A Productive Rant Concerning Coffee Machine
How to Choose coffee machine best will match your brewing style and fit in your kitchen. The most important factors are size, capacity, and design.
During lab testing this espresso maker for prosumer amazed us with its speed and precision. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, effectively steaming milk, and makes excellent 19-bar extractions.
Pod (or Capsule) Machines
A pod machine is the ideal option for those who want to make coffee quickly and efficiently using pre-ground pods. These machines remove the mess from brewing by eliminating the need for portafilters as well as complicated burr grinders that must be cleaned regularly to remove coffee oils. They also generally require less maintenance, with routine cleaning and descaling the water reservoirs an excellent idea.
These brewers have limitations, however. They are generally only compatible with a specific type of coffee pod, usually in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't an issue if your coffee is the same brand, but it can be a problem if you want to test a different variety.
The pod machines are also less durable and come with a smaller tank of water. They are also slower to make a cup, which might not be an issue if you're in a rush in the morning but is a hassle if you're preparing for an extended day at work.
Consider the size of your bar before purchasing a pod machine. Some are smaller and can be placed between other appliances. Consider how much you are willing to spend, and what drinks you would like to make. Our former director of e-commerce Louise keeps her coffee consumption low-cost by using the Nespresso Vertuo Next. It allows her to make short or long espresso shots and comes with a milk frother.
This elegant, sleek pod-machine comes with high-end features and low-maintenance. It's not expensive, but it's a fashionable appliance for your kitchen and its sleek stainless steel design is sure to make a statement on your kitchen counter. It's capable of making five different drinks with just pressing a button and each capsule is marked with an unique barcode on its underside of the capsule that the machine reads to decide which beverage to serve. It's an excellent choice for sustainability enthusiasts, as the capsules break down and decompose very quickly. The reusable mug also makes it a good option.
Manual Espresso Machines
For those who enjoy the art of making espresso manual machines can offer an enjoyable, hands-on experience. Manual espresso machines take longer however they can make beverages of top quality. They are also more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers, and have designs that can withstand heavy use.
Manual espresso machines however, aren't as user-friendly as automated espresso machines, and often have no precise temperature controls. It can be difficult to produce consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The best manual espresso machine has a a steep learning slope, and can be expensive to purchase and maintain.
If you're a coffee lover who wants to discover the world of manual Espresso, then you should consider an espresso machine that has been designed to be easy to use. Some models have a built-in milk steamer as well as grinder, making them easy to use for novice coffee drinkers. Some models have a removable water reservoir which makes it easier to clean and refill. Others are programmable and allow you to decide the time for the brewing process before you wake up.
Some manual espresso makers can be large, which makes them ideal for larger households or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. When choosing the size of your machine you must also think about how many people are going to be using it at any one time. Consider a larger machine in the event that you have more than one family member or roommate who loves making espresso.
Some of the most affordable espresso machines have a frother programable that will automatically heat milk and then froth it to your desired consistency. This kind of machine is great to make cappuccinos or lattes, and it's also suitable for those with sensitive teeth. It is important to know 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 types of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
This category contains fully automatic espresso machines that handle the entire process of brewing, from grinding to extraction. They have user-friendly interfaces, and require only minimal maintenance other than regular cleaning and descaling. They are great for people who don't like to get their hands dirty or have limited counter space for a full size espresso machine and coffee maker.
The top 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. All this automation and programmability can be expensive: These machines are more expensive than semi-automatics and manuals.
One of our top automatic espresso makers is the snazzy Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek and aesthetically pleasing machine which takes up little space on your countertop. It also scores 5 out 5 in our evaluations for user-friendliness - second only to Miele. It's a high output model that can house three separate hoppers and grinders, and you can select which one you'd like to use by using a touchscreen display. It's not only easy to use, it's self-monitoring and automatically calibrates itself so you don't have to worry the hassle of turning a knob or pressing buttons.
Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. This small pill-shaped machine uses centrifugal forces to brew coffee that is a different technique than the traditional method of forcing water through grounds. It can create several drinks, including cappuccino and the latte, with just a little practice. This machine was tested at the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and scored a perfect 5 in our tests for user-friendliness. It's also tiny according to espresso maker standards. It will not take up any space on your counter.
It's worth experimenting with several different kinds of espresso machines to find the one that suits your personal taste as well as your space and budget. Think about aesthetics too, as you'll need something that is compatible with your decor and coffee cart. Don't forget to check the dimensions of your counter to ensure your machine will fit.
Pour-Over Machines
If you're looking to brew your coffee in complete control, a pour-over machine is an ideal choice. Pour-over machines such as the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex permit you to alter a variety of variables (coffee to ratio, filter, brewing time), allowing the brewing process to be customized. They can produce more vibrant flavors and aromas than drip machines.
Pour-over brewers are designed to deliver high-quality results. They feature a thermometer that determines the temperature of water to the closest degree, and a precise pressure gauge that will inform you when the required amount of water is pour. They also have a big enough portafilter that can hold a standard 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 removable charcoal filter to remove impurities from the water, which is essential because coffee makers that have filters that are not of high-quality can create a bitter taste in your cup. The best pour-over coffee makers are built of materials that can be washed in the dishwasher, and they don't retain or leak coffee smells.
A good pour-over brewer will be easy to clean, and it should also be enjoyable to use. We found that all the models we tested were easy to hold in one hand, and were the perfect size and shape for an kitchen counter. Some of the most basic models, like the Zojirushi Zutto, even has a small footprint making it suitable for smaller spaces. Others, such as the Melitta Cafe Filter have a handle that can be removed, which makes it easier to lift and change the filter.
Philips 3200 Series is another model we like, since it has an intuitive display and an integrated grinder. The Philips 3200 Series can brew black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the push of a single button. It also comes with a steam wand attached to make lattes or cappuccinos. This model also has various settings that can be customized that include different sizes of beverages and strengths and it can begin making coffee up to 24 hours ahead of time.