Do you need a coffee machine? If you love coffee it’s not even a question. It’s really a question of “which model?” Yes, coffee lovers seriously love coffee, but get the right machine and we guarantee you’ll fall in love with that as well. So, which coffee machine is right for you? That’s the ultimate question.
It’s not easy buying a new coffee machine. Coffee drinking is more than a pastime. 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 spin like a double shot of espresso. There’s so much to get your head around before making an informed decision. That’s why we’re here to help with some need-to-know information.
What types of coffee do coffee machines make?
Between the various styles and functions, coffee machines will make pretty much whatever coffee you want to drink — espresso, cappuccino, americano, lungo, latte, or straight-up black. The trick is choosing a machine that’s capable of making coffee exactly as 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 contraptions that make espresso, lungo, or ristretto coffee with the push of a button. They use pods, which are packed with perfectly measured ground coffee beans. Just stick the pod in the machine and push the button for delicious coffee. These machines are compact and affordable, and easy to use. Buying pods can mean ongoing costs, but there’s a huge selection of flavours, blends, and strengths available.
Bean-to-cup machines — For those who like their coffee to feel a bit more authentic, the bean-to-cup machine is like having your own barista in the kitchen. Pop your beans in the grinder and adjust your settings. It works by blasting the beans with hot water to make a perfect cup of coffee. These are often bigger, pricier models.
Semi-automatic machines —The semi-automatic is somewhere between the above models. It gives you some control over the coffee-making process. It’s up to you to grind the coffee, load it up, and tamp. But once you press the button, it takes care of the pressure and temperature. You may also have some control over the water flow.
Keep these machines in mind when shopping, and you should be able to navigate your way to something that works for you.
What is bar pressure?
It’s worth learning the jargon, or you’ll soon get blinded for coffee-based science. A bar is a metric unit of pressure — so a way to measure the amount of pressure you put on coffee beans. The higher the pressure, the faster the coffee is extracted. Serious bean-heads (AKA coffee experts) will tell you that 9 bars is the optimum pressure for espresso, for instance. Though some machines go all the way up to 19.
What is a milk frother?
These are quite self-explanatory. It’s a little bonus contraption that froths up milk in just a few seconds, which you can add to your coffee for that more authentic coffee shop taste. It can be added to all types of coffee, from espresso and lungo to cappuccino and americano. Simple, yes. But the question is, does your new coffee machine come with a milk frother or do you need to buy one separately? Machines might come with a steam wand instead. These are a more traditional option. Simply add milk to a separate jug and then use the steam to froth up your milk.
What is the best coffee machine?
We’ll leave that question up to you and your tastebuds. Not to mention what best suits your kitchen and lifestyle. All we’ve done is grind our way through the internet and filter out some of the very best options for you to consider.
These are the best coffee machines in 2022.
