Wednesday, October 31, 2012

The Advantages of Advantage Cat Flea Treatment by Lec Watkins


With such a wide choice of cat flea treatment products available it can be tough to know which one is right for you and your cat. So , is there any advantage to using Advantage Flea Medicine?

Advantage Flea Medicine is a monthly topical flea product. Every 30 days you must use the flea drops by putting them onto your cat's skin between the shoulder-blades. To apply the product you must part the fur fully as only the liquid making contact with the skin will be fully effective. Over the next 24 hours the cat's own sebaceous (oil gland) system will spread the oil based flea control to cover the entire skin's surface.

Advantage Cat Safety

Advantage uses a nerve cell disruptor which is lethal for insects and some other invertebrates but completely harmless to mammals. This is because mammal's nervous systems do not absorb the chemical. It is perfectly safe to use this cat flea treatment for cats and kittens from 8 weeks of age.

Advantage Flea Power

Advantage kills two stages of your cats fleas, quickly destroying both larval and adult fleas. Larvae are killed before they can become biting adults. Adult fleas are killed quickly before they can lay eggs. This two pronged attack means that pretty soon your home's resident flea population will be totally controlled. As any new eggs emerge into larval fleas they are quickly destroyed.

Advantage Speed

The product destroys both adult and larval fleas at an exceptionally fast rate. After contact with the product fleas will stop biting within 5 minutes. Within 20 minutes of contact any fleas (adult or larvae) will die. Any new fleas which jump onto your cat will be killed within an hour. Within 12 hours of applying Advantage virtually all (98-100%) adult and larval fleas on your pet will be destroyed.

Long-Lasting Control

Once applied, this will give your pet protection from fleas for at least 30 days. The level of protection is constant throughout and will not be affected by your cat's activity. Washing your cat or allowing him outside in the rain is of no concern since the product is oil based and therefore waterproof.

Advantages with Advantage

The primary advantages of using Advantage Flea Medicine is that fleas are destroyed at both the adult and larval stages very quickly. The main problem people face with flea control is that they breed in such vast numbers that it is often difficult to eradicate them for any length of time. With complete flea destroying capabilities going wherever your cat does this cat flea treatment sorts out the problem of fleas both quickly and for the long-term.

For more information regarding the Advantage Flea Medicine and other Cat Flea Treatment options visit the Cat Flea Treatment site at http://catfleaandticktreatment.blogspot.com


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7 Things You Need To Know About Freshwater Aquarium Substrate by ...


The topic of freshwater aquarium substrate is often neglected by many who don't realize how important it is in a freshwater aquarium set up. Seven pieces of advice are given in this article to help ensure nothing goes awry for you.

Sometimes not enough attention is paid to the use of freshwater aquarium substrate in the aquarium set up process. It is more crucial than many folk realize. Here are just 7 tips pointing out what could go wrong if certain advice is not taken.

1 . Always wash your freshwater aquarium substrate thoroughly with hot water before you use it in your aquarium. And ensure that the tank itself has been thoroughly sterilized too. The substrate will be a place where favorable bacteria will establish themselves, assisting the cycling of nitrogen and producing great living conditions for the fish.

2 . To give your aquascape a realistic look ensure the level of substrate rises from the front to the back of the tank. In addition put some localized dips and rises in it as you get in natural surroundings. Consider a combination of rocks, pots (to act as caves/shelter) and other decorations plus a range of different sized plants to complete the realism.

3. Limestone in your gravel can cause your water to harden and the pH to rise. This could be detrimental to the health of those fish species who prefer soft water and lower ph. To check that there is none, add a few drops of vinegar to a piece of gravel and if it fizzes then there is limestone in it.

4. If your fish like to dig into the substrate, do not use large particle size gravel. This would be unfair to them. If you have bottom dwellers then do not use sharp, rough edged gravel pieces. They can get injured. Find out about their behavior before you buy them.

