How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The ideal home espresso machine can be a perfect fit for your kitchen and complement your brewing preferences. The most important aspects are size capacity 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, powerfully steams milk, and produces excellent 19-bar extractions.
Pod (or capsule) machines
A pod machine is the best option if you wish to make coffee quickly and easily with pre-ground pods. These machines take the messy parts of brewing, and eliminate the need for complicated burr grinders and portafilters that have to be cleaned regularly to remove coffee oils. They also require less maintenance, with routine cleaning and decaling of reservoirs of water a good idea.
These brewers come with their limitations, however. They generally only work with specific types of coffee pods, typically in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't a problem if you stick to a specific brand of coffee, but it can be a problem if are interested in trying various varieties.
The pod machines are also less durable and come with smaller water tanks. They can also take longer to make. This may not be an issue if you're in a hurry in the morning, but it can be a problem if have a long workday ahead.
Think about the size of your bar prior to buying a pod machine. Some are slimmer and can be tucked away between other appliances. Consider how much you are willing to spend and what drinks you would like to make. Our former ecommerce editor Louise remains hydrated on a budget using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which lets her serve short or long espresso shots and includes an efficient milk frother for lattes.
This sleekly designed pod-machine from Sage provides the best of both worlds - high-spec and low-maintenance. It's not expensive, but it's a elegant addition to your kitchen, and its slick stainless steel design is sure to stand out on your worktop. It can make five different drinks simply by pressing a button and each capsule is marked with a unique barcode on the underside that the machine reads to decide on the beverage to dispense. It's an excellent choice for sustainability enthusiasts, as the pods decompose and breakdown very quickly. The reusable mug makes it a good option.
Manual Espresso Machines
For those who love the art of making 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 have designs that can withstand heavy use than other kinds of.
Manual espresso machines however, aren't as user-friendly as automated espresso machines, and often lack precise temperature controls. This can make it difficult to create consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine has a steep learning slope, and can be expensive to purchase and maintain.
If you're looking to explore the world of manual espresso, try a newer machine designed to be as user-friendly as you can. Some models have a built-in milk steamer and grinder, making them simple to use by new coffee drinkers. Some models come with a reservoir that is removable, making it easier to refill and clean. Some are also programmable that lets you choose the time to start the brew cycle before you wake up.
Some manual espresso makers can be quite big, making them ideal for larger families or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. When deciding on the size of your machine you must also think about how many people are going to be using it at any one time. If you have several family members or roommates who love to make espresso, think about getting a larger model with a larger boiler.
A few of the cheapest manual espresso machines include an adjustable milk frother, which will automatically heat and froth milk to your preferred consistency. This kind of machine is perfect for making cappuccinos and lattes, and it's also suitable for those with sensitive teeth. This kind of machine is not ideal 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 control the entire brewing process, from grinding to extraction. They feature user-friendly interfaces and require minimal maintenance, other than regular cleaning and descaling. These are perfect for those who don't want to get their hands dirty or have a small counter space to accommodate a full size espresso machine and coffee maker.
The top models are highly programmable and come with different settings for drinks that you can save into "user profiles." They're also more likely to be Wi-Fi compatible which means you can control them with your smartphone. But all that automation and programmability comes with a premium: Expect to spend more money on these devices than semi-automatic or manual options.
One of our favorite automatic espresso makers is the stylish Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek and visually pleasing machine that takes up only a small amount of space on your counter. Additionally, it scores 5/5 in our ratings for ease of use, second only to the Miele. It is a high-output machine that has three different grinding hoppers and hoppers. You can select which one you want to use using the touchscreen display. It's easy to use and self-monitoring, meaning 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 forces to brew coffee that is a different technique than the traditional method of forcing water through grounds. It can make various drinks, including cappuccino and the latte, with just a little practice. best all in one coffee machine 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, scoring a perfect 5. It's also a tiny appliance by espresso maker standards, which means it won't take up much room on your counter.
It's worth exploring various types to find one that matches your taste, budget and available space. Consider aesthetics, too--you'll want something that fits seamlessly with your home decor and coffee cart. Make sure you check the counter's size to ensure your machine will fit.
Pour-Over Machines
Pour-over machines are a great option if you want total control over your coffee's brewing. Pour-over machines like the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex allow you to alter various variables (coffee to ratio, filter, brewing time) which allows the brewing process to be customized. They tend to produce more vivid aromas and flavors than drip machines.
Pour-over brewers are engineered to deliver high-quality results. They have a thermometer which determines the temperature of the water to the nearest degree and a pressure gauge that tells you when the amount you want of brewed water is put into the brewer. They have a portafilter big enough to fit the standard coffee mug and provide enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray to ensure you can pour your brew directly into your coffee cup.
They also come with a removable charcoal filter to remove impurities from the water. This is essential because 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 washed in the dishwasher, and they do not retain or leak coffee odors.
A well-designed pour-over brewer should be easy to clean and should be enjoyable to use. We found that most models we tested were comfortable to hold in one hand, and were of the right size and shape to fit on the kitchen counter. Some of the simplest models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are ideal for smaller spaces. Some, like the Melitta Cafe Filter, have a removable handle that makes it easier to remove and replace the filter.
We also enjoy the Philips 3200 Series, which comes with a built-in grinder and an intuitive display. The Philips 3200 Series can make black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the push 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 customized, including different beverage strengths and sizes. It can also start making coffee up to 24 hours in advance.