How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The ideal home coffee maker will match your brewing style 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 ease of use. The Sage Bambino heats quickly and efficiently. It steams milk with power and produces excellent extractions at 19 bars.
Pod (or Capsule) Machines
If you like the speed and convenience of making coffee using pre-ground pods, a pod maker is a good choice. These machines eliminate the mess that comes with making coffee by eliminating the need for portafilters as well as complicated burr grinders, which must be cleaned regularly to remove coffee oils. They require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling of water reservoirs is a good idea.
However, these types of brewers aren't without their limitations. They are generally only compatible with a specific type of coffee pods, typically in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't an issue if your coffee is from the same brand, but it can be a problem when you want to test a different variety.
Another disadvantage of pod machines is that they typically have a smaller water tank and are often less durable than bean-to-cup machines. They can also take longer to brew. This may not be an issue if you're working in a hurry in the morning, but it can be a problem if have a long day of work ahead.
It is recommended to think about the size of your coffee bar before buying a pod machine, as some are slimmer than others and can fit between other appliances on your counter. Also think about how much you're willing to spend and the drinks you'd like to be able to make. Our former ecommerce editor Louise stays caffeinated on a budget using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to dispense espresso shots of either length or short and includes an easy milk frother to make lattes.
This sleek, elegant pod-machine is both high-spec and low maintenance. It's not cheap, but it's a fashionable addition to your kitchen, and its slick stainless steel design is sure to be noticed on your worktop. It can make five distinct drinks with the press of one button. Each capsule is equipped with a barcode on its underside that the machine uses to determine the drink to be served. It's an excellent choice for eco-conscious people, since the capsules break down and decay quickly. The reusable mug also makes it a good option.
Manual Espresso Machines
If you are a fan of the art of making espresso, manual machines can provide an enjoyable hands-on experience. Manual espresso machines take longer however they can make beverages of top quality. They are also generally more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers, and have designs that can stand up to the rigors of use.
Manual espresso machines however, aren't as user-friendly as automated espresso machines, and typically lack precise temperature controls. It can be difficult to produce consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine comes with an incline of learning that is steep and can be costly to purchase and maintain.
If you're a coffee lover interested in exploring the world of manual espresso, try an updated machine that is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. best coffee machine for office have a built-in milk steamer as well as grinder, making them easier to use by new coffee drinkers. Some have a removable water reservoir which makes it easier to clean and refill. Some are programmable, allowing you to set the time when the brewing cycle to start when you wake up.
Some manual espresso machines are quite large and are an ideal choice for larger families or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. Consider how many people you are planning to serve at one time when deciding on the size of your machine and also. If you have a lot of roommates or family members who love to make espresso, consider getting a larger machine with a bigger boiler.
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 with cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for those 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 since it makes less foam than other kinds of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
This category contains fully automatic espresso machines, which manage the entire process of brewing, from grinding to extracting. best ground coffee machines are simple to operate and require minimal maintenance, other than 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 size espresso machine and coffee maker.
These models are more likely to have Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can control the machine using your smartphone. However, all that automation and programmability comes at a premium: Expect to spend more money on these machines than semi-automatic or manual options.
The Eveversys Cameo is one of our top automatic espresso makers. It's a sleek and visually pleasing machine that takes up minimal space on your counter. Additionally, it scores 5 out of 5 in our ease-of-use ratings--second only to the Miele. It's a high-output model which can house three separate grinders and hoppers and you can choose which one you'd like to use by using the touchscreen display. In addition to being simple to use, it's also self-monitoring and self-calibrating which means you won't have to worry about tinkering with a knob or pressing buttons.
Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. This small pill-shaped machine uses centrifugal force to brew coffee that is a different technique than the traditional method that involves pushing water through the grounds. With a little practice, it can produce a variety of drinks like cappuccino and latte. This machine was tested at the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and got a perfect score of 5 in our ratings for ease-of-use. It's also tiny according to espresso maker standards. It will not take up much space on your counter.
It's worth exploring a few different types to find one that suits your style, budget, and the space available. Also, consider aesthetics. You'll want one that matches your home decor, and also your coffee cart. Don't forget to check the size of your counter to ensure your machine will be able to fit.
Pour-Over Machines
If you want to brew your coffee in complete control, a pour-over machine is an excellent choice. Pour-over machines like the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex allow you to alter various variables (coffee to ratio and filter time, brewing duration) which allows the brewing process to be customized. They can produce more intense aromas and flavors than drip machines.
The top pour-over brewers can be used to produce high-quality results. They come with a thermometer that measures the temperature of the water to the closest degree, and a precise pressure gauge that will inform you when the required amount of water is poured. 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 so you can brew directly into your coffee mug.
They also come with a removable charcoal filter to remove impurities from the water. This is essential because coffee makers with filters that aren't of the highest quality can leave a bitter taste in your cup. In addition, the best pour-over brewers are constructed of materials that are safe to wash in dishwashers and that don't leak or hold onto coffee odors.
A good pour-over brewer is easy to clean and it should be a pleasure to use. We found that all the models we tested were easy to hold in one hand, and had the right size and shape to fit on the kitchen counter. Some of the simpler models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are ideal for smaller spaces. Others, like the Melitta Cafe filter have a handle that can be removed, which makes it easier to remove and replace the filter.
Philips 3200 Series is another model we like because it has an intuitive display and an integrated grinder. The Philips 3200 Series can make black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the push of a single button. It also has steam wands that can be used for lattes and cappuccinos. This model also has a range of customizable settings including different sizes for beverages and strength and it can begin the brewing process up to 24 hours ahead of time.