The best home coffee maker will match your brewing style and work well in your kitchen. The most important considerations are size capacity, design, and price.
During our lab testing the espresso maker that is a prosumer wowed us with its speed and precision. best coffee pod machine heats quickly and efficiently. It steams milk powerfully and produces excellent extractions at 19 bars.
Pod (or capsule) machines
A pod machine is the best choice if you want to make coffee quickly and efficiently with pre-ground pods. They take the messiest elements out of brewing, eliminating the need for expensive burr grinders as well as portafilters that need to be cleaned regularly to remove coffee oils. They also require less maintenance, with regular cleaning and decaling of reservoirs of water being an excellent idea.
However, these types of brewers have their limitations. They generally only work with a specific type of coffee pods, which are typically in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't a problem if you stick to a particular brand of coffee but can be a problem if you are looking to test various varieties.
The pod machines are less durable and have smaller water tanks. They also take longer to make. This might not be a problem if you are in a hurry in the morning, but it can be a problem if you have a long day of work ahead.
Think about the dimensions of your bar prior to purchasing a pod maker. Some are smaller and can be tucked away between other appliances. Consider how much you are willing to spend, and what beverages you would like to be able to make. Our former ecommerce editor Louise remains hydrated on a tight budget by using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to serve short or long espresso shots and comes with a handy milk frother for lattes.
This elegant, sleek pod-machine comes with high-end features and low-maintenance. It's not cheap, but it's a stylish addition to your kitchen and its sleek stainless steel design will be noticed on your worktop. It can make five different drinks with the press of a button. Each capsule is equipped with an underside barcode which is used by the machine to determine the beverage to be served. It's a great option for eco-conscious people, since the capsules break down and decompose rapidly. The reusable mug makes it a great choice.
Manual Espresso Machines
Manual machines can be a great, hands-on way to learn the art of making espresso. Manual espresso machines can be more time-consuming but they can also produce drinks of the highest quality. They are also more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers. They have designs that can stand up to the rigors of use.
Manual espresso machines are not as easy to use as automatic ones, however they're not as reliable, and often lack precise temperature control. This can make it challenging to create consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The best manual espresso machine has a an incline of learning that is steep and can be costly to purchase and maintain.
If you're interested in exploring the world of manual espresso, try an older model that was designed to be as user-friendly as you can. Some models come with a built-in milk steamer and grinder, making them easy to use for novice coffee drinkers. Some models come with a removable water reservoir which makes it easier to clean and refill. Some are also programmable that lets you set the start time of the brewing process before you get up.
Some manual espresso makers can be quite large, which makes them an ideal choice for larger households or coffee carts. Others are a bit smaller and require less counter space. When deciding on the size of your machine you should also think about how many people are going to be using it at the same time. If you have several roommates or family members who like to brew espresso, you might want to consider a larger model with a larger boiler.
Some of the most affordable espresso machines have a programmable frother that will automatically heat milk and then froth it to your desired consistency. This kind of machine is ideal to make cappuccinos or lattes as well as for those with sensitive teeth. This type of machine is not ideal for those who prefer more of a thicker espresso. It makes less foam.
Automatic Espresso Machines
In this category there are fully automated espresso machines that handle the entire process of brewing, from grinding to extraction. They are simple to operate and require minimal maintenance, aside from cleaning and descaling. They are ideal for those who don't like getting their hands too filthy or have limited countertop space for a full-sized espresso and coffee maker.
These models are more likely to have Wi-Fi capability, so you can control the machine from your smartphone. But all that automation and programmability comes at the price of a premium: You'll need to spend more money on these machines than semi-automatic and manual alternatives.
One of our favorite automatic espresso makers is the stylish Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek and aesthetically appealing machine that occupies the smallest amount of space on your counter, plus it gets 5 out of 5 in our user-friendliness ratings, which is second only to the Miele. It's a high-output unit with three different grinds and hoppers. You can pick which one you'd like to use with the touchscreen display. In addition to being easy to use, it's self-monitoring and self-calibrating, meaning you can forget the hassle of turning the knob or pressing buttons.
Another option in this category is the Cuisinart Spinn. The small, pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal force to brew coffee that is a different technique than the traditional method of forcing water through the grounds. It can produce various drinks, such as cappuccino and the latte, with just a little practice. We tested this machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it was awarded a top score in our ease-of-use ratings and scored 5 stars. It's also a teeny appliance by espresso maker standards, which means it's unlikely to take up a lot of space on your counter.
It's worth trying several different kinds of espresso machines to determine the one that fits your personal style and space as well as budget. Also, think about aesthetics. You'll want one that blends seamlessly with your decor and coffee cart. Also, don't forget to take measurements of your countertop to make sure your chosen machine will be a good fit.
Pour-Over Machines
Pour-over machines are a great option if you're looking to have total control over your coffee brewing. Pour-over devices such as the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex allow you to alter various variables (coffee to ratio, filter, brewing time) which allows the brewing process to be customized. They also tend to create more vivid aromas and flavors than automatic drip machines.
The best pour-over brewers can be used to get high-quality results. They feature a thermometer that reads water temperature to the nearest degree, and an accurate pressure gauge that informs you when the desired amount of water is pour. They have a portafilter big enough to hold the standard coffee mug and offer enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray to ensure you can pour your brew directly into your coffee cup.
The coffee makers also come with a charcoal filter which can be removed to remove impurities in the water. This is vital because a coffee maker with a low-quality filter will leave a bitter flavor in your cup. The best pour-over coffee makers are made from materials that can be cleaned in the dishwasher and do not retain or leak coffee odors.
A good pour-over brewer is easy to clean and it should also be a pleasure to use. The majority of models were easy to use and easy to hold with one hand. They also were the perfect dimensions and shape for a kitchen countertop. Some of the simpler models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are perfect for smaller spaces. Some, such as the Melitta Cafe filter have a handle that is removable, which allows you to remove and replace filters.
Philips 3200 Series is another model we like, as it has an intuitive display and an integrated grinder. It can brew espressos, Americanos, and black coffee with a push of a button. It also comes with an attached steam wand to make cappuccinos and lattes. This model comes with a range of settings that can be adjusted, including different sizes and strengths of the beverage. It can also begin making coffee up to 24 hours in advance.