5. Never place rocks on top of your substrate. Always bed them into the bottom of the tank and fill around it. This is more secure, especially if you have other rocks and decorations on top of them. If you do this then your fish might not suffer from being squashed.

6. If an under gravel filter is to be used make sure you have at least 6 to 8 cms of depth to your substrate. If sand is used as a substrate then if you are using an under gravel filter don't forget that it will probably need additional maintenance than usual. It will clog up more frequently.

7. When filling your tank, first of all place a piece of brown paper over the gravel substrate. To stop the substrate being greatly disturbed use a cup to pour the water into and it will flow gently onto the paper when full. Continue filling until it is safe to remove the cup and the fill completes. Remove the brown paper carefully. This method stops you disturbing the substrate layer.

So now you have been given 7 tips regarding freshwater aquarium substrate. Take note of the advice given, carry these out actions and you will have removed several potential problems you may have otherwise had.

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Hydroponic Gardening Possibilities by Steve Evans


Hydroponics (from the Greek words hydro water and pono labor) is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, without soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel, or mineral wool (rockwool).

Plant physiology researchers discovered in the 19th century that plants absorb essential mineral nutrients as inorganic ions in water. In natural conditions, soil acts as a mineral nutrient reservoir but the soil itself is not essential to plant growth. When the mineral nutrients in the soil dissolve in water, plant roots are able to absorb them. When the required mineral nutrients are introduced into a plant's water supply artificially, soil is no longer required for the plant to thrive. Almost any terrestrial plant will grow with hydroponics. Hydroponics is also a standard technique in biology research and teaching.

Hydroponics is a way of growing plants without soil. Hydroponics literally means water works or labor. Hydroponic equipment is best suited for indoor gardening or greenhouses. Simple systems use an aquarium bubbler re-named a hydroponic bubbler, to ensure that the water around the roots does not become airless. Soilless gardening lets the plants take up nutrient faster which means a quicker growing, more compact and more nutritious plant in a smaller space.

Hydroponics is the easy way to grow fresh herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers indoors, all year long without the need for soil or natural sunlight. Whether you are a professional hydroponics gardener or indoor gardening hobbyist, using the best hydroponics supplies will help you grow bigger, better and more productive plants.

In recent years hydroponics has increased in popularity…and for good reason! Hydroponics allows you to grow plants with little or no pesticide just about anywhere, indoors or out. It is simply growing plants in something other than soil but the trick is in supplying all of the nutrition the plants need through the nutrient solution.

Most growers utilize hydroponics indoors by creating an environment optimal for plant growth. Having the right combination of light, temperature, water, CO2, oxygen, pH and nutrients is essential and using a top selection of hydroponic supplies and grow lights will help you massively to achieve maximum results.

As is true with any other form of gardening, choosing the right plants is an essential part of hydroponics. Choosing plants that are suitable for soil free gardening will help the garden thrive. Selecting the wrong plants can leave you frustrated with the whole hydroponic approach to growing plants. This is a major subject

There are numerous questions that need answering when it comes to purchasing grow lights to use as indoor grow lighting. In order to become a successful indoor gardener it would be wise to find out the answers from any of the excellent reference books available, so that the appropriate grow lights are used for the indoor plants.

Every child knows that you need a few things in order to grow a plant. You need soil, light, water and a seed (at the very least). Get those right and hydroponics produces very high yields allowing us to grow the plants, fruits and vegetables of our choice, even in limited space, without using soil. It's an amazing way to produce perfect specimens and offers TONS of advantages that traditional gardening can't come close to touching!


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How To Select Tropical Fish Aquarium Plants by Alfred Whitney


Putting some live plants in your tropical Fish Aquarium is a very good idea. This will surely give your tank a more natural and a better look. As they grow up, they will be even better and provide the fish with a close to natural habitat.

