15 Gifts For The Coffee Machine Lover In Your Life
How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best home coffee machine will complement your style of brewing and work well in your kitchen. The most important factors are capacity, size, and design.
During lab testing the espresso maker that is a prosumer wowed us with its speed and accuracy. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, effectively steaming milk, and makes excellent 19-bar extractions.
Pod (or Capsule) Machines
A pod machine is the ideal choice if you want to make coffee quickly and efficiently using pre-ground pods. They eliminate the mess of making coffee by removing the need for portafilters as well as complicated burr grinders, which must be cleaned frequently to remove coffee oils. They also generally require less maintenance, making regular cleaning and decaling of reservoirs of water is a good idea.
However these brewers have their limitations. They are generally only compatible with a specific type of coffee pod, usually in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't an issue if the coffee is the same brand, but it can be a problem if want to experiment with different types of coffee.
The other drawback to pod machines is that they usually have a smaller water tank, and are often less durable than bean-to cup models. They can also take longer to brew. This isn't an issue if you're trying to get ready in the morning, but it can be a problem if have a long workday ahead.
It is recommended to consider the size of your coffee bar prior to buying a pod machine, since some are more compact than others and will fit within the space of other appliances on your counter. Think about how much you're willing to spend and the kind of drinks you'd like to be able to make. Our former ecommerce director Louise keeps her caffeine intake affordable with the Nespresso Vertuo Next. It allows her to make both long and short espresso shots and comes with milk frother.
This elegant, sleek pod-machine comes with both high-spec and low maintenance. It's not expensive, but it's a elegant addition to your kitchen and its slick stainless steel design will make a statement on your kitchen counter. It can make five distinct drinks with the push of one button. Each capsule is equipped with an underside barcode, which the machine uses to determine the drink to be served. It's a great choice for eco-conscious people, since the capsules break down and decompose rapidly. The reusable mug makes it a good option.
Manual Espresso Machines
Manual machines can be a great and hands-on method of learning the art of making espresso. They are more time-consuming than automatic espresso machines, but if you have the patience and ability to work with them, they can make top-quality drinks that are customized to your preferences. They are also generally more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers, and have designs that can withstand the rigors of use.
Manual espresso machines however, aren't as user-friendly as automatic espresso machines, and typically lack precise temperature controls. This can make it difficult to make consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The top manual espresso machines have an extensive learning curve and they can be costly to purchase and maintain.
If you're a coffee lover keen to discover the world of manual espresso, consider an older model that was designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Some models come with a built-in grinder as well as a steamer for milk, making them relatively easy to operate for new coffee drinkers. Some models have a water reservoir that is removable, which can make it easier to clean and refill. Some are also programmable and allow you to set the start time of the brew cycle before you wake up.
Some manual espresso makers can be large, making them ideal for larger households or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. When deciding on the size of your machine you should consider how many people will be using it at once. If you have multiple roommates or family members who like to brew espresso, you might want to consider a larger model with a larger boiler.
The most affordable manual espresso machines come with an adjustable milk frother, which can automatically heat and frother milk to your preferred consistency. This type of machine is ideal for making cappuccinos and lattes and is also suitable for those with sensitive teeth. This type of machine isn't suitable for those who like a thicker cup of espresso. It makes less foam.
Automatic Espresso Machines
In this category you'll find fully automated espresso machines that control the entire process of brewing, from grinding to extraction. They are simple to use and require little maintenance, aside from cleaning and descaling. They are ideal for those who don't want to get their hands dirty or have limited counter space for a full size espresso and coffee machine.
These models tend to have Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can control the machine from your smartphone. However, all that automation and programmability is at a premium: Expect to spend more money on these machines than semi-automatic and manual alternatives.
The Eveversys Cameo is one of our top automatic espresso makers. It's a sleek and visually appealing machine that takes up only a small amount of space on your counter. Plus, it ranks 5/5 in our ease-of-use ratings--second only to the Miele. It's a high-output machine that comes with three different grinds and hoppers. You can select which one you'd like to use by using the touchscreen display. It's user-friendly and has self-monitoring so you don't need to mess with knobs or buttons.
Another option is the Cuisinart Spinn. The small, pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal forces to make coffee that is a different method than the traditional method of forcing water through grounds. With some practice, it's able to make a variety drinks like cappuccino or latte. We tested the machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, and it earned the highest score in our ratings for ease-of-use with 5 stars. This machine is also small in comparison to espresso maker specifications. It doesn't require much space on your counter.
It's worth exploring various types to find one that fits your taste, budget and space. You should also think about the aesthetics. You'll want something that blends in with your home decor, and also your coffee cart. Don't forget to check the counter's size to ensure your machine will be able to fit.
Pour-Over Machines
If you're looking to make a cup of coffee in complete control, a pour-over machine is a good option. Pour-over devices such as the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex allow you to alter various variables (coffee to ratio filter, brewing time, etc.) which allows for a customized brew. They tend to produce more vibrant flavors and aromas than drip machines.
Pour-over brewers are designed to deliver high-quality results. They have a thermometer which reads water temperature to the nearest degree, and they have an accurate pressure gauge that informs you when the required amount of water has been poured. They also have a big enough portafilter to accommodate a regular coffee mug, and they offer sufficient space between the portafilter and the drip tray so you can brew directly into your coffee mug.
They also come with a replaceable charcoal filter to remove impurities from the water, which is essential because coffee makers with filters that are not of high-quality can create a bitter taste in your cup. Additionally, the top pour-over brewers are made of materials that are safe to wash in dishwashers and that don't leak or hold onto coffee smells.
A good pour-over is easy to clean and enjoyable to use. The majority of models were simple to use and easy to hold in one hand. They also were the perfect size and form for a kitchen countertop. Some of the most basic models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are ideal for small spaces. best coffee machine with grinder , like the Melitta Cafe filter have a removable handle that makes it easier to lift and replace the filter.
We also love the Philips 3200 Series, which includes a built-in burr grinder and an intuitive display. The Philips 3200 Series can make black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the touch of a button. It also comes with steam wands that can be used for cappuccinos or lattes. This model also has various settings that can be customized, including different beverage sizes and strength, and it can start brewing up to 24 hours in advance of time.