Buying a Coffee Machine
Buying a coffee machine can seem so simple but then you start looking. You are met with different styles, makes, pod machines, manual espresso machines and bean to cup. It can all get confusing and if you get it wrong it can not only cost you a lot of money but you can then tear your hair out with some of the worse after sales care we have ever experienced!
But, get it right and your life changes. Coffee the way you like it when you want it. And if you truly love coffee there is the experience of buying different beans and experimenting with what you like. So to get you to this place we have put together a short guide explaining what the different types of machines are in the market and who they best suit.
Pod Machines
We will start with these as they have become so popular. Essentially coffee is blended, roasted, ground and then sealed in capsules that stay fresh for up to 9 months. You pop the capsule in your machine, press the button and then you get your coffee. Its benefits are clear-there is no getting your head around how to use the damn thing, press a button and you are away. You have no mess, no spillage and if your space is tight they are very space efficient. If design is also your thing then you will also be impressed with how they look.
In addition many also produce tea and hot chocolate and many systems have a wide choice of coffees available.
But…beware each system is different so go for a pod system with a wide choice of machines and coffee flavours.
The pod suits people who want their coffee at home but who don’t want to do the barista thing. So if time and space is tight this may be the right thing for you.
Espresso Machines
If the idea of the pod leaves you cold because you fancy yourself as a barista then this is the type of machine for you. Many will look like smaller versions of the ones you see in coffee shops. Many are pressure machines, where the water is boiled in a chamber, this creates pressure and steam pushing the water through the ground coffee.
Essentially with these machines you load the coffee, tamper it down and manually pour in the water. If you want to froth your own milk you will also have a steam wand for that purpose. If frothing milk is important for you as you drink lattes then look out for a dual boiler machine. These will give you one boiler for the espresso and then one for the steam to froth the milk. Single boiler machines are cheaper but you have to wait for the machine to heat up the steamer after it has produced the espresso.
Two key features to look for in an espresso machine are consistent temperature control-it needs to be able to keep a temperature of between 90-96 degrees. Secondly you need consistent pressure, nine bars is seen by many as the way to make a great espresso. Pressure is pretty crucial as the steam needs to meet the coffee granules at the correct speed, too slow and your coffee will taste bitter.
So if you want to learn some of the basic barista techniques (and it will be trial and error) then these machines can produce excellent coffee. But some require space, will take time to learn and you will need to clear up spills and mess.
Bean to Cup
These machines are great if you want all of the advantages of the manual espresso machine but you want it all done for you. These machines have built in grinders and tampers, some will also produce your milk, although some will give you a manual steam wand. All you do is add water, milk and fill the coffee bean holder when it’s empty. Press a button and away you go.
It all depends on the involvement you want to have in making your coffee. Bean to cup is great if you want quality coffee but don’t really want to learn basic barista skills, either because you don’t have the time or are simply not interested.
Questions To Ask Before You Buy a Coffee Machine
What Do You Want The Machine To Do?
There is no point investing in a machine that is dual boiler for example if milk frothing isn’t important because you only drink black coffee. What coffee do you drink? Do you want a separate grinder? How many coffees will you drink in a day?
How Do You Want The Machine To Look?
Design is uppermost for some, less important to others. Most machines are now great looking but do be honest. The bright red shiny model may not meet your criteria but sure looks good. If that’s important then be honest with yourself.
What Counter Space Do You Have In Your Kitchen?
Measure up before you buy as you could end up with a machine that takes up all your food prep space.
How Much Do You Really Want To Do?
Us? We loved learning to grind, how to tamper to the right pressure, froth milk correctly. But that could also be your idea of a nightmare. Again, no right or wrong here. But there is no point in buying a manual espresso machine if you really don’t want to learn.
What Is Your Budget?
Try to be clear before you buy. We have all had the sales patter before and have got a little carried away. Buying a coffee machine that we couldn't really afford with wizzy features that didn’t matter to us. Try to set a budget and then get the best you can for that budget.