On the Scene Caffeine
A reader recently wrote us to ask if we knew of any solutions for making coffee at a picnic. It seemed a bit strange considering we’re in the middle of February, but we can’t blame people for planning ahead. While the GSI Mini Espresso Maker is ideal for roughing it, the Handpresso is a slightly [...]
Get Iced, Minus the Smirnoff
We have all tried (and failed) to create iced coffee by brewing a pot, and immediately pouring it over a glass of ice. A true glass of iced coffee however takes time, patience, and effort. Or at least that’s what we thought before discovering the Fretta v60 Ice Coffee Maker ($33), which effortlessly brews a [...]
Espresso Technology Done Right
Recently here on Gear Patrol, we’ve had a great dialogue about one of man’s favorite drinks, coffee; we’ve collectively debated the various ways the brew can be prepared and consumed. Some of us seem hell-bent on using a french press as the only way of doing the brackish ambrosia justice, while others in the business [...]
Boil Like You Mean It
All of this talk of glorious, French-pressed coffee got me thirsty to thinking. Sure, boiling water is a pretty simple task, but what simple task hasn’t been made better by the advent of a wonderful gadget to perform it for you. Wheras I love a nice stove-top kettle as much as the next guy, I’m [...]
By Gear Patrol Reader Martin Levine: Whether it’s the drag of a Monday morning or the need for a late weekend afternoon weekend pick-me-up, any man worth his salt caffeine should know how to prepare himself a good cup of coffee. This installment of the 30 Days To Be A Better Man Initiative won’t cover [...]
The Evolution of Espresso
Like most of the writers here at Gear Patrol, I’ve developed an addiction and a fine appreciation for caffeine. A straight cup of black coffee is my standard, but I like to up the ante with an occasional shot of espresso. I’ve owned the nice combo machines that froth the milk and pull shots, but [...]
One Cup Coming Right Up
After reading Dusty Overby’s review on the Keurig Brewing System (aka: K-Cups), I was convinced I needed one for my home. The simplicity of the system (read: busy schedule) with an absolute need for space utilization (read: New York apartment) made one of the available options a perfect solution. Forgoing the larger Keurig Platinum Brewing [...]
Improve Your Coffee with the Push of Button
Let’s face it, there is an entire industry dedicated to producing highly specialized (and some would argue pointless) kitchen gadgets. This industry exists because in the mid 90s the kitchen became The Place to deck out in the home, and Williams Sonoma, Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, etc. needed shiny stainless steel things to line [...]
I have a raging passion for coffee. Morning, noon, or night, it matters not; I’ll gladly down a cup of joe. Unfortunately, the rest of my family does not share in my frequent cravings. My wife simply won’t touch the stuff (she’s hopelessly devoted to tea), and, for some unknown reason, neither of my infant [...]
A Dour Perspective On Your Morning Cup O’ Joe I’m not a big fan of pessimism. In fact, it’s a characteristic I find loathesome unless it comes served with two heaping scoops of sarcasm. Appropriate for Monday mornings, the Pessimist’s Mug is a perfect gift for someone you know (or yourself) that looks upon the [...]
First It Was Silver. Then Gold. Now Coffee. During the next restocking of your bar make sure to leave room in your arsenal for Patron XO Café. Yes, we know the stereotypes about flavored alcohol, but you’ll never find this sneaked into a slumber party. Trust us. Patron XO Café is a meld of ultra [...]
A Fresh Coffee Bean Is A Good Coffee Bean It’s not a secret that a perfect cup of coffee starts with the fresh beans. Fresh beans + Grinder = Bliss. The vacuum-sealed, stainless-steel coffee bean keeper from Williams-Sonoma ensures your morning nectar will always be top notch. The cannister minimizes your coffee beans from exposure [...]
Just looking at this machine will warm the heart. It surely warmed ours with it’s madarin orange sheen, but beyond that the Spanish design and manufacturing can be seen throughout it’s detailing and machining. This machine offers so many features it’s difficult to list them all here. Full features listed after the jump. Cost: $749.99 [...]
