How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best espresso machine for home use can be a perfect fit for your kitchen and match your brewing preferences. The most important aspects are capacity, size and design.
This espresso maker for prosumers awed us by its speed, precision and ease of use. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, powerfully steams milk, and produces fantastic 19-bar extractions.
Pod (or capsule) machines
If you prefer the speed and convenience of making coffee from pre-ground pods, a pod maker is an excellent option. They take the messiest bits out of brewing, eliminating the necessity for expensive burr grinders as well as portafilters that must be regularly cleaned of coffee oils. They also generally require less maintenance, with regular cleaning and decaling of water reservoirs an excellent idea.
However these brewers do have limitations. They are restricted to certain kinds of coffee pods like K-Cups Nespresso capsules, or ESE (easy serve espresso). This isn't an issue if your coffee is the same brand, but it could be a problem if you want to try a variety.
The pod machines are also less durable and come with a smaller tank of water. They also take longer to brew, which might not be a problem for those who are in a hurry in the morning, but can be a pain if you're preparing for long hours at work.
Think about the dimensions of your bar prior to purchasing a pod machine. Some are smaller and can be tucked away between other appliances. Also think about how much you're willing to invest and the beverage options you'd like to make. Our former ecommerce director Louise keeps her caffeine intake at a low cost with the Nespresso Vertuo Next. It allows her to make both long and short espresso shots, and comes with a milk frother.
This elegantly streamlined pod-machine from Sage gives you 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 sleek stainless steel design will make a statement on your kitchen counter. It can make five different drinks with the push of a button. Each capsule has a barcode on its underside which is used by the machine to determine the beverage to be dispensed. It's also a great option for sustainability enthusiasts as the pods used break down and decompose very quickly and the reused mug is a great feature.
Manual Espresso Machines
If you are a fan of the art of making espresso, manual machines can provide an enjoyable, hands-on experience. They can be more time-consuming than automated espresso machines however, if you have the patience and skills to use them, they can produce premium drinks that are tailored to your tastes. They are also more durable and have designs that can stand up to the most rigorous use, unlike other types of.
Manual espresso machines however, aren't as user-friendly as automated espresso machines, and often do not have precise temperature controls. This makes it difficult to make consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine has a steep learning curve and can be costly to purchase and maintain.
If you're looking to explore the world of manual espresso, consider a newer machine designed to be as user-friendly as you can. Some models come with an integrated grinder and milk steamer, making them quite easy to use for new coffee drinkers. Some models have a removable water reservoir which makes it easier to clean and refill. Some are programmable and allow you to set the time when the brewing cycle to start when you wake up.
Some manual espresso machines are quite big and could be a good option for larger families or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. Consider how many people you plan to serve at moment when you are deciding the size of your machine, in addition. If you have a lot of roommates or family members who like to brew espresso, consider getting a larger machine with a bigger boiler.
Some of the most affordable espresso machines come with an adjustable frother that will automatically heat milk and froth it to your desired consistency. This kind of machine works well for lattes, cappuccinos and is also suitable for those who have sensitive teeth. It's important to remember that this kind of machine may not be suitable for those who prefer a bigger cup of espresso, since it produces less foam than other kinds of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
This category comprises fully automated espresso machines that handle the entire brewing procedure, from grinding to extraction. These machines are easy to use and require little maintenance, other than cleaning and descaling. These are ideal for people who don't like getting their hands dirty or have a limited countertop space for a fully-sized coffee and espresso maker.
These models tend to have Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can control the machine via your smartphone. But all that automation and programmability is at a premium: Expect to spend more money on these devices than semi-automatic or manual options.
The Eveversys Cameo is one of our top automatic espresso makers. It is a sleek, aesthetically pleasing machine which occupies a small space on your countertop. It also ranks 5/5 in our ratings for ease of use, just behind Miele. It's a high-output machine with three different grinds and hoppers. You can choose which one you'd like to use using the touchscreen display. In addition to being easy to use, it's self-monitoring and automatically calibrates itself which means you won't have to worry about tinkering with the knob or pressing buttons.
Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. The small, pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal forces to make coffee that is a different method than the traditional method that involves pushing water through the grounds. With a little practice, it can produce a variety drinks like cappuccino and Latte. We tried it at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, and it earned a top score in our user-friendliness ratings with an impressive 5. It's also a tiny appliance according to espresso maker standards, so it won't take up much room on your counter.
It's worth experimenting with a few different types of espresso machines to find the one that fits your personal taste and space as well as budget. You should also consider the aesthetics. You'll want something that blends in with your decor and also your coffee cart. Don't forget to measure your countertop to ensure the machine you choose will be a good fit.
Pour-Over Machines
If you're looking to brew a cup of coffee with total control, a pour-over machine is an ideal option. Manual pour-over devices like the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60, allow you to adjust a variety of variables (coffee grounds to water ratio and filter type, time of brewing) for a personalized brew. They also tend to create more vivid aromas and flavors than automatic drip machines.
Pour-over brewers are engineered to deliver top-quality results. They have a thermometer that determines the temperature of the water to the nearest degree and a pressure gauge that informs you when the amount you want of water that has been brewed is pour. They also have a big enough portafilter that can hold a regular coffee mug, and they provide enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray so you can brew directly into your coffee mug.
They also come with a reusable charcoal filter to eliminate impurities from the water, which is essential because coffee makers that have filters that are not of high-quality can leave a bitter taste on your cup. In addition, the best pour-over brewers are made of materials that are safe to use in the dishwasher and that don't leak or hold onto coffee smells.
A good pour-over brewer is easy to clean and it should also be a joy to use. Most models were easy to use and comfortable to hold with one hand. They also had the right dimensions and shape for a kitchen countertop. Some of the simplest models, like the Zojirushi Zutto, even has tiny footprints making it suitable for smaller spaces. coffeee.uk , like the Melitta Cafe filter, have a handle that is removable, which makes it easier to lift and replace the filters.
We also love the Philips 3200 Series, which has a built-in burr grinder as well as a simple display. The Philips 3200 Series can make black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the press of a single button. It also comes with an attached steam wand to make lattes or cappuccinos. The model also comes with a range of customizable settings, including different beverage sizes and strengths and it can begin making coffee up to 24 hours in advance of time.