How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best home espresso machine will complement the kitchen of your home and will complement your brewing preferences. The most important factors are size, capacity, and design.
During lab testing the espresso maker that is a prosumer amazed us by its speed and precision. The Sage Bambino heats quickly and efficiently. It steams milk powerfully and produces excellent extractions at 19 bars.
Pod (or Capsule) Machines
If you prefer the speed and convenience of making coffee using pre-ground pods, a pod machine is a good choice. These machines take the sloppy parts of brewing, eliminating the necessity for expensive burr grinders as well as portafilters that need to be regularly cleaned of coffee oils. These machines require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling of water reservoirs is a good idea.
These brewers come with limitations, however. 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 a problem if your coffee is of the same brand, but it can be a problem when you want to test a different variety.
Pod machines are also less durable and come with smaller tanks of water. best pod coffee machine can also take longer to brew. This may not be an issue if you're working in a hurry in the morning, but it can be a problem if have a long day of work ahead.
Consider the size of your bar before purchasing a pod machine. Some are smaller and can fit between other appliances. Think about how much you're willing to spend and the kind of drinks you'd like to be able make. Our former editor in charge of e-commerce Louise keeps her caffeine intake on a budget with the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to dispense espresso shots that are either long or short and comes with a handy milk frother for lattes.
This elegantly sleek pod-machine by Sage provides the best of both worlds - high-end technology and low-maintenance. It's not expensive, 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 making five different drinks by simply pressing a button and each capsule has an unique barcode on its side that the machine scans to decide on the beverage to serve. It's a great choice for sustainability enthusiasts, as the pods decompose and breakdown rapidly. The reusable mug makes it a great choice.
Manual Espresso Machines
If you are a fan of the art of making espresso manual machines can offer an enjoyable, hands-on experience. They are more time-consuming than automated espresso machines, but if you've got the patience and ability to work with them, they can produce high-quality drinks tailored to your preferences. They are also more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers. They have designs that can withstand heavy use.
Manual espresso machines are, however, not as easy-to-use as automatic espresso machines, and typically do not have precise temperature controls. This makes it difficult to make consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The top manual espresso machines come with a steep learning curve, and can be costly to purchase and maintain.
If you are a coffee lover who wants to discover the world of manual Espresso, then try a machine that is designed to be easy to use. Some models include a built-in grinder as well as a steamer for milk, which makes them quite easy to use for new coffee drinkers. Some models come with a removable reservoir that makes it easier to refill and clean. Some are programmed, letting you choose the time to start the brew cycle prior to when you get up.
Some manual espresso makers can be quite big, making them ideal for larger households or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. When deciding on the size of your machine, you should consider how many people will be using it at any one time. Consider a larger model when you have more than one family member or roommate who is a coffee drinker.
The most affordable espresso machines come with a programmable frother that can automatically heat milk and froth it until you get the desired consistency. This type of machine works well for cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for people who have sensitive teeth. This kind of machine isn't suitable for those who like a thicker cup of espresso. It makes less foam.
Automatic Espresso Machines
This category comprises fully automated espresso machines, which handle the entire process of brewing from grinding to extracting. These machines are easy to use and require little maintenance, other than cleaning and descaling. These are great for people who don't want their hands too dirty or have limited countertop space for a full-sized coffee and espresso maker.
The top models are highly programmable and come with settings for various drinks that you can save into "user profiles." They're also more likely to be Wi-Fi compatible so you can control them via your smartphone. However, all that automation and programmability is at the price of a premium: You'll need to spend more money on these devices 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 the smallest amount of space on your counter. Plus, it gets 5 out of 5 in our ratings for ease of use, second only to the Miele. It's a high output model that can accommodate three different grinders and hoppers, and you can select the one you want to use from a touchscreen display. It's user-friendly and self-monitoring, so you don't have to fiddle with knobs or buttons.
Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. This little pill-shaped machine uses centrifugal force to make espresso, which is different from the traditional method of forcing water down through the grounds. With a little practice, it's able to make a variety drinks, such as cappuccino or the latte. This machine was tested at the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and got a perfect score of 5 in our ratings for ease-of-use. This machine is also small by espresso maker standards. It doesn't require any space on your counter.
It's worth trying several different kinds to find one that matches your preferences, budget, and available space. Also, take into consideration aesthetics. You'll want something that is compatible with your decor and even your coffee machine. Don't forget to measure your countertop to ensure that the machine you pick will be a good fit.
Pour-Over Machines
Pour-over machines are an excellent option if you want total control over your coffee's brewing. Pour-over machines like the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex allow you to adjust various variables (coffee to water ratio, filter, brewing time) which allows you to make a brew that is customized. They are more likely to create more vivid aromas and flavors than drip machines.
The top pour-over brewers allow you to get high-quality results. They feature a thermometer that determines the temperature of water to the nearest degree, and they have an accurate pressure gauge that lets you know when the amount you want to pour water is put into the brewer. They also have a big enough portafilter to hold a standard coffee mug and they have enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray so you can brew directly into your coffee mug.
They also come with a removable charcoal filter to eliminate impurities from the water. This is important because coffee makers that have filters that are not of high-quality can leave a bitter taste in your cup. The best pour-over coffee makers are made from materials that can be washed in the dishwasher, and they don't retain or leak coffee smells.
A good pour-over brewer will be easy to clean, and it should also be a pleasure to use. We found that most models we tested were comfortable to hold in one hand, and they were of the right size and shape for an kitchen counter. Some of the simplest models, like the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are ideal for smaller spaces. Some, like the Melitta Cafe filter have a removable hand that allows you to remove and replace filters.
We also enjoy the Philips 3200 Series, which comes with a built-in grinder and a user-friendly display. It can make espresso, Americanos, and black coffee with a push of a button and has an integrated steam wand that can be used for cappuccinos and lattes. This model also has a range of customizable settings, including different beverage sizes and strengths and it can begin the brewing process up to 24 hours in advance of time.