and maintain the temperature of your filter coffee, without the risk of it scalding. Also, it is usually made of far superior material, meaning less possibility of breakage of damage.

If you are already a capsule coffee machine user, and need to upgrade yourself, bean to cup is definitely the machine you’re looking for. You allow yourself the freedom to grind coffee beans on the spot – guaranteeing the freshest possible cup of coffee every single time. Automatic machines also come with a built-in or attachable milk flasks/frothers, granting you the ability to combine freshly-ground beans with freshly foamed milk.

Some coffee companies have incorporated the coffee product into the machine solution, ensuring you have three of the most important factors when you’re renting:

1) Coffee product

2) Backup support (in case anything goes wrong)

3) The flexibility to swap-out op upgrade your machine if it (one day) no longer serves your needs.

How Much Will A Home Coffee Machine Cost Me?

If you’re considering opting for a capsule coffee machine, consider these two factors:

1) Initial investment for the capsule machine is low

2) You end up paying per cup of coffee by the price of each capsule. That directly translates to the fancier the brand / more expensive the capsule = the higher price per cup of coffee you make.

Also factor in the price for sugar and milk to add to each cup, and you can expect to pay around R 8.00 – R 10.00 per cup of coffee.

If you’re opting for a filter coffee machine – factor in the rental or purchase price for the coffee machine, as well as the ground coffee. This is usually the cheapest route – for a reason. Your drink choices are pretty much limited to, well, coffee – or coffee.

If you’re decided to make the move to bean to cup automatic coffee machines for your home, and are considering doing it through a product-subsidised rental, you can pay as little as R 7.00 per cup. Considering this is using freshly ground coffee beans as well as fresh milk – it seems to the the most cost-effective solution that yields the best possible coffee at home.

If you’ve opted for the rental route – you’ll also benefit from the backup support the coffee company will usually offer, and get to enjoy the best coffee for as long ass you like.

All I know is that sometimes, the coffee you have in the morning can be the deciding factor in just how great your day is. Take it from an expert

The post How To Upgrade Your Home Coffee Machine appeared first on Aquaspresso.

Office Coffee Service – Make Sure You’re Not Missing Out

If you’re an office space that makes use of a coffee machine, how sure are you that you’re not missing out? You might be getting some of the most amazing coffee and your rental price for that coffee machine could be quite low – but is that where it begins and ends?

Coffee Mahcine Rentals – What Is Included?

Have you scoured your coffee machine contract thoroughly? Some things you should be looking for when signing onto a rental agreement with any kind of office coffee solution supplier, are along the lines of “added extras”.

It can be difficult to decipher what is considered a luxury add-on, and what is considered a necessity in terms of having a hassle-free agreement with your supplier – one that keeps you happy.

The standard is that your coffee solution supplier will offer you a rental option that includes the monthly rental amount of the coffee machine you’ll be using – as well as a certain, set amount of coffee product which you’ll be expected to use in the month-to-month arrangement. Most suppliers will allow for a subsidized coffee machine solution rental if you can meet the minimum monthly requirement of using their product.

The extras we mentioned earlier would include things like servicing of the coffee machine, backup support (telephonic assistance for smaller issues which can be resolved without requiring a call-out), machine swap-outs if the machine is faulty or requires replacement – and lastly – exchanging the coffee machine if it (at any stage) needs to be upgraded or downgraded.

Why Are Extended Office Coffee Services So Important?

You might think that the three aspects I’ve just mentioned as extras are just that – extras.

Consider that if you have been signed up into any length rental agreement – whether it be one month, three months, one year or three years – your circumstances could (unfortunately, or fortunately) change overnight.

Your staff complement may expand to such a point that the coffee machine that ticked every single box three months ago – is simply not going to be able to satisfy your needs down the line.

Inversely, you might think that the coffee machine you signed up for isn’t actually what you’re looking for.

That’s why another important aspect to consider if if the supplier of your office coffee solution offers you a trial period. A trial period is usually anything ranging from 7 days – all the way through to one month. This allows you – the user – to add the new coffee machine feature to your office space and see how well it satisfies your needs. During this period, it’s normal for you to pay for the coffee product you’ve used, and not pay rental on the coffee machine.

You end up having a real chance to see how the staff react to it, whether you’d need a bigger or smaller (or entirely different) solution to that which you’ve signed up for. It allows for cancellation with reasonable notice, without you having to be stuck with a “solution” that does little short of being a hindrance to you.

Whether you need a coffee machine for your office, canteen, teachers room, pause area or lunch room – we not only advise – but beg you to follow these important steps:

1) Look at the various options of coffee machine available – and what you believe will satisfy your needs.

2) Get quotes from a couple of suppliers and scrutinize the rental agreement options they offer. Ensure you’re not signing up immediately for along-term rental agreement before you’ve had a chance to test it out.

3) Get that coffee machine into the space you’ll be using it – and get as much feedback from your staff as possible. Test the coffee machine out yourself, as well, to see that it’s giving you what you expect and need from your coffee solution.

4) Take note of any hassles the machine (or the supplier) may have arise during your trial period. A great example of this is if you opted for a drip coffee machine, and the coffee ends up not being drunk, if the machine does not make the coffee properly – or if your supplier refuses to assist when concerns are raised – this should sound alarm bells.

5) Make sure YOU are happy. There is no harm, nor shame, in requesting a different machine, a swap out, a bigger or even a smaller machine. This decision is about you and your needs – not the supplier.

In short – try it out, make sure you love the coffee machine, make sure you’re happy with the level of service you receive and make sure the solution fits your needs.

The post Office Coffee Service – Make Sure You’re Not Missing Out appeared first on Aquaspresso.

Jura Coffee Machines: The Easiest Automatic Coffee Machines To Use?

Not all coffee machines are crated equal – especially when it comes down to the nitty-gritty of actually using it. Without a shadow of a doubt, automatic coffee machines (in general) are far easier to use than their traditional Espresso machine counterparts. We’ve even seen some industry giants (like Starbucks) moving away from traditional, manual machines and gravitating towards to consistency-bearing automatic espresso machine.

But, how easy are automatic machines when it comes to daily use, really? We go through the most popular of the Jura ranges to highlight the ease-of-use associated with each range.

Jura A Range Coffee Machines

The A range from Jura is their newest range. This is an entry-level machine, sans any type of built-in milk system. This means that it’s best suited for a home or small office environment, which in turn means less people using the machine on a first-time basis. Once you’ve shown the users once or twice, and allowed them to use the machine themselves a few times, they’ll be able to brew a cuppa without a second of hesitation.

The A-range from Jura features three buttons on their basic display – one for each of the three varied sizes of coffee drinks. It might be a little confusing for first time users, but once shown, it’s one of the most basic displays to use.

Jura E Range Coffee Machines

E-range coffee machines from Jura are considered the informal “replacements” for the F range of machines. Their user interface and aesthetic have been amongst some of their most celebrated improvements, and for good reason. The display is as easy to use as anyone could imagine. Integrated milk frothing systems allow you to have a latte (or cappuccino) with one simple touch – no moving of mugs, adjusting of milk-froth-texture or anything of the like.

For medium sized offices, this is a dream come true for ease of use and speed.

Jura F Range Coffee Machines

The F range is somewhat of a pivotal point in terms of the display and ease of use in Jura coffee machines. Some of the F range machines feature the introductory (at that stage) TFT screens with rotary dials. This type of display makes the F ranges exceptionally easy to use, because instead of deciphering pictures, cup sizes etc., all your options are displayed on-screen and allow your selection process to be much quicker and more streamlined.

For it’s ideal use, it will be located in a medium sized office, and with one or two demonstrations, staff will be able to make their morning (tea time, afternoon AND lunch time coffee’s) with no hassle at all.

Jura X Range Coffee Machines

The XS range is a black or white situation. This is the cornerstone of a coffee-holic large office. It gets the job done, and does it well. However, the display is a bit tricky. It is a basic LCD screen display, and to brew a cuppa requires button-selection of the type of coffee you want., The milk-based drinks are located to the opposite side of the machine, so unless you offer extensive training to users or the tea lady, this is maybe not the most user friendly of Jura’s ranges.

However, the XJ range has taken from that downfall and improved the situation. The XJ range has a colour display and is far easier (and more fun) to use. For a larger office, a few training sessions should seal the deal in terms of user friendliness.

Jura GIGA Range Coffee Machines

This monster is designed to cater for the largest of large offices, For this reason, it has to be easy (and fast) to use – in order to successfully serve all those who require it throughout the day.

Again – the colour display and selection is far improved upon and makes for some of the least complicated drink selections and brewing methods and automatic coffee machine can produce. Select which bean hopper to use from, choose from pre-selects – this is easy as as a big office machine gets.