The type of plants to be used is dependent upon your tropical fish Aquarium’s conditions. Deciding, whether to use real or artificial plants should be done before laying down the gravel bed. The reason for this is that you would place a layer of clay on the bottom and plants will be getting their nutrition from there. You have several different choices for the substrate; but , the easiest option is Fluorite. Start off by placing about half inch of gravel at the bottom of your tropical fish aquarium tank and then add about one inch of Fluorite and finally another half inch of gravel. Fluorite is a porous clay type of material that enhances the plants’ ability to use the nitrates present in your freshwater tropical fish aquarium.

Now, it’s time to add some beautiful plants and decorative stuff to aquarium. First decide the space you want to cover with plants. While you add water to your tropical fish aquarium, do it by placing a plate and pouring water on top of it. This will avoid disturbing your aquarium substrate base. When you have completed filling half of the tank, its time to add plant stems.

When planting a plant’s stem, first add an angled cut just above one of the healthy, green nodes leaving as much of the plant, exposed, as possible. Now, push in the steem, gently, half depth of the gravel. Remember to space them out as overcrowding them will inhibit the lower leaves from getting enough light. Continue filling the tank and then remove the plate once you are done with filling purpose.

This is the best time that a freshwater fish is added to tropical fish aquarium. Aquarium needs sufficient amount of light. Light is not a very important factor for the fish but it plays a vital role in plant growth and the control of algae production. If the light is too little, plants will not grow and will soon die. Also, if the light is more than required, algae will grow out of control.

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What Are Some Popular Freshwater Aquarium Live Plants? by Bob Finklea


By nature, you would always want to decorate your new digs with remembrances from your old home. By the same token, an aquarium looks best if it is a close replica of the fish's natural habitat. Freshwater aquarium live plants do that job very well.

But that is not the only good thing. Aside from turning the aquarium into a real home for the fish, there are other benefits as well. The first practical benefit is the plants' ability to give off oxygen which is used by the fish.

In turn, the fish gives off carbon dioxide which is badly needed by the plants. Aside from turning the aquarium into a miniature eco-system, the plants help the fish control stress. With the plants' presence, the fish inhabitants would feel more secure in having some places to hide.

live plants have many benefits to your fish and to you as you view them in your fish tank. Foremost of these is the fact that they produce oxygen which your fish needs and in turn absorb carbon dioxide and ammonia which are harmful to them.

This miniature ecosystem in your aquarium is also beneficial to the fish in other terms. It means less stress because of the secure environment for them to hide, explore and live on. (Some fish are herbivores and sometimes use the plants as one of their food supplements. )

Plants For Your Tank

There is some need to do research on what plants you want and what plants is best in combination with the fish species you had chosen. be careful because some plants can harm certain fish species so simply ask a store clerk for a compatibility chart. )

Some plants are easier to take care of than others. Some plants need more light while others need more oxygen and many also need to be near the top of the aquarium while others are fine on the bottom of the tank. Lots of live plants do thrive in the aquarium environment. (java ferns, vallesneria, hygrophila, etc . )

The following are some of the more popular aquarium plants. They are popular because of their looks, their color, their sturdy nature and their value in the total ecosystem within your tank.

Cabomba

With its fan-shaped leaves, Cabomba (Carolina Fanwort) is a fast-growing live aquarium plant that provides the much-needed shade to your fishes. It is also used as a good hiding place as well as providing materials for spawning.

Cabomba plants also help in oxygenating and clarifying the water to minimize growth of the irksome algae. It is receptive to good lighting. It is beautiful and hardy and can grow as much as an inch a day. (You need to have a regular schedule of trimming sessions with the plant. )

It can be propagated by cuttings from mature, healthy plants. It will root if the shoots are buried in the gravel.

Java Fern

Few will argue that Java ferns are one of the best, if not the best, all-around aquarium plants. It is hardy and does not need much of the requirements like the other plants. It gets its fertilizer from the fish wastes and the dissolved carbon dioxide in the water.

