How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best home espresso machine can be a perfect fit for your kitchen and match your preferences for brewing. The most important aspects are capacity, size and design.
In our lab tests the espresso maker that is a prosumer impressed us with its speed and accuracy. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, steams powerfully 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 by using pre-ground pods. They take the messiest elements out of brewing, and eliminate the need for expensive burr grinders as well as portafilters that have to be regularly cleaned free of coffee oils. They also generally require less maintenance, with regular cleaning and descaling of the reservoirs of water being an excellent idea.
These brewers have their limitations, but. They can only be used with certain types of coffee pods like K-Cups Nespresso capsules, or ESE (easy serve espresso). This isn't a problem when you stick to a specific brand of coffee but can be a problem if you are interested in trying different brands.
The pod machines are also less durable and come with a smaller tank of water. They also take longer to brew, which may not be an issue if you're in a rush in the morning, but could be a problem in the event of preparing for an extended day at work.
Consider the size of your bar before purchasing a pod maker. Some are slimmer and can be placed between other appliances. Also consider how much money you're willing to spend and the drinks you'd like to be able to create. Our former editor for ecommerce Louise remains hydrated on a tight budget by using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which lets her serve short or long espresso shots and includes an easy milk frother to make lattes.
This elegant, sleek pod-machine comes with high-end features 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 stand out on your worktop. It can make five different drinks with just pressing a button. Each capsule has an unique barcode on its underside of the capsule that the machine reads to decide which beverage to serve. It's also a good choice for those who are environmentally conscious since the used pods breakdown and decompose quickly. the reusable mug is an excellent feature.
Manual Espresso Machines
For those who enjoy the art of making espresso manual machines can offer an enjoyable hands-on experience. Manual espresso machines can be more time-consuming but they can also produce drinks of the highest quality. They are also generally more durable than other types of coffee brewers. They have designs that can withstand the rigors of use.
Manual espresso machines are not as simple to use as automatic ones, however, and they often lack precise temperature control. It can be difficult to produce consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine has steep learning curve and can be costly to purchase and maintain.
If you're keen to discover the world of manual espresso, consider an updated machine that is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Some models come with a built-in grinder and milk steamer, making them relatively easy to operate for new coffee drinkers. Some models have a removable reservoir that makes it easier to refill and clean. Others are programmable, letting you decide the time for the brew cycle before you get up.
Some manual espresso machines are quite large and would be an ideal option 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 the same time. Consider a larger machine in the event that you have more than one family member or roommate who is a coffee drinker.
Some of the most affordable espresso machines have a frother programable that will automatically heat milk and froth it until you get the desired consistency. This kind of machine is great for making cappuccinos and latte and is also suitable for those with sensitive teeth. This type of machine isn't suitable for those who prefer a thicker cup of espresso. It produces less foam.
Automatic Espresso Machines
This category contains fully automatic espresso machines, which manage the entire brewing procedure from grinding to extracting. They come with user-friendly interfaces and require minimal maintenance, other than regular cleaning and descaling. They are great for people who don't like to get their hands dirty or have a limited counter space to accommodate a full size espresso and coffee machine.
These models are more likely to have Wi-Fi capability, so you can control the machine using your smartphone. But all that automation and programmability is at the price of a premium: You'll need to spend more on these devices than semi-automatic or manual options.
The Eveversys Cameo is one of our top automatic espresso makers. It's a sleek and visually pleasing machine that takes up little space on your countertop. It also scores 5/5 in our rating for ease of use, second only to Miele. It's a high-output machine with three different grinds and hoppers. You can pick which one you'd like to use with the touchscreen display. It's easy to use and self-monitoring, so you don't have to fiddle with knobs or buttons.
Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. The small pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal force to brew espresso, which is distinct from the traditional method of pushing water down through grounds. With what do you think , it can produce a variety drinks like cappuccino or latte. This 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. This machine is also small according to espresso maker standards. It will not take up any space on your counter.
It's worth trying out a few different types of espresso machines to determine the one that suits your personal style as well as your space and budget. Think about aesthetics too, as you'll need one that blends seamlessly with your decor and coffee cart. And don't forget to measure your countertop to ensure that the machine you pick will work with your countertop.
Pour-Over Machines
If you're looking to make a cup of coffee in complete control the pour-over machine is an ideal choice. Pour-over machines like the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex allow you to adjust various variables (coffee to ratio, filter, brewing time), allowing for a customized brew. They also tend to create more vivid flavors and aromas than drip machines that are automated.
The best pour-over brewers can be used to get top-quality results. They have a thermometer that will measure the temperature of water to the nearest degree, and an indicator of pressure that informs you when the desired amount of brewed water has been poured. They come with a portafilter that is large enough to accommodate a standard coffee mug and provide enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray that you can pour the brewed beverage directly into your coffee cup.
The coffee makers also come with a charcoal filter that can be removed to eliminate impurities from the water. This is vital because the coffee maker with an inferior filter can result in a bitter taste to your cup. Additionally, the top pour-over brewers are constructed of materials that are safe to wash in dishwashers and won't leak or hold onto coffee smells.
A good pour-over brewer is easy to clean, and should be a pleasure to use. We found that all the models we tested were comfortable to hold in one hand, and they were the perfect dimensions and shape for an kitchen counter. Some of the simplest models, like the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are perfect for small spaces. Some, like the Melitta Cafe Filter, have a handle that can be removed, which makes it easier to remove and replace the filter.
Philips 3200 Series is another model we like, as it has an intuitive display as well as a built-in grinder. The Philips 3200 Series can make black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the touch of a button. It also has steam wands that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. This model has a variety of settings that can be adjusted, including various sizes and strengths for beverages. It can also begin brewing up until 24 hours in advance.