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How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The
best home espresso machine will complement the kitchen of your home and will complement your preferences for brewing. The most important aspects are size capacity, design, and price.
In our lab tests, this prosumer-level espresso maker wowed us with its speed and precision. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, powerfully steams milk, and makes excellent 19-bar extractions.
Pod (or capsule) machines
A pod machine is the
best nespresso vertuo machine choice if you want to make coffee quickly and easily by using 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 frequently to remove coffee oils. They also typically require less maintenance, making regular cleaning and descaling of the reservoirs of water being a good idea.
These types of brewers have limitations, however. They are generally only compatible with specific types of coffee pod, usually in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't an issue if you stick to one particular brand of coffee but can be a problem if you are looking to try various varieties.
The pod machines are also less durable and have smaller tanks of water. They can also be slower to brew, which might not be a problem when you're in a hurry in the morning, but could be a problem when you're planning a long day at work.
Consider the dimensions of your bar prior to buying a pod machine. Some are slimmer and can be placed between other appliances. Consider how much you 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 short or long espresso shots, and includes a milk frother.
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 stylish addition to your kitchen and its slick stainless steel design will be noticed on your worktop. It's capable of creating five different drinks by simply pressing a button and each capsule has a unique barcode on the underside of the capsule that the machine reads to decide which beverage to serve. It's also a great choice for those who are environmentally conscious since the pods used break down and decompose very quickly and the reusable mug is an excellent feature.
Manual Espresso Machines
For those who love the craft of brewing espresso, manual machines can provide an enjoyable, hands-on experience. They can be more time-consuming than automated espresso machines but if you have the patience and skills to work with them, they can create high-quality drinks tailored to your tastes. They are also generally more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers, with designs that can withstand the rigors of use.
Manual espresso machines however, aren't as user-friendly as automatic espresso machines and frequently do not have precise temperature controls. This can make it challenging to create consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine has a steep learning slope, and can be expensive to buy and maintain.
If you're a coffee lover interested in exploring the world of manual espresso, you should try an updated machine that is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Some models come with an integrated milk steamer and grinder, making them simple to use by new coffee drinkers. Some have a removable water reservoir, which can make it easier to clean and refill. Others are programmable that lets you set the start time of the brew cycle prior to when you wake up.
Some manual espresso machines are quite large and would be an ideal choice for larger families or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. Consider how many people you plan to serve at one time when deciding on the size of your machine, as well. If you have multiple family members or roommates who love to make espresso, consider getting a larger machine with a bigger boiler.
A few of the cheapest manual espresso machines include the ability to program a milk frother that can be set to automatically heat and froth milk to your preferred consistency. This type of machine works well with cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for people with sensitive teeth. It's important to remember that this kind of machine might not be suitable for those who prefer a more substantial cup of espresso since it produces less foam than other kinds of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
In this category, you'll find fully automatic espresso machines that manage the entire process of brewing, from grinding to extraction. They come with user-friendly interfaces and require little maintenance other than routine cleaning and descaling. They are ideal for those who don't want their hands too dirty or have a limited countertop space for a fully-sized coffee and espresso maker.
These models are more likely to come with Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can control the machine via your smartphone. However, all this automation and programmability comes at a premium: Expect to pay more for these machines than semi-automatic or manual options.
One of our favorite automatic espresso makers is the sleek Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek and visually appealing machine that takes up 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 model that can accommodate three separate hoppers and grinders, and you can select which one you'd like to use by using the touchscreen display. In addition to being simple to use, it's also self-monitoring and automatically calibrates itself which means you won't have to worry about fiddling with the knob or pressing buttons.
Another option is the Cuisinart Spinn. This little pill-shaped machine uses centrifugal force for espresso, which is distinct from the traditional method of forcing water through the grounds. With some practice, it's able to make a variety of drinks like cappuccino and Latte. We tested this machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it scored a top score in our ease-of-use ratings and scored an impressive 5. It's also a teeny appliance according to espresso maker standards, which means it's not going to take up much room on your counter.
It's worth trying out several different kinds of espresso machines until you find the one that suits your style, available space, and budget. You should also take into consideration the aesthetics. You'll want something that blends in with your home decor, and also your coffee cart. And don't forget to measure your countertop to ensure the machine you choose will work with your countertop.
Pour-Over Machines
If you're looking to make a cup of coffee in complete control the pour-over machine is a good option. Pour-over machines like the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex allow you to alter various variables (coffee to ratio filter, brewing time, etc.), allowing for a customized brew. They tend to produce more intense aromas and flavors than drip machines.
The
best pod coffee machine pour-over brewers make it easy to get high-quality results. They come with a thermometer that determines the temperature of water to the closest degree, and an accurate pressure gauge that informs you when the desired amount of water has been 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 brew straight into your cup of coffee.
The coffee makers also come with charcoal filters which can be removed to eliminate impurities in the water. This is important because a coffee maker with poor quality filters will create a bitter taste in your cup. In addition, the
best coffee machine with milk frother pour-over brewers use materials that are safe to use in the dishwasher and don't leak or hold on to coffee odors.
A good pour-over brewer will be easy to clean and it should be a joy to use. The majority of models were easy to use and comfortable to hold in one hand. They also had the right dimensions and shape for a kitchen counter. Some of the most basic models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are perfect for small spaces. Some, like the Melitta Cafe filter have a handle that can be removed, which makes it easier to remove and replace the filter.
Philips 3200 Series is another model we like because it has an intuitive display as well as a built-in grinder. The Philips 3200 Series can brew black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the press of a single button. It also has steam wands that can be used for cappuccinos or lattes. This model comes with a range of settings that can be adjusted, including different sizes and strengths of the beverage. It can also begin brewing up until 24 hours in advance.