How To Choose The Right Coffee maker

DeLonghi ECAM 22110B

Choosing The Right Coffee Machine

From filter coffeemakers to traditional espresso machines, the range of coffee equipment available could be overwhelming. However, when you have just a little essential knowledge, you can easily navigate the world of espresso machines and get the right machine for you personally.

Not so long ago, making a cup of joe was no more complicated than deciding on your favourite label of instant coffee and boiling a kettle. How everything has changed! The proliferation of coffee shops throughout the world has made us all more particular in what we choose to drink. Not content with drinking lattes and cappuccinos in your local coffee shop, a terrific 20% of UK households now possess a coffee machine so we can enjoy our favourite creation in the home.

Kaffeevollautomat Test

So here is our simple to follow guide on how to select the right type of coffee machine for you personally.

There are a number of basic ways to make coffee, and according to your own preference, a few will be more suitable to you personally than others. Let's take some of the main types of coffee machine on the market.

Cafetiere

Without doubt the least expensive way to make 'proper' coffee, a cafetiere is a glass or plastic jug having a plunger mechanism built in. You merely add boiling water to the ground coffee you've used in the cafetiere, allow it to brew for a short time and then press documented on the plunger to push all the coffee grounds to the bottom. Easy!

For: Make decent coffee from about £10 upwards, portable, no energy needed (other than boiling water).

Against: You simply can't make espresso, latte or cappuccinos, similar to filter coffee makers.

Filter Coffee makers

Available for both businesses and homes, all filter espresso machines work in the same way. Cold water flows in the top, and then heated and dripped via a filter paper containing your ground coffee. The finished jug of coffee sits on a hotplate, keeping it warm to help you keep coming back for refills.

For: Simple to operate, coffee can be kept hot for a long time, low price of machines.

Against: You are able to only make one type of coffee - no espressos, lattes or cappuccinos. Filter coffee flavoured with syrups are not to everyone's taste.

Capsule Coffee Machines

Available from most Street department stores, there is now a tremendous range of great little machines to choose from. The coffee is pre-measured and packed in foil capsules that you place into the machine, and the rest is usually done at the touch of a button. They're commonly a doddle to clean and the coffee is frequently very good quality, especially if you've gone using a branded coffee including Lavazza.

For: Wide range of machines, make most varieties of coffee from espresso to lattes, an easy task to clean.

Against: You'll be able to only use your manufacturer's pods, and so they tend to be expensive.

Pump Espresso Machines

These are small, normally domestic, espresso machines that includes a high-pressure pump to generate an espresso that you can then use as the base for lots of other drinks including macchiatos, lattes and cappuccinos. Obtainable in High Street stores from around £100, though at this price don't expect a product that will last for years.

For: Come up with a wide range of espresso-based drinks, low price, not limited to a tiny range of coffee

Against: Reasonably priced machines can have short life spans, could be fiddly to clean

Traditional Espresso Machines

These are the larger commercial espresso machines you will recognise from Traditional coffee houses such as Costa and Starbucks. Meant to be used all day long and give many years of service, they may be expensive and bulky, making them unsuitable for domestic use. However, in recent years, some manufacturers make smaller slimline units that might be used at home, provided your pockets are deep enough. Please remember you'll need a grinder too.

For: This is one way coffee should be made, reliable and longer lasting machines

Against: Expensive, suited to commercial use

Bean To Cup Espresso machines

Bean to cup machines contain an integral grinder and espresso maker that are automated such that you can pour your beans within the top, press a control button and get an espresso straight into your cup. Which means no barista knowledge should be used and there's no need for an outside grinder, making them space efficient too. However, having my way through one box means there's more to travel wrong, particularly in cheaper machines where a number of the internal components are built down to a price.

For: Freshly ground coffee from one piece of kit, no barista knowledge needed

Against: More to travel wrong, can be fiddly to clean, cheap machines may be unreliable

Summary

Basically we appreciate that there are a great many other ways of making coffee not covered in this post, we've tried to make it simple. Some people we speak to are unaware of which type of machine matches them, and without a doubt many people have either made the wrong decision or gained poor advice, leaving them with a machine that's not well suited for their needs.

When choosing a piece of equipment, don't forget to also glance at the ease of cleaning, the warranty cover you will definately get, and how easy they're to use. Review websites and internet-based forums are a great supply of opinion from those who already have the equipment you may well be considering buying, so spend some time seeing what others before you decide to have experienced.

wheat field

ALL ORGANIC

We’ve farmed organic since the day we planted our first heirloom tomatoes over 30 years ago. It’s good for the land, and it’s great for you. 

Learn More >

wagon wheels

THE RIGHT WAY

There’s a lot of buzz about sustainable farming, and we couldn’t be happier. We’ve seen how much richer the soil is when we control weeds, pests and disease without toxic chemicals. We’re pretty sure it makes our harvest taste better, too. 

Learn More >

 

rasberrys

FARMED WITH LOVE

When we started to farm, it was just the two of us. Now we’ve got kids of our own and 10 employees who’ve become our extended family. We’re all here because we absolutely love what we do.

Learn More >