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How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine The ideal home espresso machine can be a perfect fit for your kitchen and complement your brewing preferences. The most important factors are capacity, size and design. During lab testing, this prosumer-level espresso maker wowed us by its speed and precision. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, powerfully steams milk, and produces excellent 19-bar extractions. Pod (or Capsule) Machines If you prefer the speed and convenience of making coffee from pre-ground pods, a pod maker is an excellent choice. These machines eliminate the mess from making coffee by removing the need for portafilters as well as complicated burr grinders, which must be cleaned regularly to eliminate coffee oils. They also typically require less maintenance, with regular cleaning and decaling of reservoirs of water an excellent idea. These brewers come with limitations, however. These brewers are limited to specific types of coffee pods, like K-Cups, Nespresso capsules or ESE (easy serve espresso). This isn't a problem if your coffee is of the same brand, but it can be a problem when you want to test a different variety. The other drawback to pod machines is that they tend to have a smaller water tank, and are generally less durable than bean-to-cup models. They can also be slower to make a cup, which might not be a problem for those who are in a hurry in the morning, but it could be a problem if you're preparing for a long day at work. Consider the size of your bar prior to purchasing a pod machine. best home coffee machine uk are slimmer and can be placed between other appliances. Consider how much you are willing to spend, and the kind of drinks you'd like to be able make. Our former editor in charge of e-commerce Louise stays caffeinated on a budget using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to dispense espresso shots of either length or short and comes with a handy milk frother for lattes. This sleek, elegant pod-machine is high-end features and low-maintenance. It's not cheap, but it is a stylish addition to any kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design will be noticed on your counter. It's capable of creating five different drinks with just pressing a button and each capsule is marked with an individual barcode on the underside that the machine reads to determine which drink to dispense. It's also a great option for those who are environmentally conscious since the pods used break down and decompose very quickly and the reusable mug is an excellent feature. Manual Espresso Machines For those who enjoy the craft of brewing espresso manual machines can offer an enjoyable, hands-on experience. Manual espresso machines are more time-consuming but they can also produce drinks of high quality. They are also typically more durable than other types of coffee brewers, with designs that can withstand the rigors of use. Manual espresso machines are not as simple to use as automatic ones, however they're not as reliable, and often lack precise temperature control. This makes it difficult to produce consistent, good-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine has a steep learning slope and is costly to buy and maintain. If you're looking to explore the world of manual espresso, you should try an updated machine that is designed to be as user-friendly as is possible. Some models come with an integrated milk steamer and grinder, making them easy to use for new coffee drinkers. Certain models come with an open reservoir that makes it easier to refill and clean. Some are programmable and allow you to set the time when the brewing cycle to start prior to waking. Some manual espresso machines are quite large and are a good option for larger households or coffee carts. Some are more compact and take up less counter space. When choosing the size of your machine you should also think about how many people are going to be using it at any one time. If you have a lot of family members or roommates who enjoy brewing espresso, think about getting an extra large model with a larger boiler. Some of the most affordable manual espresso machines include an adjustable milk frother, which can automatically heat and the milk to your desired consistency. This kind of machine is great to make cappuccinos or lattes and is also suitable for those with sensitive teeth. It is important to know that this kind of machine may not be suitable for those who prefer a bigger cup of espresso, as it produces less foam than other kinds of espresso makers. Automatic Espresso Machines This category comprises fully automated espresso machines, which handle the entire process of making espresso from grinding to extracting. These machines are easy to operate and require minimal maintenance, aside from cleaning and descaling. These are perfect for those who aren't keen on getting their hands dirty or have a small counter space to accommodate a full sized coffee and espresso machine. These models tend to have Wi-Fi capabilities, so you can control the machine using your smartphone. But all that automation and programmability is at the price of a premium: You'll need to pay more for these machines than semi-automatic and manual options. The Eveversys Cameo is one of our favorites automatic espresso makers. It's a sleek and aesthetically appealing machine that takes up the smallest amount of space on your counter. Plus, it scores 5 out of 5 on our ease-of-use ratings—second only to the Miele. It's a high-output model which can house three separate hoppers and grinders, and you can select which one to use from the touchscreen display. It's simple to use and has self-monitoring so you don't have to fiddle with knobs or buttons. Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. This small pill-shaped machine uses centrifugal forces to make coffee, which is a different method than the traditional method that involves pushing water through the grounds. With some practice, it can make various drinks like cappuccino or latte. We tried it at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, and it earned the top spot in our ratings for ease-of-use, scoring an impressive 5. It's also a teeny appliance by espresso maker standards, so it won't take up much room on your counter. It's worth exploring a few different types to find one that matches your style, budget, and available space. You should also consider the aesthetics. You'll want something that is compatible with your home decor, and even your coffee machine. Also, don't forget to take measurements of your countertop to make sure that the machine you pick will be a good fit. Pour-Over Machines Pour-over machines are an excellent alternative if you want complete control over your coffee brewing. Pour-over machines like the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex permit you to alter a variety of variables (coffee to ratio and filter time, brewing duration) and allow you to make a brew that is customized. They also tend to create more intense aromas and flavors than automatic drip machines. The best pour-over brewers allow you to produce top-quality results. They come with a thermometer that measures water temperature to the nearest degree, and a pressure gauge that informs you when the desired amount of brewed water has been put into the brewer. They have a portafilter large enough to fit a standard coffee mug and provide enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray so you can brew straight into your coffee cup. The coffee makers also come with a charcoal filter which can be removed to eliminate impurities from the water. This is vital, as the coffee maker with a low-quality filter will result in a bitter taste to your cup. Additionally, the top pour-over brewers are constructed of materials that are safe to wash in dishwashers and don't leak or hold on to coffee odors. A good pour-over should be easy to clean and should be enjoyable to use. Most models were easy to use and comfortable to hold in one hand. They also had the right dimensions and shape for a kitchen countertop. Some of the simpler models, like the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are perfect for small spaces. Some, like the Melitta Cafe filter, have a removable hand that makes it easier to lift and change the filters. We also like the Philips 3200 Series, which includes a built-in burr grinder and an intuitive display. It can make espresso, Americanos, and black coffee at the touch of a button. It also has an attached steam wand to make lattes and cappuccinos. The model also comes with various settings that can be customized, including different beverage sizes and strengths and it can begin making coffee up to 24 hours in advance of time.