Do you need a coffee machine? If you like coffee, that’s not even a question. It’s really a question of “which model?” Yes, Coffee Lovers Seriously Love It coffee, but get the right machine and we guarantee you’ll fall in love with it too. So which coffee machine is right for you? This is the ultimate question.
It’s not easy to buy a new coffee machine. Drinking coffee is more than a hobby. It’s a whole subculture of specific tastes. Give it a quick google. The number of websites dedicated to coffee drinking will make your eyes roll like a double espresso. There are so many things to think about before making an informed decision. That’s why we’re here to help you with some must-have information.
What types of coffee do coffee machines make?
Between the different styles and functions, coffee machines will make just about any coffee you want to drink – espresso, cappuccino, americano, lungo, latte or pure black. The trick is to choose a machine that can make coffee just the way you like it.
What are the different types of coffee machine?
Whatever your taste or lifestyle, there’s a coffee machine for you:
Pod machines — Sometimes called capsule machines, these are automatic machines that brew espresso, lungo or ristretto coffee at the touch of a button. They use pods, which are packed with perfectly measured ground coffee beans. Just stick the pod in the machine and press the button for delicious coffee. These machines are compact and affordable, and easy to use. Purchasing pods can incur ongoing costs, but there is a huge selection of flavors, blends, and strengths available.
Grain machinery — For those who like their coffee to be a little more authentic, the bean to cup machine is like having your own barista in the kitchen. Put your beans in the grinder and adjust your settings. It works by puffing the beans with hot water to make a perfect cup of coffee. These are often larger and more expensive models.
Semi-automatic machines —The semi-automatic falls somewhere between the models above. This gives you some control over the coffee making process. It’s up to you to grind the coffee, fill it and tamp it. But once you press the button, it takes care of pressure and temperature. You can also have some control over the water flow.
Keep these machines in mind when shopping and you should be able to find something that works for you.
What is pressure in bar?
It’s worth learning the lingo, otherwise you’ll soon be blindsided by coffee-based science. A bar is a metric unit of pressure – so a way to measure the amount of pressure you put on the coffee beans. The higher the pressure, the faster the coffee is extracted. Serious bean heads (AKA coffee experts) will tell you that 9 bar is the optimal pressure for an espresso, for example. Although some machines go up to 19.
What is a milk frother?
These are pretty self-explanatory. It’s a bonus little contraption that froths milk in just seconds that you can add to your coffee for a more authentic coffee taste. It can be added to all types of coffee, from espresso and lungo to cappuccino and americano. Easy, yes. But the question is, does your new coffee machine come with a milk frother or do you have to buy one separately? Machines may come with a steam wand instead. This is a more traditional option. Simply add milk to a separate pitcher, then use the steam to froth your milk.
What is the best coffee machine?
We’ll leave that question to you and your taste buds. Not to mention what best suits your kitchen and your lifestyle. All we did was scour the internet and filter out some of the best options for you to consider.
These are the best coffee machines in 2022.