To enjoy an excellent espresso at any time of the day, at home or in the office, let’s see what the best coffee machines to buy are and how to choose according to your needs.
The coffee machine allows you to prepare an espresso, macchiato, or cappuccino with the same coffee quality in the home or office bar. For breakfast or a relaxing break, the coffee machine is the ideal solution for those searching for an appliance that allows you to prepare an excellent coffee quickly and easily.
There are currently many sales models; manual and automatic machines, machines requiring pods, and others instead of capsules.
The coffee machines produced for everyday use offer excellent coffee quality, and anyone who purchases a product of this type will finally have the convenience of making a coffee at home ” like the one made at the bar. ”
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How to choose a coffee machine: Types and Features
To choose the coffee machine that best suits our needs, it is necessary to know the models’ types and characteristics on the market.
The fundamental elements that characterize and determine the quality of coffee machines are four: a heat source, boiler, electric pump, and dispensing unit. The electric resistance supplies the heat source; the power of the resistance determines the heating speed and varies according to the boiler’s size.
The boiler keeps hot water and steam and can be of different materials and have different shapes and sizes depending on the machine’s model and determines the quality of the beverage’s heating. Finally, the electric pump is the instrument that determines the pressure with which the water is crushed against the coffee, and, usually, it is 9 Bar.
Finally, the dispensing group directly affects the water’s temperature and determines the coffee quality.
Normally, the machines produced for domestic use consist of a maximum of two dispensers, unlike the professional ones with many more.
Let’s examine the different types and characteristics to ensure we make the right choice.
Types
The coffee machines are divided into four main types: manual coffee machines, automatic coffee machines, coffee machines with pods, and coffee machines with capsules.
Manual coffee machine
The manual coffee machine reproduces the coffee machine in the bar in a more reduced form and requires ground coffee. If you opt for a model of this type, it is essential to choose the right mixture, thus ensuring an excellent coffee.
For this reason, it is advisable to consult the coffee we buy daily’s packaging and ensure it is compatible with the espresso machine.
The use of this machine does not entail particular difficulties: the removable arm is rotated to detach it, the desired quantity of coffee is inserted into the nozzle of the arm, the arm is reconnected to the machine, and the delivery is activated.
Some manual machines allow you to choose the coffee quantity to dispense. In contrast, you set the function (for example, long or short), and the machine stops automatically.
Among the advantages of these machines, there is certainly the economy (ground coffee costs less than capsules) and the possibility of choosing the quantity of coffee to use. But, on the other hand, these machines require more time and effort than models with capsules or pods.
Automatic coffee machine
An automatic coffee machine is a household appliance with complex mechanics and an integrated grain mill. This type of automatic espresso coffee machine offers fresh coffee every day, dosing and automatically pressing the coffee.
This model suits those who want coffee with an intense aroma and excellent quality. One aspect to remember is that machines of this type are usually placed in a rather high price range.
Coffee pod machine
The ESE coffee machine with pods (Easy Service Espresso) is a machine with an operation very similar to the manual machine’s. The only difference between these two machines is the sleeve, specifically designed to insert the pod instead of ground coffee in machines with pods.
The single-dose pods consist of a portion of defined coffee, usually 7 grams, while the coating is a paper wrapper of the standard size of 44 millimeters.
The main advantage of these machines is that it is unnecessary to dose or press the coffee. This facilitates and speeds up the preparation and cleaning of the appliance. Coffee machines with pods also offer to make beverages other than coffee, such as barley or ginseng, by purchasing the appropriate pods.
A further positive aspect is that the pods are biodegradable and easily disposed of in the wet. But unfortunately, the pods’ coffee is not always high quality, unlike the capsules.
Coffee machine with capsules
Today, coffee machines with capsules are among the best-selling models. They are efficient and easy to use and combine the practicality of single-dose quantities with the heating and cleaning system’s speed. The aluminum or plastic capsules guarantee the freshness and quality of the coffee, but, unlike the pods, it is necessary to pay attention to their disposal.
Remember that if it was necessary to take only the same company’s capsules until a few years ago, today, it is also possible to buy compatible capsules. One aspect to consider before buying a machine with capsules is the cost: if the machine body usually has a low price, the capsules can cost between $0.29 to $1.
These machine models are especially suitable for those who do not frequently consume coffee at home but always want a high-quality drink.
Design and Dimensions
The product’s size and structure are important to adapt to its place. There are coffee machines of very different colors and shapes, so the main aspects to consider are height, width, and depth.
