How To Choose The Right Coffee Machine

Choosing The Right Coffee Machine

DeLonghi ECAM 22110B

From filter coffeemakers to traditional espresso machines, all the different coffee equipment available might be overwhelming. However, in case you have just a little essential knowledge, it is simple to navigate the world of coffee makers and get the right machine to suit your needs.

Not so long ago, making a cup of joe was no more complicated than deciding on your favourite label of instant coffee and boiling a kettle. How everything has changed! The proliferation of cafes throughout the world has made us all more particular with what we choose to drink. Not happy with drinking lattes and cappuccinos inside our local coffee shop, a terrific 20% of UK households now own a coffee machine so we can also enjoy our favourite creation in your house.

So here is our simple to follow guide on how to pick the best type of coffee machine in your case.

There are a number of basic solutions to make coffee, and based on your own preference, many will be more suitable for you than others. Let's take a look at the main types of espresso maker on the market.

Cafetiere

Without doubt the most affordable way to make 'proper' coffee, a cafetiere is a glass or plastic jug having a plunger mechanism built in. You just add boiling water to the ground coffee you've placed in the cafetiere, allow it to brew for a short time and then press down on the plunger to push all the coffee grounds to the bottom. Easy!

For: Make decent coffee from about £10 upwards, portable, no power supply needed (other than boiling water).

Against: You cannot make espresso, latte or cappuccinos, just like filter coffee makers.

Kaffeevollautomat Test

Filter Coffee brewers

Available for both homes and businesses, all filter coffee machines work in the same way. Cold water is poured in the top, and it is then heated and dripped by way of a filter paper containing your ground coffee. The finished jug of coffee sits on a hotplate, keeping it warm in order to keep coming back for refills.

For: Simple to operate, coffee can be kept hot for hours, low price of machines.

Against: You are able to only make one sort of coffee - no espressos, lattes or cappuccinos. Filter coffee flavoured with syrups should not everyone's taste.

Capsule Espresso machines

Available from most Traditional department stores, there is now a tremendous range of great little machines from which to choose. The coffee is pre-measured and packed in foil capsules that you simply place into the machine, and the rest is usually done at the touch of a button. They're commonly a doddle to clean and the coffee is frequently very good quality, especially if you've gone using a branded coffee like Lavazza.

For: Wide range of machines, make most types of coffee from espresso to lattes, simple to clean.

Against: You'll be able to only use your manufacturer's pods, and so they tend to be expensive.

Pump Espresso Machines

They're small, normally domestic, espresso machines that have a high-pressure pump to generate an espresso which you can then use as the base for lots of other drinks including macchiatos, lattes and cappuccinos. Obtainable in High Street stores from around £100, though with this price don't expect a piece of equipment that will last for years.

For: Come up with a wide range of espresso-based drinks, good deal, not limited to a small range of coffee

Against: Reasonably priced machines can have short life spans, can be fiddly to clean

Traditional Espresso Machines

Fundamental essentials larger commercial espresso machines you are going to recognise from Traditional coffee houses such as Costa and Starbucks. Built to be used all day long and provides many years of service, these are expensive and bulky, causing them to be unsuitable for domestic use. However, lately, some manufacturers have made smaller slimline units that may be used at home, provided your pockets are deep enough. Also remember you'll need a grinder too.

For: This is how coffee should be made, reliable and long-lasting machines

Against: Expensive, suitable for commercial use

Bean To Cup Coffee Machines

Bean to cup machines contain a vital grinder and espresso machine that are automated in a way that you can pour your beans in the top, press some control and get an espresso straight into your cup. This means that no barista knowledge is required and there's no need for a separate grinder, making them space efficient too. However, having all things in one box means there's more to visit wrong, particularly in cheaper machines where some of the internal components are built down to a price.

For: Freshly ground coffee from one piece of kit, no barista knowledge needed

Against: More to go wrong, can be fiddly to wash, cheap machines could be unreliable

Summary

In the end appreciate that there are all kinds of other ways of making coffee not covered in this article, we've tried to keep it simplistic. Some people we speak to are unaware of which type of machine most closely fits them, and without doubt many people have either made the incorrect decision or received poor advice, leaving all of them with a machine that's not suited to their needs.

When choosing a machine, don't forget to also consider the ease of cleaning, the warranty cover you will get, and how easy these are to use. Review websites an internet-based forums are a great supply of opinion from individuals who already have the equipment you could be considering buying, so spend some time seeing what others before you have experienced.