Crew Review: Thermos Sipp Travel Cup
You’re on the go, you’ve got things to do, places to go and people to see. You don’t have time to hang out and savor your java over tall tales and mirth. You need something to take your coffee on the road!
We’ve tried several different travel mugs and we dug the Sipp because of its clean design and stainless steel, double-walled interior. It also kept our cold drinks cooler and hot drinks warmer for longer, and that’s the goal of any good mobile cup, right?
It’s not rocket science, but we asked Gail to show off these lovely little numbers, anyway. Check ‘em out!
Non-Pressurized Baskets for DeLonghi Semi-Automatic Machines
We whipped up batches of these non-pressurized filter baskets a few years back in order to upgrade older Breville espresso machine models, then found that they work well with many of the small DeLonghi semi-automatic machines! Watch Gail demonstrate which models this 51mm filter basket works with.
Brewin’ with Brandi: Marshmallow Espresso
In need of a sweet little caffeinated kick while exploring the backwoods? Brandi’s easy-to-whip-up recipe uses the Handpresso, an ESE pod and a marshmallow — that’s it!
Check it out:
Ingredients
- 1 ESE pod (we used Caffe Umbria’s Gusto Crema)
- 1 oz hot water
- 1 marshmallow
Directions
Place a marshmallow in your serving cup. Prepare the Handpresso with the hot water and ESE pod, then extract it over the marshmallow. Enjoy!
The Sun Will Come Out With Cold Brew!
In follow-up to our test video that we posted yesterday, we thought we’d break down and compare the different cold brew options we have — including the Sowden / Hario / Bodum variety and more!
 French Press |
Dual purpose for hot and cool drinks, making cold brew in your french press will give you that kick in your pants all summer long. Whether you make it as a coffee concentrate to dilute or if you drink it STRONG like the SCG crew, all it takes is your desired amount of coffee, cold water and 12 hours in the fridge. This is great for making a big batch and stocking it up so it’s available whenever you need a cup o’ cold joe. |
 Sowden Soft Brew Coffee Maker |
While you can use it to make cold coffee similar to that from a french press, the Sowden Soft Brew gives you more flexibility in that you can use different grind consistencies. The microfilter features over a million tiny holes that enable you to brew with even the finest grind, producing a richer cup or more concentrated coffee in a similar amount of time. This can also be used for make hot coffee, as well. |
 Chemex |
It may look like a science experiment, but the science of the Chemex is easier than it looks. Unlike the french press and Sowden, you’re going to start your coffee out hot and as it brews it’ll cool down in the second chamber. All it takes is placing a good amount of ice in the bottom chamber, placing a paper filter in the top chamber, filling it up with your desired amount of coffee, pouring hot water over the coffee and watch as the coffee is extracted on to the ice giving you a smooth, cold and refreshing cup o’ java. |
 Hario Cold Brew/Mini Pot |
Made specially for cold brewing, the Hario Cold Brew and Mini Pots come in a sleek glass pitcher that will guarantee you will extract the most flavor out of your coffee. No need to heat up your water, whether it be cold or room temperature, fill up your pot’s nylon filter basket with coarse grounds, pour the water and brew it in the fridge for about 12 to 24 hours. You won’t need to finish your brew all in one sitting as it can keep for up to one month in a sealed container. |
 Hario Cold Brew Dripper |
If you’re fancy and have a lot of time on your hands, the the Hario Cold Water Dripper is what you need. A unique way of making your average cup of coffee or coffee concentrate, this dripper uses the classic cold-drip method. With every drop of water per second it saturates your coffee and drip by drip it will extract 26 oz. of coffee concentrate in about 5 hours. With a little more patience and learning curve, once you get the hang of it you’ll be sipping on some non-oily and acidic-free java. |
Compare: Cold Brew Coffee Preps
Summertime and the living is easy, right? Right! Especially if living involves a smooth cup of cold brewed coffee. We offer a few different ways to make it — from Sowden to Hario to Bodum — and wondered: Is one of them better than the others?
So we did what we usually do when faced with a tough question such as this: We put Gail to the test. Watch as she crafts three batches of cold brew, lets them hang out over night and then we perform a taste test. Find out if any of our cold brewers produces a better cup.
Crew Review: Capresso Tea C100 Kettle
In the world of tea kettles, Capresso really gives it all they’ve got. With a variety of options available, you’d be hard pressed not to find one that meets your needs.
Watch Gail walk us through the features and demonstrate the functionality of the Tea C100.
Java on the Open Trail
The sun’s finally out, the weather’s getting warmer and it’s that time of year to trek up the mountain to enjoy good ol’ Mother Nature. But make sure you fill up that pack with all the essentials — map, water, compass and … CAFFEINE! Yes, it’s possible to keep yourself buzzing with java as you hike through the forest. Check out some of our favorite on-the-go coffee makers that we throw in our packs before we hit the open trail.
 Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Coffee Maker |
As long as you have your whisper light, some water and your favorite coffee, you’ll be brewing up a strong cup o’ java in no time. Made of aluminum, this indestructible pot allows you to diffuse heat and get that same aromatic smell out of your coffee in the great outdoors. Simple and easy to use, just fill the lower chamber with water, add ground coffee to the filter and then place it on your whisper light until the water boils your espresso to perfection. |
 AeroPress |
Light and easy to pack, the AeroPress is the next best thing to bringing the actual coffee maker on a hike. Made of BPA-free plastic, the AeroPress mixes grounds and water for ten second and then uses a micro-filter, leaving your coffee silt and grit free. Smooth! |
 Handpresso Wild/Domepod |
Bike pump or espresso maker? The Handpresso may look like a bike pump but rather than pumping up your tire it’ll pump you up with caffeine. This hand held tool barely takes up any space and gives you an even easier option of using E.S.E. pods or your favorite ground coffee. All you need is hot water and your favorite coffee grounds or pods, then pump up the Handpresso and it’ll extract away. |
 Bodum Brazil French Press – 8 Cup – Polycarbonate |
Nearly indestructible, the polycarbonate version of Bodum’s popular French press is going to stick around for the long haul. Carry your favorite coarsely ground coffee, add hot water and let it hang out for a few minutes. Then serve up a rich brew for yourself and your favorite hiking partner — while watching the sunrise or set over the mountain side. |
Crew Review: Saeco Thermal Carafe for Exprelia & Xelsis
Better safe than sorry, no? Especially when it comes to your dairy products!
To assist you with keeping your milk fresh and cool, Saeco has released a thermal version of their one-touch carafe fro the Exprelia and Xelsis superautomatic espresso machines.
Watch Gail show off how it works!
Crew Review: Rancilio Bottomless Portafilter
While we have carried a bottomless portafilter for E61 brew heads that also did work fairly well in the Rancilio Silvia’s brew head, it didn’t seal quite as we might like and so there was often a little bit of water leakage over the top that really was just gauche.
Rancilio released their own version for their commercial machines that fits the Silvia, so we gave it a test drive. We did notice a bit of water leaking over the top, but nothing like the former model. And the spurting/spraying/mini-geysers? There were a few present in Gail’s extraction — more of a fine mist — but that’s just a result of channeling, baby.
Wanna see it in action? Watch Gail demonstrate it on our store’s PID-enhanced Silvia.