5 Coffee Machine Myths You Should Avoid
How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The ideal home espresso machine will fit your kitchen and complement your preferences for brewing. The most important factors are size, capacity, and design.
During our lab testing the espresso maker that is a prosumer impressed us with its speed and precision. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, steams powerfully milk, and makes excellent 19-bar extractions.
Pod (or Capsule) Machines
A pod machine is the ideal option for those who want to make coffee quickly and efficiently by using pre-ground pods. They eliminate the mess from brewing by eliminating the need for portafilters and complicated burr grinders that need to be cleaned frequently to remove coffee oils. These machines require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling of the reservoirs of water is a good idea.
However, these types of brewers have their limitations. They can only be used with certain types of coffee pods like K-Cups Nespresso capsules, or ESE (easy serve espresso). This isn't an issue if you stick to a specific brand of coffee, but it can be a problem if you are looking to test various varieties.
Another drawback of pod machines is that they tend to have smaller water tanks and are often less durable than bean-to-cup models. They also take longer to brew, which may not be an issue for those who are in a hurry in the morning, but it is a hassle when you're planning a long day at work.
We suggest that you consider the size of your coffee bar prior to buying a pod machine, because some are smaller than others and can be tucked in between other appliances on your counter. Consider the amount you are willing to spend, and what beverages you would like to be able make. Our former editor in charge of e-commerce Louise remains hydrated on a tight budget by using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to serve espresso shots of either length or short and includes an efficient milk frother for lattes.
This elegantly streamlined pod-machine from Sage offers the best of both worlds: high-end technology and low-maintenance. It's not cheap but it is a stylish addition to any kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design will make a statement on your counter. It's capable of making five different drinks by simply pressing a button. Each capsule is marked with an unique barcode on its underside that the machine reads to determine which drink to dispense. It's also a great choice for eco-conscious people since the used pods breakdown and decompose very quickly and the recyclable mug is an excellent feature.
Manual Espresso Machines
For those who love the craft of brewing espresso manual machines can offer an enjoyable hands-on experience. Manual espresso machines are more time-consuming however they can make drinks of the highest quality. They are also more durable and have designs that can withstand heavy usage than other types.
Manual espresso machines are, however, not as user-friendly as automatic espresso machines, and often do not have precise temperature controls. This can make it challenging to create consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The best manual espresso machine has a an incline of learning that is steep and is costly to buy and maintain.
If you're keen to discover the world of manual espresso, try an older model that was designed to be as user-friendly as is possible. Some models come with an integrated milk steamer and grinder, making them easier to use for new coffee drinkers. Certain models come with a removable reservoir that makes it easier to refill and clean. Some are also programmable and allow you to set the start time of the brew cycle before you get up.
Some manual espresso machines are large and would be an ideal option for larger households or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. Consider how many people intend to serve at any moment when you are deciding the size of your machine as well. Consider a larger machine in the event that you have more than one family member or roommate who enjoys brewing espresso.
Some of the most affordable manual espresso machines have an adjustable milk frother, that can be set to automatically heat and froth milk to your preferred consistency. This kind of machine is suitable well for cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for people who have sensitive teeth. It is important to know that this kind of machine might not be suitable for those who prefer a more substantial cup of espresso, since it produces less foam than other kinds of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
This category includes fully automated espresso machines that handle the entire process of making espresso from grinding to extracting. They are simple to operate and require minimal maintenance, other than cleaning and descaling. They are ideal for those who don't like getting their hands too dirty or have a limited countertop space for a fully-sized espresso maker and coffee maker.
These models tend to have Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can control the machine using your smartphone. All this automation and programmability is expensive: These machines are more expensive than semi-automatics or manuals.
One of our top automatic espresso makers is the snazzy Eveversys Cameo. It is a sleek, elegant machine that occupies a small space on your counter. It also ranks 5 out 5 in our evaluations for user-friendliness - second only to Miele. It's a high-output unit that has three different grinds and hoppers. You can pick which one you wish to use with the touchscreen display. In addition to being simple to use, it's also self-monitoring and self-calibrating, meaning you can forget about tinkering with the knob or pressing buttons.
Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. The tiny pill-shaped machine makes use of centrifugal force to brew espresso, which differs from the traditional method of pushing water down through grounds. It can produce several drinks, such as cappuccino and Latte, with a bit of practice. This machine was tested in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and received a perfect 5 on our tests for user-friendliness. It's also a tiny appliance by espresso maker standards, which means it's unlikely to take up a lot of space on your counter.
It's worth trying out a few different types of espresso machines until you find the one that fits your style as well as your space and budget. It is also important to consider the aesthetics. You'll want to find one that matches your home decor, and also your coffee cart. Don't forget to measure your countertop to make sure your chosen machine will be a good fit.
Pour-Over Machines
If you're looking to make a cup of coffee in complete control the pour-over machine is an ideal choice. Manual pour-over machines such as the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60 can alter a range of variables (coffee grounds to water ratio filter type and the brewing time) to make a customized brew. They also tend to create more vivid flavors and aromas than automatic drip machines.
go!! -over brewers are engineered to produce high-quality results. They have a thermometer which will measure the temperature of water to the nearest degree, and a pressure gauge that tells you when the desired amount of brewed water is pour. They come with a portafilter that is large enough to hold the standard coffee mug, and provide enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray that you can pour your brew directly into your cup of coffee.
They also come with a reusable charcoal filter to remove impurities from the water, which is important because coffee makers with a poor-quality filter can create a bitter taste in your cup. The best pour-over coffee makers are built from materials that can be cleaned in the dishwasher, and they don't hold or leak coffee odors.
A good pour-over is easy to clean and should be fun to use. We found that most models we tested were comfortable to hold in one hand, and were the perfect dimensions and shape for an kitchen counter. Some of the simplest models, like the Zojirushi Zutto, even has a small footprint which makes it perfect for smaller spaces. Some, like the Melitta Cafe filter come with a hand that can be removed, which makes it easier for you to lift and change the filters.
Philips 3200 Series is another model we like, since it has an intuitive display and a built-in grinder. It can brew espressos, Americanos, and black coffee with a push of a button. It also comes with an attached steam wand for lattes and cappuccinos. The model also comes with an array of settings that can be adjusted, including different beverage sizes and strength and can begin the brewing process up to 24 hours in advance of time.