The post Jura Coffee Machines: The Easiest Automatic Coffee Machines To Use? appeared first on Aquaspresso.

The Coffee That Trumps all Others – Black Insomnia Coffee “The Worlds Strongest Coffee”, launches on Amazon USA!

Black Insomnia Coffee Company, which first launched in Cape Town in July 2016, is the brain-child
of founder Sean Kristafor, who had a vision of ‘rebooting’ the coffee industry. According to Kristafor,
“it is time to offer something a little different – something stronger and darker, with an edge”. After
experimenting in the Black Insomnia Coffee lab, Kristafor and one of the world’s foremost roasters,
Dr. G (Gerald Charles), managed to roast up the perfect blend of beans, which produced an
indulgent smooth sweet nutty flavor that trumps all other coffees trying to make the same claim.

Read the full press release in the link below!

Black Insomnia Coffee PRESS RELEASE 23 MARCH 2017

The post Black Insomnia Coffee “The Worlds Strongest Coffee”, launches on Amazon USA! appeared first on Aquaspresso.

Why Does A Little Water Come Out My Jura on Startup?

Have you ever noticed how the Jura in your office or home seems to seep a little water just before it starts to brew your favourite cuppa? Have you also noticed this doesn’t really happen on anything other type of coffee machine? That’s because the whole reason this happens is because of Jura’s patented technologies – both the Intelligent Pre-Brew Water System – as well as Pulse Extraction Process?

How Does IPBWS and PEP Work?

As I mentioned, the little bit of water you see escaping the spout before brewing begins is all because of the4se two technologies.

In the “older” IPBWS technology, your coffee is ground up and a small amount of heated water is added to those grounds and allowed to saturate them for a while. This allows for more flavour to develop and extra aroma to be extracted from that cup before it is brewed into your selected drink. Now if you can imagine the coffee grounds inside, even packed as tightly as they are, there will always be a minuscule amount of water that simply cannot be held inside them and thus “drips” out – resulting in the small amount of water you see escaping the spout.

In PEP – the newer technology we see in Jura machines – instead of pre-infusing the coffee grounds with heated water as was the practice in IPBWS – the very same pre-heated water is sent through the ground coffee in short bursts which extracts even more aroma (and some may argue – a higher amount of caffeine – but that hasn’t been conclusively decided just yet) from your coffee. The same principle of the coffee grounds not being able to contain all that water applies to this technology – and also results in that very same water dripping as we would see in any other Jura machine.

So there you have it – a simple explanation to a rather complex technology. Your Jura drips water before it brews because it’s some seriously advanced Jura technology!

The post Why Does A Little Water Come Out My Jura on Startup? appeared first on Aquaspresso.

Rooma A9 Office – Coffee Machines Everyone Will Want To Use

The word “Rooma” conjures up an image of either a very upbeat dance one does on a Saturday night – or a vacuum cleaner that whizzes around your house picking up messes you didn’t know you had created. But I’m about to change your entire perception of that name – welcome the Rooma A9 Office Coffee Machine to your world.

Rooma A9 Office Coffee Machine Specifications

As with any coffee machine – we all want to know about the numbers and what the machine can actually do. You’ll be glad to know this bean to cup beauty can make all your favourites, like Espresso, regular coffee, cappuccino, latte’s – and it also has a separate hot water spout for top-ups and to provide tea-drinkers with a good enough reason to at least be able to use the coffee machine

This compact machine weighs a meagre 13kg – putting in the league of demanding attention, but not being too much of a presence.

A nifty feature of this machine that is not common on all fresh milk coffee systems is the outlet spouts; see, you have two outlets for your coffee product, two for milk froth and two for hot water. This entirely eliminates the risk of having hot water contaminated with coffee, or your coffee spout tainted with milk froth residue (your Espresso lovers and coffee purists will thank you for this later).

The 300g bean hopper is excellently proportional to the water tank size and makes this a great fit for a medium sized office, who enjoy both milk and pure coffee drinks.

The aesthetic of this machine is perhaps more intriguing than the drink selection it presents; this machine has a central, non-adjustable coffee spout which allows for a 13cm cup to fit comfortably underneath. The machine has a sleek, piano-black or pure white design that would compliment any modern or classic office set-up.

The ease of use for this coffee machine is unbelievable – one modern looking touch screen system that allows you to select your drink of choice from an easily decipherable location. The on/off switch is entirely separate – which means any nervous “newbies” won’t accidentally switch off the machine mid-operation.

There is an additional height-enhancing base, which allows the same machine to be suitable in an environment which requires a “larger” machine presence – without adding a hefty price tag. Speaking of space – this machine has a total dimension of 270mm x 495mm x 440mm.

Rooma A9 Office Coffee Machine Price

How much is this going to set you back? In the region of about R 10 000.00 R 12 000.00 to buy.

So, who is the Rooma A9 a good fit for?

If your criteria for a coffee machine for your office fits the description below – then this might just the perfect machine for you:

Compact, modern design coffee machine.

Easy-to-use, touch screen interface which allows new and old users to get the best from this machine.

A fresh milk solution which incorporates freshly ground coffee beans.

A coffee machine that is well-priced for what it does – and is not necessarily the absolute best of the best quality.

However, if you answer yes to pretty much any of the questions below, I would suggest considering other options first before buying or renting a Rooma A9.

Looking to save money on your monthly office coffee spend.

Looking for a machine that is capable of making hot chocolate, moccachino’s and flat whites speciality drinks.

A machine that is going to need to “wow” guests; granted, this machine is by no means “not good looking” – but in comparison to some other machines, the wow factor might need to be upped to suit your needs.

Looking for a solution that can produce large quantities of coffee, in a short space of time, on a daily basis. This machine is geared towards a small office usage, and placing it under undue pressure will simply shorten the lifespan of the machine.

Tell us what you think of the Rooma A9!

The post Rooma A9 Office – Coffee Machines Everyone Will Want To Use appeared first on Aquaspresso.

Coffee Machines South Africa: The Ultimate Guide

There’s no arguing that the coffee culture in South Africa is in the midst of a boom. We’ve seen two major coffee-culture related launches – both Coffee In A Cone as well as the certified Worlds Strongest Coffee both stamped as proudly South African – but what about the coffee machines that are responsible for making that delicious dark nectar?

If you’re on the market for a coffee machine, or simply want the most comprehensive guide to what coffee machines are available in South Africa – you’ve come to the right place.

The Best Automatic Coffee Machines in South Africa

We’re shifting things up a little and going straight to the top on this one; but just to be clear – the “best automatic coffee machine’ category can be limiting. We’ll be listing the best coffee machines available in South Africa by these sub-categories: The Best Coffee Machine on a Budget, The Best Automatic Coffee Machine For A Large Office as well as The Best Coffee Machines to Make an Impression.

We got ya.

The Best Coffee Machine on a Budget

Your criteria is short and sweet. You want fresh milk, freshly ground beans and for the machine to do the dirty work. Remember that usually with a lower available budget, you can expect a smaller sized machine – so this is really only applicable if you’re looking for a solution for your home space or a small office environment of up to at most 10 people. (Bean to Cup on a budget for an office is an entirely different ball game, which we’ll touch on later).

Now, there are going to be some factors that push up the price of a coffee maker:

Materials used (imagine ceramic vs stainless steel grinder)

Bean hopper size and water tank size

One-touch or two-touch functionality (sometimes, by opting for a one-touch version of a machine can drive up the price by over 20%)

The “bells and whistles” like touch-screen or programmable drink options

Output capabilities (things like being able to make hot chocolate or flat white’s can sometimes drive the price up by large amounts)

Brand. Many of us are committed to a brand and at times, the price-tag associated with said brand can be much higher, simply because it’s popular.

What should you look for when you’re shopping for an automatic coffee machine on a budget?

Compare the price difference a machine with an internal milk frother would be, or if it would make more financial sense to buy a basic coffee machine and then a free-standing milk frother.

If you’re entirely new to the coffee machine world, don’t be fooled into thinking that just because a capsule coffee machine is much cheaper to buy than any other type of automatic machine, that it will be cheaper in the long run. Factor in the price of your coffee product from the beginning – as this running cost will add up over the years.

When choosing a home coffee machine, even if the price is right – make sure the machine is capable of making the drinks you want. No point in getting a machine that cannot make latte’s when that’s the main reason behind you wanting a machine in the first place.

Get rid of anything fancy looking; let’s face the facts, if you’re on a budget – anything like illuminated back lights, self-cleaning systems, programmable memory or even speciality drinks can (and will) drive the price through the roof. Stay clear.

So, this brings us to the point where you’re reading through this, thinking – “so… what friggin machine am I supposed to get?” Again, we got ya!

Fully Automatic Options on a Budget

For less than R 10 000.00, try the Saeco Minuto. It makes your favourite milk-based drinks, contains a milk carafe and has a decent size bean hopper and water tank.

