How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best home espresso machine will fit your kitchen and complement your brewing preferences. The most important factors include size, capacity design, and price.
This espresso maker for prosumers awed us with its speed, precision and ease of use. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, powerfully steams milk, and makes excellent 19-bar extractions.
Pod (or Capsule) Machines
A pod machine is the best option for those who want to make coffee quickly and easily with pre-ground pods. These machines take the sloppy elements out of brewing, eliminating the need for complicated burr grinders and portafilters that have to be regularly cleaned free of coffee oils. They require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling of reservoirs of water is a great idea.
However, these types of brewers aren't without their limitations. They can only be used with certain types of coffee pods, like K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, or ESE (easy serve espresso). This isn't an issue if you stick to a specific brand of coffee but can be an issue if you are looking to try different brands.
The pod machines are also less durable and have smaller tanks of water. They also take longer to brew, which may not be a problem if you're in a rush in the morning, but could be a problem when you're planning a long day at work.
Take into consideration the dimensions of your bar prior to buying a pod machine. Some are slimmer and can fit between other appliances. Also, consider how what do you think to invest and the drink options that you'd like to be able to make. Our former ecommerce editor Louise keeps her caffeine intake on a budget using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to serve espresso shots of either length or short and includes an easy milk frother to make lattes.
This sleekly designed pod-machine from Sage gives you the best of both worlds - high-spec and low-maintenance. It's not cheap but it's a stylish addition to any kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design will stand out on your counter. It can create five different drinks at the touch of a button. Each capsule is equipped with a barcode on its underside that the machine uses to determine the drink to be served. It's also a great option for those who are environmentally conscious since the pods used break down and decompose very quickly and the recyclable mug is an excellent feature.
Manual Espresso Machines
Manual machines can be an enjoyable experience that allows you to practice the art of brewing espresso. Manual espresso machines can be more time-consuming, but they can produce drinks of high quality. They are also more durable and have designs that can withstand the rigors of use than other kinds of.
Manual espresso machines are not as user-friendly as automatic ones, they're not as reliable, and often lack precise temperature control. This makes it difficult to make consistent, high-quality espresso shots. best coffee espresso machine have steep learning curves, and can be costly to purchase and maintain.
If you're a coffee aficionado interested in exploring the world of manual espresso, you should try an updated machine that is designed to be as user-friendly as is possible. Certain models come with an integrated milk steamer and grinder, making them simple to use for new coffee drinkers. Some models have a removable water reservoir which makes it easier to clean and refill. Some are also programmable that lets you choose the time to start the brewing process before you wake up.
Some manual espresso makers can be quite big, making them ideal for larger families or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. When deciding on the size of your machine you should think about how many people are going to be using it at the same time. If you have several roommates or family members who like to brew espresso, consider getting a larger machine with a larger boiler.
Some of the most affordable espresso machines have an adjustable frother that will automatically heat milk and then froth it to your desired consistency. This type of machine works well for cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for people who have sensitive teeth. This kind of machine is not suitable for those who prefer an espresso with a thicker consistency. It makes less foam.
Automatic Espresso Machines
This category includes fully automated espresso machines, which handle the entire process of brewing, from grinding to extraction. These machines are easy to use and require little maintenance, other than cleaning and descaling. They are great for people who don't want to get their hands dirty or have a small counter space for a full size espresso and coffee machine.
These models are more likely to come with Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can control the machine from your smartphone. All this automation and programmability can be expensive The machines are more expensive than semi-automatics and manuals.
The Eveversys Cameo is one of our top automatic espresso makers. It's a sleek and elegant machine that occupies a small space on your countertop. It also scored 5/5 in our ratings for ease of use - just behind Miele. It's a high-output model which can house three separate hoppers and grinders and you can choose which one to use from the touchscreen display. It's not only easy to use, it's also self-monitoring and self-calibrating so you don't have to worry about fiddling with the knob or pressing buttons.
Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. The tiny pill-shaped machine makes use of centrifugal force for espresso, which is distinct from the traditional method of forcing water down through the grounds. With a little practice, it can produce a variety of drinks like cappuccino and the latte. We tested this machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it scored a top score in our user-friendliness ratings, scoring 5 stars. The machine is also small according to espresso maker standards. It won't take much space on your counter.
It's worth trying several different types of espresso machines to find the one that fits your personal style, available space, and budget. Think about aesthetics too, as you'll need something that is compatible with your decor and coffee cart. And don't forget to measure your countertop to make sure your chosen machine will be a good fit.
Pour-Over Machines
Pour-over machines are a great option if you're looking to have total control over the coffee you brew. Manual pour-over devices such as the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60, allow you to alter a range of variables (coffee grounds to water ratio and filter type, the brewing time) for a personalized brew. They also tend to create more vivid flavors and aromas than drip machines with automatic controls.
Pour-over brewers are made to deliver high-quality results. They come with a thermometer that measures the temperature of the water to the nearest degree, and an accurate pressure gauge that lets you know when the amount you want to pour water is pour. They also have a large 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.
The coffee makers also come with a charcoal filter that can be removed to remove impurities in the water. This is vital since a coffee maker with a low-quality filter will result in a bitter taste to your cup. In addition, the best pour-over brewers are constructed of materials that are safe to use in the dishwasher and won't leak or retain coffee smells.
A good pour-over should be easy to clean and should be fun to use. We found that the majority of the models we tested were easy to hold in one hand, and were of the right dimensions and shape for a kitchen counter. Some of the simpler models, like the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are ideal for small spaces. Some, such as the Melitta Cafe filter come with a hand that can be removed, which makes it easier for you to remove and replace filters.
Philips 3200 Series is another model we like because it has an intuitive display and an integrated grinder. It can make espresso, Americanos, and black coffee with a push of a button. It also has an integrated steam wand that can be used for lattes and cappuccinos. This model comes with a range of settings that can be adjusted, including various sizes and strengths for beverages. It can also begin the brewing process up to 24 hours in advance.