Coffee and Espresso Makers

Definition

Today's coffee lovers are spoiled for choice, when it comes to selecting a machine for a strong Italian espresso or a light filtered coffee. But choosing the right coffee maker can sometimes be tricky, because there are so many different types of machines available.

Choosing your coffee maker

The type of machine

You should choose a machine that makes the right type of coffee for you. The most basic models are still drip brewers, in which the water simply flows through the coffee by gravity. These very popular machines are ideal for most people who prefer light or mild coffee.

Espresso lovers have a much broader selection of machines to choose from.

Coffee percolators occupy the top end of the range. These machines come as close as possible to professional coffee makers, but they are not particularly handy for anyone who fancies a quick coffee.

Pod machines have revolutionized this sector of the market by offering a broad selection of different coffees and strengths, and even other drinks, contained in an easy-to-use pod. But certain soft pod machines work at low pressures, making a drink that tastes more like filtered coffee than a real espresso. These machines can also make other types of beverages, such as tea or hot chocolate.

Machines that use rigid capsules make a quality espresso and the capsules, which can contain different drinks and doses, are easy to store.

Pressure

Pressure is a critical factor when it comes to making a good espresso. To make an espresso by the rules of the art, the water must flow through the coffee at a pressure of 10 bars. But the compactness of the coffee mix affects the working pressure of the machine, so a reasonably powerful pump is required in order to adapt the coffee maker to all types of preparations, especially since higher pressures have little effect on the taste of the drink.

The pressure and the power of a pump are almost unrelated, but since manufacturers only reveal the pressure of their pumps, this is the only parameter that can be taken into consideration. It is generally thought that a pressure of 15 bars is enough to adapt the machine to all types of preparations.

Coffee makers using rigid capsules sometimes work at higher pressures, a fact that makes no difference to the taste of your espresso, but enables the machine to generate enough pressure, irrespective of the dose in the pod.

Number of cups

Drip brewers can make several cups of coffee very quickly. This type of machine is ideal for families or groups of people who drink a lot of coffee. And the coffee can be kept warm for some time or even reheated directly by the machine.

Which coffee maker for which use?

Machines that use pods are clearly the most versatile option on the market today. Always check that the type of pod is available with the blend of coffee or the other drinks that you prefer. And do not forget to check that the pods are readily available, because some are harder to find than others.

If you are interested in an espresso machine, make sure that it works at a pressure above 10 bars.

Espresso lovers can always look into buying a coffee percolator. These range-topping machines are also available with more advanced functions, including built-in grinders or cappuccino nozzles.

But if you are simply after a decent coffee, then a drip brewer could be the best choice for you. They are cheaper and use ground coffee that costs much less than pods or capsules.