If, until recently, the only coffee worthy of that name was the espresso, today, in an increasingly open world, it is no longer so. We finally realized that American coffee is just different from the one we’ve been used to and is now well-known and appreciated even by the most difficult palates or purists accustomed to the taste and flavor of one made with the coffee grinder.
American coffee is an excellent drink, ideal for enjoying any time of the day because caffeine concentration is considerably lower than our espresso. However, unlike the classic general coffee machine, it is not a coffee to fly in the morning.
Still, it is thought to be drunk slowly and accompany us until evening, and thanks to the special American coffee machines, it is also possible to drink it at homeownership. So let’s see how they work and the main features of models currently on the market.
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How does the American coffee machine work?
Preparing an American coffee is perhaps more like tea than an espresso. Operation is simple: the American coffee machine passes water through a filter and then through coffee, by a process called ” percolation ” (literally: the slow passage of a liquid through a porous mass). The result is so-called ” drip coffee, “known to us as American coffee.
American coffee machine: Typologies and Features
The first thing to do is to get a good American coffee machine and choose a quality coffee, a necessary condition (but not enough) to avoid drinking ” dirty water. ” That said, we see what the features to consider when buying an American coffee machine are:
- Filter basket and filter basket: First of all, make sure that there is a removable filter basket, allowing you to change the filter practically and quickly. Filters can be of two types: permanent, which should be cleaned after each use, and normally washed in the dishwasher; paper may have different shapes (cone or ” cake slice ” ) discarded after use. In both cases, a removable basket makes replacements much easier.
- Water container: Containers can be of different shapes, sizes, and materials. The best models have a graduated container, which indicates the number of remaining cups and is removable to fill easily, empty, and clean.
- Thermal carafe: As we have said, American coffee is consumed much slower than espresso. To prevent the water from getting too cold and becoming soaked, it is good that the coffee machine is equipped with a thermal carafe to keep the temperature constant and preserve the aroma of the coffee just made.
- Programmable timer: If you want to wake up in the morning with the good scent of coffee, you can choose a model with a programmable timer. You have to charge water and coffee in the evening and set the time to find a cup of American coffee to give you a good morning. Some of the best models also feature a self-switching feature that automatically extinguishes the components after some time.
- Coffee grinder: Some American coffee machine has an integrated grinder, which is not always easy to use or clean. A separate grinder can be more comfortable.
- Dimensions: One factor not to be overlooked is space. If you have little to do, opt for a side-by-side model that allows you to position a coffee machine so you can take up less space in depth.
How to choose an American coffee machine
Besides considering all the features listed in the previous paragraph, asking a few questions before buying an American coffee machine is good. For example, how much coffee do you drink? Is it a mug a day, or are you a liar consumer? Also, do you often invite friends who appreciate American coffee at home?
Depending on your answers, you can choose between two options. The first is an American coffee machine that serves a single cup at a time, better even if provided with a thermal cup to hold hot coffee or take with him in daily shifts. The second option is to buy a model that can simultaneously serve up to 10 or 12 cups (from 150 ml, no more).
The Best American Coffee Machine Quality/Price
Now that you have all the elements, you must choose the model that best suits your needs. Mr. Coffee, Cuisinart, Hamilton, and Black & Decker are some of the most popular brands.
After trying it, I thought the best American coffee machine was Mr. Coffee, both in taste and similarity to true American Coffee. That’s what we liked the most. Below is a list of the top 10 best-quality American coffee machines currently on the market, chosen for performance and proximity to the original drink’s authentic taste.
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Therefore, any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to purchasing any products.