How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The ideal home espresso machine will complement your kitchen and complement your preferences for brewing. The most important aspects are capacity, size, and design.
During lab testing this espresso maker for prosumer wowed 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 ideal option for those who want to make coffee quickly and efficiently with pre-ground pods. They take the messiest parts of brewing, and eliminate the necessity for complex burr grinders and portafilters that must be cleaned regularly to remove coffee oils. They require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling reservoirs of water is a great idea.
However these types of brewers have their limitations. They typically only work with specific types of coffee pod, usually in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't a problem if your coffee is of the same brand, but it could be a problem if want to try a variety.
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 it could be a problem if you're preparing for a long day at work.
We recommend that you think about the size of your coffee bar prior to purchasing a pod machine since some are more compact than others and will fit between other appliances on your counter. Consider how best commercial coffee machine are willing to spend, and what beverages you would like to be able make. Our former director of e-commerce Louise keeps her caffeine intake at a low cost by using the Nespresso Vertuo Next. It allows her to make both long and short espresso shots, and includes milk frother.
This sleek, elegant pod-machine is both high-end and low-maintenance. It's not inexpensive, but it's an elegant addition to your kitchen and its sleek stainless steel design is sure to stand out on your worktop. It's capable of creating five different drinks with just pressing a button. Each capsule is marked with an unique barcode on its underside that the machine reads to decide which beverage to serve. It's a great option for eco-conscious people, since the capsules break down and decompose rapidly. The reusable mug also makes it a viable option.
Manual Espresso Machines
For those who enjoy the craft of brewing espresso manual machines can offer an enjoyable, hands-on experience. They take longer to prepare than automatic espresso machines, but if you've got the patience and skill to work with them, they can create high-quality drinks tailored to your tastes. They are also more durable and have designs that can stand up to the most rigorous use, unlike other types of.
Manual espresso machines are not as easy to use as automatic ones, they're not as reliable, and often lack precise temperature control. This can make it difficult to create consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The best manual espresso machine has a an incline of learning that is steep and can be costly to purchase and maintain.
If you are a coffee lover who wants to explore the world of manual Espresso, then you should consider an espresso machine that has been designed to be easy to use. Some models come with a built-in grinder as well as a steamer for milk, making them relatively easy to operate for new coffee drinkers. Some models have a removable reservoir that makes it easier to refill and clean. Some are also programmable, letting you choose the time to start the brew cycle before you wake up.
Some manual espresso machines are large and would be a good option for larger households or coffee carts. Some are smaller and occupy less counter space. When choosing the size of your machine, you should take into consideration how many people will be using it at the same time. Consider a larger model in the event that you have more than one roommate or family member who enjoys brewing espresso.
A few of the cheapest espresso machines come with a frother programable that will automatically heat milk and froth it to your desired consistency. This kind of machine is suitable well for cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for those who have sensitive teeth. This kind of machine is not suitable for those who like a thicker cup of espresso. It produces less foam.
Automatic Espresso Machines
In this category you'll find fully automated 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. These are ideal for people who don't want to get their hands dirty or have a limited countertop space for a full-sized espresso maker and coffee maker.
The top models are highly programmable and come with different settings for drinks that can be saved to "user profiles." They're also more likely to have Wi-Fi connectivity which means you can control them via your smartphone. All this automation and programmability is expensive: These machines are more expensive than semi-automatics or manuals.
The Eveversys Cameo is one of our top automatic espresso makers. It's a sleek, elegant machine that occupies little space on your countertop. It also ranks 5 out 5 in our evaluations for ease of use, just behind Miele. It's a high-output machine that comes with three different grinding hoppers and hoppers. You can choose 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 calibrates itself automatically, meaning you can forget about fiddling with the knob or pressing buttons.
Another option is the Cuisinart Spinn. The small, pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal forces to make coffee that is a different method than the traditional method that involves forcing water through grounds. It can create various drinks, such as cappuccino and latte, with a little practice. This machine was tested in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and received a perfect 5 on our tests for user-friendliness. The machine is also small by espresso maker standards. It won't take much space on your counter.
It's worth experimenting with a few different types to find one that matches your preferences, budget, and available space. Also, think about aesthetics. You'll want one that blends seamlessly with your home decor and coffee cart. Don't forget to check the size of your counter to ensure your machine will 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 machines such as the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60, allow you to alter a range of variables (coffee grounds to ratio of water, filter type, brewing time) to create a brew that is unique. They also produce more intense aromas and flavors than drip machines with automatic controls.
Pour-over brewers are designed 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 brewed water is pour. They have a portafilter big enough to fit the standard coffee mug and have 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 removable charcoal filter to eliminate impurities from the water, which is important because coffee makers with filters that are not of high-quality can leave a bitter taste in your cup. The top pour-over coffee makers are made of materials that can be washed in the dishwasher, and they do not retain or leak coffee odors.
A good pour-over should be easy to clean and enjoyable to use. We found that most models we tested were comfortable to hold in one hand, and were of the right dimensions and shape for the kitchen counter. Some of the simpler models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are suitable for smaller spaces. Others, such as the Melitta Cafe filter come with a handle that is removable, which makes it easier to remove and replace the filter.
We also like the Philips 3200 Series, which includes a built-in burr grinder and an intuitive display. The Philips 3200 Series is able to brew black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the touch of a button. It also comes with steam wands that can be used 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 the brewing process up to 24 hours in advance of time.