Coffee is an important part of your morning routine. That is why the question of how to choose the right coffee machine is key. Especially if you plan to use it every day.
Before choosing a coffee machine, you need to decide on its type, size, special features and ease of maintenance, the type of coffee used (in tablets, capsules or ground), as well as the drink options, the desired temperature and preparation time.
Types of coffee makers
For those who are just starting to think about which coffee machine to choose, owner reviews recommend starting by counting the volume drunk and the number of people served. The performance determined in this way will significantly narrow the search area. It is also worth noting that some machines are designed only for ground coffee, while others are designed for capsules, so you need to carefully consider the requirements of each model.
- Coffee makers for 1 serving. They produce one cup of drink at a time. Most of them are for capsules, some may use ground coffee, while others may use both. These machines are usually fast, taking less than a minute to prepare a cup. They aresmall and more suitable for kitchens with minimal free space.
- Drip type coffee makers. For those who are not sure which coffee machine to choose, the reviews recommend stopping by them. They allow you to prepare several cups in a fairly short period of time. Ground coffee is placed in the filter, water is added to a separate container, heated, irrigates the coffee, and the finished drink drips into a glass jug. A heating element is installed under the latter. It keeps the drink hot, usually for several hours. Drip machines can be very simple, equipped only with an on/off switch, or with a programmable timer, delayed start and brew settings. Most of them have an automatic shutdown feature in case the user forgets to do so.
- Apparatus with coffee grinder. Most people buy pre-ground coffee, which is available in a wide variety of flavors and blends, but there are some who prefer to grind whole beans at home. The idea is that the fresher the coffee, the better it tastes. In addition, it allows you to adjust the degree of grinding, more precisely determining the final taste of the drink. Some people use a separate grinder, but many people like to put beans in one container, water in another, program the machine and leave. Experts often criticize this type of device, but users love it, and this is the most important thing.
- Coffee makers with thermos. These are the same drip machines, but without heating. Instead, the finished drink is contained in a thermos that keeps it hot for 2 hours, and sometimes much longer.longer. For those who decide which coffee machine to choose for the home, reviews recommend these models because they allow you to save aroma.
- Percolators. They are popular with people who want to quickly brew hot, strong coffee. They are easy to use and, although they lack functionality, they can be connected to a separate programmable timer so that the drink is ready by the time the owners wake up.
- Espresso machines. In addition to espresso, they allow you to make cappuccino, latte, americano and other drinks by adding water, milk and milk foam. Require the mandatory presence of a high-class coffee grinder with an adjustable degree of grinding. Must be exclusively of the pump type, since steam engines create pressure (1-3 bar) insufficient to make a quality drink.
What do you need to decide?
What should I pay attention to?
- Sizes. The new coffee maker is likely to feature prominently on the countertop. This means that it must match. If the kitchen is large, with enough free space, then size probably doesn't matter much. Otherwise, it is reasonable to pick up a tape measure before choosing a coffee machine. After that, you need to check the height, width and weight of the model to make sure that there is enough space and that it can be easily moved. Buyers of a 1-cup coffee maker should make sure it will fit their favorite cup, thermos mug, or other container.
- Capsules or ground coffee? Tablets and capsules are a convenient choice, but ground coffee is cheaper and, according to some, tastier. However, not all machines can use them. Individual models are limited not only by capsules, but also by their specific brand. Therefore, in order to decide which capsule coffee machine to choose, owner reviews are advised to calculate the costs. Some manufacturers, such as Keurig, allow you to use either ground coffee or capsules, but you will need to purchase a reusable filter cup in the former case. Therefore, before choosing a coffee machine, user reviews recommend finding a device that matches the user's preferences.
- Functionality. Coffee machines have one main function - making coffee, but some of them do much more. Additional features include auto-off, digital display, clock, taste setting, programmability and temperature control. But the more features a model has, the more it costs.
- What to cook? Whether you need a simple cup of black coffee or the ability to make just about any drink from a coffee shop menu, you can always find the right model. Some of them brew only hot coffee, while others are able to prepare glaze, cocoa, tea, cappuccino and much more. Those who are thinking about how to choose a coffee machine with a cappuccino maker for home should pay attention to universal models.
- Cleaning. A coffee maker can be easy to use, but no lessit is important that it is also easy to clean. Regular washing from splashes and scale prolongs the service life and preserves the quality of the drink. When deciding on the answer to the question of which automatic coffee machine to choose, it is better to look for a device with removable parts that can be washed in the dishwasher. If the device has parts that need to be cleaned manually, then it is worth reading user reviews to see if it is simple or not, if there are design defects that will leave the coffee maker dirty.
- Heated or thermos? Some consumers are unhappy if their morning drink doesn't literally burn their mouths, while others are content with a cup of warm coffee. How to choose a coffee machine in this case? The main difference is that in one case, the drink goes directly into the thermos, and in the other, into a glass jug heated from below. The thermos keeps coffee hot for an hour or more, eliminating the need for reheating. It provides the best flavor but usually costs more.