The tough and unpleasant taste of its leaves makes it ideal to keep with plant-eating species of fish that tend to nip on the leaves of most plants. It also grows even in low light conditions.

To reproduce java ferns, get a new plantlet that grows out of older leaves of parent plants. Secure it to a rock or driftwood until the roots form and it can be planted.

Hornwort

Used mainly by fish breeders, the free-floating hornwort acts as a great cover for spawning. (The small fries love hiding in its lush foliage. ) Planted or left floating, it is also a good oxygenator.

New aquarium owners regard hornworts as a perfect plant for their tanks. It can survive any type of lights, it grows as much as an inch a day, and it sucks out fish wastes (carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitrites, phosphates, nitrates) fast.

Hornworts can be kept in either cold or tropical type aquariums. It can be left floating around or buried in the gravel and it can still grow as usual.

Sagittaria

This is another easy-to-grow rosette plant that can thrive in most aquariums. There are many species of the plant, but all are perennials, with arrowhead-shaped leaves. (Some are narrow and look like grass leaves. )

Sagittaria thrives in low to high lighting and grows quickly, propagated by runners which form dense groupings by themselves. This one is a favorite of many of the fish in an aquarium because of the density which fish can use to hide from predators and it goes from the bottom all the way to the top of the tank to the surface.

Vallisneria

Vallisneria is among the most prized plants around: they are counted as the hardiest, easily grown, and with the least requirements. All it needs is lots of light and some leftover nutrients around.

They look great grown as backgrounds, on the sides of the tank and in the central areas, too. They are similar to the arrowhead Sagittaria, though with pointier leaves and lighter green shades.

Anubias

One of the most undemanding aquatic plants, Anubias is also one of the best-looking around. They are also one of the toughest plants.

They can thrive on either low or high light, can withstand very soft or hard water, any pH from 5. 5 to 8. 5, and any temperature between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. They also possess tough leaves which are unpleasant to herbivorous fish.

Their only downside could be their slow growth. Aquarium owners mistakenly remove them thinking they are not growing at all. With this, their leaves are prone to algae growth. (It is best to plant them in a shady area to avoid algae propagation. )

Plant Choices

Just like all the work that you do in preparing your aquarium, the choice of freshwater aquarium live plants is crucial to the many things in your tank - the health of your fish, the balance of the aquarium's ecosystem and obviously, the beauty of your aquarium.

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Choosing A Saltwater Fish Tank by Alison Stevens


What to Look For in a Saltwater Fish Tank

The decision to purchase a saltwater or marine fish tank for your home or office should not be taken lightly. Marine fish will have requirements far greater than freshwater fish. However , once you’ve decided to purchase a saltwater aquarium you’ll be rewarded with a stunning range of tropical and reef fish to choose from.

But first you’ll need to purchase your tank. The selection process can be time consuming and confusing because the range of tanks available is large. The best advice is usually to purchase the largest tank you can afford and that will fit in the available space. There are numerous stories of people starting out their fish tank hobby with a small fish tank only to find in a short space of time that they wish they had purchased a larger tank!

A 30-gallon saltwater aquarium is probably the smallest tank you should consider. A fish tank of this size will provide sufficient surface area to allow adequate exchange of oxygen into the water and to provide a comfortable swimming environment for your fish.

The oxygen supply in the water together with the water temperature will determine the success or otherwise of your fish keeping hobby. Tropical saltwater fish require a water temperature of about 75 degrees F. The warmer water in the saltwater aquarium will tend to deplete the oxygen in the water which means that the surface area becomes important. The addition of aeration equipment is usually desirable to increase the oxygen concentration. Aeration can usually be provided in conjunction with your filtration equipment.

