How to Choose the Best Coffee Maker
Table of Contents
Coffee has made mornings more bearable since the 16th century. For many of us, it’s almost a rite. It helps us to clear up ourselves, get ahead, stay woke and take a break in our office routines.
To help us make the perfect brew, coffee machines have become essential objects. If you are a lover of cappuccinos, macchiato, or simply filtered coffee, there is for each case a machine that will make you the perfect coffee.
However, buying a coffee maker has become a complicated task. The variety of models that we find in the market makes it hard to know which one to choose. To know which machine is ideal for your lifestyle, first and foremost, you need to ask yourself some questions:
With this guide, you can buy the best coffee maker that is most adapted to your routine, your tastes, and, obviously, with the best value for money.
1. Editor’s Choice – Breville Café Roma Espresso Machine ESP8XL
2. Best Coffee Maker That Uses Capsules – Nestle Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi
3. Best High-end Coffee Maker – Jura S8
4. Best Low Budget Coffee Maker – De’Longhi EC155
5. Best for Professional Quality Coffee at Home – Breville BREBES920XL Dual Broiler
6. Best Coffee Machine With Grinder – Breville BES870XL Coffee Maker
7. Fastest and Most Easy to Use – De’Longhi La Specialista
8. Best Filter Coffee Maker – Keurig K-Duo
9. Best Manual Espresso Coffee Maker – Cuisinart EM-100C Coffee Maker
10. Most Versatile and Affordable Filter Coffee Maker – Hamilton Beach FlexBrew
The Breville product is very complete and stands out for its very good value for money and ease of use. The product has a beautiful appearance which comes from its particularly successful stainless steel design.
The grounds container is removable, as well as other parts for cleaning. The power delivered by the device is 1000 watts. With a pressure of 15 bars, the aromas of the ground coffee are well released during the percolation process.
Its water tank capacity is in accordance with the power delivered, at 1.2 L. You have a switch that you can set to espresso mode or milk frother mode. A 16-ounce stainless steel milk jug is also provided.
You also have two filters: one for making a single espresso, and one for making a double espresso. In the box, you will also find a measuring spoon that acts as a coffee press at the same time.
Do you want a device with perfectly dosed capsules for all kinds of hot drinks? Then go for the Nespresso Vertuo. Like all Nespresso machines, the Vertuo uses recyclable capsules. These can get expensive over time if you drink a lot of coffee, but they have the advantage of being easy to use.
This particular model can brew your coffee from capsules of different sizes. In total, five sizes are available, depending on the type of beverage you want.
Thanks to centrifugal extraction technology, the capsule rotates at a speed of 7000 rotations per minute. This creates perfectly brewed coffee with crema on top.
Plus, you don’t have to adjust any settings. Let your device warm-up for a few seconds, then press the single button. The barcode on the capsule is then read and the machine will adjust itself according to the contents.
Making the perfect coffee is an art in itself. With a device like the Jura S8, you are sure to have the best brew around. First of all, you should know that if you don’t feel like putting several thousand dollars in a coffee machine, you can forget about this one. On the other hand, know that the Jura S8 offers the best quality there is.
Fully automatic, it uses a unique technology called PEP, which means Pulse Extraction Process. Add to that the ten-ounce Aroma G3 Bean Grinder and this device allows you to have the perfect coffee every time.
Using its 4.3’’ or 10.9 cm touchscreen, you can select the mode of your choice. Eight coffee options are available to you, which makes for a good variety. You can also ask for a serving of hot or frothy milk or hot water.
If you prefer more control, it is possible to program your hot drink recipe yourself, either by adjusting the strength as well as the amount of milk or coffee. You can then redo this mixture by simply pressing a button.
Without being a fan, do you appreciate a good espresso, and you would like to have an efficient coffee machine without being prepared to devote a very large budget to it? The De’Longhi EC155 is a simple model, which just produces good quality coffee, and is usually available for less than $100 or thereabout.
Note that the device does not include a coffee grinder, neither directly integrated nor annex. If you want to use whole bean coffee, then you will have to grind it yourself separately.
Another detail to note before making your choice: the machine cannot accommodate a large cup, you will have to stick to a small model. Depending on your consumption and your taste, it can be unpleasant.
The pressure is 15 bars, a standard of coffee machines that ensures the release of aromas during percolation. The water tank can hold 1L of liquid. It’s okay, especially given the price of the device. It will simply be necessary to frequently add water to the coffeemaker.
Finally, a milk frother is present. The machine is also capable of producing espresso, but also cappuccinos and lattes of good quality.
Tired of tasteless espressos, and do you want to start your day with really tasty, perfectly extracted coffee? In this case, the best solution available to you is the purchase of a high-end coffee machine, similar to the models used in cafes. The Breville Dual Boiler could meet your requirements.
