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SCG Crew’s Favorite Gear: Coffee Grinders
Whether you’re a pour over aficionado or an espresso maestro, selecting the right grinder for the job is one of the most important decisions you can make.
We asked the crew to share their opinions of which grinders they prefer in both the stepped and stepless grinder classes. Watch and learn what they dig and why!
| Stepped Coffee Grinders | Stepless Coffee Grinders |
SCG Crew’s Favorite Gear: Single, Hx and Dual Boiler Espresso Machines
Next in our series of the crew’s favorite picks covers the world of traditional espresso machines. Find out which single, heat exchange and double boiler machines the team digs.
Single Boiler Espresso Machines
Heat Exchange Espresso Machines
Dual Boiler Espresso Machines
SCG Crew’s Favorite Gear: Kettles, Pour Overs, Press Pots, Coffee Makers, Oh My!
You know that we play with a lot of different types of coffee equipment here at SCG and the crew definitely has their faves! We asked for volunteers to share which gear they dig in different product categories. Watch as Brendan, Kaylie, Shiami, Sam, Gail, Bunny, Dori, Teri and Miranda talk to us about their favorite kettles, pour overs, immersion / press pots and drip coffee brewers.
Brewin’ with Brandi: White Cool
We’re not really sure of the provenance of this drink and, truth be told, we were quite skeptical of it when we heard its ingredients. Surprisingly, however, it is refreshing and somehow works together! Watch as Brandi walks us through it on the Jura Giga 5.
Ingredients
- Carbonated lemonade
- 1.5 oz of espresso
- Ice
Directions
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add carbonated lemonade until it’s 2/3 full. Pull shot directly over lemonade and ice … enjoy!
Crew Review: Saeco Via Venezia – Redux!
The Via Venezia has been around for awhile, with a couple of different names and a few different styles. But its internals have remained pretty much the same and it’s still one of the most reliable, small single boiler espresso machines on the market.
We asked Gail to refresh her review of this popular machine because it had been a few years since it had received the attention it deserves! Learn all about its features, specs and functionality, then watch as she crafts a latte.
Compare: Saeco Poemia, Aroma and Via Venezia
A great budget espresso machine can be hard to find, but you don’t have to drop thousands of dollars to make coffee that you love.
Saeco’s smaller single boiler espresso machines feature quality components and easy-to-use functionality for a great price. Check out how the Poemia, Aroma and Via Venezia measure up against each other in this side by side comparison.
Tasting: illy vs. Nespresso Capsule Espresso Machines
We have carried Nespresso capsule machines for awhile now and we know that while they’ll definitely get the caffeinated job done, it’s unlikely that the shots they produce will ever knock your socks off. illy came to the scene recently with their reworked Francis Francis! machines that utilize the Iperespresso capsule functionality, so we decided it was time for a little side-by-side taste-off.
Note that there are a ton of variables at play here, especially since both of these use proprietary capsule systems and blends, we couldn’t necessarily judge the machine’s tech separate from the coffee’s flavor. Bunny selected a dark roast, light roast and single origin from each manufacturer for us to taste; watch as the crew gives their feedback on flavor!
Brewin’ with Brandi: Caffe Mocha Amoroso
When you’re talking coffee, chocolate and booze, you’ve got our attention, love. And … we’re pretty sure that we have yours, too!
Check out Brandi’s latest delectable-y-naughty recipe, featuring coffee and a trio of liqueurs.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz chocolate mint liqueur
- 1/2 oz brandy
- hot coffee
- optional garnish: whipped cream, cinnamon or cocoa powder and cinnamon stick
Directions
Combine liqueurs and coffee into serving cup; top with garnish. Enjoy!
Crew Review: Concept-Art Accessories – Redux!
For a moment there, we thought we’d lost them! When we first discovered Concept-Art, we fell in love with their simple and elegant design, as well as variety of pro-level gear at a great price. So when we heard that they wouldn’t be exporting to the US any longer, we were super bummed. Conversely, when we learned that they had figured their export story out, we were super stoked!
Since our line-up changed a bit, we decided it was time for a redux. Watch as we go through all these beautiful goodies!
How Much Should You Invest in Your Commercial Espresso Machine?
If you’re in the process of considering which espresso machine to purchase for your business, the price tags can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming. It’s beneficial, however, to view this as an investment on which you’ll see a return — after all, you will be using it to run your business! We asked our commercial sales manager, Brandon, to talk us through what to expect in terms of return on this investment.
Because overhead such as utilities, space rental or labor are all over the board, we concentrated on gross profit alone. It’s a great place to start when working out the numbers for your business.
Want to take this info on the road with you? Check out this handy infographic.