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How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best home espresso machine will complement your kitchen and match your preferences for brewing. The most important aspects are size, capacity and design.
In our lab tests, this prosumer-level espresso maker amazed us by its speed and precision. 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 choice if you want to make coffee quickly and easily with pre-ground pods. These machines remove the mess from making coffee by removing the need for portafilters as well as complicated burr grinders, which must be cleaned regularly to remove coffee oils. They also typically require less maintenance, with regular cleaning and decaling of reservoirs of water an excellent idea.
However these types of brewers do have limitations. These brewers are limited to specific 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 test a range.
Pod machines are less durable and come with a smaller tank of water. They can also be slower to brew, which may not be a problem when you're in a hurry in the morning, but could be a problem in the event of preparing for a long day at work.
Consider the size of your bar prior to purchasing a pod maker. Some are smaller and can be placed between other appliances. Also think about how much you're willing to invest and the drink options that you'd like to be able to create. Our former ecommerce director Louise keeps her coffee consumption at a low cost with the Nespresso Vertuo Next. It allows her to make short or long espresso shots and comes with a milk frother.
This elegantly sleek pod-machine by Sage gives you the best latte machine of both worlds - high-end technology and low-maintenance. It's not inexpensive, but it's an fashionable addition to your kitchen, and its sleek stainless steel design is sure to be noticed on your worktop. It's capable of creating five different drinks simply by pressing a button and each capsule is marked with a unique barcode on the underside of the capsule that the machine reads to determine which drink to dispense. It's an excellent choice for eco-conscious people, since the capsules break down and decay very quickly. The reusable mug makes it a good option.
Manual Espresso Machines
For those who love the art of making espresso manual machines can offer an enjoyable, hands-on experience. They are more time-consuming than automatic espresso machines, but if you have the patience and ability to master them, they can produce top-quality drinks that are customized to your tastes. They are also typically more durable than other types of coffee brewers. They have designs that can withstand heavy use.
Manual espresso machines are, however, not as user-friendly as automated espresso machines, and typically have no precise temperature controls. This can make it difficult to make consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The best delonghi coffee machine manual espresso machines come with a steep learning curve, and can be costly to purchase and maintain.
If you are a coffee enthusiast who wants to explore the world of manual Espresso, you should try the machine designed to be easy to use. Certain models come with a built-in milk steamer and grinder, making them easy to use for new coffee drinkers. Some models have a reservoir that is removable, making it easier to refill and clean. Some are also programmable and allow you to set the start time of the brew cycle before you get up.
Some manual espresso makers can be large, making them a good choice for larger households or coffee carts. Others are a bit smaller and occupy less counter space. When choosing the size of your machine you should consider how many people will be using it at any one time. If you have a lot of roommates or family members who enjoy brewing espresso, consider getting an extra large model with a larger boiler.
The most affordable manual espresso machines have a programmable milk frother, that can be set to automatically heat and frother milk to your preferred consistency. This type of machine is perfect for making cappuccinos and lattes and is also suitable for those with sensitive teeth. This type of machine is not suitable for those who like more of a thicker espresso. It makes less foam.
Automatic Espresso Machines
In this category you'll find fully automated espresso machines that control the entire brewing process, from grinding to extraction. These machines are simple to operate and require minimal maintenance, other than cleaning and descaling. These are great for people who don't want their hands dirty or have limited countertop space for a full-sized espresso maker and coffee maker.
The top models can be programmed and have settings for different drinks that can be saved into "user profiles." They're also more likely to be Wi-Fi compatible which means you can control them using your smartphone. But all that automation and programmability comes with the price of a premium: You'll need to pay more for these devices than semi-automatic or manual alternatives.
One of our top automatic espresso makers is the stylish Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek and visually pleasing machine that takes up little space on your countertop. It also ranks 5/5 in our evaluations for ease of use - second only to Miele. It's a high-output model that can accommodate three different hoppers and grinders and you can choose the one you want to use from the touchscreen display. In addition to being easy to use, it's also self-monitoring and automatically calibrates itself so you don't have to worry about tinkering with the knob or pressing buttons.
Another option is the Cuisinart Spinn. The small, pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal forces to make coffee and is a different method than the traditional method of forcing water through the grounds. It can make several drinks, such as cappuccino and the latte, with just a little practice. The machine was tested at the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and scored a perfect 5 in our test for ease-of-use. It's also a teeny appliance according to espresso maker standards, which means it won't take up much space on your counter.
It's worth exploring various types to find one that suits your preferences, budget, and space. Also, take into consideration aesthetics. You'll want to choose something that blends in with your home decor, and coffee cart. Also, don't forget to take measurements of your countertop to ensure that the machine you pick will fit.
Pour-Over Machines
Pour-over machines are an excellent option if you want total control over your coffee's brewing. Pour-over devices such as the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex allow you to adjust various variables (coffee to ratio, filter, brewing time) which allows the brewing process to be customized. They can produce more vivid aromas and flavors than drip machines.
The top pour-over brewers can be used to produce top-quality results. They come with a thermometer that will measure the temperature of water to the nearest degree and an indicator of pressure that informs you when the amount you want of water that has been brewed is pour. They come with a portafilter that is large enough to hold the standard coffee mug, and provide enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray that you can brew straight into your coffee cup.
The coffee makers also come with a charcoal filter which can be removed to remove impurities in the water. This is crucial, as any coffee maker that has an inferior filter can result in a bitter taste to your cup. In addition, the best coffee machine bean-to-cup pour-over brewers are constructed of materials that are safe to wash in dishwashers and don't leak or hold onto coffee odors.
A good pour-over brewer will be easy to clean and it should be a pleasure to use. We found that all the models we tested were comfortable to hold in one hand, and were of the right dimensions and shape for an kitchen counter. Some of the simplest models, like the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are perfect for smaller spaces. Some, such as the Melitta Cafe filter, have a handle that is removable, which makes it easier for you to remove and replace filters.
Philips 3200 Series is another model we like, since it has a simple display and an integrated grinder. It can brew espressos, Americanos, and black coffee at the touch of a button. It also has an attached steam wand for lattes and cappuccinos. This model comes with a range of settings that can be adjusted, including different sizes and strengths of the beverage. It can also start brewing up until 24 hours in advance.