How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best home coffee maker is one that will fit your style of brewing and work well in your kitchen. The most important aspects are size capacity and design.
This espresso maker for prosumers impressed us with its speed, precision and ease of use. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, steams powerfully milk, and produces fantastic 19-bar extractions.
Pod (or Capsule) Machines
If you are looking for speed and simplicity of making coffee from pre-ground pods, a pod machine is an excellent option. They take the messiest bits out of brewing, and eliminate the need for complex burr grinders and portafilters that need to be cleaned regularly to remove coffee oils. These machines require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling of reservoirs of water is a great idea.
However, these types of brewers have their limitations. They typically only work with specific types of coffee pods, typically in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This is not an issue if your coffee is the same brand, but it could be a problem if you want to test a different variety.
The other drawback to pod machines is that they tend to have a smaller water tank, and are typically less durable than bean-to cup models. They also take longer to brew, which may not be an issue if you're in a rush in the morning but can be a pain in the event of preparing for a long day at work.
We suggest that you think about the size of your coffee bar prior to purchasing a pod maker, since some are more compact than others and can fit within the space of other appliances on your counter. Consider the amount you are willing to spend, and what drinks you would like to be able make. Our former editor for ecommerce Louise stays caffeinated on a budget with the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to dispense espresso shots of either length or short and includes an efficient milk frother for lattes.
This elegantly streamlined pod-machine from Sage provides the best of both worlds: high-spec and low-maintenance. It's not cheap, but it's a fashionable addition to your kitchen, and its slick stainless steel design will stand out on your worktop. It's capable of creating five different drinks by simply pressing a button and each capsule is marked with an individual barcode on the underside that the machine reads to decide which beverage to dispense. It's also a great option for those who are environmentally conscious since the pods used break down and decompose quickly. the reused mug is a great feature.
Manual Espresso Machines
For those who enjoy the art of making espresso manual machines can offer an enjoyable hands-on experience. They take longer to prepare than automatic espresso machines, but if you have the patience and skills to master them, they can make high-quality drinks tailored to your preferences. They are also more durable and come with designs that can withstand the rigors of use than other kinds of.
Manual espresso machines are not as easy to use as automatic ones, however they are often lacking precise temperature control. It isn't easy to make consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The best manual espresso machine has a an incline of learning that is steep and is costly to purchase and maintain.
If you are an avid coffee drinker who would like to discover the world of manual Espresso, you should try the machine designed to be easy to use. Some models include a built-in grinder and steamer for milk, which makes them quite easy to use for new coffee drinkers. Certain models come with a removable reservoir that makes it easier to refill and clean. Some are also programmable and allow you to set the start time of the brew cycle prior to when you get up.
Some manual espresso makers can be quite large, making them ideal for larger households or coffee carts. Some 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. best espresso machine might want to consider a bigger model if you have more than one roommate or family member who loves making espresso.
The most affordable manual espresso machines have 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 lattes, cappuccinos and is also suitable for those who have sensitive teeth. It's important to remember that this type of machine might not be suitable for those who prefer a more substantial cup of espresso since it makes less foam than other types of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
In this category there are fully automated espresso machines that control the entire brewing process, from grinding to extraction. They feature user-friendly interfaces and require only minimal maintenance other than routine cleaning and descaling. They are ideal for those who don't want to get their hands dirty or have a small counter space for a full sized coffee and espresso machine.
These models are more likely to have Wi-Fi capability, so you can control the machine via your smartphone. All that automation and programmability can be expensive: These machines are more expensive than semi-automatics or manuals.
One of our most favored automatic espresso makers is the sleek Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek, aesthetically appealing machine that takes up only a small amount of space on your counter. Additionally, it gets 5/5 in our ratings for ease of use, second only to the Miele. It's a high-output model that can house three separate hoppers and grinders, and you can select which one you'd like to use by using the touchscreen display. It's not only easy to use, it's self-monitoring and calibrates itself automatically which means you won't have to worry about fiddling with the knob or pressing buttons.
Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. This small pill-shaped machine uses centrifugal forces to brew coffee that is a different method than the traditional method that involves pushing water through the grounds. With a little practice, it's able to make various drinks like cappuccino or the latte. We tested the machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it scored the top spot in our user-friendliness ratings and scored a perfect 5. It's also a tiny appliance according to espresso maker standards, so it's unlikely to take up a lot of room on your counter.
It's worth trying several different types of espresso machines to determine the one that fits your style, available space, and budget. Think about aesthetics too, as you'll need something that fits seamlessly with your decor and coffee cart. Also, don't forget to take measurements of your countertop to ensure that the machine you pick will fit.
Pour-Over Machines
If you're looking to make your coffee with total control the pour-over machine is a good option. Manual pour-over machines, such as the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60 can alter a range of variables (coffee grounds to ratio of water, filter type, time of brewing) to make a customized brew. They also produce more intense aromas and flavors than drip machines with automatic controls.
Pour-over brewers are made to deliver top-quality results. They have a thermometer which measures the temperature of the water to the nearest degree, and a precise pressure gauge that informs you when the amount you want to pour water has been pour. They have a portafilter big enough to accommodate the standard coffee mug, and have enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray that you can pour the brewed beverage directly into your cup of coffee.
The coffee makers also have a charcoal filter that can be removed to eliminate impurities from the water. This is vital since the coffee maker with an inferior filter can create a bitter taste in your cup. The top pour-over coffee makers are built of materials that can be washed in the dishwasher, and they don't hold or leak coffee smells.
A good pour-over brewer will be easy to clean and it should be enjoyable to use. We found that most models we tested were easy to hold in one hand, and had the right size and shape to fit on the kitchen counter. Some of the most basic models, like the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are ideal for small spaces. Some, such as the Melitta Cafe filter have a removable hand that allows you to lift and replace the filters.
We also love the Philips 3200 Series, which comes with a built-in grinder and a user-friendly display. The Philips 3200 Series is able to brew black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the press of a single button. It also comes with steam wands that can be used for cappuccinos or lattes. This model also has a range of customizable settings including different sizes for beverages and strengths and can begin making coffee up to 24 hours ahead of time.