For the very same price range, consider a Jura A1 and a stand-alone milk frother. What’s the catch? Jura has the big name, but has a very basic display and might be a little hard for first time users. Saeco, also under Phillips, doesn’t carry the Jura name tag, but is far easier to use.

Semi-Manual Options on a Budget

Saeco Poemia – for about R 2 500.00, also with a stand alone milk frother is going to bring you to around R 4 500.00 (depending also in the type of milk frother you want).

The Russell Hobbs Café Barista One goes for around R 4000.00 and has a built-in milk carafe. Both require pre-ground coffee or a separate bean grinder – but are great for homes and users who prefer a more hands-on experience ion their coffee making ritual.

Fully automatic vs semi-manual – what’s up with that?

You can see there’s about R 5 000.00 difference between fully automatic and semi-manual machines. This comes down to two things – convenience and ease of use.

Convenient in the fact that you (in the case of a fully automatic machine) simply have to push one button and have your drink dispensed, and easy to use in that there’s no having to first learn how to grind and tamp your coffee properly before brewing it.

The Best Automatic Coffee Machine For A Large Office

I told you we’d get here, didn’t I? In the previous section we discussed the best options for a tight budget – which included the option to grind and tamp your coffee yourself. In a large office environment, where speed is the name of the game, this is never, ever going to work.

Unless you have a dedicated Barista using a manual machine, opting for this type of coffee solution for regular staff is just going to cause frustration and probably wastage. The average Joe doesn’t know how to use a traditional machine, let alone get a “good” cup of coffee out of it.

You simply need to go for a bean-to-cup solution in this instance.

This is also a choice between top-notch quality and a mix of quality and quantity. Your two main options when needing an automatic coffee machine for your large office are either a fully automatic, fresh-milk bean to cup solution, or a powdered milk bean to cup vending solution.

Who is a fresh milk automatic coffee machine good for? Those looking to make more of an impression and provide the highest quality coffee at all times. Fresh milk lends an edge that cannot be met by any other type of milk. Also, most large bean to cup coffee machines have one-touch capabilities (yay for first-timers) as well as an easy to understand screen display.

Alternately, those wanting the quality of freshly ground beans, but not wanting to incorporate a (usually) costly fresh-milk spend, may want to opt for a vending solution. Yes, it uses powdered milk, but you can expect to save (probably) half your monthly coffee spend by eliminating fresh milk.

What machine fits this criteria?
For an office in excess of 100 people – the Bravilor Esprecious 12 is going to knock your socks off. It makes any drink you can imagine, with freshly ground beans and powdered milk. It’s modern and easy to use, and can easily see to a staff complement of that size.

For a medium sized office of up to approximately 100 people, why not consider the Jura XS9? Sure. it’s not in the running for a beauty prize of the century, but it’s going to get the job done. Fresh milk means no compromise on quality and taste, combined with freshly ground beans and the Jura stamp of quality, this machine ticks all the boxes when you’re in search of affordable quality.

In an environment where you want the convenience, ease-of use and speed only a vending machine can offer, look at the Rheadvendor Bean to Cup vending solution,. Again, powdered milk, but fresh beans mean quality without the price tag. It’s far smaller than the Bravilor Esprecious 12, and is also best suited for offices needing up to 200 cups of coffee per day.

The Best Coffee Machine to Make an Impression

You’re playing in the big leagues and you want your clients to know it.

If you’re an office – go for a machine that’s going to demand attention – AND make a superb cup of coffee. For this – you know you need fresh milk and fresh beans. The aesthetic is just as important as the product – so special features, programmable settings, two bean hoppers and maybe even app-compatibilty are going to give your machine the edge you need it to have.

To make a smaller impression, through, is far simpler. Simply brewing a pot of coffee and allowing the aroma to gently waft through a room makes more of an impression than we can imagine. Make sure, though, that your filter coffee machine is capable of still making, well, good coffee. How do you ensure this? Look for a machine that has a self-regulating heating plate. This stops your coffee from over-heating, and eliminates the risk of burning your coffee. Another nifty feature to keep an eye out for is two jug-capacity, i.e. – brew one pot, place it on a heating plate and brew another.

Which machines fit these bills?

To make a striking impression, have a look at the Jura WE8 or even the Jura GIGA range. They do come with a price tag, starting off at around R 30 000.00 all the way up to R 80 0000.00, but larger corporates who will settle for nothing less might just be looking for this droid.

Need that filter machine with the self-regulating hot plate and double-pot capacity? The Bravilor Bonomat has you covered – for less than R 4 000.00

Now that we know the best types of machines to suit the pocket, let’s look at reviews on all the monsters we mentioned (plus a few more!)

Bravilor Bonamat Novo Review – Make an Impression without Overspending

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oQpi6A_3-c

Jura WE8 Review – Large Office Needing Quality and an Impression Piece

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V2B6yfZgiU

Jura XS9 Review – Large Office Needing Quality without a hefty Price Tag

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS637Mri2QU

Can’t decide between these two? Jura WE8 vs Jura XS9

Jura GIGA Range Review – The Corporate Impression Maker

Read it – Jura GIGA Range Reviewed 

Or watch it :

1. Jura Giga X8 Review

2. Jura GIGA X3 vs Jura GIGA X7

Saeco Minuto Review (Aqua Mini) – The Home and Small Office Quality Coffee Machine

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHd-UYgGlHw

Saeco Poemia Review – The Home Users Budget Friendly Option

Read it here – Saeco Poemia Review

Russell Hobbs Café Barista One Review – Convenience and Quality for a Home User

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpQx4i3OHKM

Rheavendor Bean Vending Machines – Medium to Large Office needing quality AND Quantity

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAswfpdQdQ4

Saeco Lirika – Big Office Needing Quality

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEBJZPQj5OU

Saeco Pirco Baristo – Big Office Needing an Impression

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMsEXtfmmVc

DeLonghi Prima Donna – Large Office Needing Convenience, Quality and Style

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ip-XJeIYFo

DeLonghi Magnifica – Medium to Large Office Needing Affordable Quality

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB5rmrytR6c

If you’ve reached this point in our post, you’re probably (and hopefully) feeling a lot more confident in what coffee machine you might want to pursue. But, where do you find them?!

Here is a comprehensive list of all coffee machine suppliers in South Africa! Click the link next to their name to navigate through their website to see if they stock the machine you want, and make sure to tell them why you want the machine.

Consulting with a company before committing is such an important process – because even if you have an idea of the perfect machine in your head – the might be able to offer a better suited solution.

Similarly, they might not have what you’re looking for – so it pays to do your homework. They should be able to offer expert advice and insight into why that machine is a good fit for you, and if it’s not – they should be able to find the right machine to fulfil all of your needs.

Coffee Machine Companies Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town

Well, there’s us – Aquaspresso – https://www.aquaspresso.co.za

Italian Lifestyle – http://www.italianlifestyle.co.za/

Rialto Foods – http://www.rialtofoods.co.za/

 Ital Espresso Worx – http://www.italespressoworx.co.za/

Kold Serve – http://koldserve.co.za/coffee/

Coffee Unplugged – http://www.coffeeunplugged.co.za/

Tsebo Beverage Solutions – http://www.tsebobeverages.com

The Coffee Co. – https://thecoffeeco.co.za/

Frontier Coffee – http://www.frontiercoffee.co.za/ 

Ciro Full Service Coffee Co. – http://www.ciro.co.za/

Of course, you can also look at major retail outlets, like Game, Dion Wired and Makro. Wherever you choose to source your coffee machine from, make sure you are happy with the package offer. Research, compare and educate yourself before committing. Happy sipping!

The post Coffee Machines South Africa: The Ultimate Guide appeared first on Aquaspresso.

Saeco Pico Baristo Review

The Saeco Pico Barista is ideally designed for small office and home usage. It’s not a massive machine, it is industry-standard in terms of it’s size with the 1.8 litre water tank and a 250 gram bean hopper. The aesthetic of this machine is modern and sleek in it’s design, with a brushed-chrome finishing on the milk carafe.

Saeco Pico Baristo Con’s

The value or “returns” you can expect from this machine are considerable low. It’s a bit more expensive than some other Saeco models – such as the Saeco Lirika and the Saeco Minuto – which are both quite a bit cheaper than their Pico Baristo counterpart – and pretty much do the same thing.

Like with all Saeco machines, the brew group is removable – meaning the user is made responsible for the weekly maintenance of this component. Consider this when you rent or buy this type of machine as it will undoubtedly require more attention in this respect than more specialty coffee machines, like Jura’s.

