Mazzer Mini -Timer Review

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As an owner of a Mazzer Super Jolly (a step up from the Mini) the following review is offered on the Mini Mazzer, which is just a baby version of mine and incorporates most, if not all, of the features of their larger grinders. Having used a friends Mini, I felt I was using, well... a "mini" version of my larger machine.

One thing I should point out is that the dimensions given here on Amazon (as of this review) must be wrong! The actual dimensions are 6.25"w x 13.25"d x 16.5"h. Take note of the height and measure the space between your cabinets and countertop, if you plan on storing it in, or under, your top cabinets. I will be informing Amazon of their incorrect information so, hopefully, they will correct it.

Be aware that the price, though possibly shocking to some who do not understand the importance of a good grinder, is well worth the quality of this grinder. Speaking of price, shop around. Use the internet. There are suppliers and websites, like coffeetweek.com and others, who offer this unit at less than I see it here and provide free shipping, as well.

The Mini Mazzer has become the favorite and most sought after grinder by home espresso users. Not only because of its' consistent grind, solid construction, superb design, and dependability, but the compact size (size, as compared to its larger brothers) makes it a more appealling device in the home.

The grinder weighs in at a substantial 22 pounds. Be prepared to find a spot for it on your counter, if your plan was to shelve it on a daily basis.

All Mazzer grinders are tested at the manufacturer (grind remnants might be found in the burr area). I mention this because some who receive new Mazzer grinders see the remnants of grinds and believe they are receiving a "used" or refurbished item. The machine is a professional beauty.

The Mazzer Mini is available in a few different color choices, though I am not sure what colors will be offered on Amazon over time. Again, shop around. The "Silver" model, which is painted silver, and finished with a gloss lacquer, features polished stainless steel. I happen to like silver or chrome equipment, so I consider it the best choice. However, if you have an espresso machine (or color scheme) of another color, the Mini Mazzer is also available in black and red. There are also designer hoppers that are hand crafted by a company called family Line. Their products can be found on coffeetweek.com.

The Mini is beefy - strong as a bull. The fit and finish is superb throughout. Attention to detail is obvious.

The grinding adjustment mechanism (a wheel at the neck, below the hopper) is deceptively simple in looks, but is time tested and really does the job of giving you infinite grind adjustment settings, making it perfect for any grind size of coffee.

The clear windows on the doser chamber is high impact plastic. It has been reported that marring, scratching, and discoloration are near nil over time. Though the plastic hopper on my Super Jolly suffers this fate, I can verify that the plastic they use for the windows portion of the doser is still crystal clear even after years of use.

The set point sticker is tuned well, to provide you with a good "espresso" grind when pointing to six o'clock.
I should note that on the burr dial (the element you move to adjust the grind), there is a sticker with arrows and text to indicate which direction creates coarse, fine, and your "set point" for espresso. Their set point arrow also points directly to the front when the grind is ideal for a normal espresso shot. Apparently, this set point is not a fluke, but carefully located onto the grinder after adustments are made when testing at the manufacturer. Mazzer apparently pays very close attention to where they put on their set point sticker, which just chalks up another "excellent attention to detail" point about the machine.

The sound of the Mazzer when grinding beans is hard to describe. It isn't overly loud. I would go sa far as to say that you could grind and not wake anyone sleeping in another room (try that with lower priced grinders!). I would describe it as quiet, if I were to compare it to a typical grinder in the $100 range.

The Mazzer's grind is superior both in evenness and in texture. I could not detect any variance in the grind.

The doser is easily the best design. You can easily adjust the dosage size per pull (by turning an adjustment "knob" inside the doser).

The grind is very consistent and the machine really allows itself to micro-adjustments. It's so easy to adjust on the fly in micro steps that maintaining the "perfect grind" becomes second nature once you're familiar with the machine.

The Mini will deliver you absolutely perfect espresso grinds once you get accustomed to how it works and what it is capable of.

