For many people, delicious and fragrant coffee in the morning is a source of energy for the whole day, guaranteeing productive work. But at home, it is almost impossible to prepare such a drink without an appropriate device. To solve this problem, use a coffee maker. This is a small machine with a brewing mechanism that can be used to prepare espresso, lungo, latte and other types of drinks.
The main question is how to choose a coffee maker so as not to be disappointed? There are many models on the market and all of them are provided with different characteristics, not to mention technological functionality. The recommendations below for choosing and a description of popular models with reviews will help you decide on the best option.
Key Features
Different types of coffee makers have their own operating parameters, but some of them can be nameduniversal. In particular, this applies to volume and power. The capacity of the average device is 1.5-2 liters. Models with such tanks are more advantageous for high cooking speed, even at temperatures up to 92-95 °C. The upper level of capacity in the domestic segment rarely reaches 5 liters, but such devices are more convenient when it comes to a large family.
Now another question: how to choose a coffee maker for the home in terms of power potential? What basically affects the power? This indicator does not determine the taste, but the intensity of water heating is quite. The power range extends from 700 to 2000 watts. For one-time cooking, 700-1200 watts is enough. The same indicator will provide an optimal pressure level of 5–9 bar. If you plan to brew a drink with a large tank in several approaches, then you cannot do without a powerful electrical filling of 2000 W, or even higher.
Optimal type of coffee maker
Before choosing a specific model, you should determine which type of device is suitable in a particular case. So, the most popular type of coffee maker is drip. Such devices have a simple device and an affordable price tag. The principle of operation is the slow passage of hot water drops through the ground mass of grains. Already saturated ready-made coffee gets into the flask with a drink.
Carob models should also be attributed to the popular type of coffee machines. In this design, the cafe is pressurized under high pressure: about 10-15 bar.
Geyser models are also widespread. They are similar to drip, but the water does not fall, butrises, hence the name. Which geyser coffee maker to choose? Such models are often criticized for their small volume. It turns out that the design is quite complicated, and the output performance is very modest. Therefore, if the eye has already fallen on the geyser apparatus, then modifications with a displacement of at least 1.5 liters and a pressure of 10 bar should be preferred.
Bosch Tassimo
The Tassimo range of capsule coffee makers, characterized by clear and simple operation. For an undemanding lover of aromatic drink who needs a compact and ergonomic device - the best solution. In addition, the model is not expensive - about 4 thousand rubles.
What is offered for this money? A small container of 0.8 liters, served by a heating element with a power of 1300 W at a pressure of 3.3 bar. There are more productive modifications in this series.
How to choose a Tassimo coffee maker? In addition to performance, it is worth paying attention to cooking modes and design. Some versions provide automatic and manual operation, while others - only mechanical. But in each case, a wide selection of drinks is offered, including not only espresso, cappuccino and latte macchiato, but also hot chocolate cream.
As for the reviews, the users themselves refer to the advantages of Tassimo ease of cleaning, functionality in small sizes and ease of handling. It is obvious that optimization manifested itself in negative qualities. The owners also note the lack of pressure level, and the small volume - for a large family,of course, 0.8L may not be enough.
Panasonic NC-ZF1HTQ
Representative of a line of medium power drip machines designed to load ground coffee. Immediately it should be noted also a modest tank volume of about 1 liter, but the model is provided with a wide range of modern control systems. It also provides a regulator of the strength of the drink, and control of the water level, as well as an auto-shutdown system. But, are these qualities so important for a drip coffee maker? Which one to choose - functional or productive?
Panasonic has focused on functionality, but has not forgotten about maintaining a level of reliability. This is evidenced by a durable case based on stainless steel, and the presence of an anti-drip system. But performance-minded people won't be disappointed by this option either.
According to the owners, the device quickly prepares 8 cups of hot coffee in one go, keeping its temperature for a long time. But when the drink stays at the bottom, cleaning problems arise. In terms of care, the previous version from Bosch is still more attractive.
