Coffee is an important part of the morning routine. That's why the question of how to choose the right coffee machine is the 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 care, the type of coffee used (in tablets, capsules or in the form of ground), as well as options for drinks, the desired temperature and time of preparation.
Types of Coffee Makers
For those who are just starting to think about which coffee machine to choose, owners recommend that they start with a calculation of the volume consumed and the number of people served. Productivity defined in this way will significantly narrow your search. 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 designed for capsules, some can use ground coffee, while others can use both. Such machines, as a rule, work quickly - it takes less than a minute to prepare a cup. They are small and more suitable for kitchens with minimal free space.
- Coffee makers drip type. For those who are not sure which coffee machine to choose, reviews are recommended to stay with them. They allow you to cook several cups in a fairly short period of time. Ground coffee is placed in the filter, water is added to a separate container, heated, irrigated coffee, and the finished drink drips into a glass jug. A heating element is installed under the latter. He keeps the drink hot, usually for several hours. Drip machines can be either very simple, equipped only with a switch, or with a programmable timer, delayed start and brewing settings. Most of them have an automatic shutdown feature in case the user forgets to do this.
- Devices with a coffee grinder. Most buy ready-made ground coffee, which is available in a huge number of flavors and blends, but there are lovers who prefer to grind whole grains at home. The idea is that the fresher the coffee, the tastier it is. In addition, it allows you to adjust the degree of grinding, more accurately determining the final taste of the drink. Some people use a separate coffee grinder, but many people like to pour grain into one container, water into another, program the machine and leave. Experts often scold devices of this type, but users love them, and this is the most important thing.
- Coffee makers with a thermos. These are the same drip machines, but without heating. Instead, the finished drink is contained in a thermos, which keeps it hot for 2 hours, and sometimes much longer. For those who decide which coffee machine for home to choose, reviews recommend these particular models, because they allow you to save the 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 by the time the owners wake up, the drink was ready.
- Espresso machines. In addition to espresso, you can make cappuccino, latte, americano and other drinks by adding water, milk and milk foam. They require the presence of a high-class coffee grinder with an adjustable degree of grinding. They should be exclusively pump-type, as steam engines create pressure (1-3 bar), insufficient to prepare a quality drink.
What do you need to decide?
What is worth paying attention to?
- Sizes. The new coffee maker is likely to occupy a prominent place on the countertop. This means that she must comply with her. 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 there is enough space and the ability to easily move it. Buyers of a 1-serving coffee maker should make sure that it will contain your favorite cup, thermos mug or other vessel.
- Capsules or ground coffee? Pills 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 to capsules, but also to their specific brand. Therefore, in order to decide which capsule coffee machine to choose, owner reviews are advised to calculate costs. Some manufacturers, such as Keurig, allow you to use either ground coffee or a product in capsules, but in the first case you will need to purchase a reusable filter cup. 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 automatic shutdown, digital display, clock, taste setting, programmability and temperature control. But the more features a model has, the more it costs.
- What to cook? Regardless of whether you need a simple cup of black coffee or the ability to make almost any drink from the coffee shop menu, you can always find the right model. Some of them brew only hot coffee, while others are able to cook glace, cocoa, tea, cappuccino and much more. Those who are considering how to choose a coffee machine with a cappuccino machine for home should pay attention to universal models.
- Cleaning. The coffee maker may be easy to use, but it is equally important that it is also easy to clean. Regular washing from splashes and scale extends the service life and maintains the quality of the drink. When deciding on the answer to which automatic coffee machine to choose, it is better to look for a device with removable parts that can be washed in a dishwasher. If the device has parts that need to be cleaned manually, then you should read the user reviews to make sure it is simple or not, are there any design defects that make the coffee machine dirty.
- Heating or thermos? Some consumers are unhappy if their morning drink literally does not burn their mouth, 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 to the thermos, and in the other to the glass jug heated from below. Thermos keeps coffee hot for an hour or more, eliminating the need for heat. It provides the best taste, but usually costs more.