My only complaint - and it's not a biggie, is that the power cord is positioned at about 8:30 (when you're looking from the top down), and it is near impossible to hide. A cord entering to the rear (perhaps even coming underneath the machine) at about 11 o'clock would have been more aesthetic.

If you are planning on using the Mini for other than espresso needs, the portafilter fork location won't be a problem (it can be removed to make room for a container). It's mounted a little low for my liking (almost 2 inches of space remains when using a standard porta-filter.

The Mazzer Mini is a performer workhorse.

The burrs spin at a non-load (no beans) speed of 1600RPM (250 watts of 110V power) and, when grinding, you'd be hard pressed to hear any serious decline in the speed. Mazzer rates the burrs them at about 640 lbs of coffee grinding. That may not seem like a lot, but do the math - if you use 2 pounds of coffee per week, the burrs will last more than 6 years. I don't think you'll have any worries about the burrs wearing out too soon.

If you are seeking the best possible grinder for home espresso or Turkish, the Mazzer Mini can only be surpassed by one of its' larger brothers (the Super Jolly or the Major), which are commonly found in businesses. Absolutely no other grinder, for home use, can compare to the grind results of the Mini.




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Professional Stainless Steel Heat On/Off Froth Au Lait frother Review

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This is the first non restaurant device I have tried that didn't over flow when frothing with flavorings or liqueurs I have tried around 6 of these and they all overflow either with just whole milk or when flavorings etc. are used. (I have used the European Drinking Chocolate Machine but that's for fairly large buffets or restaurants.)
The Good:
Works well with small or large batches and gets really hot quickly.
Refresh feature works even faster.
Capacity is in a good range for most of us; even a small coffee shop or restaurant
Makes nice hot chocolate with nice froth.
Good for Chaud*, Chai or spiced cider as well as hot chocolate.
UPDATE: Even an eggnog recipe that is OK if you like hot eggnog. Their Cook is too fond of Hazelnut IMHO and I think its better with about a 1/2 oz of Triple sec and 3 oz of brandy along with some Nutmeg and Cinnamon. But I can't really recommend it as all of the Flan mixes I have found have a lot of high Fructose corn sirup Frankly I think that the High Fructose Corn Sirup will be the next trans-fat and should be avoided.
Works well for cold drinks as well.
The spicy froth is nice as a garnish on Fettuccine Alfredo but flops for Toranods.

The Bad:
If you use it with non-fat milk and let he froth really build up it will stay stiff longer; but if you start with more than 2 1/2 cps of milk you will get an overflow onto the counter. Not a big mess but a mess.
The flavor port gets liquid on its bottom and sides so while it works OK for liquids it doesn't work all that well for powders. You need to stop the machine and remove the lid.
Small amount of splatter after removing the flavor port. Lots of splatter if you remove the lid without stopping the machine.
The flavor port is very stiff and needs a little judicious filling down to make it removable.

The Ugly:
Need to remove the top to get froth out.
To get maximum froth you need to run until the machine is almost ready to shut off so the froth will be stiff and not collapse when you add chocolate etc.
Need to run the machine with water between batches and wipe down the outside with a damp towel or sponge.
A bit fussy to clean. The interior of the base may need something like Scotch Brite.
Need to give it a rest after 6 batches.
Noisy (not too bad but it would wake a light sleeper) and vibrates (again not real bad but a surprise).
Can't put in solids that are not grated, ground or finely chopped (can't be used for mulled wine or to make tea. You need to start with tea for chai or the concentrate.)
Pitcher is not bad looking but for formal occasions you need something else for serving.

* Chocolate chaud is the French or Mexican stile Hot Chocolate and is made with water and served with hot milk or cream and sugar on the side , or with Mascarpone cheese floated on top.

I strongly recommend; Hot Chocolate: 50 Heavenly Cups of Comfort;
Ghirardelli Chocolate Premium Hot Cocoa Mix, Double Chocolate, 16-Ounce Tins (Pack of 4), also the hazel nut.

