How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best home coffee maker will match your brewing style and fit in your kitchen. The most important aspects are capacity, size, and design.
During lab testing this espresso maker for prosumer wowed us with its speed and precision. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, steams powerfully milk, and produces fantastic 19-bar extractions.
Pod (or Capsule) Machines
If you like the speed and convenience of making coffee from pre-ground pods, a pod maker is an excellent choice. They eliminate the mess of brewing by eliminating the need for portafilters as well as complicated burr grinders that must be cleaned regularly to eliminate coffee oils. These machines require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling of water reservoirs is a good idea.
However these brewers aren't without their limitations. 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 you stick to one particular brand of coffee, but it can be a problem if are looking to test different brands.
Another drawback of pod machines is that they tend to have smaller water tanks and are generally less durable than bean-to cup models. They also take longer to brew. This might not be an issue if you're in a hurry in the morning, but it can be a problem if you are planning a long, tiring day at work.
We suggest that you think about the size of your coffee bar prior to purchasing a pod maker, because some are smaller than others and can be tucked between other appliances on your counter. Also think about how much you're willing to spend and the drink options that you'd like to make. Our former editor in charge of e-commerce Louise stays caffeinated on a budget with the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to serve espresso shots of either length or short and comes with an easy milk frother to make lattes.
This elegantly sleek pod-machine by Sage offers the best of both worlds - high-end technology and low-maintenance. It's not cheap, but it's a stylish addition to any kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design will be noticed on your counter. It can create five different drinks with the press of the button. Each capsule is equipped with a barcode on its underside, which the machine uses to determine the beverage to be dispensed. It's a great choice for sustainability enthusiasts, as the capsules break down and decay quickly. The reusable mug makes it a good option.
Manual Espresso Machines
For those who love the art of making espresso, manual machines can provide an enjoyable hands-on experience. Manual espresso machines can be more time-consuming however they can make beverages of top quality. They are also more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers, and have designs that can withstand heavy use.
Manual espresso machines however, aren't as user-friendly as automated espresso machines, and often have no precise temperature controls. best pod coffee machine makes it difficult to create consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The best manual espresso machines come with an extensive learning curve and can be costly to purchase and maintain.
If you're a coffee lover who wants to explore the world of manual Espresso, then try a machine that is designed to be easy to use. Some models include an integrated grinder and steamer for milk, which makes them a breeze to operate for those who are new to coffee. Some models have a removable reservoir that makes it easier to refill and clean. Some are programmable and allow you to set the time when the brewing process to begin before you awaken.
Some manual espresso machines are big and could be a good option for larger households or coffee carts. Some are more compact and take up less counter space. Consider how many people plan to serve at one time when you decide on the size of your machine as well. Consider a larger machine in the event that you have more than one family member or roommate who enjoys brewing espresso.
A few of the cheapest manual espresso machines come with a programmable milk frother, that can be set to automatically heat and the milk to your desired consistency. This type of machine is ideal for making cappuccinos and lattes and is also suitable for those who have sensitive teeth. It's important to remember that this type of machine might not be suitable for those who prefer a more substantial cup of espresso, since it produces less foam than other kinds of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
In this category there are fully automated espresso machines that control the entire brewing process, from grinding to extraction. They are simple to use and require little maintenance, other than cleaning and descaling. These are perfect for those who don't want to get their hands dirty or have a limited counter space to accommodate a full size espresso machine and coffee maker.
The top models are highly programmable and come with different settings for drinks that can be saved into "user profiles." They're also more likely to have Wi-Fi connectivity which means you can control them via your smartphone. All this automation and programmability can be expensive They are more expensive than semi-automatics or manuals.
One of our most favored automatic espresso makers is the snazzy Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek, elegant machine that takes up little space on your countertop. It also ranks 5 out 5 in our rating for ease of use - second only to Miele. It's a high output model that can accommodate three separate grinders and hoppers, and you can select the one you want to use from a touchscreen display. It's easy to use and self-monitoring, so you don't have to fiddle with knobs or buttons.
Another option is the Cuisinart Spinn. The small pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal force to make espresso, which is distinct from the traditional method of forcing water down through grounds. With some practice, it's able to make a variety drinks like cappuccino and Latte. We tested the machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it scored the highest score in our user-friendliness ratings and scored 5 stars. It's also a tiny appliance according to espresso maker standards, so it's unlikely to take up a lot of room on your counter.
It's worth trying out several different types of espresso machines to find the one that fits your style, available space, and budget. Also, think about aesthetics. You'll want something that is compatible with your home decor and coffee cart. Be sure to verify the dimensions of your counter to ensure your machine will fit.
Pour-Over Machines
Pour-over machines are a great option if you're looking to have total control over your coffee's brewing. Manual pour-over devices like the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60, allow you to alter a range of variables (coffee grounds to ratio of water filter type, brewing time) to make a customized brew. They also tend to produce more vivid aromas and flavors than drip machines that are automated.
Pour-over brewers are designed to give high-quality results. They have a thermometer which measures water temperature to the nearest degree and a pressure gauge that tells you when the amount you want of water that has been brewed has been poured. They have a portafilter large enough to accommodate a standard coffee mug and have enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray that you can pour your brew directly into your coffee cup.
They also come with a replaceable charcoal filter to remove impurities from the water, which is essential because coffee makers with filters that are not of high-quality can leave a bitter taste in your cup. The top pour-over coffee makers are made of materials that can be cleaned in the dishwasher and don't hold or leak coffee odors.
A well-designed pour-over brewer should be easy to clean, and it should be enjoyable to use. Most models were easy to use and easy to hold in one hand. They also had the right size and shape for a kitchen countertop. Some of the simplest, such as the Zojirushi Zutto, even has a small footprint making it suitable for smaller spaces. Some, like the Melitta Cafe filter have a handle that is removable, which makes it easier for you to lift and change the filters.
We also like the Philips 3200 Series, which comes with a built-in grinder as well as a simple display. It can make espresso, Americanos, and black coffee with a push of a button and has an attached steam wand to make cappuccinos and lattes. The model comes with a variety of settings that can be adjusted, including different beverage strengths and sizes. It can also begin the brewing process up to 24 hours in advance.