Coffee Machine Isn t As Tough As You Think
How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best home coffee machine will complement your style of brewing and will fit into your kitchen. The most important factors are capacity, size and design.
This espresso maker for prosumers impressed us with its speed, accuracy and user-friendliness. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, powerfully steams milk, and makes excellent 19-bar extractions.
Pod (or capsule) machines
A pod machine is the best value bean to cup coffee machine option for those who want to make coffee quickly and efficiently by using pre-ground pods. These machines remove the mess of brewing by eliminating the need for portafilters and complicated burr grinders that must be cleaned regularly to eliminate coffee oils. These machines require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling water reservoirs is a good idea.
These brewers have their limitations, however. They typically only work with specific types of coffee pods, which are typically in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't a problem when you stick to a specific brand of coffee, but it can be a problem if you are interested in trying different brands.
Another drawback of pod machines is that they usually have a smaller water tank and are generally less durable than bean-to-cup machines. They are also slower to make a cup, which might not be an issue when you're in a hurry in the morning but can be a pain in the event of preparing for a long day at work.
We suggest that you think about the size of your coffee bar before purchasing a pod machine because some are smaller than others and can fit in between other appliances on your counter. Also consider how much money you're willing to invest and the beverage options you'd like to be able to make. Our former ecommerce director Louise keeps her caffeine intake affordable by using the Nespresso Vertuo Next. It allows her to make both long and short espresso shots and comes with a milk frother.
This sleek, elegant pod-machine is both high-spec and low maintenance. It's not expensive, but it's a elegant addition to your kitchen, and its sleek stainless steel design is sure to make a statement on your kitchen counter. It can create five different drinks with the press of the button. Each capsule is equipped with a barcode on its underside, which the machine uses to determine the drink to be dispensed. It's also a great option for sustainability enthusiasts as the pods used break down and decompose very quickly and the recyclable mug is an excellent feature.
Manual Espresso Machines
For those who love the art of making espresso manual machines can offer an enjoyable, hands-on experience. They can be more time-consuming than automated espresso machines but if you have the patience and skills to master them, they can create top-quality drinks that are customized to your tastes. They are also more durable and come with designs that can stand up to the most rigorous use, unlike other types of.
Manual espresso machines are, however, not as user-friendly as automated espresso machines, and typically do not have precise temperature controls. This can make it difficult to create consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine has an incline of learning that is steep and is costly to purchase and maintain.
If you're a coffee aficionado keen to discover the world of manual espresso, try an updated machine that is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Certain models come with a built-in milk steamer and grinder, making them simple to use for novice coffee drinkers. Some models come with a water reservoir that is removable that makes it easier to clean and refill. Some are programmeable and allow you to set the time for the brewing cycle to start prior to waking.
Some manual espresso makers can be big, making them ideal for larger households or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. Consider how many people you intend to serve at any one time when you decide on the size of your machine and also. If you have several family members or roommates who love to make espresso, you might want to consider an extra large model with a bigger boiler.
The most affordable manual espresso machines come with a programmable milk frother, which can automatically heat and froth milk to your preferred consistency. This kind of machine works well with cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for those with sensitive teeth. It's important to remember that this type of machine might not be suitable for those who prefer a more substantial cup of espresso since it makes less foam than other kinds of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
This category contains fully automatic espresso machines that handle the entire process of brewing from grinding to extracting. They are simple to use and require only minimal maintenance, aside from cleaning and descaling. They are ideal for those who don't want to get their hands dirty or have a small counter space to accommodate a full sized coffee and espresso machine.
These models are more likely to come with Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can control the machine using your smartphone. However, all this automation and programmability comes with the price of a premium: You'll need to pay more for these machines than semi-automatic or manual alternatives.
The Eveversys Cameo is one of our top automatic espresso makers. It's a sleek, aesthetically pleasing machine which occupies a small space on your countertop. It also scored 5/5 in our ratings for user-friendliness - just behind Miele. It's a high-output model that can accommodate three separate hoppers and grinders, and you can select which one to use from a touchscreen display. It's user-friendly and self-monitoring, meaning you don't have to play with knobs or buttons.
Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. The small, pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal force to brew coffee that is a different technique than the traditional method of pushing water through the grounds. With some practice, it can produce various drinks like cappuccino and latte. This machine was tested in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and received a perfect 5 on our ratings for ease-of-use. It's also tiny according to espresso maker standards. It won't take much space on your counter.
It's worth experimenting with various types to find one that suits your style, budget, and available space. Consider aesthetics, too--you'll want something that is compatible with your decor and coffee cart. Also, don't forget to take measurements of your countertop to ensure your chosen machine will be a good fit.
Pour-Over Machines
Pour-over machines are an excellent alternative if you want complete control over the coffee you brew. Pour-over machines like the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex permit you to alter a variety of variables (coffee to ratio and filter time, brewing duration), allowing the brewing process to be customized. They also tend to create more intense aromas and flavors than drip machines with automatic controls.
Pour-over brewers are made to give top-quality results. They come with a thermometer that measures the temperature of the water to the closest degree, and they have an accurate pressure gauge that will inform you when the desired amount of water has been poured. They also have a large enough portafilter to accommodate the standard coffee mug and they have enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray to allow direct brewing into your coffee mug.
The coffee makers also come with a charcoal filter that can be cleaned to remove impurities in the water. This is important, as a coffee maker with a low-quality filter will create a bitter taste in your cup. Additionally, the best ground coffee for espresso machine pour-over brewers are constructed of materials that are safe to use in the dishwasher and won't leak or hold onto coffee odors.
A good pour-over is easy to clean and enjoyable to use. We found that most models we tested were comfortable to hold in one hand, and they were of the right size and shape to fit on a kitchen counter. Some of the simplest models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are ideal for smaller spaces. Some, like the Melitta Cafe filter, have a removable hand that makes it easier for you to lift and replace the filters.
We also love the Philips 3200 Series, which comes with a built-in grinder as well as a simple display. The Philips 3200 Series can brew black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the touch of a button. It also comes with a steam wand attached to make lattes or cappuccinos. This model has a variety of settings that can be adjusted, including different beverage strengths and sizes. It can also start brewing up until 24 hours in advance.