I haven't tried it with any coffee as I hate coffee; can smellgreat but isn't even good as a cleanser.

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Product Description

Froth Au Lait Professional Elite FALnh-S14, with award winning Froth Au Lait technology, is a Commercially Rated, NSF Approved, Automatic Hot Milk Frother. This versatile ALL STAINLESS STEEL PROFESSIONAL model with HEAT OR NO HEAT OPERATION is the ONLY FROTHER which can prepare both HOT OR COLD FROTH as well as WHIPPED CREAM. It includes a selectable heat switch to turn the unit's heater ON or OFF.Like all Froth Au Lait Hot Milk Frothers, the FALnh-S14 heats and whips milk to prepare the richest and longest lasting froth WITHOUT STEAM. It shuts off automatically when the froth reaches the perfect heated temperature. Finally, with the touch of a button, an effortless and foolproof way to prepare hot milk and the thickest froth ever for specialty hot beverages such as cappuccinos, and lattes. On a cold winter day also prepare delicious, creamy hot chocolate, chai tea, and café au lait. On a hot summer day, turn the heat off and prepare cold flavored froth for iced cappuccinos, lattes, refreshing cold beverages and low calorie fruit & dessert toppings. Prepare fresh gourmet whipped cream for decadent desserts, fruits, and so much more. This Model works alongside your coffee or espresso machine and MAKES EACH CAPPUCCINO OR LATTE A MASTERPIECE. Froth Au Lait features the Flavor Hatch, allowing you to add flavored syrups, powders and liqueurs directly into the milk. The Professional models have 2 interchangeable whips which allows you to vary the amount of froth and hot milk. It's unique REFRESH FEATURE allows milk to be re-frothed quickly.FINE RESTAURANTS ARE CHOOSING FROTH AU LAIT PROFESSIONAL MODELS OVER THE STEAMERS ON THEIR CAPPUCCINO MACHINES. SAY GOODBYE TO INCONSISTENT, POOR FROTH, STEAM, TRAINING AND MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS. SAY HELLO TO THE THICKEST, LONGEST LASTING, AND EASIEST HOT OR COLD FROTH EVER! THE PROFESSIONAL ELITE "THE BARISTA WITH A PLUG"

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Vita-Mix 1320 Professional Series, Platinum Review

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My wife and I have two Vita-Mix blenders. We bought one at a fair 6 years ago, and picked up a new-in-the-box commercial model at an auction about 3 years ago. We have used both heavily. Vita-Mix blenders are tall (too tall to fit under typical kitchen cabinets), heavy, loud, and very, very effective. Like most, we've burned through any number of typical home blenders. The Vita-Mix blenders last.

Customer service is superb. We've had exactly one problem - the variable speed dial got really difficult to turn. With about two weeks go to on the original 5-year warranty (warranties have changed since - they're longer now), Vita-Mix fixed the base, including paying shipping both ways, and also told us to send along the container so they could make sure it was in good shape - and then replaced the blade for us.

Vita-Mix blenders come with a tamper, and a lid designed to take the tamper. Most of the time you don't need it. It comes in handy for very thick, very cold blends, like thick smoothies, ice cream, etc. You will absolutely, positively need to have a tamper - or stop and use a scraper - with ANY blender, no matter how powerful, the shape of the container, or configuration of the blades. "Tamper" is actually something of a misnomer. While it is used to tamp at times, it actually changes the mixing dynamics by effectively taking up part of the volume at the center of the container, eliminating cavitation in mixes where that's helpful.

