The Most Important Reasons That People Succeed In The Coffee Machine Industry
How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best home espresso machine will complement your kitchen and match your brewing preferences. The most important factors include size capacity and design.
This espresso maker for prosumers awed us with its speed, precision and user-friendliness. The Sage Bambino heats quickly and efficiently. It steams milk vigorously and produces excellent extractions at 19 bars.
best home coffee machine uk (or capsule) machines
If you prefer the speed and simplicity of making coffee from pre-ground pods, a pod machine is an excellent choice. These machines eliminate the mess that comes with making coffee by removing the need for portafilters as well as complicated burr grinders that must be cleaned regularly to eliminate coffee oils. They also typically require less maintenance, with regular cleaning and descaling of the reservoirs of water an excellent idea.
These types of brewers have limitations, however. They are generally only compatible with specific types of coffee pod, usually in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This is not an issue if the coffee is the same brand, but it can be a problem if want to try a variety.
Another disadvantage of pod machines is that they tend to have smaller water tanks and are typically less durable than bean-to-cup models. They can also take longer to brew. This might not be a problem if you are trying to get ready in the morning, but it could be a problem if have a long workday ahead.
It is recommended to think about the size of your coffee bar before purchasing a pod maker, because some are smaller than others and can be tucked within the space of other appliances on your counter. Also, consider how much you're willing spend and the drinks you'd like to make. Our former editor in charge of e-commerce Louise remains hydrated on a budget with the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to dispense short or long espresso shots and comes with a handy milk frother for lattes.
This elegantly streamlined pod-machine from Sage provides the best of both worlds - high-end and low-maintenance. It's not expensive, but it's a stylish addition to your kitchen, and its slick stainless steel design is sure to make a statement on your kitchen counter. It's capable of making five different drinks simply by pressing a button and each capsule has an individual barcode on the side that the machine scans to determine which drink to dispense. It's also a great option for those who are environmentally conscious since the pods used break down and decompose very quickly and the reused mug is a great feature.
Manual Espresso Machines
Manual machines can be a fun and hands-on method of learning the art of making espresso. They can be more time-consuming than automated espresso machines, however, if you have the patience and ability to use them, they can make high-quality drinks tailored to your preferences. They are also generally more durable than other types of coffee brewers, and have designs that can stand up to the rigors of use.
Manual espresso machines are not as user-friendly as automatic ones, however they are often lacking precise temperature control. It can be difficult to produce consistently high-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine has steep learning curve, and can be expensive to purchase and maintain.
If you're a coffee aficionado interested in exploring the world of manual espresso, you should 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 easy to use for novice coffee drinkers. Some have an adjustable reservoir for water which makes it easier to clean and refill. Some are programmed that lets you set the start time of the brew cycle prior to when you get up.
Some manual espresso machines can be quite big and could 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 one time when you decide on the size of your machine and also. Consider a larger model when you have more than one family member or roommate who enjoys brewing espresso.
A few of the cheapest espresso machines have a frother programable that can automatically heat milk and then froth it to your desired consistency. This kind of machine is suitable well for lattes, cappuccinos and is also suitable for those who have sensitive teeth. It's important to note that this type of machine isn't suitable for those who prefer a larger cup of espresso, since it makes less foam than other kinds of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
This category comprises fully automated espresso machines, which manage the entire brewing procedure from grinding to extraction. They are simple to use and require only minimal maintenance, aside from cleaning and descaling. They are ideal for those who aren't keen on getting their hands dirty or have a small counter space for a fully sized coffee and espresso machine.
The top models can be programmed and come with different settings for drinks that can be saved to "user profiles." They're also more likely to be Wi-Fi compatible which means you can control them using your smartphone. However, all this automation and programmability is at a premium: Expect to spend more on these devices than semi-automatic or manual options.
One of our most favored espresso makers that is automatic is the snazzy Eveversys Cameo. It is a sleek, elegant machine that takes up little space on your counter. It also scored 5 out 5 in our rating for user-friendliness - second only to Miele. It's a high-output machine that comes with three different hoppers and grinds. You can choose which one you wish to use using the touchscreen display. It's not only easy to use, it's also self-monitoring and self-calibrating so you don't have to worry the hassle of turning the knob or pressing buttons.
Another option is the Cuisinart Spinn. The small pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal force for espresso, which is distinct from the traditional method of pushing water through the grounds. With some practice, it can make a variety of drinks, such as cappuccino or Latte. This machine was tested in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and scored a perfect 5 in our tests for user-friendliness. It's also tiny in comparison to espresso maker specifications. It will not take up much space on your counter.
It's worth experimenting with a few different types of espresso machines until you find the one that best suits your personal style, available space, and budget. It is also important to think about the aesthetics. You'll want something that blends in with your home decor, and coffee cart. Also, don't forget to take measurements of your countertop to ensure your chosen machine will work with your countertop.
Pour-Over Machines
Pour-over machines are a great option if you want total control over your coffee brewing. Pour-over machines such as the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex allow you to alter various variables (coffee to ratio, filter, brewing time) and allow you to make a brew that is customized. They also tend to produce more intense aromas and flavors than automatic drip machines.
The top pour-over brewers allow you to produce top-quality results. They have a thermometer that determines the temperature of the water to the nearest degree, and an indicator of pressure that informs you when the desired amount of brewed water has been put into the brewer. They also have a large enough portafilter that can hold a regular coffee mug, and they offer sufficient 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 eliminate impurities in the water. This is crucial since a coffee maker with a low-quality filter will result in a bitter taste to your cup. The top pour-over coffee makers are made of materials that can be washed in the dishwasher and don't hold or leak coffee smells.
A good pour-over brewer will be easy to clean and it should also be enjoyable to use. We found that all the models we tested were easy to hold in one hand, and they were of the right dimensions and shape for the kitchen counter. Some of the simplest models, like the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are ideal for small spaces. Some, such as the Melitta Cafe filter come with a hand that can be removed, which allows you to lift and change the filters.
Philips 3200 Series is another model we like because it has an intuitive display and an integrated grinder. It can brew espresso, Americanos, and black coffee with a push of a button. It also comes with an attached steam wand to make lattes and cappuccinos. The model also comes with a range of customizable settings that include different sizes of beverages and strength, and it can start making coffee up to 24 hours in advance of time.