Saltwater fish tanks are available in both acrylic and glass. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Some of the advantages of glass aquariums are
* Glass fish tanks are usually cheaper than acrylic tanks
* Glass fish tanks are more scratch resistant than acrylic tanks
* Glass fish tanks won't discolor with age
* Glass fish tanks won’t require as much brace support as acrylic tanks although the stand needs to be able to support a great weight

Advantages of acrylic fish tanks
* Acrylic fish tanks are lighter in weight than glass fish tanks
* Acrylic fish tanks can be custom made in a shape to suit your home
* Acrylic fish tanks are less likely to break
* Acrylic fish tanks can be purchased online

Setting Up Your Saltwater Fish Tank

Bringing your new saltwater fish tank home from the store is only the first step. Never be tempted to purchase fish at the same time that you acquire your aquarium. There are many steps to complete prior to introducing fish to their new home.

First, you need to install your tank in its desired location. Avoid locating your saltwater fish tank in any spot that receives sunlight. Sunlight will cause algae to grow in your tank and whilst this will not usually harm the fish it is unsightly and spoils the appearance of your aquarium. Also avoid any locations close to room heaters or where the tank will be exposed to drafts.

Many acrylic fish tanks come with a built-in stand. Glass tanks will require a sturdy stand and should have a layer of polystyrene or rubber placed between the tank and the stand to absorb any unevenness. If the tank is unbalanced it will eventually crack.

Check your new tank for leaks. Fill it with water and let is stand for a day or two. Once you have confirmed that it is water tight you will need to thoroughly clean the tank and all equipment. Rinse thoroughly. Do not skip the cleaning and rinsing step just because you’ve purchased a new tank and it appears sparkling clean. Your fish will die if there are any contaminants left in the tank! Don’t forget to wash the gravel before adding it the tank. Add all your other equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions. Your pet store will have provided advice on how to set up your saltwater fish tank.

After you have added your salt water and confirmed that the salt and chemical levels are correct you’ll need to run all your equipment for at least 72 hours to filter and heat your water and stabilize your tank. Let the aquarium cycle to build up the correct biological levels.

The hardest part of setting up your saltwater fish tank is now complete and now you’ll be able to go and select your colorful fish!


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Tropical Fish And Its Aquarium Maintenance - free article courtesy ...

Tropical fish includes fish around the world living in tropical environments including salt water and fresh water species. They are popular fish in aquariums because of their bright colors. Tropical also refers to tropical climate wherein the climate is warm or moist all throughout the year integrated by abundant vegetation.

Aquarium is an enclosed clear-sided container made of high strength plastic or constructed glass for keeping or raising animals and plants for research and observation. The ecosystem of the species is copied on smaller scale controlling environmental factors.

Tropical fish being put in the aquarium should be properly taken care of by regular monitoring of the fish and aquarium conditions by checking the waters for bacteria, parasite or fungi occurrences. There are ways on how to determine if the tropical fish are sick.

-Fish scales inspection. Examine for any discoloration, growths or wounds. Scales that is missing is a fighting indication.

-Observation of the fish respiratory rates. Slower or faster rate than normal is a sign of problem.

-Fish eyes clarity checking. Blood or cloudiness should not be present.

-Observation of the fish abnormal behavior such as unusual swimming pattern or sluggishness.

-Veterinarian consultation for any fish abnormalities being observed.

Aquarium serves as the new habitat of your tropical fish so it should be maintained regularly. The procedures are easy protecting the fish and plants lives.

-Regular checking of the tank to ensure that dying or dead fish is not present.

-Observation of all the fish individually for behavioral patterns familiarization so that it is easier to determine a sick fish in the future.

-Feed your fish with one-day intervals using diet variations.

-Replace the evaporated water on the tank with dechlorinated water.

-Once a week, removed 5 to 10 percent of the tank water replacing it fresh dechlorinated water. Unwanted chemicals in the tank are diluted helping the tanks internal environment similar to tap water.

-Algae scraping from the walls of the tank done once a week.

-Filter pads checking every two weeks cleaning or replacing them if necessary.