The Vita-Mix base units are heavy because they use heavy-duty motors. Don't be taken in by competing companies' horsepower claims with lighter-duty motors with half the weight. The competitors hit higher horsepower ratings by running their motors at higher speeds. All blender motors run fast, of course, and bumping up the horsepower by pulling more amps this way can be appropriate for some motor applications, but you can't consider one factor in a vacuum. The Vita-Mix motors are heavy, and heavy motors last longer by using heavier cores and windings, both of which make the motor stand up longer to heavy use and heat without breaking down. Vita-Mix containers also employ a heavy flywheel below the blades. That, in conjunction with the heavier-duty motor, is what gives you longevity, and the ability to chop heavy stuff for years. If you look at the motor-to-container connector, you will also see that the Vita-Mix uses a larger diameter connector - less stress, more life, and lower possibility of stripping.

I do wish they were quieter, but the competitors are in the same ballpark, claims to the contrary notwithstanding. The height can be dealt with by simply storing the container away from the base (which we leave on the countertop). My only real complaint is the cost of extra containers. I'd love one of the 32oz containers, but think $100-$120 (typical price at a fair)is too much.

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Product Description

"It's not a blender - It's a Vita-Mix!" Ordinary blenders can't begin to approach the speed nor the results you'll enjoy while using the powerful Vita-Mix machine. Like no other kitchen appliance available, the Professional Series Vita-Mix, multi-tasking appliance will unlock the deep rich flavor treasures hidden in all your select ingredients. You can create dishes the way professional chefs do. It easily handles the work of many appliances so you can blend, puree, chop, juice, grind and more, all in this one versatile machine! An easel-design recipe book saves counter space and is packed with over 300 full-color, easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipes and tips from top-rated chefs. Instructional DVD and owner's manual included.

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Richard Sapper Espresso Maker Review

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It makes great espresso, but since manufacturing was switched from Italy to China, the build quality of this espresso maker is not what it used to be. It does not fit together as well, and there are sharp edges in places. I've cut my hand on it twice. I am going to try one made by Stella, which is reportedly still manufactured in Italy.

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Product Description

Designed by Richard Sapper, the Alessi Espresso Coffee Maker is made entirely of 18/10 stainless steel, polished or coated with black silicone resins. It holds up to 10 ounces of water to produce up to 6 cups of espresso.

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HP3A Blendtec 3 hp Food Fruit Blender Blend-tec Review

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I just got my Blendtec HP3A blender today and I could not be more thrilled. However, to be completely honest, I did experience a few hiccups in the first few cycles when I initially (and gleefully) jam packed the hopper with ice, placed the lid on top and turned it on full blast. The incredibly high-speed blades virtually vaporized the lower cubes and kept the rest of the ice from falling down into the madly whirring blades.

As I washed out the finely powered snow and frightened ice I considered my next attempt. Perhaps a little discouraged, but undaunted, I stuck some whole carrots and cucumbers in the container and pressed various buttons trying to get it to do what I anticipated it should do and in the way I thought it should do it. It didn't.

So, a bit grumpy, confused and mildly frustrated, I read the manuals (Mac users rarely do this). A short time later, thus armed with pertinent, and essential operational information I confidently approached my new, white Blendtec HP3A and found, once again, that all upsets are caused by a lack of communication. In this case, my upset could have been avoided if I had first taken the time to read the excellent and informative Blendtec Recipe Book (It's amazing how facile things become when you know what you're doing!).

Oh my god! This thing is sweet! Using the pulse and a touch of RO filtered water I made the best cucumber and carrot smoothie on the planet... and in seconds. Heck, I could have used a little hot water and had delicious carrot and cucumber and anything-else-I-wanted soup.

Inspired and greatly impressed, I went out and gathered a lot of the fabulous chickweed tops from my "garden" and made chickweed pesto with garlic, sunflower seeds, olive oil and Parmesan... Astounding, magnificent, awesome...

Then, from Bryan Au's "Raw in Ten Minutes" Raw Food In Ten Minutes: How to make the best Raw Organic Meals in just 10 Minutes!, I started with a quarter cup of water and made Pine nut, EVOO, turmeric and miso "cheese" and drizzled it over (potato peeler thin) slices of olive oil marinated raw yams... quite simply out-of-this-world amazing raw Mac and Cheese... and in just a very few minutes.