- Brewing time. Not all cars cook equally fast. Most 1-serving units prepare a drink instantly, but, for example, with a drip, it takes several minutes. If time is expensive or if you want to wake up from the smell of coffee, then you should pay attention to programmable devices. They allow you to pre-set the time for preparation of the drink. Also, before choosing a coffee machine, you should pay attention to the estimated brewing time.
- Additional accessories. Coffee makers can be sold with mugs, capsules or carousels for storage. Some retailers offer a gift with a purchase. Comparing models of different retailers, you need to pay attention to what exactly is included in the price.
- When to grind grain? 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 coffee grinder offers.
How to choose a coffee machine for home: necessary functions
The following are the basic functionalities of coffee machines, the need for which should be decided in advance:
- Capacity. Although several small devices are available for 4 cups, most standard models can cook from 8 to 12 cups at a time. However, even large coffee machines usually allow you to prepare smaller volumes of the drink.
- Programming functions. Many models can be programmed to cook at certain times of the day. This is convenient for those who cannot finally wake up without a traditional cup of coffee. However, some machines make the drink so fast that there is no need for such programming. There are also basic models with limited functionality. In the latter case, the coffee maker can be connected to a separate timer. Before this, make sure that it is designed for current consumption.
- Pause. If after pressing the brewing 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 without spilling 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 automatic shut-off function that works either after a certain period of time or in a user-selected interval, usually from 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 specific model does not have it, then using filtered water will help improve the taste of the drink. But coffee makers work just fine without a filter installed. Reusable filters eliminate the need for continuous paper filters, but require regular maintenance to avoid accumulation of sediment and bacterial growth.
- Long term warranty. Most coffee makers are offered with a minimum one-year warranty, but on some models it can reach 3 years. When buying an expensive car of the highest class, you can expect 3-5 years.
Drip Type Coffee Makers
We can confidently say that from all kitchen appliances, coffee machines receive the most conflicting assessments. For every adherent of a particular model, there is an adversary claiming that this is the worst device he has ever dealt with. For every expert who gives the palm to one or another coffee machine, there are hundreds of owners who say that it only discourages drinking coffee. To choose the right coffee machine, reviews recommend relying on both the results of professional tests and user ratings. Fortunately, despite the big differences, consensus can still be found.
Most drip 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 of them make great coffee. As a rule, these are the cheapest models. Some do not like to leave the glass jug heated, as this changes the taste of the drink. Most experts speak scornfully of such coffee makers, and recommend using only options with thermoses.
However, they agree with users on which coffee machine to choose for the home. Reviews recommend Cuisinart DCC-3200 for 14 servings. She copes with the preparation of hot coffee, each subsequent cup of which remains as tasty as the first. The drink is prepared at the ideal temperature, ensuring maximum extraction of aroma from ground grains. The DCC-3200 has earned the title of the most popular coffee maker with a glass jug due to the quality of the drink. Owners praise her for making hot coffee, which is comparable in taste to that made in the cafe.
The many convenient features of the Cuisinart DCC-3200 are another advantage of the model. A 24-hour programmable timer allows you to always drink hot coffee on time. The settings for the strength of the drink are clear enough so that you can feel the difference, although not everyone agrees. However, other features work just fine. This is an opportunity to pause work to fill your cup, easy to read hours, simplifying timer settings and settings that allow you to warm up coffee up to 4 hours - 2 hours longer than most other models.
Braun brewense
This is another highly regarded model. According to reviews, she 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. Access to the water tank is difficult, and it is so dark that it is impossible to see the filling level, which complicates its filling. The process is further complicated by the fact that the water tank is non-removable.
However, the Braun is fully functional and has the most easily programmable timer. Many will also appreciate that the watch is clearly visible. The model allows you to brew up to 8 cups. Although the manufacturer calls the coffee machine compact, in fact, Braun BrewSense has the same height (35 cm) as the Cuisinart DCC-3200, but it occupies a slightly smaller area - 18x20 cm compared to 23x23 cm Cuisinart.