Again in terms of value, if we compare the Pico Baristo against Saeco Minuto or the Saeco Lirika, all  of these machines offer something different, and in some cases better,, other cases worse. The Saeco Lirika, for example, has a bigger water tank, a bigger bean hopper, and is cheaper. The Saeco Minuto has very similar features, but also retails for far less. The aesthetic is really what defines this machine in it’s category of small office and home automatic coffee machines.

Saeco Pico Baristo Pro’s

This machine isn’t all bad!

We previously mentioned that when compared to the Saeco Lirika and the Saeco Minuto, it doesn’t actually give a lot more. But one thing the Saeco Pico Baristo does offer is modern, sleek styling and aesthetics. It’s a much cleaner finish than some previous Saeco models, so if you’re after something that looks amazing, this might be worth getting.

This machine  also contains a self-cleaning milk system, which is somewhat of a rarity for a machine in this price range. When you’ve done your frothing for your cappuccino and your lattes, it performs its own process, using the water and steam to clean the milk circuit – preventing unwanted build up and residue left behind – so cleaning this machine as a whole is pretty simple (aside from the brew group maintenance that is required).

Saeco Pico Baristo Price

Retailing in the range pf R 12 500.00, this machine is well priced for what it can deliver.

In conclusion – if you are a small office or home user who wants stylish convenience and doesn’t mind performing daily and weekly maintenance, then this could be a great solution for you. However, those looking for a well-priced bargain or a large output machine might be better off continuing their search.

The post Saeco Pico Baristo Review appeared first on Aquaspresso.

Nespresso vs Keurig

You’d be forgiven for thinking those two capsule / single serve coffee machines are pretty much the same thing with a different name – but there are some major key differences in their output, functionality and the types of drinks you can expect form them.

We compare the differences side by side and weigh up every aspect you would need to consider on each machine.

Nespresso Overview

The Nespresso range of coffee machines, like the Pixie, Inissia, Citiz, Prodigio and Maestria have been on the market for a number of years, and have more than doubled in sales recently. These machines are relatively affordable for the niche which they were designed, and actually produce an exceptional cup of coffee! But remember that I mentioned coffee.

This is likely the biggest limitation (also not calling it a downfall) of the Nespresso range of coffee machines. That being said – if you are in fact somewhat of a coffee purist who enjoys simplicity and a remarkably good looking capsule system – then the Nespresso range might well be able to entirely satisfy your specific needs. There is no shortage of speciality shops and suppliers from whom you can source your Nespresso Coffee capsules, so if you are looking for a solution that ticks the following boxes, have a closer look at what the Nespresso range can offer:

• You’re looking for a small and aesthetically pleasing home or private office coffee machine solution.
• Pure, exceptional quality capsule brewed Espresso’s.
• Branding superiority (if brand name is important, Nespresso is an excellent choice).
• You do not particularly enjoy or want milk-based or specialty drinks. 

Keurig Overview

Keurig might not have as wide a brand footprint as Nespresso carries, but it is also in no way an unknown brand in the coffee industry. To back up my claim, Starbucks capsules are one of the few brands (amongst others, like Dunkin Donuts and Green Mountain coffee) to offer Keurig compatible capules.

Where Keurig somewhat lacks the ability to make you an Espresso that going to make you stop and say “Ahh” – it sure can make up for it in that it offers speciality drinks and is compatible with a multitude of capsules – which are also available at a larger amount of speciality stores and non-speciality stores alike.

If you’re looking for a machine that:

• Has a good standing brand name
• Can make a large variety of milk-based (albeit powdered milk) and speciality drinks
• And you live in the U.S., U.K or Canada then this machine could well make you a very happy customer.

Yes, it’s a downfall, which is why I’ve left it for last; Keurig is only available in those 3 countries.

If you’re still undecided, check out our literal side-by-side comparison to help make it easier.

The post Nespresso vs Keurig appeared first on Aquaspresso.

DeLonghi Prima Donna ESAM 6900M Review

DeLonghi has been in the appliance game for decades, making it one of the longest standing brands to sell retail coffee machines worldwide. As with any product development, including the likes of features such as P.E.P from Jura, we see minor, yet far-reaching enhancements coming to light on modern coffee machines.

The DeLonghi Prima Donna 6900M is one of those machines, and we’ll be reviewing every aspect of it.  

DeLonghi Prima Donna ESAM 6900M

What a mouth full! DeLonghi does not mess around when it comes to naming their machines. As we mentioned in the introduction of our video review of the 6900M, ensure you have the full name of the machine before doing nay further research on it’ some websites only list the numerical model (e.g. – 6900M), whilst others only use the model name (e.g. – ESAM 6900).

The ESAM 6900M is a beautiful looking coffee machine and would be excellently suited to any home or small office which needs to have the following criteria met:

• Fresh milk and freshly ground bean to cup solution
• – Easy to sue and easy to maintain; this is evident in the colour display of the ESAM 6900M. Pre-selected buttons make first time user experience a breeze, and the self-cleaning milk circuit patented to DeLonghi make maintenance – especially with milk – a pleasure to deal with.

There are 5 self-explanatory drunk-selection buttons, and another 8 “functional” buttons; these 8 functional buttons use pictures to depict their purpose:

• One the left side of the screen, two coffee beans are shown. This is used to adjust your coffee strength from mild to strong. Another button to the left depicts one half-full cup, and another slightly fuller cup – indicating the ability of the user to adjust water amounts per cup.
• The square-shaped functional buttons located on the left and right sides of the screen display are “dispensing adjustment” buttons- which are used to stop the dispensing of either milk, water or coffee into your cup.
• To the right side of the colour display screen we find two more images – one of a single coffee cup and another of two coffee cups side by side. This allows the user to choose whether the machine dispenses a single or a double of their desired drink.

The brushed chrome finishings lend an aire of build quality assurance and a modern appeal; the built-in milk carafe has a window level;-indicator, to make sure you never accidentally brew a latter without sufficient milk present.

The technical specifications of the ESAM 6900M include a 1.4l water tank and a 250g bean hopper – again gearing it for suitability towards a home or small office space.

So, apart from its looks and ease of use, what sets this machine apart?

It has a dedicated hot chocolate jug.

Yes, you read that right, please remain calm and seated! Bean to Cup coffee machines have always had this one major shortfall in that they cannot make hot chocolate. Well, this one can!

How does this work? Watch the video here.

It’s quite easy; firstly – it is an entirely separate jug – it is NOT your milk carafe. The spout is located inside the jig; the pipe sand mixer needs to be inserted into your jug before any milk or chocolate powder is added.

Once the stirrer and pipe are attached, add the desired amount of milk to your chocolate jug, and then the chocolate powder. Please, never ever use solid chocolate or chocolate syrup inside this device as it can and WILL severely damage your precious Prima Donna!

Once you’ve added your ingredients, attach the lid and insert the jig where your milk carafe would normally go. Press in your “Hot Chocolate” button and play around with the consistency settings, by using the adjustment buttons we previously spoke about. Pressing the “Hot Chocolate” button again will now begin the dispensing process of your favourite Winter drink.

Having said all this, this machine sounds like a magical and mythical hot chocolate and fresh bean coffee dispensing portal, but it might actually be a bad idea to invest in one if you say yes to any of the below:

• You are a large office (this machine does not have capacity to cater more than about 20 cups per day safely and comfortable).
• You prefer your plain coffee drinks; too many features of the ESAM 6900M would go to waste while you could simply get a simpler, cheaper and less feature-filled machine for a lower cost.
• You are looking to save money. Bean to cup machines are already a rather costly coffee solution when compared to other types, like Instant Vending or Filter. Adding a whole new hot chocolate feature will surely sky-rocket your monthly coffee spend if you introduce this machine into a budget conscious environment.

The post DeLonghi Prima Donna ESAM 6900M Review appeared first on Aquaspresso.

Getting to Know Coffee – The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Drink

Coffee culture is far more than a trend. It’s more than being presented with a de-constructed latte (imagine a glass of warm water, a small glass of Espresso and another glass of frothed milk) laid neatly in front of you, for you to somehow figure out and enjoy.

Cool concept, not entirely practical.

The South African coffee scene has more than exploded over the last five years, with more science going into the coffee roasting process than ever before. Some new-age coffee companies have even gone so far as to base their sales module off of their home-blend not requiring added sugar – a definite indication that true coffee connoisseur-ism has come to fruition in our beloved country, proudly trumping yuppie-cultures obsessed with unicorn-coloured ice cream-based, vaguely coffee drinks.

Whilst there is a time and a place for everything – coffee culture, worldwide, comes down to one main ingredient; coffee. We’re going to explain coffee – the magic elixir that it is – from every aspect possible.

What Is Coffee?

This seems like a good place to start, right? What exactly makes up that energy-giving, great-tasting and somewhat addictive magical potion we so joyfully guzzle at any given time?