Models with a minimal and compact design; others are characterized by vintage and more elegant styles. Pod and capsule machines are usually bulky, while automatic machines are larger.
Aesthetics mustn’t hinder functionality. However, it bears in mind the physical dimensions of the machine and the space that may require, for example, the arm’s movement.
Another aspect to consider regarding the machine’s structure is the distance between the base and the filter holder. Often, the machines are built to accommodate up to two espresso cups, but if you want to use larger cups, it is good to keep this element in mind.
Types of drinks
Coffee machines are also distinguished by the types of beverages they can prepare, that is:
- Espresso: any coffee machine model can prepare this drink.
- Cappuccino: The machine must have a special spout; it produces the steam necessary to make a creamy milk froth.
- Hot water: this possibility is offered by all coffee machines and is particularly useful for teas and herbal teas.
Additional functions
In addition to the possibility of preparing coffee and different beverages, the best models are also distinguished by the extra functions, among the main ones we have:
- Automatic switch-off: the machine switches off independently after a period of inactivity; in some models, you can set the time interval.
- Memory: This function makes it possible to memorize the preferred settings without entering them at each use.
- Rapid heating: the water is heated faster, thus reducing the preparation time.
- Coffee length adjustment: this function can be presented in two different modes. Some models offer the possibility of adjusting the supply’s length by pressing a button when you want to stop the coffee output. In other cases, instead of choosing between the predefined functions, long or short.
Maintenance and cleaning
Being a household appliance often used daily, and it is good to know the aspects that could affect practicality and comfort:
- Tank: the machines with a removable tank allow easier and more frequent cleaning.
- Drip tray: the base on which the rest of the cup is designed to collect any residues during preparation; it is good to evaluate not only the size of the surface of this element (the greater the surface, the greater the capacity) but also the possible possibility of washing it in the dishwasher.
- Milk foam spout: if the machine is equipped with this element, it is advisable always to wash the spout after each use.
The type of machine you choose also influences maintenance and cleaning: the manual models, which require powdered coffee, require more time than the pod or capsule machines. In general, it is recommended to constantly clean the coffee machine to ensure excellent performance over time.
It is also advisable to carry out a periodic decalcification operation (every 3-4 months), and several products suitable for this specific operation are available on the market.
The best coffee machines to buy
Below is the list of the best coffee machines selected for value for money with their main features and prices.
- Earn up to $200 cashback and receive two free bags of coffee beans when you purchase a...
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys...
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to...
- Make Your Favorite Espresso Coffee At Home: The CASABREWS coffee machine with milk frother...
- Professional 20 Bar Pressure System: Semi-Automatic 2-in-1 Espresso Maker, with 20 bar...
- Milk Frothing System: Our espresso machine with milk frother has a powerful steam wand, so...
- BARISTA PLUS TECHNOLOGY: The 19-bar pressure system delivers ultra-flavorful espresso with...
- COFFEEHOUSE DRINKS AT HOME: The built-in, fold-away frother allows you to create...
- BREW SINGLE-SERVE ESPRESSO: Choose your favorite espresso capsule and brew up to 3 styles:...
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before...
- Contemporary and Compact Design: The perfect addition to your modern kitchen counter top,...
- 15 BAR Pump: Guarantees the optimal pressure to extract a single or double espresso, so...
- Manual Milk Frother: Texture your milk with ease to create an authentic cappuccino, latte...
- 5 AROMATIC COFFEES: Enjoy your favorite coffees for special moments. Whether you crave an...
- INTUITIVE TOUCH DISPLAY: The irresistible taste and aroma of coffee from fresh beans is...
- PERFECT TEMPERATURE AND AROMA: The Aroma Extract system intelligently strikes the optimum...
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before...
- Enjoy the production of coffee: QJA professional espresso maker machine, quickly heated,...
- LED (display screen): Our advanced LED touch - screen interface is modern, refined and...
- With a 20 Bar pressure system: You can enjoy barista pro-style espresso in the comfort of...
- Easy to Make Hot and Iced Coffee: Single switch knob with indicator light for simple...
- Fast Brewing Technology: Advanced heating technology makes water quickly heat to the right...
- Powerful Steam Wand: High power 800W element for high pressure steam and faster heat up to...
- Make Your Favorite Espresso Coffee At Home: The CASABREWS coffee machine with milk frother...
- Professional 20 Bar Pressure System: A semi-Automatic 2-in-1 Espresso Maker with a 20 bar...
- Milk Frothing System: Our espresso machine with milk frother has a powerful steam wand...
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