You’ll find an overwhelming range of coffee machines that vary in shapes and sizes. The tricky part is to find something that matches your taste.
Finding the best coffee machines depends on a variety of factors. Of course, you need to have enough budget for it and the type of coffee you prefer. You can find different models to provide you with certain degrees of control over the coffee-making process and the flavor.
Some coffee machines produce excellent espressos, while others can handle frothing quite well. Some models produce a cup of coffee without touching the machine.
Keep reading to find out everything to make the right decision!
Coffee Machine Types
Primarily, there are two types of coffee machines: automatic and semi-automatic. In terms of the coffee-making process, there are four further subcategories of coffee machines: pod/capsule coffee machines, bean-to-cup machines, ground-coffee machines, filter coffee machines.
Automatic coffee machines
These machines come with preset coffee recipes and have a touchscreen or buttons to choose from different coffee recipes. These machines are comfortable to use, but you are limited in terms of flavor.
Pros
- These machines are designed for convenience.
- Better suited for people who don’t have much coffee-making experience.
- Most of the features are automatic.
- Ready to use.
Cons
- You’re not in control of the coffee-making process.
Semi-automatic coffee machines
Semi-automatic coffee machines are designed to put you in control of your final cup. You can alter the pressure and temperature settings and even the coffee content in your shots. These machines are suitable for anyone who knows how to make a cup of coffee. But making coffee with them is time-consuming.
Pros
- Full control over your final cup and how it turns out.
- You can change the water temperature and pressure.
- Suitable for the people who know how to make a coffee.
Cons
- The coffee-making process is pretty lengthy.
- Not suitable for beginners.
Pod/Capsule Coffee Machines
These coffee machines come with ready-to-use coffee pods. If you are not looking to make a mess and don’t want to get stuck in your coffee-making process, this is the right option.
However, you are also limited to the type and flavor that a capsule or pod can produce for you. These pods are tough to recycle and can be very expensive.
Pros
- These machines are relatively compact.
- You can buy them at a low price.
- They make the coffee-making process simple.
- There are different flavors you can try too.
Cons
- These pods create waste that is not environmentally-friendly.
- You are limited to the flavors of these pods.
Bean-to-cup coffee machines
These machines allow you to use coffee beans and directly put them into the bean hopper for grinding. The machine will then make the coffee according to your requirements. If you are looking for the fresh coffee flavor that a machine can produce, this is the type you need to go for. These machines allow you to make different types of coffee, and they also come with a variety of features. You can use a diversity of coffee beans with these machines.
Pros
- These machines can grind beans for you on demand.
- They can automate the entire process.
- You can use a variety of coffee beans.
- Some of these models also come with various customizable settings.
- Some of them can make two different coffee drinks simultaneously.
Cons
- These machines are costly.
- Some machines are bulky in size.
- They are more prone to clogging.
- Grinding noise can be unbearable at times.
Ground-coffee machines
These are the machines that will look like the ones you will mostly find in the cafes. These machines provide you with more control over your coffee-making process. Ground-coffee machines are suitable for people who know how to make different types of coffee. They are not expensive, and their running cost is not much either.
Pros
- You can use any ground coffee with an adequate grind level.
- Some can also use ESE coffee pods to prevent mess.
- Cheaper running cost than pod coffee machines.
- You have more control over your final cup.
- Can make two different coffee beverages at the same time.
Cons
- The coffee-making process itself is length based on your experience.
- Requires more maintenance and manual use.
Filter coffee machines
There are further three types of filter coffee machines. A regular drip-brew machine can heat water and drip it over the ground coffee through a filter. Pour-over filter coffee machines pre-wet the coffee and then slowly pour water over those coffee grounds. Grind-and-Brew filter coffee machines grind the coffee beans immediately.
Pros
- These coffee machines can produce a great cup of coffee.
- Some of them allow you to grind and brew for a fresh flavor.
- These are available at different prices.
Cons
- They don’t come with any preset settings.
- There are not many customizable options available either.
Other Features to Consider
You also need to consider some other features when looking for the best coffee machines on the market. These are as follows:
Milk frothing
If you are a massive fan of milky coffee beverages like lattes and cappuccino, you will need to have this milk frother in your coffee machine. Some come with automatic frothing features, while others come with steam wands.
Memory function
Some models come with a preset setting that you can use whenever you make coffee and don’t need to set it again. You will get that perfect drink each time.
Capacity
If your coffee consumption is high, go for a machine that comes with at least a 1.5L water tank. It will prevent those frequent refills for sure.
Smart controls
Some machines come with smart controls these days, and you can connect them with your smartphone through an app. You can use your phone to control your machine for a delicious cup of coffee.
Maintenance
Also, make sure you go for a machine that is easy to descale and clean. Some machines can even alert you when it’s time to clean.
Conclusion
Coffee machines come in different types and styles. If you’re a barista, you’ll prefer control over your cup of coffee and appreciate semi-automatic machine. In contrast, a workaholic would love to have an automatic device.
You need to look for the best coffee machines according to your preferences and consumption patterns. You also need to look for the best machine in terms of what type of coffee it makes according to your choice. And of course, you have to mind the budget as well.