Coffee beans look a bit like chocolate drops; an oval or round bean, brown in colour is what comes to mind when we think of coffee.

However, those little beans once started off inside a coffee cherry; they’re called coffee cherries because they look exactly how we imagine a regular cherry to look – round and super bright red. This outer cherry houses two internal chambers. There are about 1 or 2 layers of covering around the beans inside the cherry – there to protect it. Splitting the cherry in half reveals two green, or even yellow-looking coffee beans. Here already we can see what “type” of coffee bean it is.

Longer, oval-shaped beans are the most commonly used type of coffee bean, known for the more “relaxed” flavour profile we experience, and also considered to be the superior of the types of coffee beans.

This is known as an Arabica coffee bean; it is grown worldwide in the coffee belt (i.e. – around the equator and is used as a majority filler in coffee blends.

If the coffee bean is more round in shape, as opposed to oblong or oval, then the bean is likely the more caffeine-heavy sibling of Arabica, known as Robusta. It’s name is accurately indicative of the type of coffee it is, a robust flavoured coffee. It gives a strong taste to coffee, and is grown is regions with altitudes between sea-level and 800m above sea level. Robusta is commonly used as a booster to Arabica coffee – adding in a stronger aroma and a higher caffeine content.

The third type of coffee bean is both either and neither a Robusta and or an Arabica. This bean is simply two green green beans which have fused together inside a coffee cherry to form one small, rounded coffee bean. These types of coffee beans are very rare and as such also carry a higher price tag.

The History of Coffee

I’m sure we’ve all sat wondering exactly how it came to be that someone discovered that ripe, red cherry and decided it would be a good idea to take it’s innards out, scorch them, break them up and add them to hot water. Like, how even? Back in the 11^th century, a young herdsman observed that some of hos goats would go completely off their rockers after having eaten only a few coffee cherries. These cherries obviously have no taste, so he decided to take the raw green bean and roast it over a fire. This incident, dating back nearly ten centuries, was the first step in what has come to be a global phenomenon in modern times.

Coffee Processing

Once coffee cherries have been picked, they need to undergo quite a few processes before they end up in our mug.

The fist step – for any type of coffee – is roasting. Roast levels differ greatly and have a significant impact on the flavour profile of the end product. Roast levels can generally be split into three main categories:

Blonde Roast – which is indicated by only a slight browning of the green bean from it’s original state, is the least common type of roast level. It is often reserved for coffee specialists – as it contains the most flavour and by fart the highest amount of caffeine. The absence of oil coating the outside of the bean means the oils are locked inside – which is evident when brewing the coffee (especially through an automatic coffee machine) as it will produce a Crema superior to anything you have ever seen.

The next type of coffee roast level – and hands down THE most popular – is medium roast. The bean will be medium dark in colour, with a slight oil coating which slicks the outer shell. It is most common as it assists in finding a middle ground for those who either enjoy a strong or weak cup of coffee. Medium roasts are commonly used to produce instant coffees as well.

Lastly, we have dark roast – which is often (incorrectly) perceived to be the strongest and most caffeine-heavy types of coffee. Contrary, the longer roasting time releases a lot of caffeine, as well as coffee oil. Dark roast beans will likely have a thick layer of oil coating them and smell strongly in their packaging.

Types of Coffee

So all coffee undergoes the first step of production – i.e. – roasting. Once this stage is complete, the whole beans can either be packaged for sale, or they can continue on to the next step of whichever process they need to undergo.

These processes can be:

a) Filter Coffee

The whole beans are simply ground up and then packaged.

b) Capsule Coffee

Whole beans are ground up and immediately packaged into airtight coffee capsules.

c) Instant Coffee

The beans are ground up and brewed (with hot water) to form a thick, pasty substance. This paste can then undergo one of two further processes:

– Spray Dried

The cheaper of the two methods of producing instant coffee – spray drying – involves exactly that. The coffee-paste is sprayed with a formula which allows the paste to dry out and form coffee granules. An easy way to tell if your coffee is spray-dried is to roll a granule between your thumb and forefinger; if the granule breaks up easily, it is likely spray dried.

– Freeze Dried

This is the process employed by higher-end instant coffee manufacturers. It involves the rapid cooling of the same coffee-paste we previously mentioned – and produces a far denser and more solid coffee granule. And indication of freeze-dried coffee is evident in it’s consistency, whereas spray dried granules disintegrate easily – freeze dried granules are almost solid. When rolled between two fingers, the granule may very well snap, but it will not crumble the same way a spray dried coffee would.

The History of Coffee Machines

Think back to your grandmothers kitchen and try imagine that old, probably cream or orange colour device that was bulky and you almost certainly had no idea how to use. The very first coffee machines were the predecessors to what we have come to know as a filter coffee machine. However, these archaic machines lacked many features – such as self-regulating hot plates – things which would help enhance the taste of your coffee. Also, back then, filter coffee was pretty much where anything other than instant coffee started – and stopped. The coffee scene was not nearly as big back then as it is today, and we have come leaps and bounds.

A while after the invention of the Filter Coffee Machine, an Italian inventor by the name of Angelo Moriondo patented the first concept of a steam-powered machine that reduced the brewing time of coffee drastically. This invention would lead to the invention of an actual Espresso machine – made by Gaggia – and espresso’s would be born. This new method of brewing coffee produced a far superior quality cup of coffee, with incredibly reduced brewing time. The word Espresso came from the brewing method – as it directly translates into a coffee which is prepared “expressly” – as water is forced through various compartments to make a quick cup of superior coffee.

Since the invention of Espresso machines, we have seen leaps and bounds in various types of coffee machines, like capsule machines and automatic or bean to cup coffee machines. However, the pioneered style of Espresso machine stands true to this day, and while advancements have certainly been made, the machine in it’s simplest form is simply an enhanced replica.

Modern Day Coffee

Now that we’ve gone through all types of coffee, the history of how it was discovered and how coffee machines came about – we can get to the juicy stuff. Our opening statement indicated that the modern coffee culture has grown tremendously over the last decade – let’s see just how much.

Modern Day Coffee Machines

There is literally a coffee machine to suit 99% of the worlds population. The other 1% don’t drink coffee.

Whether you’re a millennial who enjoys their single serve or capsule coffee machine, a coffee purist who has their coffee as strong as an Ox and as dark as ventablack, or a lover of latte’s who lives for the frothy, creamy dreamy consistency of Flat Whites and the like, I bet my bottom dollar you’ll find a coffee machine.

There have even been advancements to the point where things like the Franke Foam master has been invented. This beast will set you back half a bar, and it’s going to be as hard to find as chicken’s teeth – but let me tell you a thing or two about it. The Franke Foam master is one of the handful; of machines globally that can make flavoured coffee with cold foam. You can literally have a hazelnut flavoured Moccha Java one minutes, and a chilled raspberry latte the next, and still satisfy the guy who needs his Ristretto straight up.

On the opposite end of the scale we have single serve and capsule coffee makers, for the home user who enjoys their coffee with simplicity.

There’s also the brands that have stood the test of time, like Jura, Bravilor and Saeco – which can all make an exceptional quality cup of coffee, latte or Flat white at the touch of a button.

Machines like the Aqua Instant Vending and Aqua Bean Vending can even help solve large scale problems, where company want to provide their staff with coffee – but need to have control over it.

As you can see, the right coffee machine for you is definitely out there – you just need to find it.

The Coffee Culture

The Coffee Scene is far more than just what we’ve touched on.

Imagine a would where a coffee exists; a coffee so strong that you’re really only recommended to have two cups of it at most per day. Yes. Black Insomnia.

That same world houses coffee, coupled with your childhood favourite – an ice cream cone lined with chocolate. Yep – Coffee In A Cone.

Add to the mix a coffee that has been so well developed that the manufacturers themselves promote drinking the coffee with NO SUGAR? Truth.

It’s safe to say that coffee culture has literally exploded and become a worldwide phenomenon, one that we do not want to stop. Where do you see coffee developing in the next decade? What’s next?

Cover Image Credit – Phys.com

The post Getting to Know Coffee – The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Drink appeared first on Aquaspresso.

Capsule Coffee Machines vs Bean to Cup Machines

Whether you drink your coffee straight-up with no sugar or creamer, or you drink only milk-based specialities like Latte’s or Cappuccino’s, the chances are high that you’ve needed a coffee machine in the past to get the level of quality drinks you want.

Some coffee machines are built and intended for one sole purpose – like a French Press or Moka Pot – while others have been made to be largely adaptable to produce a huge variety of our favourite drinks. Two of the most popular coffee machine types are capsule coffee machines (also known as single-serve or pod coffee machines) and bean to cup machines (also known as fresh milk coffee machines or automatic coffee machines).

These two types of coffee machines are fundamentally different, and will suit different needs well. Coffee never has been, nor will it ever be, a one-size-fits-all solution.