-Water testing done every two weeks. Water change is done after one day.

-Ammonia, nitrate, pH levels or nitrite checking done every two weeks.

-Drain off the debris from the gravel done once a month.

Always keep track the chemical contents of your aquarium and schedule maintenance.

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Single Serve Espresso Makers In Red by Brice Macamara


Red coffee machines are one of the most popular and best selling home appliances bought on the web nowadays. Why have red coffee machines grow to be so popular nowadays? Perhaps because they bring about color and life to a kitchen counter top. Second it could be that chrome steel gadgets are going out of trend and are now considered boring and sterile looking Either way the most important thing is that it not only has to look great it also has to make gourmet style cappuccino. Therefore we have carried out some research ourselves and have come up with the top 4 best rated red coffee makers.

The Tassimo is made by Bosch and is a single serve red coffee machine is fully automatic, there is no need to even program the coffee machine. The Bosch Tassimo uses pods that have the precise ratio of ingredients needed for each cup of brew. You will discover over 40 different brews, you can brew any kind of coffee and also tea and hot chocolate. Every Pods have bar codes, once placed in the coffee machine the bar codes are read and the coffee machine automatically programs itself to the brewing time, temperature and quantity of water needed and within a few seconds starting brewing your coffee or espresso.

Nespresso CitiZ Automatic red coffee maker is one of the popular selling pod coffee or espresso makers available for purchase and a astounding quality solid made programable automatic coffee or espresso maker. Not only brews great coffee, but will also look great on any kitchen bench with its modern sturdy shape. Guaranteed to make café quality authentic Italian coffee with rich flavor and aroma every time. The power rating is 1700 w and with a pressure pump of 19 bars this red coffee or espresso maker brews excellence brewed fresh coffee similar to a commercial automatic coffee machine that cost hundreds of dollars.

The Keurig automatic red coffee maker utilizes an trouble free one touch process that ensures a piping hot brewed flawless cup of coffee or espresso on every occasion in less then a minute. This red automatic coffee machine sturdy sleek modern design is small enough to take with you on vacations or when traveling, straightforward to use and no maintenance and no mess it brews an 8 ounce cup anyplace you can take it along and plug it in. Espresso lovers no longer have the hassle of grinding coffee beans, measuring coffee, dealing with filters, or cleaning up. Basically open the lid, put in a K-Cup, secure the lid, and push the button. Keurig’s high pressure automatic system delivers the exact quantity of coffee at the right high temperature with the right pressure of water to make certain optimum flavor extraction for every beverage.

The Bugatti Diva red espresso maker has an interchangeable group handle for ground coffee and capsule systems. Body and bottom are in solid die cast aluminum, the interior components are solid brass. All screws and fixed supports are in solid 18/10 stainless steel. The machine pulls two shots at a time, either via fresh packed grounds or pods, and has an attached steam wand for frothing milk, a method which is helped along by the easy-to-read gauge in the front of the espresso machine that clearly marks the appropriate temperature ranges for pulling shots and steaming milk. Its performance is consequent from a combination of ideal water temperature, high brewing pressure & brief extraction time, achieved by heating elements and a powerful 15 bar pump system. A dial gauge marked with “coffee & “steam” readings, shows when espresso machine is ready for your preferred function and the built in frother steams milk for lattes or cappuccinos. The machine can do either ground coffee or pods. Water container holds 800mls it only takes 2 minutes to warm up.

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How To Select A Single Serve Coffee Maker - free article courtesy ...



An increasing number of us nowadays are wondering how to select a single serve coffee maker that will suit us best at home. These kinds of coffeemaker are designed to produce – as you might expect – a single cup of coffee at a time and they are becoming increasingly popular amongst all kinds of coffee drinkers.

In the past we’ve been a bit limited in our choices of coffee maker – we’ve often , for example , had to make a whole pot of fresh coffee just to enjoy a single cup but things are different nowadays.