Gaggia Gran Style
Rozhkovy semi-automatic machine for brewing coffee, the cost of which is 11-12 thousand. The model has an original design in the corporate Italian style, and the body is made of high-strength ABS plastic. But since the cost of the device is considerable, you should first figure out what is the functional purpose of the carob coffee maker, and which one to choose?
For such models, power and high pressure are important. If these indicatorswill be at the proper level, then the user will be able to count on the preparation of a good drink. And the Gaggia Gran Style model can be considered a good cappuccino machine, as the pressure reaches 15 bar.
Plus, it's worth adding a few filters to load ground and portioned coffee. The owners of this machine praise it both for its attractive design and for the pleasant taste of ready-made drinks.
Philips HD7762
Not quite a standard version of a coffee machine, which is a mini-complex for grinding and for direct brewing a drink. According to the basic principle of operation, this is a drip model that is optimal for connoisseurs of American coffee. If we talk about the function of grinding grains, then a small container with two divisions is provided for it. The degree of grinding can be adjusted, also creating a variety of mixes of the solution using the selector. Of course, you can do without grinding, using ready-made raw materials.
In general, this option is worth considering for those who focus on a universal coffee maker for the home. Which one to choose? Reviews about this model are more likely to recommend it on the positive side, paying attention to the wide customization options with programming, strength control and structural reliability. But this is far from a professional coffee grinder, so for this function it is still worth turning to more specialized versions.
Melitta Caffeo Solo&Milk
Close to the professional class device from German developers,which can only be used for coffee beans. The 1.2 liter water tank is serviced by a 1400 W thermoblock at a pressure of 15 bar. The user can adjust portions (up to 125g) and choose from three strength options.
Management is carried out through the display, which indicates the manufacturability of the model. As noted in the reviews, it is quite possible to choose a Melitta coffee maker for both connoisseurs of espresso and cappuccino lovers - in particular, the classic panarello, which, however, requires skill during preparation. The cost of 32 thousand may seem overpriced, but users are satisfied with their investment. Nevertheless, the model is also provided with an automatic cleaning program with filtration, which in itself is a significant plus.
Saeco GranBaristo Avanti
Premium model from one of the best manufacturers of coffee makers - the Italian company Saeco. The device successfully works with both grain and ground coffee, connecting a powerful 1900 W heating mechanism to the process. The capacity is 1.7L and the pressure is 15 bar.
18 recipes, 5 grind levels and 6 strength levels are available for cooking. If the question is how to choose a coffee maker with ample control options, this version is the best fit. The creators provided the device with a remote module that allows you to control the process remotely - for example, via a PC or tablet. The disadvantages of this proposal, users include the lack of an active heating function and a high price tag - about 25 thousand
What other nuances to consider in the choice?
If we are talking about budget models, then the main thing is not to miscalculate the quality of materials. Usually manufacturers save on them, which ultimately affects the working resource. The model must have a durable sealed case based on stainless steel alloy or modern heat-resistant plastic. In terms of functionality in this segment, there can be and cannot be special expectations due to the low cost.
By the way, low performance should not be regarded as a disadvantage. So, for traditional bitter coffee, models with a power of up to 800 W are optimally suited, which is often confirmed by reviews. Which coffee maker to choose from the premium segment? Firstly, in addition to the brands listed above, you can safely refer to the products of De'Longhi, Krups, Siemens and NIVONA. These firms have proven themselves well in terms of construction quality and ergonomics. Secondly, here you can choose by function. At a minimum, for convenience, it is worth providing for regulators of strength, temperature and cooking time. More solid modifications have options for light and sound indication, auto power off, wireless communication with the control device, etc.
Conclusion
In addition to technical and functional parameters, of course, personal preferences should not be ignored. And this applies not only to the design performance with colors, but also to the variety of the drink. How to choose a coffee maker according to the type of coffee? For cappuccino and espresso specialistsrecommend carob models, as well as combined devices.
If the bet is on a latte or americano, then you should choose a drip machine. Capsule and steam coffee makers can be considered if you plan to experiment with the taste of the drink, aromatic properties and strength.