Hamilton Beach 12-Cup 49467, Kenmore 12-Cup models are also popular.
Coffee machines with coffee grinders
True coffee aficionados love to have as much control as possible over the preparation of a drink. And one of the best ways to do this is to grind the grains yourself. However, most prefer to use a model with an integrated coffee grinder. Such devices are not as much 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.
The Cuisinart DGB-550BK is one of the best models with a coffee grinder, and owners agree that it makes a wonderful fresh drink. Despite the complex design, users choose an automatic coffee machine because it is easy to use and clean, although it takes a little more attention and time. Some complain that the coffee grinder can “spew” coffee on the countertop. However, this will only happen if you do not follow the user manual.
The DGB-550BK has many features, including pause, timer, and auto power off. The coffee machine prepares 370 ml servings, but can also be adjusted to 1-4 cups.
A common problem with models of this type is their fragility. Many argue that they break down after a few months of work. The device is protected by a three-year warranty, but customer service is poor.
Thermos Coffee Makers
Once produced by just a few high-end companies, they have become a staple product even among manufacturers focused on budget models. Coffee makers of this type are very similar to traditional drip, 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, keeping it warm for 2 or more hours. In addition, the thermos can be put on the table or taken outside - in order to maintain the temperature, it does not need to remain in the device.
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 for a more complete extraction of the aroma something like a watering can is used. Bonavita also has a pre-soak function for coffee to be degassed before brewing. True, there is no pause function, so before you drink the first cup, you have to wait until the cooking process is complete. However, it does not last long: cooking ends in 7 minutes. Thermos keeps the temperature for at least 2 hours, and often longer.
However, users complain about the design of the thermo jug. To use it, you must first remove the filter, and then replace it with a cover. Coffee from a thermos is poured 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, another container will be needed to replenish it.
Thermos models such as 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 do not agree with them. For those who like traditional percolator coffee, the owners highly recommend the Presto coffee machine.Thanks to its classic stainless steel construction and simple operation, it has received praise from thousands of reviewers. The device is especially popular among those who like a very hot and very strong drink. Long-term users of drip systems are impressed by how well it performs its function. The percolator is also very easy to use and clean.
Cappuccino Espresso Machine
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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 are distinguished by the fact that they take care of all the processes of making coffee: from grinding to waste disposal. Steam and pressure require the device to be made of stainless steel. A rotating steam tube allows you to better control the amount and volume of foam. A removable water tank, the presence of a heated cup and the possibility of using capsules are also worthy of attention.
An inexpensive device to join the world of espresso machines is the semi-automatic Mr. Coffee Café Barista. The pressure created by her 15 bar allows you to achieve a rich aroma of the drink. An automatic cappuccino machine takes care of all the cappuccino and latte processes. Water and milk tanks 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.
A popular but more expensive cappuccino espresso machine is the DeLonghi Magnifica supermachine and the Breville BES870XL Barista Express supermachine.
Which capsule coffee machine to choose for the home?
Users can use both models for 6-10 cups and small devices for 1 serving without a water tank - they have to be filled before each brewing. In addition, there are universal devices that can prepare a drink from both capsules and ground coffee. When deciding which coffee machine to choose - capsular or regular, you should remember that the first, as a rule, is not designed to quench the thirst of a large group of people. Capsules are at least 3 times more expensive and often incompatible with the model of a particular manufacturer, and also cannot be recycled or biodegradable.
For those who have not yet decided which capsule coffee machine to choose for the home, reviews recommend the inexpensive Mr. Coffee K-Cup, created in partnership with Keurig. 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 lifting the handle traditionally for Keurig and installing the capsule (or filter), it is necessary to extend the capsule compartment, insert it and push it back. Then you need to pour up to 300 ml of water and press the brewing button. The process takes 3-4 minutes, which is a little long, but faster than the 10-minute cycle of a traditional drip coffee maker.
Also popular are the models Keurig K15, Hamilton Beach 49981A, Black & Decker DCM18S, BUNN My Cafe MCU.