The Advantages

The advantages of single serve coffee stations are primarily found in the fact that they can make just one serving of coffee at a time and that they work real quick as a consequence in comparison to multi serve machines. So , you won’t need to waste coffee or won’t need to make more coffee than you’ll actually drink in one sitting.

And, if you choose one of the new single serve pod systems as your final choice here, then you can simply slip a small individual coffee pod into the machine, make your cup of coffee and then throw the pod away. So , there’ll minimal cleaning up and maintenance to do as well!

You can even pick and choose the kinds of coffee you want to drink with these kinds of machines as the pods can come in various types, roasts and flavors. Major coffee companies that make coffee for these pods currently include some big names in the sector such as Douwe Egberts, Melitta and Folgers – so you’ll get a guarantee of coffee experience and quality at the same time as well.

Two Types

There are basically two ways to use a single serve coffee maker. In the first instance you can buy a conventional coffee machine that uses standard ground coffee via a normal filter system but which only brews a single cup of coffee at a time rather than making up a whole big pot. It is worth noting here that some of these machines may sometimes be able to brew up two cups instead of just one which could give you a little more flexibility.

In either case the machine here will brew up directly into your cup extremely quickly and efficiently. Some of these kinds of models even come with their own mug when you buy them!

As single serve machines go this kind of option is reliable but kind of uninspiring if you’re looking for something a little different in your coffee drinking. But , if you’re still wondering how to select a single serve coffee maker then this may be a good option for you if you simply want an affordable and compact coffee maker for one/two people. Some of these machines are real tiny nowadays and could easily just sit on the end of a desk for real ease of use without taking up too much space.

But, if you want something a little bit more exciting from a single serve coffee maker then you really should also consider something along the lines of one of these new pod systems we’ve already mentioned. These single serve machines (such as those in the Philips Senseo range, for example) are designed to take a single pod that contains a specific brand, roast or type of coffee at a time.

You unwrap the pod from its packaging, place it in the machine and it brews your coffee up for you into the cup. You can then simply throw the used pod into the trash. Again it’s worth noting that some pod systems can be purchased that will make two cups of coffee at a time.

Variety - The Spice of Life

These machines are so popular now partly because they are so convenient and reliable but also because they allow you to buy different varieties, types and flavors of coffee pods. So , you can pick and choose which kind of coffee you will brew at any given time of day without having to keep a huge stock of different types of coffee in your kitchen cupboards.

This does prevent you from having lots of large unopened bags of coffee going stale in your cupboards because you simply cannot drink them that fast. These pods are also all individually sealed so you won’t lose freshness as you may do once you open a bag of standard ground coffee.

One complaint that some pod machine users have is that the pods themselves are not always as cost effective as they may be. As you might expect you may have to pay a premium for convenience here so this kind of pod system may well work out to be more expensive to both buy the initial machine and the pods than if you were just buying a small single serve maker and regular bags of coffee.

One key thing to think about as you ponder how to select a single serve coffee maker is compatibility. Some pods can be used in other kinds of standard coffee makers so it’s worth while checking on compatibility with your manufacturer. And, some coffee pod systems offer the ability to add a normal filter to the machine so you can use them as a standard single serve machine with your own ground coffee.

Flexibility is vital here as you don’t want to buy a coffee maker or a pod system that limits your choices. Some pod systems, for example , will allow you to use other types of pods in the machine as well as those that are made for the particular model. This option is great as you get much more flexibility in terms of coffee drinking choice. However , some systems will only work with their own pods which could see you limited on choice and which could also cost you more in the long run.

It doesn’t really matter which system you decide suits you best at the end of the day. You may even opt for both choices! One last thing to remember is that you can get great discounts and bargains on standard single serve coffee makers, pod systems and the pods themselves if you shop around . Many pod system users, for example , shop around on the Internet and then bulk buy pods when they find a bargain.

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