Seattle Coffee Gear | The Grind
Seattle Coffee Gear
April 2011
Recipe: Caramel Nut Soy Latte
We're big fans of soy milk and this recipe features it proudly -- along with caramel and hazelnut. Obviously, you can't go wrong.

Ingredients
Directions
  1. Mix syrups together and add shots.
  2. Steam up soy milk and combine with syrups/espresso.
  3. Enjoy!   

SCG Back Office Upgrade
It's been a bit tetchy around these parts lately! And by 'tetchy' we mean 'seriously painful.' But our pain is your gain, as we've taken on a serious operational upgrade by transitioning to a new internal management system. What hurts now will feel better for all of us, soon. Promise.

What does this back office mojo mean for you? It will translate into improved inventory availability (yay for fewer out of stock notices!), decreased order placement or shipping errors and more timely order processing updates and fulfillment.

We're also working on a complete website overhaul that will provide better access to information as you're researching new equipment or learning to use the gear you already have.

These changes will be rolling out over the next few months and we appreciate your patience as we work to improve our overall level of service to you. Thanks so much for your business!

 
Ask the Experts
Q. How much grounds are left behind in the grinder after grinding? How much water is injected during frothing / steaming?

A. We get these questions, or a variation thereof, very often, so we thought we'd devise a couple of tests to try to answer them.

First, we weighed out 20 grams of whole coffee beans, ground them in several different grinders (including Mazzers, Rancilio Rocky and Baratza Vario) and then weighed the resulting grounds to see what, if any, attrition occurred.

Next, we weighed 200ml of milk (where possible -- the stand alone frothers were different volumes,) steamed it up on different machines (like the La Marzocco GS/3, Rocket Giotto, Rancilio Silvia and Saeco Talea Touch) and then weighed the pitcher afterward to determine the volume of water left behind after steaming.

If you've also wondered about these common questions, check out these videos for the full glory of our seriously mad science.
Seattle Coffee Gear TV
This month we did a little more testing than usual, played around with some new equipment and did some tasting. Did you know that we get many of our video ideas from our customers? If you have a question you'd like addressed or a topic suggestion, please email us and we'll let you know if we're able to fulfill it!
Featured Products
The easy-to-use Aeropress is even easier with this reusable metal filter. It makes a more full bodied cup of coffee, too, as it's not pulling any of the coffee oils out during extraction -- unlike its paper counterparts. One size. 
The Maestro is gone and the redesigned Plus has been tweaked with elements of both the basic Maestro and the previous Plus. Now Baratza's only entry-level grinder, this is a great drip / pour over / press pot option. 
Now with 100% more razzledazzle! OK, maybe 64%. The recently updated Plus version of Saeco's popular Talea Touch features an improved touch screen interface, new case color scheme and a metal drip tray. 
 
The Grind Special
If you're anything like us, you're already prepping for your upcoming spring and summer jaunts into the great outdoors. One of our favorite on-the-go prep methods is the Aeropress -- it's difficult to beat the smooth, rich coffee it produces in such a simple way. Pair it with the reusable metal filter from Coava Coffee and it makes it even easier to take it on the road without a lot of excess gear in tow. This month, we're giving away a Coava Coffee metal filter free with every new purchase of an Aeropress! Purchase via this super-secret special product and it will be included with your order.
Offer applies to purchases made between 04/07/2011 and 04/30/2011. Not valid with any other coupons or discounts. Must be applied at time of order and cannot be redeemed retroactively. Free shipping in the continental US on orders of $49 or more, otherwise shipping fees apply.