15 Gifts For The Coffee Machine Lover In Your Life
How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine The best home espresso machine can be a perfect fit for your kitchen and match your preferences for brewing. The most important aspects are capacity, size, and design. During our lab testing, this prosumer-level espresso maker impressed us with its speed and precision. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, powerfully steams milk, and produces fantastic 19-bar extractions. Pod (or capsule) machines If you are looking for speed and convenience of making coffee using pre-ground pods, a pod machine is an excellent choice. These machines eliminate the mess from brewing by eliminating the need for portafilters as well as complicated burr grinders, which must be cleaned regularly to eliminate coffee oils. They require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling water reservoirs is a good idea. However these types of brewers do have limitations. They typically 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 an issue if you stick to a specific brand of coffee but can be a problem if you are looking to try different brands. Another drawback of pod machines is that they usually have smaller water tanks and are generally less durable than bean-to-cup machines. They can also take longer to make. This isn't a problem if you are in a hurry in the morning, but it can be a problem if have a long day of work ahead. It is recommended to consider the size of your coffee bar before buying a pod machine, as some are slimmer than others and can fit in between other appliances on your counter. Also think about how much you're willing to spend and the beverage options you'd like to create. Our former director of ecommerce Louise keeps her intake of caffeine low-cost by using the Nespresso Vertuo Next. It allows her to make both long and short espresso shots, and includes a milk frother. This elegantly sleek pod-machine by Sage provides the best of both worlds: high-end technology and low-maintenance. It's not inexpensive, but it is a stylish addition to any kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design will make a statement on your counter. It can make five different drinks simply by pressing a button and each capsule is marked with a unique barcode on the side that the machine scans to decide on the beverage to serve. It's also a great option for sustainability enthusiasts as the used pods breakdown and decompose very quickly and the recyclable mug is an excellent feature. Manual Espresso Machines Manual machines can be a fun and hands-on method of learning the art of brewing espresso. They are more time-consuming than automated espresso machines however, if you have the patience and skills to work with them, they can make premium drinks that are tailored to your preferences. They are also generally more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers. They have designs that can withstand the rigors of use. Manual espresso machines are, however, not as user-friendly as automated espresso machines, and often lack precise temperature controls. It can be difficult to create consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The best manual espresso machines have a steep learning curves, and can be costly to purchase and maintain. If you are an avid coffee drinker who would like to learn more about manual Espresso, then try an espresso machine that has been designed to be a user-friendly. Some models have a built-in grinder and milk steamer, making them relatively easy to operate for those who are new to coffee. Certain models come with a removable reservoir that makes it easier to refill and clean. Some are also programmable, letting you decide the time for the brewing process before you wake up. Some manual espresso machines are quite large and would be a good option for larger families or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. When deciding on the size of your machine, you should think about how many people are going to be using it at the same time. If you have multiple roommates or family members who love to make espresso, consider getting a larger model with a bigger boiler. A few of the cheapest manual espresso machines come with an adjustable milk frother, which can automatically heat and froth milk to your preferred consistency. This type of machine works well for lattes, cappuccinos and is also suitable for those with sensitive teeth. It's important to note that this kind of machine may not be suitable for those who prefer a bigger cup of espresso since it makes less foam than other types of espresso makers. Automatic Espresso Machines In this category, you'll find fully automatic espresso machines that manage the entire brewing process from grinding to extraction. These machines are simple to use and require little maintenance, aside from cleaning and descaling. These are great for people who don't want to get their hands too dirty or have limited countertop space to accommodate a large coffee and espresso maker. These models tend to have Wi-Fi capability, so you can control the machine via your smartphone. All this automation and programmability can be expensive: These machines are more expensive than semi-automatics and manuals. One of our most favored automatic espresso makers is the snazzy Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek, aesthetically appealing machine that takes up the smallest amount of space on your counter. Plus, it gets 5 out of 5 on our user-friendliness ratings, which is second only to the Miele. It's a high-output model which can house three separate grinders and hoppers and you can choose the one you want to use from a touchscreen display. In addition to being easy to use, it's self-monitoring and calibrates itself automatically which means you won't have to worry about fiddling with the knob or pressing buttons. Another option is the Cuisinart Spinn. This small pill-shaped machine uses centrifugal forces to brew coffee, which is a different method than the traditional method of forcing water through the grounds. It can produce a variety of 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 scored the top spot in our ease-of-use ratings with an impressive 5. It's also small according to espresso maker standards, so it won't take up much room on your counter. It's worth experimenting with several different types of espresso machines to determine the one that suits your style and space as well as budget. Also, think about aesthetics. You'll want something that is compatible with your home decor and coffee cart. Don't forget to check the counter's size to ensure that the machine you choose will be able to fit. Pour-Over Machines If you're looking to make a cup of coffee that is completely controlled, a pour-over machine is a good choice. Pour-over machines such as the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex permit you to alter a variety of variables (coffee to ratio, filter, brewing time) which allows you to make a brew that is customized. They can produce more vivid aromas and flavors than drip machines. Pour-over brewers are engineered to produce top-quality results. They come with a thermometer that measures the temperature of the water to the closest degree, and a precise pressure gauge that informs you when the amount you want to pour water has been pour. They have a portafilter large enough to fit a standard coffee mug and offer enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray that you can pour your brew directly into your cup of coffee. The coffee makers also have charcoal filters which can be removed to eliminate impurities from the water. This is important since any coffee maker that has an inferior filter can create a bitter taste in your cup. Additionally, the top pour-over brewers are constructed of materials that are safe to wash in the dishwasher and that don't leak or hold onto coffee odors. A good pour-over is simple to clean and should be fun to use. The majority of models were easy to use and comfortable to hold in one hand. They also had the right size and form for a kitchen countertop. Some of the simpler models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are perfect for small spaces. inquiry , like the Melitta Cafe Filter, have a removable handle that makes it easier to lift and replace the filter. We also like the Philips 3200 Series, which comes with a built-in grinder and an intuitive display. The Philips 3200 Series can brew black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the press of a single button. It also has an attached steam wand to make lattes or cappuccinos. This model has a variety of settings that can be customized, including different beverage strengths and sizes. It can also begin the brewing process up to 24 hours in advance.