Cleanup could not be easier. Just rinse out the container and you are good to go. It's just that easy. No meticulous, laborious cleaning of all the parts, nooks and crannies found in other appliances like the GS-3000 juicer Tribest Green Star Juicer GS-3000 I use for green-leafy and wheatgrass juicing. The GS-3000 is still the best for high-quality wheatgrass juice but now I'll be getting all my fruit and vegetable juices plus the finely pulverized fiber, leaves, stems and seeds of the entire plant and all of it tastes unbelievably alive and delicious.

So, finally, this evening, elated after many joyous gastronomic experiments and culinary peak experiences, I sit here quite sated and completely satisfied. Enough so that I felt compelled to write this review. This blender has opened up infinite possibilities for creation of silky smooth preparations of fruits, nuts, berries and veggies all automatically blended to perfection in my Blendtec blender. I was a skeptic, and I certainly had my doubts, but now I'm a true believer.

I guess I could go on and on trying to explain what it felt like to experience all the exquisite flavors, creamy textures and high-tech capabilities of my Blendtec HP3A blender but that would be like standing on the back of a whale fishing for minnows. If you are into raw food preparation the Blendtec HP3A is an immensely powerful machine that will swing wide open the gates to a more vital and healthy world in ways you cannot possibly imagine, but will quite thoroughly enjoy.


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Product Description

The BlendTec 1500-watt Home Blender with 3 peak horsepower can unlock phytonutrients and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables and make whole foods easier for the body to absorb by bursting the cell walls and unlocking the natural vitamins and minerals inside. With a 3 peak horsepower motor, the HP3A will micronize the seeds, stems and skin of fruits and vegetables, making the nutrition more bio-available for the body.This is made to order. Please allow 2 weeks for product to arrive.

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	Raw Food: A Complete Guide for Every Meal of the Day
	Rainbow Green Live-Food Cuisine
	C C Pollen High Desert Raw Bee Pollen Granules bag -- 1 lb
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	K-Tec Extra Carafe / Jar for Champ HP3 Blender (KTec)
	Green For Life (Paperback) Book - Blending Greens In Your Diet - by Victoria Boutenko

Espressi Mypressi Twist Red Espresso Maker Review

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My husband got this to take with us on our recent vacation. Very easy to use and he even said he was concerned because it was making a better espresso than his big Gaggia machine at home.

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Espressi Mypressi Twist Red Espresso Maker - Espressi MT0901R.

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Bellman SS Stove Top Espresso/Cappuccino Maker Review

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We with my wife both love good coffee. We buy only gourmet brands and grind beans shortly before brew. Over years we went through several coffee makers. The coffee was never bad, but I was still craving for having at home machine reasonably priced and able to reproduce the best espresso Italian coffee. Started to google and found this one. I use this machine on daily basis, several months already and will never look back. The coffee is delicious and thanks to fact that machine is fully manual, I can make adjustments to what the final product will be. Frothing milk/cream works extremely well too. By adjusting waiting time for proper pressure/temperature amount to built up, the best results can be achieved easily. One warning only - this machine is for mature persons only. All warnings about not opening under pressure should be taken very seriously. Unscrew the main cover only when both valves are open and they show no presence of pressure inside.
P.S.1 - This machine is not getting clogged under proper operation. However, when not properly managed, coffee grounds can sneak through and clog dispensing valve. The blow back using bike pump will clear valve on first blow.
P.S.2 - The little improvement I am using: before filling up the coffee basket with ground coffee, I put a little (home made) cap on center tube. This makes filling the basket a real snap. Users having this machine already, will know very well what tube I am talking about.

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Product Description

Stainless steel Espresso/Cappuccino maker. This compact unit is fully portable. Made of 18/10 S/S and Bakelite handles. Adjusts to brew 3, 6 or 9 cups of coffee. Separate controls for cappuccino. 8" high. Gift box. great camping item.

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