PODcast Newsletter, Issue 2

Espresso Machine Indicator Lights

The lights on espresso machines have been known to confuse some users. The reason is simple. The indicator light for power means that the power is turned on and that the machine is "ready" with regards to power. But, when the indicator light for coffee is on, then the machine is not ready. Just the opposite in sense. It means that the boiler heater is switched on because the temperature is low and therefore, not quite ready. Espresso machines are more electrical than electronic, and the light simply indicates when power is applied to the heater. Wait until the coffee indicator light is out before you hit the brew switch, and pay close attention when making several shots, as the machine may not thermally recover as fast as you would like it to.
 

For your maximized espresso enjoyment, we present this issue's tip:

Tip No. 3:
This tip if for users of espresso machines that have different filter baskets for double and single shots. After you place the pod into the filter basket, press firmly in the center with your thumb on the pod. This will seat the pod and expand it outwards to help form a seal. You do this because on these kinds of machines, the biggest problem with pods is water running around the pod, bypassing the coffee. Note that this is generally not needed with filter handles designed specifically for espresso pods.
 

PodMerchant has added a new machine to our pod-friendly line-up of espresso machines — the Ascaso Dream. The Dream Fixed Filter Holder model works only with E.S.E. espresso pods, having a attached filter holder that clamps the pod perfectly, preventing any water from seeping around the pod (see Tip #3 above). This method, in our opinion, produces the best espresso from pods. This is a premium machine, built with real care and quality. The fixed filter holder model is available only in polished cast aluminum.

In addition to the Dream Fixed Filter Holder model, the Dream is also available in the "Versatile" model. The Versatile has traditional removable filter handles — one for ground coffee and one for pods. You should choose this model if you wish to use ground & tamped coffee in addition to pods.

The Versatile comes in many designer colors and the fabulous Crazy Collection — Crazy Cow, Lady Bug Yellow, and Lady Bug Red.


Looking for an espresso Christmas gift? PodMerchant now offers gift-wrapped versions of our popular Super Sampler, One-click Mega Sampler, and tins of Danesi pods. Please check out our new Gift Ideas section.
 

Last issue we related the newly reported health benefits of coffee drinking — namely that coffee is an excellent source of anti-oxidants. This issue, we've got more good news for coffee lovers — Drinking more than two cups of coffee or tea daily appears to cut the risk of chronic liver disease by half.

Articles on the benefits of coffee on liver disease are available at Google News.
 

We have excess stock in FrancisFrancis! X3 models in silver and white. If you are interested in purchasing one of these units, give us a call at 949-734-4389 and I'll make you a special deal.

PodMerchant offers the following discounts only to our PODcast Newsletter readers. The discount is taken by redeeming one of the following coupon codes at checkout (Note: These coupons are only valid for PODcast subscribers. We check use of the coupon against the subscriber list.):

$35 off FrancisFrancis! X1 and Espressione Nuvola espresso machines -- Enter code: XXXXXXXX (subscribers only)

$25 off all other espresso machines (X3, Cafe Retro, Koala) -- Enter code: XXXXXXXX (subscribers only)

And just for being a PODcast subscriber, we're going to take...
$4 off your next order over $30. -- Enter code: XXXXXXXX (subscribers only)

PodMerchant will be closed for shipping from Friday, December 23rd, 2005 through Wednesday, January 4th, 2006. It's been a great year but we need a vacation. PodMerchant is still a small, family run business, so we'll be closing our doors for a short while after Christmas. You can still place orders during this time, but we won't be able to ship until after the 4th of January.