How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best home coffee machine is one that will fit your style of brewing and fit in your kitchen. The most important factors include size, capacity, design, and price.
During our lab testing the espresso maker that is a prosumer amazed us with its speed and accuracy. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, steams powerfully 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 using pre-ground pods. They take the messiest parts of brewing, and eliminate the need for expensive burr grinders as well as portafilters that need to be regularly cleaned free of coffee oils. They also typically require less maintenance, making regular cleaning and decaling of reservoirs of water is a good idea.
These types of brewers have their limitations, however. They generally only work with certain types of coffee pods, typically in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't a problem if your coffee is from the same brand, but it could be a problem when you want to experiment with different types of coffee.
Another drawback of pod machines is that they typically have smaller water tanks and are often less durable than bean-to-cup machines. They also take longer to brew, which might not be an issue when you're in a hurry in the morning, but it can be a pain in the event of preparing for a long day at work.
Think about the size of your bar prior to buying a pod machine. Some are slimmer and can fit between other appliances. Consider the amount you are willing to spend and the kind of drinks you'd like to be able to make. Our former editor for ecommerce Louise remains hydrated on a budget with the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which lets her serve espresso shots of either length or short and comes with an easy milk frother to make lattes.
This elegant, sleek pod-machine comes with both high-spec and low maintenance. It's not expensive, but it's a fashionable appliance for your kitchen and its sleek stainless steel design will stand out on your worktop. It's capable of creating five different drinks simply by pressing a button. Each capsule is marked with an individual barcode on the underside of the capsule that the machine reads to decide which beverage to dispense. It's a great choice for sustainability enthusiasts, as the capsules break down and decompose rapidly. The reusable mug makes it a great choice.
Manual Espresso Machines
Manual machines can be a great and hands-on method of learning the art of brewing espresso. They can be more time-consuming than automatic espresso machines, but if you've got the patience and ability to master them, they can create top-quality drinks that are customized to your preferences. They are also more durable and come with designs that can withstand heavy use, unlike other types of.
Manual espresso machines however, aren't as easy-to-use as automatic espresso machines, and typically lack precise temperature controls. This makes it difficult to produce consistent, good-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine has a steep learning curve, and can be expensive to buy and maintain.
If you're a coffee aficionado looking to explore the world of manual espresso, try an updated machine that is designed to be as user-friendly as you can. Some models include a built-in grinder as well as a milk steamer, making them quite easy to use for those who are new to coffee. Some models come with a water reservoir that is removable, which can make it easier to clean and refill. Some are programmeable and allow you to set the time when the brewing cycle to start prior to waking.
Some manual espresso makers can be quite large, which makes them an ideal choice for larger families or coffee carts. Some are more compact and take up less counter space. Consider how many people intend to serve at any one time when deciding on the size of your machine and also. Consider a larger model in the event that you have more than one roommate or family member who is a coffee drinker.
Some of the most affordable espresso machines come with a frother programable which can heat milk automatically and froth it until you get the desired consistency. This type of machine works well with cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for those who have sensitive teeth. This kind of machine is not ideal for those who prefer an espresso with a thicker consistency. It produces less foam.
Automatic Espresso Machines
In this category there are fully automated espresso machines that handle the entire brewing process, from grinding to extraction. These machines are easy to operate and require minimal maintenance, aside from cleaning and descaling. These are perfect for those who aren't keen on getting their hands dirty or have a small counter space for a full sized coffee and espresso machine.
These models tend to have Wi-Fi capability, so you can control the machine via your smartphone. However, all this automation and programmability comes with a premium: Expect to spend more money 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 appealing machine that occupies minimal space on your counter, plus it gets 5 out of 5 in our user-friendliness ratings, which is second only to the Miele. It's a high-output model which can accommodate three different hoppers and grinders, and you can select the one you want to use from the touchscreen display. It's user-friendly and self-monitoring, meaning you don't have to fiddle with buttons or knobs.
Another option is the Cuisinart Spinn. The small, pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal forces to make coffee and is a different method than the traditional method that involves forcing water through grounds. With some practice, it's able to make various drinks like cappuccino and 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, scoring a perfect 5. The machine is also small in comparison to espresso maker specifications. It doesn't require any space on your counter.
It's worth exploring a few different types to find one that fits your preferences, budget, and available space. Think about aesthetics too, as you'll need one that blends seamlessly with your home decor and coffee cart. Also, don't forget to take measurements of your countertop to ensure your chosen machine 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 like the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60, allow you to adjust a variety of variables (coffee grounds to water ratio and filter type and brewing time) to make a customized brew. They tend to produce more intense aromas and flavors than drip machines.
Pour-over brewers are designed to give top-quality results. best affordable coffee machine feature a thermometer that reads water temperature to the closest degree, and a precise pressure gauge that informs you when the amount you want to pour water has been poured. They also have a large enough portafilter to hold the standard coffee mug and they offer sufficient space between the portafilter and the drip tray to allow you to pour directly into your coffee mug.
They also come with a removable charcoal filter to remove impurities from the water. This is essential since coffee makers with filters that aren't of the highest quality can create a bitter taste in your cup. Additionally, the best pour-over brewers are constructed of materials that are safe to wash in the dishwasher and don't leak or hold on to coffee smells.
A good pour-over is easy to clean and should be enjoyable to use. Most models were easy to use and easy to hold with one hand. They also were the perfect size and shape for a kitchen counter. Some of the simpler models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are suitable for small spaces. Others, like the Melitta Cafe Filter come with a handle that is removable, which makes it easier to lift and change 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 touch of a button. It also comes with an attached steam wand to make lattes or cappuccinos. The model comes with a variety of settings that can be adjusted, including various sizes and strengths for beverages. It can also begin the brewing process up to 24 hours in advance.