How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best espresso machine for home use will fit the kitchen of your home and will complement your brewing preferences. The most important considerations are capacity, size and design.
In our lab tests the espresso maker that is a prosumer amazed us with its speed and accuracy. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, powerfully steams milk, and produces excellent 19-bar extractions.
Pod (or capsule) machines
If you like the speed and convenience of making coffee using pre-ground pods, a pod maker is an excellent option. These machines eliminate the mess of brewing by eliminating the need for portafilters as well as complicated burr grinders, which must be cleaned frequently to remove coffee oils. They also generally require less maintenance, making regular cleaning and decaling of water reservoirs a good idea.
However, these types of brewers have their limitations. They generally only work with a specific type 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 could be an issue if you are interested in trying various varieties.
The other drawback to pod machines is that they usually have a smaller water tank and are typically less durable than bean-to-cup models. They can also take longer to make. This may not be an issue if you're in a hurry in the morning, but it could be a problem when you have a long day of work ahead.
It is recommended to think about the size of your coffee bar before purchasing a pod maker, as some are slimmer than others and can be tucked within the space of other appliances on your counter. Also think about how much you're willing spend and the beverage options you'd like to be able to create. Our former director of ecommerce Louise keeps her caffeine intake at a low cost with the Nespresso Vertuo Next. It allows her to make both long and short espresso shots, and comes with milk frother.
This elegant, sleek pod-machine comes with both high-spec and low maintenance. It's not cheap, 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 the button. Each capsule is equipped with a barcode on its underside, which is used by the machine to determine the drink to be dispensed. It's a great option for eco-conscious people, since the capsules break down and decay very quickly. The reusable mug 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. Manual espresso machines take longer but they can also produce drinks of high quality. They are also more durable and come with designs that can withstand heavy usage than other types.
Manual espresso machines are not as simple to use as automatic ones, however, and they often lack precise temperature control. This can make it difficult to produce consistent, good-quality espresso shots. The best manual espresso machines have a an extensive learning curve and they can be costly to purchase and maintain.
If you're a coffee lover looking to explore the world of manual espresso, consider a newer machine designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Some models come with an integrated grinder and milk steamer, making them quite easy to use for novice coffee drinkers. Some models come with a water reservoir that is removable, which can make it easier to clean and refill. best cappuccino machine are also programmable, letting you set the start time of the brew cycle prior to when you wake up.
Some manual espresso makers can be quite large, which makes them a good choice for larger households or coffee carts. Others are smaller and require less counter space. When choosing the size of your machine, you should also 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, think about getting a larger machine with a bigger boiler.
A few of the cheapest manual espresso machines include the ability to program a milk frother which can automatically heat and frother milk to your preferred consistency. This type of machine works well for lattes, cappuccinos and is also suitable for those with sensitive teeth. This type of machine is not ideal for those who prefer an espresso with a thicker consistency. It makes less foam.
Automatic Espresso Machines
This category contains fully automatic espresso machines that handle the entire brewing procedure from grinding to extracting. These machines are simple to use and require little maintenance, aside from cleaning and descaling. These are perfect for those who don't like to get their hands dirty or have a small counter space to accommodate a full sized coffee and espresso machine.
These models tend to have Wi-Fi capabilities, so you can control the machine from your smartphone. However, all that automation and programmability comes with cost: Expect to spend more on these machines than semi-automatic and manual alternatives.
The Eveversys Cameo is one of our favorites automatic espresso makers. It's a sleek, aesthetically pleasing machine that takes up the smallest amount of space on your counter. Plus, it gets 5 out of 5 in our ease-of-use ratings--second only to the Miele. It's a high-output machine that comes with three different grinds and hoppers. You can pick which one you want to use using the touchscreen display. It's user-friendly and has self-monitoring so you don't have to fiddle with buttons or knobs.
Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. The small pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal force for espresso, which is different from the traditional method of pushing water down through the grounds. It can create various drinks, such as cappuccino and Latte, with a bit of practice. We tested this machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it was awarded the highest score in our user-friendliness ratings and scored 5 stars. It's also a tiny appliance according to espresso maker standards, which means it's unlikely to take up a lot of space on your counter.
It's worth exploring various types to find one that matches your style, budget, and available space. Think about aesthetics too, as you'll need something that is compatible with your home decor and coffee cart. And don't forget to measure your countertop to make sure that the machine you pick will work with your countertop.
Pour-Over Machines
Pour-over machines are an excellent option if you're looking to have total control over your coffee brewing. Manual pour-over machines, such as the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60, allow you to adjust a variety of variables (coffee grounds to water ratio and filter type, brewing time) to create a brew that is unique. They also tend to produce more intense aromas and flavors than drip machines with automatic controls.
Pour-over brewers are made to give top-quality results. They have a thermometer that will measure the temperature of water to the nearest degree, and an indicator of pressure that informs you when the desired amount of water that has been brewed has been put into the brewer. They come with a portafilter that is large enough to fit the standard coffee mug, and provide enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray to ensure you can brew straight into your coffee cup.
They also come with a replaceable charcoal filter to eliminate impurities from the water. This is important since coffee makers with a poor-quality filter can leave a bitter taste in your cup. The best pour-over coffee makers are built of materials that can be cleaned in the dishwasher, and do not retain or leak coffee odors.
A good pour-over is simple to clean and should be enjoyable to use. The majority of models were easy to use and comfortable to hold with one hand. They also had the right dimensions and shape to be used as a countertop in the kitchen. Some of the most basic models, like the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are perfect for smaller spaces. Some, such as the Melitta Cafe filter come with a hand that can be removed, which makes it easier for you to lift and replace the filters.
We also enjoy the Philips 3200 Series, which includes a built-in burr grinder and a user-friendly display. It can brew espressos, Americanos, and black coffee with a push of a button and has an attached steam wand for cappuccinos and lattes. This model also has an array of settings that can be adjusted, including different beverage sizes and strengths, and it can start the brewing process up to 24 hours in advance of time.