Coffee Machine: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best home coffee machine will complement your style of brewing and work well in your kitchen. The most important considerations are size capacity and design.
This espresso maker for prosumers awed us by its speed, precision and ease of use. The Sage Bambino heats quickly and efficiently. It steams milk vigorously and produces excellent extractions at 19 bars.
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. These machines take the sloppy bits out of brewing, and eliminate the necessity for complex burr grinders and portafilters that must be regularly cleaned of coffee oils. They also require less maintenance, with routine cleaning and descaling of the reservoirs of water is a good idea.
However, these types of brewers do have limitations. They generally 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 an issue if the coffee is of the same brand, but it can be a problem if you want to try a variety.
The other drawback to pod machines is that they usually have a smaller water tank and are often less durable than bean-to-cup models. They also take longer to brew. This may not be an issue if you're working in a hurry in the morning, but it could be a problem if you have a long workday ahead.
Consider the size of your bar prior to purchasing a pod machine. Some are slimmer and can be tucked away between other appliances. Also consider how much money you're willing to spend and the beverage options you'd like to be able to create. Our former ecommerce director Louise keeps her caffeine intake low-cost with the Nespresso Vertuo Next. It allows her to make short or long espresso shots, and comes with a milk frother.
This sleek, elegant pod-machine offers both high-end and low-maintenance. It's not inexpensive, but it's an fashionable addition to your kitchen, and its slick stainless steel design is sure to stand out on your worktop. It's capable of making five different drinks by simply pressing a button and each capsule has an individual barcode on the underside that the machine reads to decide which beverage to dispense. It's also a great option for eco-conscious people since the used pods breakdown and decompose very quickly and the recyclable mug is an excellent feature.
Manual Espresso Machines
Manual machines can be a fun and hands-on method of learning the art of making espresso. Manual espresso machines can be more time-consuming, but they can produce drinks of the highest quality. They are also typically more durable than other types of coffee brewers, and have designs that can withstand the rigors of use.
Manual espresso machines however, aren't as easy-to-use as automatic espresso machines and frequently have no precise temperature controls. This can make it difficult to make consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The best manual espresso machines have a steep learning curves, and they can be expensive to purchase and maintain.
If you're a coffee enthusiast who wants to discover the world of manual Espresso, then try an espresso machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Some models have a built-in milk steamer and grinder, making them easy to use for novice coffee drinkers. Some models have a removable water reservoir that makes it easier to clean and refill. Some are programmable, allowing you to set the time for the brewing cycle to start when you wake up.
Some manual espresso makers can be quite large, which makes them a good choice for larger families or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. Think about how many people you are planning to serve at one time when deciding on the size of your machine in addition. If you have several family members or roommates who like to brew espresso, you might want to consider a larger model with a larger boiler.
The most affordable manual espresso machines have the ability to program a milk frother which will automatically heat and the milk to your desired consistency. This type of machine is perfect to make cappuccinos or lattes, and it's also suitable for those who have sensitive teeth. This kind of machine isn't ideal for those who prefer an espresso with a thicker consistency. It produces less foam.
Automatic Espresso Machines
This category contains fully automatic espresso machines, which handle the entire process of brewing from grinding to extracting. best pod coffee machine are simple to use and require only minimal maintenance, other than cleaning and descaling. They are ideal for those who don't want to get their hands dirty or have a limited counter space for a full size espresso machine and coffee maker.
These models tend to have Wi-Fi capability, so you can control the machine using your smartphone. However, all that automation and programmability comes with cost: Expect to pay more for these devices than semi-automatic or manual options.
One of our most favored automatic espresso makers is the stylish Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek, aesthetically appealing machine that takes up minimal space on your counter, plus it ranks 5 out of 5 in our ratings for ease of use, second only to the Miele. It's a high-output model that can accommodate three separate grinders and hoppers, and you can select which one you'd like to use by using a touchscreen display. In addition to being easy to use, it's also self-monitoring and calibrates itself automatically which means you won't have to worry about fiddling with a knob or pressing buttons.
Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. This little pill-shaped machine uses centrifugal force to make espresso, which is different from the traditional method of pushing water through the grounds. With a little practice, it can make various drinks like cappuccino and the latte. The machine was tested at the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and received a perfect 5 on our test for ease-of-use. This machine is also small according to espresso maker standards. It won't take much space on your counter.
It's worth trying a few different types of espresso machines to find the one that best suits your personal taste, available space, and budget. Think about aesthetics too, as you'll need something that is compatible with your home decor and coffee cart. Make sure you check the counter's size to ensure your machine will be able to fit.
Pour-Over Machines
Pour-over machines are an excellent option if you want total control over your coffee brewing. 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, brewing time) to make a customized brew. They also produce more vivid flavors and aromas than automatic drip machines.
Pour-over brewers are engineered to produce top-quality results. They have a thermometer that will measure the temperature of water to the nearest degree and an indicator of pressure that informs you when the amount you want of water brewed has been put into the brewer. They also have a big enough portafilter to accommodate a standard coffee mug and they provide enough space between the drip tray and the portafilter to allow direct brewing into your coffee mug.
The coffee makers also come with charcoal filters which can be removed to eliminate impurities from the water. This is crucial, as any coffee maker that has poor quality filters will create a bitter taste in your cup. Additionally, the best pour-over brewers use materials that are safe to wash in dishwashers and that don't leak or hold on to coffee smells.
A good pour-over brewer will be easy to clean and it should also be enjoyable to use. The majority of models were simple to use and comfortable to hold with one hand. They also were the perfect dimensions and shape to be used as a countertop in the kitchen. Some of the simpler models models, like the Zojirushi Zutto, even has a small footprint, making it ideal for smaller spaces. Others, like the Melitta Cafe filter have a removable handle that makes it easier to lift and replace the filter.
Philips 3200 Series is another model we like because it has an intuitive display as well as a built-in grinder. The Philips 3200 Series can make black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the push of a single button. It also has an attached steam wand for lattes and cappuccinos. This model also has various settings that can be customized including different sizes for beverages and strength and can begin brewing up to 24 hours ahead of time.