How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best home espresso machine can be a perfect fit for the kitchen of your home and will complement your preferences for brewing. The most important factors are capacity, size and design.
During lab testing the espresso maker that is a prosumer impressed us with its speed and precision. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, effectively steaming milk, and produces fantastic 19-bar extractions.
Pod (or capsule) machines
A pod machine is the best choice if you want to make coffee quickly and efficiently using pre-ground pods. These machines eliminate the mess from brewing by eliminating the need for portafilters and complicated burr grinders that must be cleaned regularly to eliminate coffee oils. They also typically require less maintenance, with routine cleaning and decaling of reservoirs of water being is a good idea.
However these brewers have 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 the coffee is of the same brand, but it could be a problem if you want to try a variety.
The other drawback to pod machines is that they typically have a smaller water tank, and are often less durable than bean-to-cup models. They can also take longer to brew. This may not be an issue if you're in a hurry in the morning, but it could be a problem if are planning a long, tiring day at work.
Think about the size of your bar prior to purchasing a pod machine. Some are slimmer and can be placed between other appliances. Also consider how much money you're willing to spend and the beverage options you'd like to create. Our former editor in charge of e-commerce Louise remains hydrated on a budget using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which lets her serve short or long espresso shots and comes with an easy milk frother to make lattes.
This sleekly designed pod-machine from Sage provides the best of both worlds: high-end technology and low-maintenance. It's not cheap, but it's a fashionable addition to your kitchen, and its sleek stainless steel design is sure to be noticed on your worktop. It can make five distinct drinks with the press of a button. Each capsule has a barcode on its underside, which is used by the machine to determine the beverage to be served. It's also a great option for eco-conscious people since the used pods breakdown and decompose very quickly and the reusable mug is an excellent feature.
Manual Espresso Machines
Manual machines can be an enjoyable experience that allows you to practice the art of making espresso. Manual espresso machines are more time-consuming, but they can produce drinks of the highest quality. They are also generally more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers, with designs that can withstand heavy use.
Manual espresso machines aren't as user-friendly as automated ones, however they're not as reliable, and often lack precise temperature control. This can make it difficult to produce consistent, good-quality espresso shots. The top manual espresso machines have a steep learning curve, and they can be costly to purchase and maintain.
If you are an avid coffee drinker who would like to explore the world of manual Espresso, then you should consider the machine designed to be easy to use. Some models have a built-in milk steamer and grinder, making them simple to use by new coffee drinkers. Some have a removable water reservoir which makes it easier to clean and refill. Some are programmed that lets you decide the time for the brew cycle before you get up.
Some manual espresso machines can be quite large and would be a good option for larger households or coffee carts. Others are smaller and occupy less counter space. When deciding on the size of your machine, you should consider how many people will be using it at once. If you have several roommates or family members who enjoy brewing espresso, think about getting a larger machine with a bigger boiler.
Some of the most affordable manual espresso machines come with the ability to program a milk frother which will automatically heat and frother milk to your preferred consistency. This type of machine works well for cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for people with sensitive teeth. It's important to note that this type of machine isn't suitable for those who prefer a bigger cup of espresso, as it makes less foam than other types of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
This category comprises fully automated espresso machines, which handle the entire brewing procedure from grinding to extracting. These machines are simple to operate and require minimal maintenance, aside from cleaning and descaling. These are great for people who don't want to get their hands dirty or have limited countertop space for a fully-sized coffee and espresso maker.
The best of these models can be programmed and come with settings for various drinks that can be saved into "user profiles." They're also more likely to be Wi-Fi enabled so you can control them with your smartphone. However, all this automation and programmability comes with cost: Expect to spend more on these machines than semi-automatic or manual options.
The Eveversys Cameo is one of our favorites automatic espresso makers. It's a sleek and aesthetically pleasing machine that takes up only a small amount of space on your counter. Plus, it gets 5/5 in our user-friendliness ratings, which is second only to the Miele. It's a high-output model which can house three separate hoppers and grinders and you can choose which one to use from the touchscreen display. In addition to being simple to use, it's self-monitoring and self-calibrating so you don't have to worry about fiddling with a knob or pressing buttons.
Another option is the Cuisinart Spinn. The small pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal force for espresso, which differs from the traditional method of pushing water through the grounds. With a little practice, it can produce a variety of drinks like cappuccino and the latte. The machine was tested at the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and received a perfect 5 on our ratings for ease-of-use. The machine is also small in comparison to espresso maker specifications. It will not take up any space on your counter.
It's worth exploring various types to find one that suits your taste, budget and the space available. Also, think about aesthetics. You'll want something that fits seamlessly with your decor and coffee cart. And don't forget to measure your countertop to make sure the machine you choose will fit.
Pour-Over Machines
Pour-over machines are a great alternative if you want complete control over your coffee's 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, filter type, brewing time) to make a customized brew. They can produce more vibrant flavors and aromas than drip machines.
The best pour-over brewers make it easy to produce high-quality results. They come with a thermometer that determines the temperature of the water to the nearest degree, and an indicator of pressure that informs you when the amount you want of water that has been brewed has been poured. They also have a big enough portafilter that can hold a standard coffee mug and they have enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray to allow direct brewing into your coffee mug.
They also come with a replaceable charcoal filter to remove impurities from the water, which is essential since coffee makers with filters that aren't of the highest quality can create a bitter taste in your cup. The best pour-over coffee makers are built from materials that can be cleaned in the dishwasher, and don't retain or leak coffee odors.
A good pour-over should be easy to clean and should be fun to use. We found that all the models we tested were easy to hold in one hand, and they were of the right size and shape for the kitchen counter. Some of the most basic models, like the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are suitable for small spaces. best ground coffee machines , like the Melitta Cafe Filter come with a handle that is removable, which makes it easier to lift and replace the filter.
Philips 3200 Series is another model we like, since 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 push of a single button. It also comes with an attached steam wand for lattes and cappuccinos. The model comes with a variety of settings that can be adjusted, including different beverage strengths and sizes. It can also start brewing up until 24 hours in advance.