Capsule Coffee Machines	Bean to Cup Coffee Machines
Cheap equipment investment.	Relatively expensive equipment investment.
Pre-ground coffee inside of the capsules is not necessarily the freshest possible coffee.	Coffee is ground immediately before extraction, freshest possible taste.
Limited to the brand’s range of coffee capsules.	Can use any type of coffee bean you wish.
Easily available at retail shops.	Usually available through coffee specialists and dealers.
Easy to maintain.	Requires maintenance – more so if it contains a milk frother.
Expensive overall cost per cup (factor in the price of the coffee capsule, add milk and creamer, add sugar)	Cheaper overall product cost (with the use of coffee beans and fresh milk)
If the machine is not fitted with a milk frother, you will need to add that as an additional cost. If the machine takes milk capsules, remember that you will be drinking powdered milk, which has a huge taste difference in comparison to fresh milk.	The machine should come pre-fitted with either a milk frother or carafe to use fresh milk in, to produce milk-based drinks.
Very easy to use.	May take some training to understand how to operate the machine.
Backup support normally offered by retailer includes warranties.	Support offered by speciality supply stores and resellers often includes warranties as well as guarantees
Disposal of coffee pods (if not recycled) can be damaging to the environment.	Only coffee grounds need to be disposed of and are healthy sources of nitrogen for outdoor plants.
While limited to brand-specific capsules, you are also limited to the drink options within the brand range.	With the main ingredients (being coffee bans and milk) – the machine does the work for you. Your range of drinks increases exponentially when using this type of coffee machine.

The post Capsule Coffee Machines vs Bean to Cup Machines appeared first on Aquaspresso.

Moccha for the Millennial: How Coffee Needs Have Changed

If we take a time capsule back to the early 90’s, we’d see some adverts for coffee that might raise an eyebrow or two in our current times, picturing the typical 1940’s working man scalding his wife for the poor tasting coffee she’s made. These adverts see coffee making depicted in the oldest possible way – imagine a bright orange filter coffee machine type of device that takes a good 15 minutes just to brew some below-average tasting coffee. Why was the coffee below-average tasting, you ask?

Well, back in those times, coffee product had not come nearly as close to what it is now. Pre-ground filter coffee came in huge bags, meaning that by day 3 or 4 of using that coffee, it had already lost the majority of it’s flavour and aroma. Adding into that equation the machines used to brew this coffee were as outdated as the hills did not help in making the outcome nay better. The old-style filter coffee machine would brew the coffee painfully slowly, and the heat plate underneath the coffee pot would almost immediately start to burn the coffee. We’re now sitting with a tri-fecta of poor quality, bad-tasting coffee.

Aren’t you glad we’ve made so much progress in the last few decades?

An except from Coffee Maker Picks.com states “Other than oil, coffee would be likely the most precious legal commodity on earth. People around the world would roughly consume 2 billion cups each day. For every 3 people, one cup is consumed each day and this is an incredible ratio. No wonder why there is such a huge market for coffee machines. In the late 1990’s when people first demanded more appealing appliances that can compliment modern kitchens, and this resulted in a new trend of redesigned coffee machines available in a wider range of colours and styles to choose from”.

Modern Coffee Machines

Considering the archaic roots of coffee machine origins, we have come exceptionally far – especially in the last decade. Coffee machines nowadays offer abundantly more than plain old filter coffee – even the most entry-level home coffee machines are capable of producing creamy cappuccino’s.

So, how easy is it to make coffee at home?

It’s become easier than ever before. Depending on what type of coffee you enjoy the most, there are as many different types of coffee machines.

French Presses are a modern equivalent of the “father” of coffee machines. They are easy to use and do not require a filter, as the “plunger” part of the machine acts as the filter. This machine can only make plain black coffee (AKA Americano’s) and the coffee machine has no heat-retaining functionality, so it’s best you brew and drink it within 30 minutes.

Filter Coffee Machines come in more shapes and sizes than we could even care to admit. Yes, they are outdated in what they are – but in modern times the technology behind new age Filter Coffee Machines has come along beautifully. You can expect to find filter coffee machines with switch-on times, self-regulating hot plates (prevents your coffee from going cold AND prevents any scalding of the coffee if it remains on the hot plate for too long). Also, pre-ground filter coffee also comes in smaller sachets nowadays, so your coffee many taste better for longer. This being said, it is still only able to produce regular filter coffee.

Capsule or Single Serve Coffee Machines are EVERYWHERE. They come in all shapes and sizes, all price ranges, different styles, names and capabilities. But these must be – without the shadow of a doubt – THE most popular type of home coffee machine. It makes sense why that is the case, as well. They are a relatively cheap[ investment, the coffee pods are available in an endless array of flavours and strengths, and they fit nicely into almost any modern kitchen. These types of coffee machines are also not limited to making plain black coffee. You can get various strengths of regular coffee, some capsule machines are compatible with speciality coffee’s such as Chai Latte’s, regular milk Latte’s and even Milo. Consider though that the coffee capsules may seem cheap overall, but if you pay R 100.00 for 10 capsules, you’re paying R 10.00 for a cup of coffee – which can add up in the long run if you consumer a lot of coffee each day.

There is also (always) going to be the hype around getting customised speciality coffee’s at your favourite coffee shop – which is going to cost you. Really sit and think about how much time and money you spend standing in a queue to pay R 20.00 for a cup of coffee each morning. That same cup could cost you literally less than half if you invest in a coffee machine wisely – meaning you can have double the coffee (maybe even triple) , save yourself a ton of time AND get to skip the time-consuming, patience-testing snaking queues you face so bravely each morning.

The post Moccha for the Millennial: How Coffee Needs Have Changed appeared first on Aquaspresso.

Jura XJ9 vs Jura J9.3 – The Chrome-Finished Coffee Masters

A plethora of endless options greets you when you search any time of term relating to what coffee machine you should consider for your office space. Some of Jura’s older model coffee machines don’t exactly entice the modernist who appreciates a good aesthetic; undoubtedly they do serve a purpose – to churn out quality coffee in large quantities – but they lack a certain aspect which is their outer finishings.

Both the Jura XJ9 as well as the Jura J9.3 are geared towards office usage, but have fundamental differences in their design and functionality. You might wonder why we aren’t comparing the J9 to the XJ9 – they’re the same thing (but different), right?

The J9 was the entry-level, plain-text display of the J range, while the Jura J9.3 is the more advanced and similar J-range Jura in comparison to the XJ9.

From the outset, we can already see the major differences in these machines.

The XJ9 gets the Oscar in the following categories:

– Considerably larger water tank

– Separate hot water spout

– Extended bean hopper

From just these three factors, it’s clear to see that the XJ9 is far, far better suited to a larger office or even corporate environment. It’s going to be able to produce more coffee, more often – without the hassle of refilling constantly.

Here is a full breakdown of all the differences (and similarities) between the XJ9 and the J9.3:

The verdict in the battle is quite clear cut.

If you can answer “yes” to the below – consider opting for the Jura J9.3:

– You require a good-looking, fresh milk bean-to-cup coffee machine.

– You require said machine for a medium sized office space, and are prepared to allocate someone (or do it yourself) to refill the 2.1 litre water tank and 250g bean hopper.

– You are looking for a less costly solution (again, in comparison to the XJ9)

– You anticipate preparing no more than 40 cups of coffee per day.

– You are looking for a quality coffee and impression piece, and not actively trying to save money.

– Your desired placement space has individuals who drink coffee and milk based drinks.

– You are content with great quality foam, but a foam which is comparatively inferior to that provided by the XJ9.

Now, if you answer yes to THESE questions, weigh up your options and consider the XJ9 carefully:

– You require a high-volume output machine that is capable of effortlessly combining both a sleek and modern aesthetic with an unstrained output capability.

– You need a machine that can produce quality coffee and milk drinks, and superior (top of the range) quality milk froth.

– You anticipate preparing at least 40, and at most 60 cups of coffee per day. If your usage is going to be lower, investing in this machine may in fact be a financial setback. Weigh up your options here, especially.

– You are prepared to (unfortunately, still) refill the water tank and bean hopper.

– Money is not an issue – you are prepared to pay premium for this premium product.

Neither of these machines will ever save you money. The reason is three-fold; Jura machine do carry a price tag, because they are Swiss-quality products that simply dop not fail. They require fresh milk (a high cost as a stand-alone product) as well as fresh coffee beans. Lastly, I can guarantee that the minute this beauty is wheeled into your office’s front door, prepare to be swarmed. Everyone (probably even non-coffee drinkers) are going to want a piece of this action. Prepare for your first few months to have a higher consumption from a Jura coffee machine for your office, purely for the novelty factor.

