What To Look For In a New Coffee Machine
Buying a coffee machine can often be overwhelming. Especially when confronted with a range of additional features that you’re not quite sure how to use. But once you know what to look for, it can be easy to find the perfect coffee machine for you.
Here are some of the most important features to look for in a new coffee machine...
Espresso Vs. Pods
This is one of the first things to consider. There are a lot of different styles of coffee machines around. But the main styles are espresso and pod machines.
Pod machines are a more recent invention. And are very simple to use. You simply add a pre-packaged pod into the machine, close the lid, press a button, and the machine will make the coffee for you.
Espresso machines are a more traditional style. This involves filling a portafilter with ground coffee, inserting the portafilter into the machine, and then pressing a button. This causes water to be pushed through the coffee grounds to make an espresso shot.
Essentially, coffee pods bypass the need to fill a portafilter. They are efficient and make less mess. But they aren’t great for the environment. Unless you use a brand that has recyclable or compostable coffee pods.
The most popular coffee pod coffee machines are by Nespresso and Keurig. There are some interesting differences when it comes to Nespresso vs Keurig. And both have eco-friendly options. To know more, consider reading this Nespresso machine blog.
Summary
If you have a preference when it comes to coffee grounds, then it’s best to go with an espresso machine. This will allow you to use whichever type of coffee you prefer.
But, if that all seems like a lot of hassle, coffee pod machines are super quick and easy to use.
Milk Steamers and Frothers
Not every coffee machine comes with an attachment for steaming or frothing milk. And it is important to remember that these additional attachments will raise the price of the coffee machine.
Although there are variations, generally speaking, espresso machines will feature a steamer wand. And a pod coffee machine will have a milk frothing carafe.
A milk steamer requires a little more work than a carafe. To use a steamer wand, you will also need to invest in a metal jug. This will need to be filled with milk, the steamer wand added to the jug, and then held until the milk is fully frothed and hot.
With a milk carafe, you simply add in the milk and press a button. Then the coffee machine will froth the milk for you. And it will travel down through a tube into your coffee cup.
Summary
As with the pod coffee machine vs espresso machines, milk wands require more effort and potential mess than a carafe. But milk carafes can be difficult to clean. This is because the milk travels through the machine itself. Whereas with milk wands, only water and steam flows through it.
Additional Features
Coffee and milk are the two most important features to consider. But a lot of coffee machines will be more complex. These additional features can include grinders, cold brew settings, and making teas and other beverages.
These are not essential features. But they are interesting to consider. Especially if you enjoy drinking more than frothy coffee.
More sophisticated (and generally more expensive) coffee machines can have a wide range of settings. These will usually be for coffee machines that feature grinders and have milk carafes. This means that you will be able to simply press a button and the machine will make the perfect latte, cappuccino, or Americano.
Coffee grinders are a great additional feature if you enjoy really fresh coffee. But they are noisy and will add extra time to your coffee making process.
Summary
The most important features to be considered are using coffee grounds or coffee pods. And choosing a milk wand, a milk carafe, or neither.
Price is another important factor to consider. There are very few coffee machines that can be described as “cheap”. And coffee machines can reach several hundreds of dollars.
The most important thing to do is consider what you want to improve in the type of coffee you usually make. And find a coffee machine that will make this process more efficient and make the coffee taste better.
So, don’t be distracted by anything too complicated if you don’t really think you will use all of the settings. Make sure to buy a coffee machine that you will regularly use and get your money’s worth.
