If money can’t buy happiness, it can definitely buy a cup of coffee. And, coffee can make you happy and inject a dragon’s blood into your veins. However, choosing the right coffee machine isn’t easy, especially if you don’t have a tad idea about them.
We have hundreds of options and a wide range of prices.
So, today, in this guide, we are going to reveal how to choose the best coffee machine for your home without burning the holes in your pocket.
The Latest Trends
When we opt for some product, we always ponder the latest trends.
But the coffee machine market is different. Although there is a constant surge in the coffee-drinking population worldwide and we have many new brands today, it is still linked with its roots – Brand Image. This factor always challenges the latest trends in this market.
For example,
People who buy the best NESPRESSO Machines always love to connect with the NESPRESSO brand, because it is famous for its personalized coffee options.
When you tell your colleagues you have a NESPRESSO machine, you instantly present yourself as a coffee lover who comprehends and admires the exclusive taste of coffee.
In case you are a technology lover and want something to complement your smart home, the trend report shows us that automatic models are selling more than semi-automatic and manual models, as people love convenience more than personalized options.
I’m not saying personalized options aren’t available in the new innovative machines.
Some innovative machines are great as well but you have to check which brand image they are presenting and how coffee lovers perceive their value.
What’s Your Lifestyle?
We all love coffee… It has become our lifestyle.
That’s why you need to know about your lifestyle too. Think how many cups you would drink in a day or in one sitting. Similarly, think about the lifestyle of your family members and ponder how many coffee cups they drink in a day.
It’s immensely important to know about these things.
Because if you have 4-5 family members and all of them love coffee, a machine like Single Serve Coffee Maker won’t be good.
Since it is for a single person and creates one cup only at a time.
This probably looks weird but it has its benefits. A Single Serve Coffee Maker reduces the coffee waste and guarantees a freshly-brewed coffee always.
For a small family, you need a Dual Coffee Maker. It is great for families or groups with different brewing needs, and it creates two different tastes at once as well.
Built-In VS Bench-Top
Here are some pros and cons that can help you in opting for the right model.
Built-In Coffee Machines
- They have more functions than a portable model.
- Almost every setting is customizable.
- They are made of high-quality material.
- They look more innovative and free up valuable countertop space.
- Some models also have automatic cleaning functions.
- They can provide hot water for tea and other recipes.
- Drawback: They are expensive because of so many internal functions.
Bench-Top Coffee Machines
- They brew immediately; they have a richer and sweeter flavor.
- They are versatile and now challenging commercial coffee machines.
- New models have a sleek and simple design.
- Premium bench-top versions also have a direct waterline plumbing option.
- They are often inexpensive, and the prices can be as low as $200.
- You can experiment with different tastes.
- Drawback: They can be bulky and take up a lot of space.
Manual VS Automatic
When it comes to choosing the right coffee machine for home or office, these two models (manual & automatic) often baffle people, as they don’t perceive the key differences between them, especially if they are purchasing it for the first time.
The first thing you need to do is to ask yourself some simple questions.
Do you like your coffee simple just to jumpstart your day, or do you prefer complex flavor profiles to satisfy your special mood?
“If you have a busy lifestyle and speed is important for you, choose automatic models. They consistently provide a good cup of coffee fast and also introduce you to a staggering variety of flavors.”
People who value convenience over flavor complexity should opt for automatic models.
“However, if you want a machine that can deal with the different densities of the flavors, you need a manual model.”
Since manual coffee machines handle even the most complex flavor profile quite well. They can also brew your coffee for as long as possible to achieve your desired flavor without degrading the foam.
Features to Consider
Here are some other important features you need to consider.
Filter… These days, most coffee machines come with permanent filters. The filter traps the coffee grounds and pulls out any debris from the water.
But we have some models that don’t use permanent filters at all, and some people love them too as they produce a richer coffee taste. Keep in mind that brewing coffee without a filter on a consistent basis is harmful. It introduces certain oil in the cups, known as “diterpenes”, which gradually leads to serious heart complications.
Frothing Capability… Make sure the product you are buying has the frothing capability. Sadly, some low-budget machines don’t come with a frother. They are unable to froth the pressurized milk. For that reason, their coffee doesn’t taste better either.
A machine with a frother injects air into the milk while heating it. This creates high-quality foam which you often notice on top of your coffee cup. It is creamy, dense, and fluffy. According to experts, the frother gives your standard coffee an upgrade. It makes your coffee look and taste like a professional coffee but in the comfort of your home.
Programmability… Investing in a programmable model is the best thing you can do. From programming the schedule up to 24 hours in advance to customizing temperature and strength, everything matters. The advanced programmability features can have your ideal cup of coffee ready for you when you wake up in the morning.
Fortunately, new innovative machines are so advanced that they know what each member of the family wants. They are a next-level system, but they do have a next-level price also.
Choosing the Right Coffee Machine – FAQs
Our experts have answered some of the most common questions about coffee machines.
Their answers will help you decide if the machine you are buying is right for you!
- Are coffee machines and espresso machines the same?
These two terms look and sound the same, but there is a difference. If a coffee machine isn’t espresso, it means it makes a simple cup of coffee. But if the machine is espresso, it will use pressure and steam to draw out the natural flavor of the beans… So, in other words, if you want the best taste out of the coffee beans, you need to opt for the espresso model.
- What is the “Tamping” method?
It is pertinent to tamp the coffee as it evenly distributes the water when the coffee is brewed. When the water doesn’t rush through the grounds easily, it extracts all great coffee flavors and gives you a bold taste and richer texture.
- What is a “THERMOBLOCK” feature?
This technology is actually used to manage brew and steam functions. It heats water as the water flows through it. The water that flows through this process is also known as brew water or steam water. But these days, THERMOCOIL is used more than THERMOBLOCK. Since THERMOCOIL heats up the water quicker and more evenly.
- Should I buy a used coffee machine for home?
I don’t recommend this for so many reasons. First, you don’t know about its maintenance history. Second, the upfront low cost definitely attracts a person, but the constant maintenance can be very time-consuming…. It is better to purchase a new machine as it comes with a warranty and saves you time and money in the long run. With the new machine, you don’t have to deal with the common machine malfunctions either.
- Can I use my coffee machine to boil water only?
Well, of course, you can. Many people do that for preparing hot chocolate, tea, etc. Bear in mind the water you get from the coffee machine is extremely hot, but it doesn’t reach its boiling point. The boiling water makes your coffee suck. For that reason, the coffee machines aren’t designed to heat the water enough to reach its boiling point.
Conclusion
Once you know what you want in your coffee machine, it becomes easy to opt for the best model. You can narrow down your choices and look for a product that meets your specific needs. If you are still confused and have some questions in mind, write to us and tell us what is more important to you. We will help you find what you are looking for.
We promise.