The Rise of Specialty Coffee and Built-In Coffee Machines

Ah, coffee. The world's favorite pick-me-up, the elixir of productivity, and the reason many of us can face the day with a semi-functional smile. Ha! Coffee isn't just a beverage; it's a worldwide cultural phenomenon. From bustling cafes in Paris to quiet corners in Tokyo (I’ve had coffee in both of these cities!), coffee plays a pivotal role in social interactions, business meetings, and even romantic rendezvous. It's a universal language that brings people together, one cup at a time. On the blog today we'll take a deep dive into the fascinating world of coffee and discuss the different coffee machines available to brew specialty coffee right inside your kitchen.

Thanks to intrepid explorers, adventurous merchants, and curious coffee lovers, the humble coffee bean embarked on a journey across the globe. Here are three countries I’ve recently visited where I’ve toured coffee plantations and had some amazing coffee!

Colombian Coffee
I just returned from a trip to Colombia and had the opportunity to go to a small family owned coffee farm. Colombian coffee is known for their smooth, rich flavors thanks to its ideal growing conditions in the Andean mountains. I visited a coffee plantation just outside of Medellin, Colombia where I had a full lesson in how to pick the proper coffee beans, how to process the beans, and of course, a coffee tasting. Medium roast is the most optimal coffee as it’s just right and holds the best balance of flavor. Also, did you know dark roast coffee has the LEAST amount of caffeine? That is correct! Here is a great article that includes a detailed guide on how much caffeine is in a cup of coffee. Whether you prefer a bold espresso or a velvety cappuccino, Colombian coffee never fails to impress. It is oh so delicious and you can make a cup right at home. I noticed that Juan Valdez coffee brand in Colombia is pretty much like the Starbucks of America.

Kelly on a coffee farm in Colombia learning the art of coffee.

Unique Coffee Brewing Methods in Asia - Vietnamese Phin Filter
In Vietnam, there are two secrets to coffee: the brewing method and sweet condensed milk. They use a Phin filter to brew their coffee which produces a STRONG, intense cup of coffee. Y’all, it is STRONG! It’s often enjoyed with sweet condensed milk (the only way I could drink it!) which makes it a fabulous cup of coffee. While in Hanoi, Vietnam, I tried the traditional Ca Phe Trung, which is a Vietnamese Egg Coffee and is made with a whipped egg yolk and sweet condensed milk custard. There was a darling little coffee shop famous for serving Ca Phe Trung and while it was yummy, it was pretty thick and I couldn’t drink the whole thing. The Nguyen Coffee Supply based in Brooklyn, NY has home Phin filter machines you can buy and they start as low as $15! I love that this is a woman-owned, 100% Vietnamese, sustainable and fair-trade company AND they have more than 3200 five star reviews! You can also find these on Amazon here.

A great Phin filter illustration by Nguyen Coffee Supply.

One morning while in the town of Hoi An, Vietnam the weather was brutally hot so I asked for an iced coffee. I laughed out loud when they brought me their version of an iced coffee which was coffee with a side bowl of ice cubes! I really enjoyed Vietnamese coffee and was sad when I had my last cup at the airport.

The Famous Luwak Wild Coffee in Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the largest exporters of coffee in the world. I had a chance to spend some time in Bali last summer and there I learned all about the famous luwak coffee. This coffee is so special because it is a multistep process and involves an animal. Ha! The coffee beans are eaten by luwaks, a type of cat, and then laborers go on the hunt to find the cats’ scat and extract the beans from the poop where they get dried and processed into coffee. I wasn’t sure if I could stomach the coffee knowing the back story but was pleasantly surprised at the smoothness and overall flavor. No wonder this coffee is so expensive as it is labor intensive. There are several places you can buy luwak coffee online and this one is free range and even sells nepresso pods and this one has lots of reviews.

Kelly in Bali. Luwak Wild Coffee beans can cost up to $200 per pound!

Now Let’s Explore Built-In Coffee Machines
Built-in coffee machines are the unsung heroes of modern kitchens, bringing the café experience directly to your countertop. Let's dive into why they're taking the coffee world by storm and which brands are standouts.

Convenience and Time-Saving Features + More Countertop Space
Who has the patience to wait in line at a coffee shop when you can have barista-level brew at your fingertips? Built-in coffee machines save you time and make your morning routine a whole lot smoother. Say goodbye to cluttered countertops and hello to sleek, integrated coffee bliss right in your kitchen.

This is the Miele built-in with a coffee drawer underneath to house beans, sweetener, tea and other items. The upper cabinet houses coffee cups. There is a microwave drawer underneath the Miele. This is a sleek way to tie in small kitchen appliances all in one place.

Measuring and Assessing Available Space and Aesthetics
Take a moment to measure your space and look at your kitchen’s layout. Coffee machines come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure you have enough room and that your new coffee companion will tie into your kitchen decor. From sleek stainless steel to cozy farmhouse chic, there's a style for every kitchen vibe.   

Electrical and Plumbing Requirements for Built-In Coffee Machines
Before installing a built-in coffee machine, make sure you have the necessary electrical requirements in place. These machines often require a dedicated power source to operate efficiently and some need a water supply and drainage system. While many built-in machines can be used in manual mode, the great part of a built-in is the automation and this will require proper plumbing connections.

Maintenance and Cleaning Tips for Built-In Coffee Machines
To keep your built-in coffee machine in top-notch condition, regular cleaning and descaling are crucial. Regular maintenance will not only ensure a great tasting cup of coffee but also prolong the machine's lifespan. I have a Miele built-in machine and I use these descaling tablets from Amazon as they are less expensive and have worked well over the years.

Comparison and Budgeting for a Built-In Coffee Machine
When comparing models, consider factors like brewing options, customization settings, size, and ease of use. Calculate how much you spend on coffee outside and compare it to the cost of brewing at home, including the maintenance like the purchasing of descaling and cleaning tablets. Over time, investing in a quality built-in machine could lead to significant savings! I have saved so much money by limiting my Starbucks visits! I have the Miele built-in coffee machine and they also offer countertop options. I also love the Breville espresso machines and Nepresso is always amazing too!

Sustainability and Fair Trade Initiatives
The Good Trade writes, “As a massive commodity—particularly in the West—the coffee bean industry is one of the largest sites of forced labor around the world. The International Labor Organization estimates that there are 150+ million child slaves working to produce many of our everyday purchases such as coffee and cocoa.” Sustainability and fair trade initiatives have gained momentum in the coffee industry but it takes all of us casting our vote (dollars) to make change. From supporting eco-friendly farming practices to ensuring fair wages for coffee farmers, these initiatives aim to create a more ethical and environmentally friendly coffee supply chain. I buy coffee from all the farms I visit to show support for their small business. Stumptown Coffee and BLK&BOLD are some great fair trade coffee brands that you’ll love to brew in your kitchen!

Thanks for exploring different coffee machines and types of coffees around the world with me. It’s evident coffee is much more than a mere morning pick-me-up; it is a reflection of diverse cultures, traditions, and flavors. Whether you prefer the boldness of a Turkish coffee or the smoothness of a Colombian brew, the world of coffee offers lots of options for every palate. The next time you brew a cup of coffee, remember the journey it took to reach your hands and the rich tapestry of global coffee culture that it represents.

XO,
~kelly