Welcome to The PODcast, PodMerchant's newsletter of espresso pod news, education, tips and deals. Back issues of The PODcast are available online.

Espresso Elucidations

I've dedicated several issues of the PODcast to reviewing espresso machines for use with espresso pods. As well, I've penned a few issues about what makes for a good espresso machine for pod users, bemoaning the dearth of such machines available in the US.

Well, hopefully, problem solved! We are now selling the Didiesse Frog espresso machine. It is an E.S.E. pod-only machine. It doesn't use loose grounds (or double-shot pods). In our testing we've found the Frog to give results as good or better than any of the other pod-only machines we've used (FF! X6, Grimac Terry, Spinel Pinocchio and others).

Currently, we are stocking the Frog in black and white models. Some other colors may eventually be added. Our price on this machine is $469. Yes, $469 is a lot of money. I wish I could sell it cheaper. I really do. But it's made in Italy — not China, so the labor costs and manufacturing methods just won't yield an inexpensive machine. Note that with this issue's coupon, you can purchase a Frog for 10% off (for a limited time, of course).

Be sure to read the full Didiesse Frog Report for more information. The following is an abbreviated version.

The Didiesse Frog Espresso Machine The Frog espresso machine from Didiesse of Naples, Italy is optimized for use with E.S.E. espresso pods. That's because it exclusively takes E.S.E. espresso pods. No compromises for brewing ground coffee. We've written about pod-only machines in various issues of the PODcast newsletter, in particular PODcast #55 where we compare pod-only machines and pod-capable machines. Superior results via pod-only design. Two thermoblock heaters — one for coffee, one for steam for frothing milk for cappuccinos and lattes. Quick warm-up time One year parts and labor warranty with the US distributor.
To insert a pod into the machine, you first lift up on this lever which opens the "jaws" (where the espresso pod is clamped). I think the coffee bean-shaped handle is a nice touch. To clamp the pod in the machine, you push down on the lever until it catches. Now you're set to make an espresso. What is so superior about this method is that the pod is clamped on the paper flange of pod's periphery. Water cannot flow around the pod — it must all flow through the pod. It's a simple, but important, feature.
Here is the thermoblock for the steam wand. It is connected to the wand by a flexible plastic hose. I like the fact that the steam thermoblock is not heated until it is switched on, separate from the main water heater. As a straight espresso drinker, I rarely use steam, so I'm glad that I am not paying to heat it up for no purpose. A thermoblock is a heat-exchanger made from a block of aluminum or brass with a serpentine path cut into it through which the water flows. By the time the water exits the block, its temperature should be the same as the block. The block should have enough thermal mass to prevent the flow of water from decreasing the block's temperature. In my experience this system has better thermal stability and has a much better recovery time than a typical home machine with a boiler. The dedicated thermoblock for steam also means you do not have the problem of having to raise the temperature of the boiler to make steam and then let it cool back down to make further espresso shots. For a comparison of boiler vs. thermoblock technology, see PODcast #57.
The drip pan and the grill are removable for easy cleaning. The pan and grill are dishwasher safe. Another nice touch is the "frog" name formed into in the grill.

Interested in purchasing a Frog Espresso Machine? Hasten to our online store to see our selection of Didiesse Frog Machines for espresso pods. Or read the full Didiesse Frog Report for more information.

Other News

UPS My Choice Service

UPS has recently introduced a service that we think our customers should know about. It's called "UPS My Choice." It provides flexibility and additional services in the way that UPS delivers your packages. There's a free membership or a paid premium yearly membership.

Of particular value are the services to reroute to another address, to a UPS Store, or to reschedule delivery. Also of obvious value are the delivery alerts, authorization of shipment release (of particular interest to apartment dwellers), and the ability to have the package held for will-call at a UPS facility.

There are nominal per-use fees for these services for free membership subscribers, and unlimited uses for premium members. Frankly, I think it's a great idea (particularly from the viewpoint of a shipper who knows how badly some customers need their coffee on time). We use UPS for all continental US shipments (except APOs), so the overwhelming majority of our customers are served by UPS. I urge all of our customers to at least sign up for the free membership.

Below is a chart showing the basic breakdown of services. Please visit UPS.com if you wish to sign up.

PodMerchant News

Coffee on Water!

"On Water" is an expression that means that the goods are currently en-route by sea. We've placed our orders with Italian roasters to hopefully have stock available for the Christmas season. As the order got placed a little late, there is a possibility of running out of Lucaffe' products in December (hint).

Facebook

Please visit our Facebook Page! We post updates on product availability, coffee-related stories, photos, and videos to our Facebook page. Press on our Facebook Page and you'll get up-to-date news and coffee stories posted to your Facebook News Feed. We also have a discussion board.

PODcast Discount Coupon

Readers of PODcast Issue #69 will know that with the end of regular monthly PODcast issues, we've switched from the monthly coupon code to a Points Reward Program. Not every future PODcast will have a coupon. But this one does!

To celebrate our re-entry into the espesso machine market, this issue has the usual 10%-off coupon — which you can definitely use on a new Didiesse Frog machine. Just enter the code below on the Shipping Selection screen during checkout.

• The discount does not apply to illy Caffe' products.
• Coupon expires when the next issue is published, or at the end of the next month following publication of the issue, whichever comes first. This means you need the current coupon code from the current newsletter!
• Only one coupon per subscriber per issue.
• For more information, please see our PODcast Coupon FAQ.

The subscriber version of this newsletter contains a Coupon Code for 10% your next order. Be sure to subscribe to take advantage of this discount.

Keep on brew'n...


Kevin Garrett, The PodMerchant.