How To Choose A Coffee Machine
Many people love waking up to a specially brewed cup of coffee, as they begin their day for the delicious taste and aroma it has. More importantly, a good cup of coffee helps them feel fresh and active so that they can begin their day full of energy.
Similar to tea drinkers, just any cup of coffee won't do for coffee lovers as each of them has their own individual preferences. While some love it black and strong, others prefer to add a bit of milk to their coffee, for a creamy taste. One thing that all coffee lovers, however, will agree on is having the right coffee machine on hand to brew their favorite cup.
Why do people prefer a coffee machine?
Coffee machines are designed to grind the preferred beans, into a fine powder and then mix it in the desired ratio with milk and sugar if needed, for a personalized, awesome taste.
They also have many convenient features such as automatic timers that brew the cup of coffee, at a preset time so that you can have a steaming cup of coffee ready when you wake up.
Some other models even have an auto shut-off feature, along with the capacity to brew up to 12 cups at a time.
Given the huge variety of coffee makers available in the market, it may not be easy for you to decide the best model for you, unless you are well aware of the different features they have and the type of beverage they are designed to brew.
Our guide on how to choose a coffee maker shares a few details on the different types of coffee brews, the types of coffee makers available and how they could be useful to you.
Different ways you can brew your coffee
While some coffee drinkers may prefer their coffee black, with a bit of sugar many coffee lovers love experimenting with their brews and trying different methods and combinations till they are completely satisfied with its taste and flavor.
A. Filter Coffee
The most popular coffee drink, it is a very simple preparation that is made by adding coffee grounds to a pre-mix of hot milk and sugar. The concoction is then filtered to remove any insoluble coffee grounds, hence the name filter coffee. Quick to prepare, this brew is a favorite in households that prefer a strong and quick to prepare coffee.
B. French Press
One of the classic coffee preparations, this coffee is prepared in a small glass pot known as the French Press. The coffee beans and water are mixed in the jar and brewed for a few minutes, post which the French Press plunger is pressed to filter out the grounds and give you clear, flavourful coffee.
C. Espresso
Espressos and Cappuccinos became famous after the coffee culture was initiated in many countries by the arrival of companies specializing in coffee beverages. A strong drink, espressos are usually served black with the user then adding as much milk as he requires.
Cappuccinos are coffees that have more cream and are usually available in different flavors, that one can select from based on one's preferences. Choose the coffee beans on this website.
The different types of coffee makers you can select from
Coffee makers are crafted to create different types of brews as per your preferences. The most common types are;
A. Drip Coffee Makers
The simplest to use and most common coffee machines, they work on the basic principle of letting hot water pass through from the water tank to the filter basket which contains the coffee grounds and then into the coffee collection pot. The taste, sweetness, and strength of the coffee can easily be adjusted in this maker.
This is an ideal machine for those who like a simple cup of coffee in the morning without too much effort and frills.
B. Single Serve Pod Coffee Makers
A very compact and sleek looking coffee maker, these machines are loaded with features that allow you to customize your drink just the way you want it.
You can also use the beans you prefer in these coffee makers, as these machines accept all forms of beans and pods.
These machines are good for single serves and ideal for individuals who want a very distinctive and personalized taste from their coffee.
C. Cappuccino and Espresso Machines
These machines are designed for coffee lovers, who want much more than just a simple cup of coffee in the morning.
These highly sophisticated machines can easily brew up the best espressos and cappuccinos within minutes.
All one needs to create his favorite drink is to load the beans (preferably once a week), ensure the machine has enough milk and sugar and then press the button for the brew you prefer.
These machines are also preferred by offices, for the wide variety of brews they offer and the simplicity in using them. Here’s the list of best espresso machines under 1500.
D. Percolators
Simple coffee machines that are preferred by coffee connoisseurs worldwide, these machines are similar looking to electric pots. The coffee grounds are stored in a small chamber, with water being added to the pot, which is heated either using an electric power source or a gas top.
The brew in these coffee makers is heated for a preset time, depending on the strength of the brew desired.
How to choose a coffee machine
Now that one is aware of the different types of coffees and the machines available to prepare them, it would be easier to understand what differentiates them and what are the factors that one should look for while buying a coffee machine best suited for them. Some of the key factors we suggest you look up are;
A. The number of cups you can brew at one time
If you stay along or just with your partner then a small coffee maker which easily brews 1-2 cups of coffee within minutes should be ideal for you. Large families need to go in for a coffee maker with a higher brewing and water storage capacity so that you don't end up spending a huge amount of time in just brewing coffee.
Smaller machines are also easier to clean and maintain, while also costing substantially lesser than their counterparts.
B. The time taken to brew the coffee
While slower brewing machines would help produce tastier and more flavourful coffee, people in a hurry and who like to get going as soon as they wake up, may not have the patience for machines that take a lot of time to brew the coffee.
Ideally, look for a machine where you can adjust the brewing time so that you can set it as per your preferences.
C. The type of coffee it uses
Some machines are designed to work only with coffee grounds, while some work well with beans which are ground by the coffee maker as required. Coffee makers that use beans produce a more flavourful coffee based on the beans you are using.
These machines are usually preferred by espresso and cappuccino makers since they like their coffee to be more flavorsome and strong.
D. Ease of cleaning
While making a good cup of coffee that is flavorsome and rejuvenating to drink is easy with a good quality coffee maker, one also needs to be prepared with the chores of cleaning it after use so that the coffee maker remains hygienic and safe to use.
That's why the coffee maker must be easy to clean and maintain after every use, without too many hassles. Look for one that has a simple mechanism to open its jars and clean & dry them efficiently.
Enjoy your coffee, by getting the coffee maker best suited for you
Coffee lovers around the world appreciate the importance and role of coffee in giving them a winning start to their day, while also pleasing them with its freshness and taste. The satisfaction of brewing your cup of coffee in the morning is unrivaled and one of life's small pleasures that one should always take advantage of, whenever one has the time.
Getting a coffee maker, that will brew your favorite drink, just the way you like it is a very important exercise and one that should be undertaken by carefully studying all the different options available in the market, before buying the perfect one for you.
Knowing how to choose a coffee machine is half the task done correctly with the other half being getting expert advice from friends and associates who are using one since they would be able to share their personal experiences with you.