Whichever way you choose – enjoy some of the most amazing coffee you could imagine – on tap all the time

The post Jura XJ9 vs Jura J9.3 – The Chrome-Finished Coffee Masters appeared first on Aquaspresso.

Coffee Hot Chocolate Vending Machines

Cozy blankets, fireplaces (or heaters) roaring warmth onto us, lazy Sundays and home-made soup, and of course – creamy hot chocolate. Winter was made for things like this – a few luxuries to help us through chilly nights and dark mornings. But sometimes the hassle of the work it takes to get all these things up and running seems too much of a price to pay for comfort.

While we can’t help you out with setting up your fireplace or making a hearty veggie soup – we can tell you that making hot chocolate (at work or at home) can be a whole lot easier if you want it.

Traditional hot chocolate in olden days was powdered cocoa, mixed with a saucepan of milk traditionally boiled on the stove. Modern times have introduced hot chocolate with added ingredients – like milk powder and sugar – to help eliminate the need to put in all that extra work, and allow for a cup of hot chocolate by simply adding boiling water.

Coffee Machines That Make Hot Chocolate

If you’ve grown accustomed to having your morning (afternoon and night too) cup of coffee prepared from a coffee machine, you’re also probably going to want that convenience for your hot chocolate.

Unfortunately, most Automatic (AKA Bean to Cup) coffee machines just don’t have the ability to make hot chocolate – except for one rare gem – namely the DeLonghi Prima Donna ESAM 6900M (you can check our video review right here). You can, however, override “the system” by simply frothing about 2/3 of your cup with frothed milk, and adding your hot chocolate powder to it.

With capsule machine systems, if compatible, you can simply get yourself a few capsules of hot chocolate and prepare it the same way you would any other type of capsule drink.

If you want the full guide on how to get hot chocolate from any type of coffee machine, check out our blog on it.

Types of Hot Chocolate Machines

We’ve saved the best for last! The Bravilor Solo Hot Chocolate Machine is just the solution you’ve been looking for. It’s as straight-forward as it is innovative. This single-canister hot chocolate machine is fitted to a water supply (like a large water bottle or tank); the amount of hot chocolate powder used inside is manually adjustable – so you can control how much product is sued as well as how sweet and rich your hot chocolate is. It is modern-looking and compact, and literally at the touch of a single button you can have piping hot, creamy hot chocolate dispensed straight into your favourite cup.

Hot Chocolate Machine for Sale or to Rent

Yes, it is available in South Africa! You can buy this machine for R 16 500.00 (excluding VAT) or you can rent it (along with various amounts of hot chocolate powder) for R 950.00 – which should give you about 200 cups of delicious hot chocolate per month.

Keen?

https://www.aquaspresso.co.za/coffee/aqua-solo-hot-chocolate-machine/ or leave a comment below and we’ll have an agent contact you to organise a trial.

Yep, you can try before you buy (or rent).

The post Coffee Hot Chocolate Vending Machines appeared first on Aquaspresso.

JURA Coffee App South Africa– Quality Customised Convenience

Would you classify yourself as a refined coffee drinker, or even someone who enjoys their latte made a certain way? Do you like being able to make your coffee on demand, without first having to change machine settings or remember coffee to milk ratio at 07:04 am when your brain has only just drawn the curtains?

Or are you someone who simply enjoys the convenience of using everyday technology – stuff you would have used either way – to get things done?

Which Jura Machines Are Compatible with the JURA App?

The JURA App is available on most smart devices and all you need to make your machine compatible is the Jura Smart Connect Bluetooth Device. Not to say your ENA Micro 1 is going to work off of this, there are some pre-selected machines that are compatible with this type of technology:

Jura GIGA 5

JuraZ8

Jura Z6

Jura J6

Jura J600

Jura E8

Jura E80

Jura E800

Jura E6

Jura E60

Jura E600

What Devices Are Compatible with the JURA App?

Android 4.4 (or higher)

iOS 7.0 (or higher)

Bluetooth 4.0 (or higher)

Where Can I Download the JURA App?

Google Play – for tablet devices

Apple Store – for tablet devices

Google Play – for cellular devices

Apple Store – for cellular devices

What Can The JURA App Do?

As if using a Jura coffee machine wasn’t pleasant and easy enough, it just became tenfold easier and more fun. The JURA App allows users to “easily transfer your personal coffee preferences to your tablet or smartphone and benefit from numerous setting and programming options on the automatic coffee machine linked via Bluetooth®. The settings saved on the machine are not affected.

Customise your start screen, give your favourite specialities new names or an image of your choice and program your specialities just as you like them. Simply touch the tablet/smartphone and your favourite speciality flows into the cup.”

Courtesy of Jura :

Customised Coffee

Customise the coffee strength, amount of coffee and water and temperature of your favourite specialities to your preferences and experience customised coffee pleasure every time you prepare a coffee via your tablet or smartphone.

Customised Access

The app’s start screen can be customised. Position your favourite specialities on the start screen and arrange them as you like. Once you launch the app, you are taken to your favourite speciality coffee by the most direct route possible.

Customised Product Names

“Michael’s morning coffee”, “My Hero” or “Cappuccin-oh”. Give each speciality coffee a different name. The JURA Coffee App allows you to name all products in a few easy steps.

Customised Image

Are the standard product images for latte macchiato, cappuccino etc. a bit dull for you? No problem, select an image from your gallery or use one of your own photos. Your screen will be given an individual makeover in a flash.

The post JURA Coffee App South Africa – Quality Customised Convenience appeared first on Aquaspresso.

Second Hand Coffee Machines: Pro’s and Con’s Discussed

Owning or leasing  a coffee machine is a decision we advocate putting a lot of thought and consideration into. It is a luxury item, so not everyone has the ability to maintain one, but what if a coffee machine solution is able to save you money in the long run when you compare it to your current monthly spend?

Or what if the price of a new coffee machine is simply out of reach, but you absolutely need it?

Then it’s probably time to consider and weigh up the pro’s and con’s of opting for a second hand or refurbished coffee machine.

Benefits and Downfalls to Buying a Second Hand Coffee Machine

We always like to start things off on a good note, so this will not be an exception to the rule.

Firstly, and probably most importantly, is the considerable price difference you can expect when you choose the route of pre-loved machines. You can expect (dependant on just how much the machine has already been used, the year and model of the machine as well as the condition of it) to pay anything between 20% – 60% less than a new version of it.

One exception to this rule is discontinued coffee machine models. The price difference on this can go one of two ways – either dirt cheap or exorbitantly high – as there is nothing to benchmark the sellers pricing against in terms of current value. Be careful in these circumstances, as you’d need to consider things like backup support (in case the machine breaks or malfunctions), as well as maintenance – which can be difficult to procure if there are no up-to-date technicians who are able to service the machine.

A second hand coffee machine will either be sold privately or through a reseller; if sold privately, you need to put on your investigator boots and make sure you know what you’re buying.

The first thing to check is if the machine actually works. Plug it in, make sure all the lights and connections work. It might be hard to check if you don’t have any coffee product on hand – so if you can secure a viewing before you buy – try to have the seller dispense some product out of the machine.

Secondly, look for breakages. A broken internal canister can spell disaster, as procuring yourself a replacement might end up costing more than you paid for the machine in the first place.

Check for other things like damaged pipes, chutes, grinders, mixers or mixing bowls, damaged locks and handles, and – as much as none of us want to imagine this – check for pest infestations. If your machine is bought, and contains an infestation of things like termites or roaches – I promise you’re going to have a hard time.

If you are buying your machine from a reseller, check for all of the above – and also check if the reseller offers backup support or maintenance. This might be a sundry charge – for good reason – as the reseller will likely have a higher risk of something going wrong as the machine has been previously owned. Higher-end coffee machines, with the likes of Jura, should only be bought from reputable resellers. The reason for this is that Jura contains some pricey components – like their specialised grinders and non-removable brew groups. You will void any warranty held on that machine if you buy it off someone in the streets, and if these parts need fixing – you’re going to end up paying yourself out of pocket. Rather pay a slightly higher rate from a worthwhile, certified reseller than battle for years ahead with a possibly damaged machine.

If you’re fortunate enough to find a second hand or refurbished coffee machine, you will enjoy all the benefits that come with a new machine at half the price. A second hand vending machine may help drastically reduce costs when used in the right environment, i.e. – a large office or factory setting.

A second hand Jura coffee machine is going to add a touch of class and a nice aesthetic to your home or boardroom; ensure you know how to replace the filter and perform a cleaning and descaling cycle on your machine.

A good rule of thumb is to do as much research as possible on how much a new model of your specific machine would cost, and benchmark and second hand resellers against this – just to make sure you’re not being ripped off.

So now that we’ve covered buying a second hand coffee machine, let’s talk about renting one.

