10 Startups Set To Change The Coffee Machine Industry For The Better
How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine
The best home coffee maker will complement your style of brewing and fit in your kitchen. The most important factors are capacity, size, and design.
This espresso maker for prosumers amazed us with its speed, precision and ease of use. The Sage Bambino heats quickly and efficiently. It steams milk vigorously and produces excellent extractions at 19 bars.
Pod (or capsule) machines
If you are looking for speed and ease of making coffee from pre-ground pods, a pod maker is a great option. These machines take the messy parts of brewing, eliminating the need for complex burr grinders and portafilters that need to be regularly cleaned free of coffee oils. These machines require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling of the reservoirs of water is a good idea.
However these types of brewers do have limitations. They typically only work with certain types of coffee pod, usually in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't an issue if you stick to a particular brand of coffee but could be a problem if are looking to try different brands.
The pod machines are less durable and come with smaller water tanks. They also take longer to make. This may not be a problem if you are working in a hurry in the morning, but it can be a problem when you have a long day of work ahead.
We recommend that you consider the size of your coffee bar prior to buying a pod machine, since some are more compact than others and can fit in between other appliances on your counter. Think about how much you're willing to spend and what drinks you would like to be able make. Our former ecommerce editor Louise keeps her caffeine intake on a budget using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to serve espresso shots that are either long or short and includes an efficient milk frother for lattes.
This sleek, elegant pod-machine offers high-end features and low-maintenance. It's not cheap but it's a chic addition to any kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design will stand out on your counter. It's capable of making five different drinks simply by pressing a button. Each capsule has an unique barcode on its side that the machine scans to decide which beverage to serve. It's a great choice for sustainability enthusiasts, as the capsules break down and decompose rapidly. The reusable mug makes it a great choice.
Manual Espresso Machines
Manual machines can be a fun, hands-on way to learn the art of brewing espresso. They are more time-consuming than automatic espresso machines, but if you've got the patience and ability to work with them, they can make premium drinks that are tailored to your tastes. They are also typically more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers. They have designs that can withstand the rigors of use.
Manual espresso machines are not as simple to use as automated ones, they're not as reliable, and often lack precise temperature control. It can be difficult to create consistently high-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine has an incline of learning that is steep and can be costly to purchase and maintain.
If you are a coffee lover who wants to explore the world of manual Espresso, then you should consider the machine designed to be easy to use. Some models come with a built-in grinder as well as a milk steamer, making them a breeze to operate for those who are new to coffee. Some models have a reservoir that is removable, making it easier to refill and clean. Others are programmable that lets you decide the time for the brewing process before you wake up.
Some manual espresso machines are quite large and would be an ideal option for larger families or coffee carts. Others are smaller and require less counter space. Think about how many people you are planning to serve at one time when deciding on the size of your machine, as well. If you have several roommates or family members who like to brew espresso, consider getting a larger machine with a larger boiler.
The most affordable espresso machines have an adjustable frother that will automatically heat milk and froth it to your desired consistency. This kind of machine is perfect for making cappuccinos and latte and is also suitable for those who have sensitive teeth. It's important to remember that this kind of machine might not be suitable for those who prefer a more substantial cup of espresso, since it produces less foam than other types of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
In this category, you'll find fully automatic espresso machines that control the entire brewing process from grinding to extraction. They feature user-friendly interfaces and require only minimal maintenance, other than routine cleaning and descaling. They are great for people who don't like to get their hands dirty or have limited counter space to accommodate a full sized coffee and espresso machine.
The top models can be programmed and have settings for different drinks that can be saved into "user profiles." They're also more likely to be Wi-Fi compatible which means you can control them using your smartphone. But all that automation and programmability is at the price of a premium: You'll need to pay more for these machines than semi-automatic and manual options.
One of our most favored automatic espresso makers is the sleek Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek, visually pleasing machine that takes up little space on your counter. It also ranks 5 out of 5 in our rating for ease of use, second only to Miele. It's a high output model that can accommodate three separate grinders and hoppers, and you can select which one you'd like to use by using a touchscreen display. It's not only easy to use, it's also self-monitoring and automatically calibrates itself which means you won't have to worry about fiddling with a knob or pressing buttons.
Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. The small, pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal forces to brew coffee that is a different approach to the traditional method of pushing water through the grounds. With a little practice, it can produce various drinks, such as cappuccino or the latte. We tried it at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it scored the top spot in our user-friendliness ratings with an impressive 5. It's also a teeny appliance according to espresso maker standards, which means it's unlikely to take up a lot of room on your counter.
It's worth experimenting with several different kinds to find one that fits your preferences, budget, and space. Also, think about aesthetics. You'll want something that fits seamlessly with your decor and coffee cart. Don't forget to measure your countertop to make sure your chosen machine will be a good fit.
Pour-Over Machines
If you're looking to make your coffee that is completely controlled the pour-over machine is an excellent option. Manual pour-over devices such as the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60, allow you to adjust a variety of variables (coffee grounds to ratio of water and filter type and the brewing time) for a personalized brew. They can produce more intense aromas and flavors than drip machines.
The top pour-over brewers allow you to get top-quality results. They have a thermometer which reads water temperature to the nearest degree, and a precise pressure gauge that informs you when the desired amount of water is put into the brewer. They have a portafilter large enough to fit a standard coffee mug and provide enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray that you can brew straight into your cup of coffee.
The coffee makers also have a charcoal filter which can be removed to eliminate impurities in the water. This is vital because a coffee maker with poor quality filters will create a bitter taste in your cup. In addition, the best pour-over brewers are constructed of materials that are safe to wash in dishwashers and won't leak or retain coffee odors.
A good pour-over should be easy to clean and enjoyable to use. We found that the majority of the models we tested were easy to hold in one hand, and they were of the right dimensions and shape for the kitchen counter.
Click To See More of the most basic models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are perfect for small spaces. Others, like the Melitta Cafe Filter come with a handle that is removable, which makes it easier to lift and change the filter.
We also love the Philips 3200 Series, which includes a built-in burr grinder as well as a simple display. The Philips 3200 Series can brew black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the press of a single button. It also has steam wands that can be used for cappuccinos or lattes. The model comes with a variety of settings that can be adjusted, including various sizes and strengths for beverages. It is also able to start making coffee up to 24 hours in advance.