- Brewing time. Not all machines cook equally fast. Most 1-portion machines prepare the drink instantly, and, for example, drip, it takes several minutes. If time is precious or if you want to wake up to the smell of coffee, then you should pay attention to programmable devices. They allow you to pre-set the time of preparation of the drink. Also, before choosing a coffee machine, you should pay attention to the estimated brewing time.
- Additional accessories. Coffee makers may be sold with mugs, capsules or carousels fortheir storage. Some retailers offer a gift with purchase. When comparing models from different retailers, you need to pay attention to what exactly is included in the price.
- When to grind grains? Coffee grinders are available as stand-alone devices and as an integrated component of coffee machines. The latter are more convenient and take up less space, but purists often prefer the higher level of control that a separate grinder offers.
How to choose a coffee machine for home: necessary functions
The following are the main features of coffee machines, the need for which should be determined in advance:
- Capacity. While there are a few smaller 4-cup units available, most standard models can brew 8 to 12 cups at a time. However, even large coffee machines usually allow you to prepare smaller amounts of drink.
- Programming functions. Many models can be programmed to cook at specific times of the day. This is convenient for those who cannot completely wake up without a traditional cup of coffee. However, some machines prepare the drink so quickly that there is no need for such programming. There are also base-level models with limited functionality. In the latter case, the coffee maker can be connected to a separate timer. Before doing this, make sure that it is rated for the current drawn.
- Pause. If after pressing the brew button there is no time to wait for it to end, models with a pause function allow you to take a cup in the middle of the process, withoutspilling not a drop of drink.
- Auto power off. During the morning rush, it is very easy to forget to turn off the coffee machine. Many models have an auto shut-off feature that will either activate after a set period of time or at a user-selected interval, typically 1 to 4 hours after brewing.
- Water filters. Some coffee machines are equipped with carbon filters, which reduce the amount of chlorine and other impurities in tap water. If a particular model does not have it, then using filtered water will help improve the taste of the drink. But coffee makers work fine even without a filter installed. Reusable filters eliminate the need to constantly purchase paper filters, but require regular maintenance to avoid sediment buildup and bacterial growth.
- Long-term warranty. Most coffee makers come with a minimum one year warranty, but some models can be as long as 3 years. If you buy an expensive high-end car, you can expect 3-5 years.
Drip coffee makers
We can confidently say that of all kitchen appliances, coffee machines receive the most controversial ratings. For every adherent of a particular model, there is an opponent who claims that this is the worst device that he has ever de alt with. For every expert who gives the palm to one or another coffee maker, there are hundreds of owners who say that she only discourages drinking coffee. To choose the right coffee machine, reviews recommend relyingboth on the results of professional tests and on user ratings. Fortunately, despite the great differences, it is still possible to find a consensus.
Most drip-type coffee makers are self-contained and allow you to store coffee in a glass jug mounted on a heated stove. They keep the drink hot for 2 hours or so and then turn off. They are easy to use and clean and most make great coffee. As a rule, these are the cheapest models. Some people don't like to leave the glass jug warm as it changes the taste of the drink. Most experts scorn these coffee makers and recommend using only thermos versions.
However, they agree with users on which coffee machine to choose for the home. Reviews recommend Cuisinart DCC-3200 for 14 servings. It does an excellent job of preparing hot coffee, each subsequent cup of which remains as tasty as the first. The drink is brewed at the ideal temperature for maximum flavor extraction from the ground beans. The DCC-3200 has earned the title of the most popular glass jug coffee maker due to the quality of the drink. She is praised by the owners for making hot coffee that tastes like coffee shops.
The many convenient features of the Cuisinart DCC-3200 are another advantage of the model. The 24-hour programmable timer allows you to always drink hot coffee on time. The strength settings of the drink are distinct enough to feel the difference, although not all withagree with this. However, other features work great. It's the ability to pause to fill your cup, an easy-to-read clock that makes it easy to set the timer, and settings that keep coffee warm for up to 4 hours - 2 hours longer than most other models.
Braun BrewSense
This is another highly regarded model. According to reviews, it brews coffee no worse than gourmet machines, which cost 3 times more. The drink is very hot and very tasty. However, users have comments on ease of use. The water tank is difficult to access and is so dark that it is impossible to see the fill level, making it difficult to fill. The process is further complicated by the fact that the water tank is non-removable.
However, the Braun coffee machine is fully functional and has the simplest programmable timer. Many will also appreciate that the watch is clearly visible. The model allows you to cook up to 8 cups. Although the manufacturer calls the coffee machine compact, in fact, the Braun BrewSense has the same height (35 cm) as the Cuisinart DCC-3200, but takes up a slightly smaller area - 18x20 cm compared to the 23x23 cm Cuisinart.
Hamilton Beach 12-Cup 49467, Kenmore 12-Cup are also popular.
Coffee machines with grinders
True coffee aficionados love to have as much control over the brewing process as possible. And one of the best ways to do this is to grind the grains yourself. However, most prefer to use a model with a built-in coffee grinder. Such devices are not as appreciated by experts as other types of coffee machines, but they are popular among consumers. And those who own them are very passionate about them.
