How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best home espresso machine will fit your kitchen and complement your brewing preferences. The most important considerations are size capacity design, and price.
In our lab tests, this prosumer-level espresso maker impressed us by its speed and precision. The Sage Bambino heats quickly and efficiently. It steams milk vigorously and produces excellent extractions at 19 bars.
Pod (or capsule) machines
A pod machine is the best option for those who want to make coffee quickly and easily by using pre-ground pods. They take the messiest parts of brewing, removing the necessity for complex burr grinders and portafilters that have to be cleaned regularly to remove coffee oils. They also typically require less maintenance, with regular cleaning and decaling of reservoirs of water being an excellent idea.
These brewers come with their limitations, but. These brewers are limited to certain types of coffee pods, such as K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, or ESE (easy serve espresso). This isn't a problem when you stick to one particular brand of coffee, but it can be a problem if you are interested in trying different brands.
Pod machines are also less durable and come with a smaller tank of water. They can also take longer to brew. This isn't 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.
It is recommended to consider the size of your coffee bar prior to purchasing a pod maker, as some are slimmer than others and can fit between other appliances on your counter. Also, consider how much you're willing spend and the drink options that you'd like to be able to make. Our former director of e-commerce Louise keeps her caffeine intake low-cost by using the Nespresso Vertuo Next. It allows her to make both long and short espresso shots, and includes milk frother.
best coffee machine with milk frother -machine by Sage gives you the best of both worlds - high-end technology and low-maintenance. It's not inexpensive, but it's an fashionable addition to your kitchen and its slick stainless steel design will make a statement on your kitchen counter. It's capable of creating five different drinks with just pressing a button and each capsule is marked with an unique barcode on its underside of the capsule that the machine reads to determine which drink to dispense. It's an excellent choice for those who are environmentally conscious, since the capsules break down and decay very quickly. The reusable mug also makes it a good option.
Manual Espresso Machines
If you are a fan of the art of making espresso manual machines can offer an enjoyable hands-on experience. They take longer to prepare than automated espresso machines but if you have the patience and skills to master them, they can create high-quality drinks tailored to your tastes. They are also more durable and come with designs that can withstand the rigors of usage than other types.
Manual espresso machines, however, are not as user-friendly as automated espresso machines, and often have no precise temperature controls. It can be difficult to create consistently high-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine comes with a steep learning slope, and can be expensive to buy and maintain.
If you're interested in exploring the world of manual espresso, try a newer machine designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Some models come with an integrated milk steamer and grinder, making them simple to use by new coffee drinkers. Some models come with a water reservoir that is removable, which can make it easier to clean and refill. Some are programmable, allowing you to set the time when the brewing cycle to start before you awaken.
Some manual espresso makers can be quite large, which makes them ideal for larger households or coffee carts. Others are a bit more compact and take up less counter space. When deciding on the size of your machine, you must also take into consideration how many people will be using it at any one time. If you have multiple roommates or family members who like to brew espresso, you might want to consider a larger model with a bigger boiler.
The most affordable espresso machines come with a frother programable that will automatically heat milk and froth it until you get the desired consistency. This type of machine works well for lattes, cappuccinos and is also suitable for those with sensitive teeth. This kind of machine isn't suitable for those who like more of a thicker espresso. It produces less foam.
Automatic Espresso Machines
This category contains fully automatic espresso machines, which manage the entire brewing procedure from grinding to extraction. They are simple to use and require only minimal maintenance, other than 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 fully size espresso and coffee machine.
The top models can be programmed 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 with your smartphone. However, all this automation and programmability comes at the price of a premium: You'll need to spend more money on these machines than semi-automatic and manual alternatives.
One of our favorite automatic espresso makers is the stylish Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek and aesthetically appealing machine that occupies only a small amount of space on your counter. Additionally, it ranks 5/5 in our user-friendliness ratings, which is second only to the Miele. It's a high-output model which can accommodate three separate grinders and hoppers, 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 self-calibrating which means you won't have to worry the hassle of turning the knob or pressing buttons.
Another option is the Cuisinart Spinn. This little pill-shaped machine uses centrifugal force to make espresso, which differs from the traditional method of pushing water down through the grounds. With a little practice, it's able to make a variety of drinks like cappuccino or latte. We tested this machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it scored the top spot in our user-friendliness ratings with an impressive 5. The machine is also small in comparison to espresso maker specifications. It doesn't require any space on your counter.
It's worth experimenting with several different kinds of espresso machines to find the one that best suits your personal taste and space as well as budget. Consider aesthetics, too--you'll want something that fits seamlessly with your home decor and coffee cart. Make sure you check the counter's size to ensure that your machine will be able to fit.
Pour-Over Machines
If you're looking to make a cup of coffee in complete control, a pour-over machine is an ideal option. Pour-over machines such as the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex allow you to adjust various variables (coffee to ratio and filter time, brewing duration), allowing you to make a brew that is customized. They also tend to create more intense aromas and flavors than automatic drip machines.
The top pour-over brewers make it easy to produce high-quality results. They feature a thermometer that determines the temperature of water to the nearest degree, and an accurate pressure gauge that will inform you when the amount you want to pour water is pour. They also have a large enough portafilter to accommodate a standard coffee mug and they offer sufficient space between the drip tray and the portafilter so you can brew directly into your coffee mug.
They also come with a reusable charcoal filter that removes 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. In addition, the best pour-over brewers are constructed of materials that are safe to use in the dishwasher and that don't leak or retain coffee odors.
A well-designed pour-over brewer should be easy to clean and it should be enjoyable to use. We found that the majority of the models we tested were easy to hold in one hand, and they were of the right dimensions and shape for the kitchen counter. Some of the simplest models, like the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are ideal for smaller spaces. Others, like the Melitta Cafe Filter come with a handle that is removable, which makes it easier to lift and replace the filter.
Philips 3200 Series is another model we like, since it has an intuitive display and a built-in grinder. It can brew espressos, Americanos, and black coffee at the touch of a button and has an integrated steam wand that can be used for cappuccinos and lattes. This model also has various settings that can be customized including different sizes for beverages and strengths, and it can start brewing up to 24 hours ahead of time.