FATHER’s DAY: The Joy Of Espresso (& Cappuccino & Latte)
| Still haven’t found that something special for Father’s Day? There are only 6 shopping days left!
If money is no object, and if Dad loves specialty coffee drinks, then Saeco’s new Xelsis superautomatic coffee machine is pretty darn exciting. Superautomatics are complete “coffee centers” that perform the entire espresso- (or other coffee-) making process at the touch of a button. While you do have to load the machine with the ingredients (coffee beans, water, milk), that one touch then takes over. The Xelsis is a “dream machine”; it’s as if Saeco listened to all of the shortcomings consumers found with other superautomatics and designed the Xelsis to triumph on every detail. On the simplest level, the machine grinds the beans, makes the coffee and froths the milk. The espresso, lungo, latte, cappuccino, coffee or special beverage of your choice falls gracefully into your cup. |
Saeco’s new Xelsis Coffee Center: the “deam |
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| On the macro level, it takes time to study the details, which are available in print and online. Just a few: Milk never enters into the machine, so there are no milk pipes to clean. Removing the grounds is simple: There’s no drip tray or milk carafe to remove in order to open the door to the grinds. The machine even goes into Energy Safe mode after a few minutes, minimizing power consumption.
• You can pre-program a “profile” with your specific desires (the strength and temperature of the coffee and the consistency of the milk foam, for example). Today, the Xelsis can accommodate six different profiles. In the fall, machines will have a fingerprint technology so everyone in an office can have a profile. • The water tank has a filter that purifies your tap water. • A separate steam nozzle can reheat your coffee (or tea, soup and other liquids not related to the Xelsis). This handsome stainless steel machine will turn the home or workplace into a high-end coffee bar. The removable milk pitcher can be kept in the refrigerator between uses. And it automatically cleans itself after each use! Around $3,000, it can be purchased at Bloomingdale’s and online at www.SeattleCoffeeGear.com. Find reviews of our favorite coffees, enlightening articles and recipes in our Gourmet Coffee Section. Also check out our Espresso Glossary, an education in the differences between affogato, cappuccino, espresso, lungo, macchiato, ristretto and just about every other coffee drink.
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