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Choosing a coffee machine for your home may not be as easy as you think, especially if you want cafe-level coffee. Here are a few key things to consider when choosing a machine.
Type of Machine
Firstly, there are several types of coffee machines available, but there are four that you will most likely come across the most and be the most interested in.
Filter Coffee Machine
Whether you want a simple black coffee or a homemade macchiato, a filter coffee machine can do it. Simply put, they heat water and filter it through coffee grounds, collecting the filtered liquid below for your use. They are affordable, but potentially not versatile enough for many.
In short, if you just want a good cup of black coffee that you can flavor how you want, a filter coffee machine will do the trick.
Assisted Machine
An assisted machine is often also called an espresso machine. These involve grinding beans, placing them in a portafilter, and letting the coffee drip. These are far more advanced than many machines, and you will find the industrial versions in cafes.
They give you a lot more control over the coffee-making process, and with the multiple settings and added features, you can create almost all types of coffee in a matter of minutes.
Bean-to-Cup Machine
A bean-to-cup machine is almost the automated version of an assisted machine. They typically do everything from grinding the beans to frothing the milk for the final product. However, these machines are usually more expensive than others.
If you want a more hands-off machine that only requires you to put beans in it once a week, this type of machine is ideal for you.
Pod Machine
Pod machines are often seen as the preferred option for those who want a great cup of coffee with minimal effort. You put the pod in the machine, let it heat up, and the hot water drips through the pod; it’s quick and simple.
While they don’t have many settings, the pods themselves come in a variety of flavors and types of coffee, with some brands offering chai pods, hot chocolate pods, and even milk pods for a healthy dose of hot milk.
Settings
When choosing a coffee machine, knowing the features it offers can be what makes or breaks how often you use it. Settings will not only vary between different types of machines, but also within the same type of machine from different brands.
The settings the machine has will also impact the price. Therefore, it is essential to analyze these settings and decide if the price justifies them. If they do, you will need to consider whether to use all of them or if a simpler machine will do the job.
Ease-of-Use
One issue you may encounter is how easy or difficult it is to use the machine and make the perfect cup of coffee. For instance, a pod machine is very easy to use, but it may not produce the exact type of coffee you want, with the taste you desire.
On the other hand, an espresso machine has multiple components and factors to consider to get the right type of coffee, making it more confusing to get right. However, you have far more control over the cup of coffee you’re making, and can make slight adjustments to get it perfect.
Cleaning
Along with ease of use, it should be noted that how easy the machine is to clean properly should be considered as well. This will almost always come down to how much “disassembly” you can do in the event of a spill, overflow, etc. Be sure to ask a salesperson so you know how to clean it correctly.
Price
Coffee machines come in all shapes and sizes, and of course, prices. There are several factors that will influence the cost of the machine, and, simply put, it comes down to what you decide is the right price for cafe-level coffee in your home.
However, this is an area where you get what you pay for. Therefore, it is essential to remember that some machines aren’t expensive simply because of their brand, while others aren’t bad just because they are substantially cheaper, use cheaper materials, etc.
Running Costs
Another factor to consider is the running costs of your machine. Pod machines, for instance, can be expensive to buy, but the pods themselves can be inexpensive, and there are adapters available to make pods fit in machines they aren’t designed for.
On the other hand, bags of coffee beans can be expensive depending on the brand, and you do use a lot more than you may think. However, the coffee often tastes better and gives you a better drinking experience.
Noise
While not always an issue and one you may not care about, is the noise the machine makes. If you have ever been in a cafe, you have most certainly heard how loud a coffee machine can be.
However, it is essential to remember that almost every type of machine will make noise simply because of the job it is doing.
Added Features
Finally, always look to see what added features the machine has. For instance, pod machines will typically not do more than just make coffee, whereas some espresso machines will include a milk frother, grinder, etc.
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Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.
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