How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The ideal home espresso machine will complement the kitchen of your home and will complement your preferences for brewing. The most important factors include size, capacity and design.
In our lab tests the espresso maker that is a prosumer impressed us with its speed and precision. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, steams powerfully milk, and produces excellent 19-bar extractions.
Pod (or capsule) machines
A pod machine is the best option if you wish to make coffee quickly and efficiently with pre-ground pods. They take the messiest elements out of brewing, removing the necessity for complex burr grinders and portafilters that need to be regularly cleaned free of coffee oils. They require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling of reservoirs of water is a good idea.
These brewers come with limitations, however. They can only be used with specific types of coffee pods, like K-Cups Nespresso capsules or ESE (easy serve espresso). This is not a problem if your coffee is of the same brand, but it can be a problem if you want to test a different variety.
Another disadvantage of pod machines is that they typically have a smaller water tank and are often less durable than bean-to-cup machines. They also take longer to brew. This may not be an issue if you're working in a hurry in the morning, but it could be a problem when you have a long day of work ahead.
Think about the size of your bar before purchasing a pod machine. Some are smaller and can be tucked away between other appliances. Consider how much you are willing to spend and what beverages you would like to be able make. Our former editor in charge of e-commerce Louise stays caffeinated on a budget using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to serve short or long espresso shots and comes with an easy milk frother to make lattes.
This elegant, sleek pod-machine comes with both high-end and low-maintenance. It's not inexpensive, but it's a stylish addition to any kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design will be noticed on your counter. It can make five different drinks with the press of the button. Each capsule is equipped with a barcode on its underside that is used by the machine to determine the beverage to be dispensed. It's a great choice for those who are environmentally conscious, since the pods decompose and breakdown quickly. The reusable mug also makes it a good option.
Manual Espresso Machines
Manual machines can be a great experience that allows you to practice the art of brewing espresso. They take longer to prepare than automated espresso machines but if you have the patience and skills to master them, they can create high-quality drinks tailored to your tastes. They are also generally more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers. They have designs that can stand up to the rigors of use.
Manual espresso machines however, aren't as user-friendly as automated espresso machines, and typically do not have precise temperature controls. This can make it challenging to produce consistent, good-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine has a steep learning slope and is costly to purchase and maintain.
If you're interested in exploring the world of manual espresso, consider a newer machine designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Some models have a built-in milk steamer as well as grinder, making them easier to use for novice coffee drinkers. Some models come with a reservoir that is removable, making it easier to refill and clean. Some are programmable, allowing you to set the time for the brewing cycle to start prior to waking.
Some manual espresso machines are quite large and would be an ideal choice for larger families or coffee carts. Some are smaller and occupy less counter space. Consider how many people you plan to serve at one time when deciding on the size of your machine in addition. Consider a larger model in the event that you have more than one roommate or family member who is a coffee drinker.
A few of the cheapest espresso machines come with an adjustable frother which can heat milk automatically and froth it until you get the desired consistency. This type of machine works well for cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for those who have sensitive teeth. This kind of machine is not ideal for those who prefer a thicker cup of espresso. It produces less foam.
Automatic Espresso Machines
In this category, you'll find fully automatic espresso machines that manage the entire brewing process, from grinding to extraction. They come with user-friendly interfaces and require minimal maintenance other than regular cleaning and descaling. They are ideal for those who don't like getting their hands dirty or have limited countertop space to accommodate a large espresso maker and coffee maker.
These models tend to have Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can control the machine from your smartphone. All this automation and programmability costs money They are more expensive than semi-automatics or manuals.
One of our favorite automatic espresso makers is the stylish Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek and visually appealing machine that takes up only a small amount of space on your counter. Plus, it gets 5/5 in our ratings for ease of use, second only to the Miele. It is a high-output machine that comes with three different hoppers and grinds. You can pick which one you'd like to use by using the touchscreen display. It's not only easy to use, it's also self-monitoring and automatically calibrates itself which means you won't have to worry about tinkering with a knob or pressing buttons.
Another option in this category is the Cuisinart Spinn. This small pill-shaped machine uses centrifugal forces to brew coffee that is a different method than the traditional method of forcing water through the grounds. With a little practice, it can make a variety of drinks like cappuccino and latte. We tested the machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it scored the top spot in our ease-of-use ratings with an impressive 5. It's also a teeny appliance by espresso maker standards, so it won't take up much room on your counter.
It's worth experimenting with several different kinds of espresso machines to determine the one that suits your personal style and space as well as budget. Also, think about aesthetics. You'll want one that blends seamlessly with your decor and coffee cart. Be sure to verify the dimensions of your counter to ensure your machine will be able to fit.
Pour-Over Machines
Pour-over machines are an excellent option if you want total control over your coffee brewing. Manual pour-over machines, such as the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60 can alter a range of variables (coffee grounds to ratio of water, filter type, the brewing time) to create a brew that is unique. They tend to produce more vivid aromas and flavors than drip machines.
Pour-over brewers are designed to give high-quality results. They have a thermometer that measures water temperature to the nearest degree, and a pressure gauge that tells you when the desired amount of brewed water is put into the brewer. They also have a big enough portafilter to accommodate 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.
which coffee pod machine is best come with a replaceable charcoal filter to eliminate impurities from the water. This is important since coffee makers with filters that aren't of the highest quality can create a bitter taste in your cup. Additionally, the best pour-over brewers use materials that are safe to use in the dishwasher and that don't leak or hold on to coffee smells.
A good pour-over brewer is easy to clean and should be a joy to use. We found that all the models we tested were comfortable to hold in one hand, and they were the perfect size and shape to fit on the kitchen counter. Some of the simplest, such as the Zojirushi Zutto, even has tiny footprints which makes it perfect for small spaces. Others, like the Melitta Cafe Filter come with a handle that is removable, which makes it easier to remove and replace the filter.
We also love the Philips 3200 Series, which comes with a built-in grinder as well as a simple display. It can brew espressos, Americanos, and black coffee with a push of a button. It also has an attached steam wand to make cappuccinos and lattes. The model also comes with an array of settings that can be adjusted including different sizes for beverages and strength and it can begin making coffee up to 24 hours in advance of time.