How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best espresso machine for home use will fit the kitchen of your home and will complement your brewing preferences. The most important considerations are size, capacity, and design.
This espresso maker for prosumers amazed us with its speed, accuracy 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 if you wish to make coffee quickly and efficiently by using pre-ground pods. They eliminate the mess that comes with making coffee by eliminating the need for portafilters as well as complicated burr grinders that must be cleaned regularly to eliminate coffee oils. These machines 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 can only be used with specific types of coffee pods, like K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, or ESE (easy serve espresso). This isn't an issue if you stick to one particular brand of coffee but could be an issue if you are looking to try a range.
Pod machines are less durable and have smaller tanks of water. They are also slower to brew, which may not be an issue when you're in a hurry in the morning but could be a problem when you're planning an extended day at work.
Consider the size of your bar before purchasing a pod maker. Some are slimmer and can fit between other appliances. Think about how much you're 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 with the Nespresso Vertuo Next. coffeee.uk allows her to make both long and short espresso shots, and includes a milk frother.
This sleekly designed pod-machine from Sage provides the best of both worlds - high-end and low-maintenance. It's not inexpensive, but it's an fashionable addition to your kitchen and its slick stainless steel design will stand out on your worktop. It can make five different drinks with the push of a button. Each capsule has a barcode on its underside which the machine uses to determine the drink to be served. It's an excellent choice for sustainability enthusiasts, as the capsules break down and decay quickly. The reusable mug also makes it a great choice.
Manual Espresso Machines
For those who love the art of making espresso manual machines can offer an enjoyable, hands-on experience. Manual espresso machines can be more time-consuming however they can make beverages of top quality. They are also more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers, with designs that can stand up to the rigors of use.
Manual espresso machines however, aren't as user-friendly as automatic espresso machines and frequently have no precise temperature controls. This can make it challenging to create consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The best manual espresso machines have a a steep learning curve, and they can be expensive to purchase and maintain.
If you're an avid coffee drinker who would like to explore the world of manual Espresso, then you should consider an espresso machine that has been designed to be a user-friendly. Some models have a built-in milk steamer as well as grinder, making them easier to use for novice coffee drinkers. Certain models come with an open reservoir that makes it easier to refill and clean. Some are programmable and allow you to set the time for the brewing cycle to start when you wake up.
Some manual espresso makers can be large, which makes them a good choice for larger families or coffee carts. Others are a bit more compact and take up less counter space. Think about how many people you plan to serve at one time when deciding on the size of your machine as well. If you have several roommates or family members who love to make espresso, think about getting a larger model with a bigger boiler.
Some of the most affordable manual espresso machines include the ability to program a milk frother which will automatically heat and the milk to your desired consistency. This kind of machine works well for cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for people who have sensitive teeth. It's important to note that this type of machine may not be suitable for those who prefer a more substantial cup of espresso since it produces less foam than other types of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
In this category you'll find fully automated espresso machines that manage the entire brewing process from grinding to extraction. These machines are simple to operate and require minimal maintenance, other than cleaning and descaling. These are ideal for people who don't want their hands filthy or have limited countertop space to accommodate a large espresso maker and coffee maker.
The best of these models can be programmed and come with different settings for drinks that you can save into "user profiles." They're also more likely to be Wi-Fi compatible which means you can control them via your smartphone. However, all this automation and programmability is at the price of a premium: You'll need to pay more for these devices than semi-automatic or manual options.
One of our favorite espresso makers that is automatic is the snazzy Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek, aesthetically pleasing machine which occupies little space on your countertop. It also scores 5 out of 5 in our rating for ease of use - second only to Miele. It's a high-output unit with three different grinding hoppers and hoppers. You can choose which one you wish to use by using the touchscreen display. In addition to being easy to use, it's also self-monitoring and self-calibrating so you don't have to worry about tinkering with the knob or pressing buttons.
Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. This little pill-shaped machine uses centrifugal force for espresso, which is distinct from the traditional method of forcing water down through grounds. It can produce a variety of drinks, such as cappuccino and Latte, with a bit of practice. We tested this machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it was awarded a top score in our ease-of-use ratings with a perfect 5. It's also a tiny appliance by espresso maker standards, so it's unlikely to take up a lot of space on your counter.
It's worth trying several different kinds of espresso machines to find the one that fits your personal style and space as well as budget. It is also important to think about the aesthetics. You'll want to choose something that is compatible with your home decor, and also your coffee cart. And don't forget to measure your countertop to make sure that the machine you pick will be a good fit.
Pour-Over Machines
Pour-over machines are a great option if you're looking to have total control over your coffee brewing. Manual pour-over machines such as the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60, allow you to adjust a variety of variables (coffee grounds to water ratio filter type, brewing time) to create a brew that is unique. They can produce more vibrant flavors and aromas than drip machines.
The best pour-over brewers make it easy to get top-quality results. They have a thermometer that determines the temperature of the water to the nearest degree, and a pressure gauge that tells you when the amount you want of brewed water has been pour. They also have a large enough portafilter to accommodate 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 reusable charcoal filter that removes impurities from the water, which is essential because coffee makers with a poor-quality filter can leave a bitter taste in your cup. The best pour-over coffee makers are made from materials that can be cleaned in the dishwasher and do not retain or leak coffee odors.
A well-designed pour-over brewer should 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 size and shape to be used as a countertop in the kitchen. Some of the simplest models, like the Zojirushi Zutto, even has an extremely small footprint which makes it perfect for smaller spaces. Some, like the Melitta Cafe filter, have a removable hand that allows you to remove and replace filters.
Philips 3200 Series is another model we like, since it has an intuitive display as well as a built-in grinder. The Philips 3200 Series is able to brew 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. The model also comes with various settings that can be customized, including different beverage sizes and strength, and it can start the brewing process up to 24 hours in advance of time.