How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The ideal home coffee maker will match your brewing style and work well in your kitchen. The most important factors are capacity, size and design.
During our lab testing, this prosumer-level espresso maker wowed us by its speed and precision. 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 using pre-ground pods, a pod maker is a good option. They take the messiest bits out of brewing, removing the necessity for complicated burr grinders and portafilters that need to be cleaned regularly to remove coffee oils. They require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling water reservoirs is a good idea.
However, these types of brewers do have limitations. They generally only work with specific types of coffee pods, typically 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 could be a problem when you want to try a variety.
Another disadvantage of pod machines is that they typically have smaller water tanks and are often less durable than bean-to cup models. They also take longer to make. This isn't an issue if you're in a hurry in the morning, but it could be a problem when you 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 can be tucked in between other appliances on your counter. Also consider how much money you're willing to spend and the drinks you'd like to make. Our former editor for ecommerce Louise stays caffeinated on a budget with the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to dispense espresso shots that are either long or short and comes with an efficient milk frother for lattes.
This sleekly designed pod-machine from Sage offers the best of both worlds: high-end and low-maintenance. It's not expensive, but it's a stylish appliance for your kitchen and its sleek stainless steel design is sure to make a statement on your kitchen counter. It can make five distinct drinks with the press of one button. Each capsule is equipped with an underside barcode, which the machine uses to determine the beverage to be served. It's an excellent choice for eco-conscious people, since the capsules break down and decay very quickly. The reusable mug makes it a viable option.
Manual Espresso Machines
Manual machines can be a great experience that allows you to practice the art of brewing espresso. Manual espresso machines are more time-consuming but they can also produce drinks of the highest quality. They are also more durable and have designs that can withstand heavy usage than other types.
Manual espresso machines are not as user-friendly as automated ones,, and they often lack precise temperature control. It can be difficult to produce consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The best manual espresso machine comes with a steep learning slope and is costly to purchase and maintain.
If you're a coffee lover keen to discover the world of manual espresso, try a newer machine designed to be as user-friendly as you can. Certain models come with a built-in milk steamer and grinder, making them easy to use for new coffee drinkers. Some models have a reservoir that is removable, making it easier to refill and clean. Others are programmable, letting you set the start time of the brewing process before you wake up.
Some manual espresso makers can be big, making them a good choice for larger households or coffee carts. Others are more compact and take up less counter space. Think about how many people you are planning to serve at one time when you decide on the size of your machine, as well. Consider a larger machine when you have more than one roommate or family member who is a coffee drinker.
A few of the cheapest manual espresso machines include an adjustable milk frother, that can be set to automatically heat and froth milk to your preferred consistency. This kind of machine works well for 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 larger cup of espresso since it produces less foam than other kinds of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
This category includes fully automated espresso machines that handle the entire brewing procedure from grinding to extracting. They come with user-friendly interfaces and require little maintenance, other than routine cleaning and descaling. These are ideal for people who don't want to get their hands too dirty or have limited countertop space for a fully-sized espresso maker and coffee maker.
These models are more likely to come with Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can control the machine via your smartphone. All that automation and programmability can be expensive The machines are more expensive than semi-automatics or manuals.
One of our favorite espresso makers that is automatic is the stylish Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek, aesthetically appealing machine that occupies only a small amount of space on your counter, plus it gets 5 out of 5 in our ratings for ease of use, second only to the Miele. It's a high-output model which can accommodate three separate hoppers and grinders and you can choose the one you want to use from a touchscreen display. It's simple to use and self-monitoring, so you don't have to fiddle with buttons or knobs.
Another option is the Cuisinart Spinn. The small, pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal force to brew coffee, which is a different technique than the traditional method that involves forcing water through the grounds. It can create various drinks, including cappuccino and Latte, with a bit of practice. The machine was tested at the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and received a perfect 5 on our test for ease-of-use. It's also a tiny appliance according to espresso maker standards, which means it's not going to take up much space on your counter.
It's worth trying several different kinds to find one that suits your style, budget, and available space. Consider aesthetics, too--you'll want something that is compatible with your home decor and coffee cart. Be simply click the up coming site to verify the size of your counter to ensure that the machine you choose will be able to fit.
Pour-Over Machines
If you're looking to brew your coffee that is completely controlled, a pour-over machine is an excellent option. Pour-over devices such as the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex allow you to adjust various variables (coffee to water ratio filter, brewing time, etc.) and allow for a customized brew. They also tend to create more intense aromas and flavors than drip machines with automatic controls.
Pour-over brewers are made to deliver top-quality results. They have a thermometer which will measure the temperature of water to the nearest degree and a pressure gauge that tells you when the desired amount of water brewed has been put into the brewer. They come with a portafilter that is large enough to accommodate the standard coffee mug and provide enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray that you can pour your brew directly into your coffee cup.
They also come with a replaceable charcoal filter that removes impurities from the water, which is important since coffee makers with filters that are not of high-quality can create a bitter taste in your cup. Additionally, the best pour-over brewers use materials that are safe to wash in the dishwasher and don't leak or retain coffee odors.
A good pour-over should be easy to clean and should be enjoyable to use. We found that all the models we tested were comfortable to hold in one hand, and they were of the right size and shape to fit on an kitchen counter. Some of the simpler models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are perfect for small spaces. Some, such as the Melitta Cafe filter have a removable hand that makes it easier to lift and change the filters.
We also love the Philips 3200 Series, which includes a built-in burr grinder as well as a simple display. The Philips 3200 Series can brew black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the touch of a button. It also has an attached steam wand to make lattes or cappuccinos. This model also has various settings that can be customized including different sizes for beverages and strength and it can begin making coffee up to 24 hours ahead of time.