How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The ideal home espresso machine will complement your kitchen and match your brewing preferences. The most important considerations are size capacity, design, and price.
In our lab tests the espresso maker that is a prosumer amazed us with its speed and accuracy. which coffee pod machine is best heats up quickly and efficiently, effectively steaming 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 easily using pre-ground pods. They eliminate the mess from making coffee by removing the need for portafilters and complicated burr grinders, which must be cleaned regularly to eliminate coffee oils. They require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling of reservoirs of water is a good idea.
However these types of brewers aren't without their limitations. They are restricted to specific types of coffee pods such as K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, or ESE (easy serve espresso). This isn't an issue if your coffee is the same brand, but it can be a problem if you want to experiment with different types of coffee.
The pod machines are also less durable and come with smaller water tanks. They can also take longer to brew. This may not be a problem if you are trying to get ready in the morning, but it could be a problem if have a long workday ahead.
We suggest that you think about the size of your coffee bar before purchasing a pod machine as some are slimmer than others and will fit between other appliances on your counter. Also think about how much you're willing to spend and the drink options that you'd like to create. Our former editor for ecommerce Louise keeps her caffeine intake on a budget with the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which lets her serve espresso shots that are either long or short and includes an easy milk frother to make lattes.
This elegantly sleek pod-machine by Sage offers the best of both worlds: high-end technology and low-maintenance. It's not cheap, but it's a fashionable appliance for your kitchen and its slick stainless steel design is sure to make a statement on your kitchen counter. It can make five different drinks with just pressing a button. Each capsule has an individual barcode on the underside that the machine reads to decide on the beverage to dispense. It's a great option for eco-conscious people, since the capsules break down and decay rapidly. The reusable mug also makes it a viable option.
Manual Espresso Machines
For those who love the art of making espresso, manual machines can provide an enjoyable, hands-on experience. They take longer to prepare than automated espresso machines but if you have the patience and skills to work with them, they can produce high-quality drinks tailored to your preferences. They are also generally more durable than other types of coffee brewers, and have designs that can stand up to the rigors of use.
Manual espresso machines are not as user-friendly as automated ones, however they are often lacking precise temperature control. It can be difficult to produce consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The top manual espresso machines have a steep learning curves, and they can be costly to purchase and maintain.
If you're a coffee aficionado keen to discover the world of manual espresso, try a newer machine designed to be as user-friendly as you can. Some models come with an integrated milk steamer and grinder, making them easier to use for novice coffee drinkers. Some models have a removable reservoir that makes it easier to refill and clean. Some are programmable, allowing you to set the time for the brewing cycle to start before you awaken.
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. Think about how many people you are planning to serve at moment when you are deciding the size of your machine in addition. You might want to consider a bigger model when you have more than one family member or roommate who enjoys brewing espresso.
Some of the most affordable manual espresso machines come with a programmable milk frother, which can automatically heat and the milk to your desired consistency. This type of machine works well with cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for people who have sensitive teeth. It is important to know that this kind of machine may not be suitable for those who prefer a more substantial cup of espresso since it produces less foam than other types of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
This category comprises fully automated espresso machines that handle the entire brewing procedure from grinding to extraction. These machines are simple to operate and require minimal maintenance, other than cleaning and descaling. They are ideal for those who don't like to get their hands dirty or have a limited counter space to accommodate a full size espresso machine and coffee maker.
The best of these models are highly programmable and have settings for different drinks that you can save into "user profiles." They're also more likely to be Wi-Fi enabled so you can control them with your smartphone. All this automation and programmability can be expensive The machines are more expensive than semi-automatics or manuals.
One of our top automatic espresso makers is the sleek Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek and visually appealing machine that occupies minimal space on your counter. Additionally, it scores 5/5 in our ease-of-use ratings--second only to the Miele. It's a high-output unit that comes with three different grinding hoppers and hoppers. You can choose which one you'd like to use by using the touchscreen display. In addition to being easy to use, it's self-monitoring and calibrates itself automatically which means you won't have to worry about tinkering with the knob or pressing buttons.
Another option in this category is the Cuisinart Spinn. The small pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal force for espresso, which differs from the traditional method of forcing water down through the grounds. With a little practice, it's able to make various drinks like cappuccino or latte. The machine was tested at the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and received a perfect 5 on our tests for user-friendliness. It's also small according to espresso maker standards, so it's not going to take up much space on your counter.
It's worth experimenting with several different kinds of espresso machines to determine the one that suits your style as well as your space and budget. Also, consider the aesthetics. You'll want to choose something that is compatible with your decor and even your coffee machine. Make sure you check the dimensions of your counter to ensure that your machine will fit.
Pour-Over Machines
Pour-over machines are a great alternative if you want complete control over your coffee brewing. Pour-over machines like the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex allow you to adjust various variables (coffee to water ratio filter, brewing time, etc.) which allows the brewing process to be customized. They also tend to create more vivid flavors and aromas than automatic drip machines.
Pour-over brewers are made to give top-quality results. They feature a thermometer that measures the temperature of the water to the closest degree, and they have a precise pressure gauge that will inform you when the amount you want to pour water is pour. They also have a big enough portafilter to hold a regular coffee mug, and they offer sufficient space between the drip tray and the portafilter to allow you to pour directly into your coffee mug.
They also come with a removable charcoal filter that removes impurities from the water, which is crucial because coffee makers that have filters that are not of high-quality can leave a bitter taste on your cup. Additionally, the top pour-over brewers are made of materials that are safe to wash in dishwashers and won't leak or hold onto coffee odors.
A well-designed pour-over brewer should be easy to clean, and it should also be enjoyable to use. We found that all the models we tested were easy to hold in one hand, and were of the right size and shape for the kitchen counter. Some of the simplest models, like the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are suitable for smaller spaces. Others, such as the Melitta Cafe filter have a handle that can be removed, which makes it easier to lift and change the filter.
We also love the Philips 3200 Series, which comes with a built-in grinder and an intuitive display. The Philips 3200 Series can brew black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the touch of a button. It also has a steam wand attached 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 start brewing up until 24 hours in advance.