Cuisinart DGB-550BK is one of the best coffee grinder models out there and owners agree it makes a great fresh drink. Despite the complex design, users choose an automatic coffee machine because it is easy to use and clean, although it requires a little more attention and time. Some complain that the grinder can "spew" coffee onto the countertop. However, this will only happen if the user manual is not followed.
DGB-550BK has many functions, including pause, timer and auto-off. The coffee machine prepares 370 ml portions, but can also be adjusted to 1-4 cups.
A common problem with models of this type is their fragility. Many claim that they break after a few months of operation. The device is backed by a three-year warranty, but customer service leaves a lot to be desired.
Coffee makers with thermos
Once produced by only a few high-end companies, they have become a staple even with manufacturers focused on budget models. Coffee makers of this type are very similar to traditional drip coffee makers, but instead of a glass jug on a heating element that maintains the temperature of the drink, they use a specially designed thermos. It retains the taste of coffee better by keeping it warm for 2 or more hours. In addition, the thermos can be placed on the table ortake it outside - to keep the temperature, he does not need to stay in the machine.
Bonavita BV 1900TS is the most popular coffee maker of this type, loved by many experts and owners. The drink is brewed in the ideal temperature range - from 90 to 96 ° C, and something similar to a watering can is used to fully extract the aroma. Bonavita also has a pre-soak feature to degas the coffee before brewing. True, there is no pause function, so before drinking the first cup, you will have to wait until the cooking process is complete. However, it does not last long: cooking is completed after 7 minutes. Thermos keeps temperature for at least 2 hours, and often longer.
However, users complain about the design of the thermal jug. To use it, you must first remove the filter and then replace it with a cap. Coffee from a thermos pours slowly and sometimes leaks, so it is not practical to use it to replenish a container of water. Since the water tank is not removable, you will need another container to refill it.
Popular thermos models are OXO On 9-Cup, Technivorm Moccamaster KBGT and Mr. Coffee BVMC-PSTX91.
Electric percolator
Many will always associate the ritual of drinking coffee with the unique bubbling sound of an electric percolator. In their opinion, such models make the best drink, even if experts disagree with them. For those who like traditional coffee,prepared in a percolator, the owners highly recommend the Presto coffee maker. With its classic stainless steel construction and easy operation, it has received accolades from thousands of reviewers. The device is especially popular among those who like very hot and very strong drink. Longtime drip system users are impressed with how well it performs its function. The percolator is also very easy to use and clean.
Espresso machine with cappuccinatore
This type of device is designed to prepare small, concentrated portions, requiring skill, patience and money. Before choosing a coffee machine with a cappuccino maker, you need to decide on the pressure, because the quality of the espresso preparation, on the basis of which the cappuccino is made, and the degree of automation of the process depend on it.
The best are semi-automatic models with a pressure of 9 bar and above. There are also manual, automatic and super automatic espresso machines. The latter differ in that they take over all the processes of making coffee: from grinding to waste disposal. Steam and pressure require that the body of the device be made of stainless steel. The rotating steam wand allows better control of the amount and volume of foam. The removable water tank, the presence of a cup warmer and the possibility of using capsules are also noteworthy.
An inexpensive device to join the world of espresso machines is the semi-automatic Mr. Coffee CafeBarista. The pressure of 15 bar created by it allows you to achieve a rich aroma of the drink. The automatic cappuccinatore takes care of all your cappuccino and latte preparation. The water and milk containers are removable and easy to fill. In addition, the machine allows the use of capsules. The case is made of stainless steel and is also available in white and red.
Popular but more expensive options for cappuccinatore espresso machines are the DeLonghi Magnifica Super Machine and the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Semi Machine.
Which capsule coffee machine to choose for home?
Users have access to both 6-10 cup models and small 1-cup devices without a water tank - they have to be filled before each brewing. In addition, there are universal devices that can prepare a drink both from capsules and ground coffee. When deciding which coffee machine to choose - capsule or regular, you should remember that the first one, as a rule, is not designed to quench the thirst of a large group of people. Capsules cost at least 3 times as much and are often incompatible with a particular manufacturer's model, and are not recyclable or biodegradable.
For those who have not yet decided which capsule coffee machine to choose for their home, reviews recommend the inexpensive Mr. Coffee K-Cup created in partnership with Keurig. The collaboration allows you to use all types of Keurig capsules, original and 2.0, as well as ground coffee thanks to the included reusable filter.
Instead of the tradition alto lift the Keurig handle and install the capsule (or filter), the capsule compartment must be pulled out, inserted and pushed back. Then you need to pour up to 300 ml of water and press the brew button. The process takes 3-4 minutes, which is a bit long, but faster than the 10-minute cycle of a traditional drip coffee maker.
Keurig K15, Hamilton Beach 49981A, Black&Decker DCM18S, BUNN My Cafe MCU are also popular.
