How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best home coffee machine will match your brewing style and will fit into your kitchen. The most important factors are capacity, size and design.
This espresso maker for prosumers impressed us with its speed, accuracy and ease of use. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, steams powerfully milk, and produces fantastic 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. These machines take the sloppy bits out of brewing, removing the necessity for complex burr grinders and portafilters that have to be cleaned regularly to remove coffee oils. These machines require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling reservoirs of water is a great idea.
These brewers come with limitations, however. They typically only work with certain types of coffee pods, typically 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 can be a problem if want to experiment with different types of coffee.
Another disadvantage of pod machines is that they typically have smaller water tanks and are generally less durable than bean-to cup models. They also take longer to brew, which may not be an issue if you're in a rush in the morning, but it is a hassle if you're preparing for long hours at work.
Consider the size of your bar before purchasing a pod maker. Some are smaller and can fit between other appliances. Consider the amount you are willing to spend, and the kind of drinks you'd like to be able make. Our former editor for ecommerce Louise keeps her caffeine intake on a budget with the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to serve short or long espresso shots and includes an efficient milk frother for lattes.
This sleek, elegant pod-machine is 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 stand out on your counter. It can create five different drinks at the touch of a button. Each capsule has a barcode on its underside, which the machine uses to determine the drink to be dispensed. It's also a great choice for those who are environmentally conscious since the pods used break down and decompose very quickly and the reused mug is a great feature.
Manual Espresso Machines
Manual machines can be a fun and hands-on method of learning the art of brewing espresso. They are more time-consuming than automated espresso machines however, if you have the patience and skill to use them, they can produce premium drinks that are tailored to your tastes. They are also generally more durable than other types of coffee brewers. They have designs that can withstand heavy use.
Manual espresso machines are not as user-friendly as automated ones, however they're not as reliable, and often lack precise temperature control. It can be difficult to create consistently high-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine comes with a steep learning slope, and can be expensive to buy and maintain.
If you are a coffee enthusiast who wants to discover the world of manual Espresso, then you should consider a machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Some models have an integrated grinder and steamer for milk, making them quite easy to use for those who are new to coffee. Some models have an adjustable reservoir for water, which can make it easier to clean and refill. Some are programmable and allow you to set the time for the brew cycle to begin prior to waking.
Some manual espresso makers can be large, which makes them a good choice for larger families or coffee carts. Others are a bit smaller and occupy less counter space. Consider how many people are planning to serve at one time when deciding on the size of your machine, as well. You might want to consider a bigger model when you have more than one family member or roommate who is a coffee drinker.
A few of the cheapest manual espresso machines come with a programmable milk frother, which can automatically heat and frother milk to your preferred consistency. This kind of machine works well with cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for people with sensitive teeth. This type of machine is not suitable for those who prefer 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 process of brewing, from grinding to extraction. They come with user-friendly interfaces and require only 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 small counter space to accommodate a full size espresso machine and coffee maker.
These models tend to have Wi-Fi capability, so you can control the machine via your smartphone. All that automation and programmability can be expensive They are more expensive than semi-automatics and manuals.
The Eveversys Cameo is one of our top automatic espresso makers. It's a sleek and visually pleasing machine that takes up minimal space on your counter, plus it gets 5/5 in our user-friendliness ratings, which is second only to the Miele. It is a high-output machine with three different grinds and hoppers. You can choose which one you wish 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 fiddling with a knob or pressing buttons.
Another option is the Cuisinart Spinn. This little pill-shaped machine uses centrifugal force to brew espresso, which is different from the traditional method of pushing water down through grounds. With some practice, it can make a variety of drinks, such as cappuccino or latte. best ground coffee machines tried it at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, and it earned the top spot in our ease-of-use ratings, scoring 5 stars. It's also small by espresso maker standards, so it's not going to take up much space on your counter.
It's worth experimenting with various types to find one that fits your style, budget, and space. Consider aesthetics, too--you'll want something that fits seamlessly with your decor and coffee cart. Make sure you check the size of your counter to ensure that the machine you choose will fit.
Pour-Over Machines
If you're looking to make your coffee with total control using a pour-over machine, it's an excellent choice. Pour-over machines such as the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex permit you to alter a variety of variables (coffee to water ratio and filter time, brewing duration), allowing you to make a brew that is customized. They also tend to produce more vivid flavors and aromas than automatic drip machines.
Pour-over brewers are engineered to produce top-quality results. They feature a thermometer that measures the temperature of the water to the closest degree, and a precise pressure gauge that lets you know when the desired amount of water is pour. They come with a portafilter that is large enough to accommodate the standard coffee mug, and offer enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray so you can brew straight into your cup of coffee.
The coffee makers also come with a charcoal filter which can be removed to eliminate impurities from the water. This is important, as any coffee maker that has a low-quality filter will leave a bitter flavor in your cup. The top pour-over coffee makers are constructed from materials that can be cleaned in the dishwasher and don't hold or leak coffee smells.
A good pour-over brewer is easy to clean and it should also be enjoyable to use. We found that the majority of the models we tested were comfortable to hold in one hand, and they had the right size and shape to fit on the kitchen counter. Some of the simpler models models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto, even has an extremely small footprint making it suitable for smaller spaces. Others, like the Melitta Cafe Filter, have a removable handle that makes it easier to remove and replace the filter.
Philips 3200 Series is another model we like because it features a user-friendly display and an integrated grinder. It can brew espressos, Americanos, and black coffee with a push of a button. It also comes with an attached steam wand for lattes and cappuccinos. The model also comes with an array of settings that can be adjusted that include different sizes of beverages and strength, and it can start brewing up to 24 hours ahead of time.