Coffee Machine The Process Isn't As Hard 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.
During lab testing, this prosumer-level espresso maker amazed us with its speed and precision. The Sage Bambino heats quickly and efficiently. It steams milk powerfully and produces excellent extractions at 19 bars.
Pod (or Capsule) Machines
A pod machine is the best option if you wish to make coffee quickly and efficiently using pre-ground pods. They take the messiest elements out of brewing, removing the necessity for complex burr grinders and portafilters that have to be regularly cleaned of coffee oils. They require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling of reservoirs of water is a good idea.
However, these types of brewers aren't without their limitations. They typically only work with certain types of coffee pod, usually 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 could be a problem if want to experiment with different types of coffee.
Another drawback of pod machines is that they typically have smaller water tanks and are typically less durable than bean-to-cup machines. They can also take longer to brew. This might not be a problem if you are in a hurry in the morning, but it can be a problem if have a long workday ahead.
We suggest that you think about the size of your coffee bar prior to purchasing a pod machine since some are more compact than others and will fit between other appliances on your counter. Consider the amount you are willing to spend, and what drinks you would like to be able to make. Our former ecommerce director Louise keeps her caffeine intake at a low cost by using the Nespresso Vertuo Next. It allows her to make short or long espresso shots, and comes with milk frother.
This elegantly streamlined pod-machine from Sage gives you the best of both worlds: high-spec and low-maintenance. It's not cheap, but it's a chic addition to any kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design will stand out on your counter. It can make five different drinks simply by pressing a button. Each capsule is marked with a unique barcode on the underside of the capsule 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 great experience that allows you to practice the art of brewing espresso. They take longer to prepare than automated espresso machines, however, if you have the patience and ability to work with them, they can create high-quality drinks tailored to your preferences. They are also more durable and come with designs that can withstand the rigors of usage than other types.
Manual espresso machines however, aren't as user-friendly as automated espresso machines and frequently lack precise temperature controls. It can be difficult to produce consistently high-quality espresso shots. The best manual espresso machines have an extensive learning curve and they can be costly to purchase and maintain.
If you are a coffee lover who wants to explore the world of manual Espresso, then you should consider a machine that is designed to be a user-friendly. Certain models come with a built-in milk steamer and grinder, making them easy to use by new coffee drinkers. Some models have a removable reservoir that makes it easier to refill and clean. Some are also programmable, letting you set the start time of the brew cycle before you get up.
Some manual espresso makers can be quite big, making them a good choice for larger families or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. When choosing the size of your machine you should also take into consideration how many people will be using it at the same time. Consider a larger machine if you have more than one roommate or family member who is a coffee drinker.
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 type of machine works well with cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for people with sensitive teeth. It's important to remember that this kind of machine may not be suitable for those who prefer a more substantial cup of espresso, as it produces less foam than other types of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
In this category, you'll find fully automatic espresso machines that handle the entire process of brewing, from grinding to extraction. They are simple to use and require only minimal maintenance, aside from cleaning and descaling. These are perfect for those who don't like to get their hands dirty or have a small counter space for a full sized coffee and espresso machine.
These models are more likely to have Wi-Fi capability, so you can control the machine using your smartphone. All this automation and programmability can be expensive: These machines are more expensive than semi-automatics and manuals.
The Eveversys Cameo is one of our top automatic espresso makers. It's a sleek and aesthetically pleasing machine which occupies little space on your counter. It also scored 5 out 5 in our rating for ease of use, second only to Miele. It's a high-output model that can accommodate three different hoppers and grinders and you can choose which one to use from the touchscreen display. In addition to being simple to use, it's also self-monitoring and self-calibrating so you don't have to worry about fiddling with the 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 down through the grounds. With a little practice, it can produce various drinks like cappuccino or the latte. We tested this machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it was awarded the top spot in our ratings for ease-of-use with a perfect 5. It's also a tiny appliance by espresso maker standards, which means it won't take up much space on your counter.
It's worth trying a few different types of espresso machines to find the one that fits your personal style as well as your space and budget. Consider read more , too--you'll want something that is compatible with your home decor and coffee cart. Don't forget to check the dimensions of your counter to ensure that the machine you choose will fit.
Pour-Over Machines
Pour-over machines are a great option if you want total control over your coffee's brewing. Manual pour-over machines like the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60 can alter a range of variables (coffee grounds to ratio of water and filter type, the brewing time) to make a customized brew. They tend to produce more vibrant flavors and aromas than drip machines.
The best pour-over brewers can be used to achieve top-quality results. They have a thermometer which determines the temperature of the water to the nearest degree, and a pressure gauge that tells you when the amount you want of water brewed has been pour. They also have a large enough portafilter that can hold the standard coffee mug and they provide enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray to allow direct brewing into your coffee mug.
The coffee makers also have charcoal filters which can be removed to eliminate impurities from the water. This is important since any coffee maker that has an inferior filter can leave a bitter flavor in your cup. The top pour-over coffee makers are built from materials that can be washed in the dishwasher, and they do not retain or leak coffee smells.
A good pour-over is simple to clean and enjoyable to use. The majority of models were simple to use and easy to hold with one hand. They also were the perfect size and shape for a kitchen counter. Some of the simpler models models, like the Zojirushi Zutto, even has tiny footprints which makes it perfect for smaller spaces. Some, such as the Melitta Cafe filter come with a hand that can be removed, which makes it easier for you to lift and replace the filters.
Philips 3200 Series is another model we like because it has an intuitive display as well as a built-in grinder. It can brew espresso, Americanos, and black coffee at the touch of a button and has an attached steam wand to make lattes and cappuccinos. This model comes with a range of settings that can be adjusted, including different beverage strengths and sizes. It is also able to start brewing up until 24 hours in advance.