Renting Second Hand Coffee Machines

It might surprise you that renting a second hand or refurbished coffee machine is a far simpler process than buying one. While you still need to pay due diligence to things like finding a trustworthy supplier, one you’ve got that base covered you’re pretty much good to go.

In fact, 99% of suppliers who rent out coffee machines make use of “second hand machines”. Now, I don’t mean that they buy the machine second hand and then rent it out – they have likely bought the machine brand new and have had a couple of people rent that machine before you. The supplier will now generally take on the responsibility of maintaining, servicing and providing backup support for your machine.

In short – if anything goes wrong with a pre-loved coffee machine while you’re still on contract for that machine – it’s the suppliers responsibility to fix it (unless, of course, the damage was caused by you).

The benefits to renting a second hand coffee machine, especially if it is an older model (more than 5 years old) is that you may have leverage to negotiate the price you pay per month on the older machine. One downfall to renting a refurbished coffee machine may be that it is pre-disposed to having more faults, which could have been caused by a previous user – but as we mentioned – it is the renting companies’ responsibility to resolve that.

Whichever way you look at it – if you are thorough enough during he buying or renting process – you will walk away with a far more affordable deal and great coffee.

The post Second Hand Coffee Machines: Pro’s and Con’s Discussed appeared first on Aquaspresso.

Hello, Dubai: How’s Your Coffee Scene?

Coffee is one of those universal beauties. No matter where you’re from, what your background is – or even if you don’t particularly enjoy coffee – I’m sure we can all appreciate what the coffee industry has become, considering where it all started.

It’s not limited to a quick drive-thru, sugar and milk laced and haphazardly constructed concoction any more, nor is it reserved for the elite who drink it from golden chalices in lieu of ceremony.

No, coffee is that universal ingredient that can make sublime drinks, is used as a tool to start conversations, to help end them; coffee is a medium, a medicine and a master.

We were lucky enough to catch up with a South African Barista living abroad in Dubai. He embarked on a coffee adventure earlier in 2017, with a mandate to get on over to the UAE and help start up a speciality coffee shop. He’s shared some insightful knowledge, gained first hand living in and amongst the hubbub, and it’s quite interesting to note what he’s observed.

Arno Q. Els

I recently moved to Dubai to help open a speciality coffee café and roastery. At first glance the general vibe is the same as South Africa when it comes to coffee. Everyone makes espresso based drinks with a reasonable amount of skill. And most places have an impressive brew bar. You might even feel inclined to think: “coffee shmofee, its the same thing everywhere”. But the truth is coffee culture is very different in Dubai. Let’s dissect this in a few digestible sections:

The Downside

Ahh boo let’s start with what’s wrong because bad news sells. Instagram in Dubai is massive. So much so that people who visit a café for the first time will get their first drink in a takeaway cup. Even if they’re sitting down, they do it for the gram. this influences how people might order and has a pronounced impact on presentation and branding. It’s not unknown for someone to say “I saw a drink that looked like so and so on so and so’s Instagram story and I’d like to try that.”

As a result, drinks that aren’t considered “speciality coffee” quickly become a best seller. I must add that this applies to the casual coffee consumer, the bulk of any establishments turnover -i.e. the person who orders the single shot low fat latte on their way to yoga (I’m talking to you Cape Town).

But in Dubai, due to the heat, you’ll find people queuing for an iced latte or a Spanish iced latte as their staple. In Dubai a Spanish iced latte is a dollop of condensed milk mixed in with espresso, ice cubes, and topped up with milk. To put it into perspective, as a South African Barista, imagine the frustration of receiving an order for 5 lattes. Now multiply how long it takes to make those by 2 and then multiply the frustration by 4.

Most café’s here are very well thought out and aesthetically perfect. The Barista’s in what can be considered 3rd wave cafés do their utmost to extract perfection. Unfortunately most places roast a touch too dark and you can expect a hint of ash and sadness in most coffees. This doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Drop Dubai (shameless self promotion) are getting the best possible coffees and roasting it to an international standard of excellence. Other places that are doing great things include Mhoka and Cafe Rider, both of which are a slice of European café culture.

The Upside

For all it’s sweet and iced milky drinks, Dubai coffee culture has many redeeming factors. One, and this one is really important to me, is the amount of black-coffee connoisseurs. And I’m not talking about just any old Americano. People are ordering V60s and Chemex’s in the numbers. In South Africa a very generous estimate would be to say 5% of café coffee sales is espresso and brew bar based. While the lattes, flat whites, and cortados get pumped out at a phenomenal rate. Dubai’s local coffee consumer drinks predominantly Piccolos, Single espressos or brew bar drinks. It’s also not unnatural for someone to try an espresso of each coffee on offer. This, I believe, is also responsible for the preference of single shot espressos in Dubai. I’ve tried offering double shots but often face the reply “No thanks, I’ll be drinking a lot of coffee tonight”. Yes, tonight. Our café is busiest from 10pm onward. It’s a strange sensation to work in bar at night that does not serve alcohol. Whereas cafés in SA generally opt to close at 5pm or 6pm, just in time to crack a cold one with the boys, in Dubai that’s when the café-scene really comes alive.

The consumer here is also a lot more interested in learning about the coffee and why it is what it is. We have the pleasure of talking about our coffees on offer more often. And it is easier here to suggest a better way of appreciating a coffee. In short – Dubai wants to drink good coffee and learn how to enjoy it even better. This is an appreciated surprise as in SA it can prove challenging to talk about why we don’t recommend sugar or why water is a better milk alternative than soy. In fact the trust invested in the Barista here is very warm and it’s hard to think back to being called a “barister” or a “coffee maker”. On a serious note, the level of respect for coffee professionals is very encouraging. But this also means the industry is a lot more competitive in terms of coffee knowledge and professionalism. I consider it a good thing as it pushes everyone to learn more, grow more, and showcase more.

Equipment, equipment, equipment!! When I first moved here I spent a week trying to keep my jaw from falling off at every spectacular car I saw. Now I hardly notice them “ugh another Aston Martin” and the same goes for equipment. This city is rife with phenomenal equipment. Most of which has been customised to fit a visual narrative. Synesso, Black and White eagles, Spirits, and don’t even get me started on the grinders… and this is just looking at restaurants serving average coffee. Of course there is spending power and it makes creating a great café all the more achievable. But any café is an empty shell without the coveted Barista and his/her personality.

The Gray Areas

Depending on who you ask, there is a lot to say about the personalities captaining the machine behind a bar. For me, and I expect flack for this, I would rather get an average coffee from a great personality than a great coffee from an average personality. The people make the place. A lot of cafés have Baristas that are good at what they do, but a conversation is like trying to kick-start a dead horse. It makes me miss the warmth of the SA service industry. Some places, like ourselves, have opted for recruiting the most interesting people they could find from all over the world. This has meant that some cafés which are on the same level of quality as other have become more popular because people want to go get a coffee from their friend, the Barista.

Something that has been frustrating is the different recipes for age old drinks. Sometimes cup sizes are completely skewed, milk to coffee ratios are a mess, and there is often a general disconnect between my idea of a flat white and someone else’s. How big a problem this is, I can’t be sure. Moving from a purest Durban coffee company (where every drink was very precise and factually correct) to the Godfather of SA speciality coffee in Cape town (where every drink was slightly adjusted and ratios were modified) was vastly frustrating at first. But turns out I preferred the latter’s method once I gave it a chance. Giving something a chance should be the key element in this paragraph.

In Conclusion

Dubai coffee culture is reminiscent of SA coffee culture in 2012. But, and it hurts me to say, Dubai more willing to learn as a consumer, more discerning when it comes to beverage choice, and more sophisticated in communicating with its Baristas.

The coffee can be roasted better and I believe we’re on the cusp of doing just that and making it the norm.

Dubai, as everywhere else, has it’s pros and cons. And when we look at the coffee, of course, you’re spoiled for choice. It’s a city of almost 2.8 million people – 90% of which are expats. You’re often gonna have a hard time getting on the same page. But that’s the beauty of it. As a coffee person I have never questioned every part of what I know and do as much as I have in Dubai. and I’ve never had what I know and do questioned as much either. It makes for very necessary progress in a still underexposed industry.

I can’t really say the coffee culture here is better or worse in Dubai. It’s different. Where would I rather order a cup of coffee? South Africa for sure. Where would I rather make a cup of coffee for a stranger. Dubai. I guess it depends on which end of the coffee stick you find yourself – as well as what you look for out of your caffeine related experience.

One thing is for certain and that is no matter where you go, coffee brings everyone together.

This article was written by Arno Q. Els, currently living in Dubai.
All views expressed are that of the writer, not endorsed by Aquaspresso or the publisher. 

The post Hello, Dubai: How’s Your Coffee Scene? appeared first on Aquaspresso.