A visit to a coffee shop is one of life’s little luxuries, but doing so on a regular basis can become an expensive habit. With the help of a good coffee machine, you can enjoy a decent cup of coffee in your home, whenever you want.
Buying a coffee machine is a big investment. You want it to be the right one that suits your needs and taste but if you choose the right one, it can serve you excellent coffee for many years. Some people just want to turn on a machine and let it do all the work for them and some like the process of placing their own coffee with the constituency they prefer.
We’ve created an ultimate guide to buying the best home coffee machine for you with everything you need to consider when taking the leap to have your piece of coffee heaven at home whenever and wherever you want. You need to decide whether you are looking for a manual or electric coffee grinder according to your lifestyle and needs.
It is important to know what kind of coffee you want to be making with your home coffee machine. Most people have their favorite type of coffee and are eager to try some new varieties.
This list will help you decide if there is another type of coffee you’d like to try, and when you can make it yourself, you don’t have to worry about wasting money on something you’re not sure you’ll like!
- Espresso– Short, strong, intense and plain and simple black
- Double espresso– Double shot of espresso
- Espresso with panna– Espresso topped with whipped cream
- Restricted– This means ‘restricted’ and is a shorter extraction and makes a smaller, thicker and more intense espresso
- Cappuccino– Equal parts espresso, steamed, frothed milk, sprinkled with chocolate
- Flat White– Micro foam– Steamed milk with small, fine bubbles and a glossy or velvety consistency over a single or double shot of espresso
- Café au lait– Similar to a latte, but made with strong coffee rather than espresso for a less intense taste
- American– Espresso diluted with extra hot water after brewing
- Moka– Espresso with hot chocolate and steamed and foamed milk
- Frappe– Like a coffee milkshake with coffee, sugar and a little water mixed and poured over ice and topped with milk
- Lungo– Longer extraction with the same amount of ground coffee as espresso with twice the water
- Latte– Third espresso with two thirds steamed, hot milk
- Macchiato– Espresso with a dash of steamed milk only
So, now you know the types of coffee out there, you can decide which home coffee machine will be the best for you. With the ability to try and test many different types of coffees all from the comfort of your home, you may find a new favorite. Here is a guide through the various types on the market.
Cafeterias
This is not a machine as such, but great for if you are new to coffee or only make it occasionally and are looking for somewhere to start. Also known as ‘French press’ coffee, you simply mix hot water and ground coffee, let it brew, and as you push the plunger down, a wire filter separates the ground coffee from the water.
Grind and brew/Beans to a cup
This is best for black coffee and espresso. This is the machine for the person looking for complete convenience and optimal freshness. It is a premium choice for those seeking the ultimate home coffee experience, grind whole beans on demand then brew your drink while the fragrant oils are at their best, automatically dispensing and infusing the right amount of ‘grinds.
Espresso machine with milk foam
This is the machine for espresso, cappuccino, macchiato and latte. Rich and intense espresso is the starting point for cappuccino and latte, and these larger machines have the option of making longer drinks, usually with a built-in steamer/milk frother, or an additional machine to heat and r -milk foam.
Capsule/pod machine
This machine is best for espresso and lungo. It’s quick, clean and easy to use, the coffee is sealed in a capsule or pod for longer lasting freshness – just drop it into the machine and go – high bar pressure punctures the capsule to extract the coffee . A convenient time-saving option, there is no messy reason to clean – Nespresso machines, for example, are extremely quick and easy.
Pump engine
This machine is great for espressos. Working with a Thermoblock system, the water is heated to around 85-92 degrees, which is the right temperature for brewing coffee without scalding. A high-pressure bar pump forces water through the coffee to extract the full character and rich aroma.
Filter Machines
If your favorite coffee is a nice strong black coffee then this is the machine you need. Water drips through a filter filled with ground coffee into a pot or carafe below. Some models have hotplates to keep your coffee cups hot and filters that are permanent and only need to be rinsed, or paper, which you simply throw away after use. Some newer models have filter pods that work a bit like a tea bag and these are clean to use as the ground coffee sits neatly, great for large quantities of coffee.
Pressure Machines
This coffee machine is great for espressos, cappuccinos and lattes. Water is boiled in a chamber and when pressure and steam build up, it forces the water through the coffee. Steam is also used to froth milk.
Maise Roberts has tasted luxury coffee from around the world, and has worked with a number of recognizable brands such as Coffeegram and others. In her humble opinion, nothing comes close to the taste of a premium brew.