The first thing that you notice about this product is its design quality. The brushed stainless steel exterior, in addition to being elegant, ensures excellent durability. Breville also offers a 2-year warranty.
The name Dual Boiler comes from the two boiler systems. They are also made of stainless steel and provide precise water heating to within 1 ° C. Water and milk can be heated simultaneously. The Italian 15 Bar pump has a suppression valve: the maximum extraction pressure corresponds to the recommended value of 9 Bar. Your espresso is thus always tasty, with rich and subtle aromas.
You only tolerate exceptional coffee, and you know exactly how to go about achieving it, but you need the right machine? The Breville Barista BES870XL Coffee Maker should be right for you. It offers real control over the design of your coffee.
It takes less than a minute for this machine to produce exceptional coffee. You select your coffee beans, you place them in the dedicated container. With the powerful coffee grinder, the beans quickly transform to intense coffee.
The power of the heating system is 1600 watts and it has a 15 bar pressure. The tank for water is 2L and has a handle that makes it easy to grab to fill it again.
The best part about this machine is that it starts up quickly. Very quickly, even: it takes 1 second to turn on, and it is immediately usable. If you are often in a hurry in the morning, it is particularly comfortable.
Equipped with a grinder, you will be able to freshly grind your coffee beans, and have the thickness adjusted in 6 levels.
A filter holder is included. Packing is done in a single simple gesture: all you have to do is operate the dedicated lever. Hard to be more intuitive.
Do you appreciate coffee, but also tea and chocolate, and would you like to have a versatile coffee maker? The Keurig K-Duo will meet your requirements: it is easy to use but very functional model, intermediate between the ordinary filter coffee maker. It has a grinding system.
The great specificity of this model is that it has two modules. One lets you brew filter coffee, while the other lets you use capsules to directly fill a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea.
This hybrid operation implies a higher price than the average filter coffee maker, but this seems justified to us. Indeed, you also benefit from very good build quality and additional features.
The EM-100C stands out above all for its remarkable ease of use and will appeal to those who primarily want to save time and effort. However, as a rule, devices in the same price range, if not a little cheaper, have a bit more functionality than the EM-100C. However, it has other qualities, including efficiency.
Meanwhile, let’s stick to the points that may make you hesitate: the machine does not have a grinder. However, using the filter holder and the 3 filters included, you can brew espresso or a double espresso with ground coffee, and you can also use a capsule. It is ingenious, efficient, and well designed. It is a product without bisphenol A and in stainless steel.
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew f just a few setting options present, making it an attractive choice for coffee lovers on a budget. As for the preparation of coffee, utensils are provided allowing you to use both a capsule and your ground coffee. The space reserved for the mug or thermos is of a good size.
However, it was not designed to be compact, nor to be moved often. The general operation of the machine is super easy with no more than 3 buttons for control.
The features are there: you have a timer, the machine is programmable for 24 hours and has an automatic shut down after two hours, and you can adjust the coffee strength. This wealth of options is rather rare in this price range. Getting started is remarkably simple.
Here are common types of coffee makers. Each type has its own advantages and specialty. Choose them base on your preferences and needs.
Filter coffee machines work from top to bottom. Water is poured into a water tank on the top and is heated with a built-in heating device. Hot water then drips through a filter filled with ground coffee. Finally, the coffee leaves the filter into a pot at the bottom. Most machines have a heating plate at the bottom to keep the coffee hot.
Instead of making use of ground coffee beans, capsule coffee makers use pre-packed and sealed coffee capsules that contain ground coffee. The machine dissolves the capsules when inserted in it as hot water passes through them under certain pressure bars and eventually produces your cup of drink. These are machines with an easy-to-use capsule system that is gaining popularity around the world. And they could also be the new trend of types of homemade coffee makers. If you are a coffee or tea lover who loves having all that functionality, the capsule coffee machines will suit you. They usually cost over 200 dollars. Most models have a cup warmer and an integrated milk vaporizer tube so you can make a professional coffee.
If your taste is intense and strong coffee, then you should choose an espresso coffee machine. First, the water is heated to the perfect temperature for coffee at around 90°C before the brewing process begins.
These are for black coffee and espresso. Ground coffee is needed on one side and water on the other. As the water is heated and starts to boil, it is thrown up to where the coffee is located, which then finishes the filtering at the base. It takes longer than with a standard coffee machine, but the rich aroma makes waiting a while longer worth it.
Also known as French or piston coffee maker, this is not really a machine. But if you are new to making good coffee or you just want to do it occasionally, this is perfect to start with. Hot water is mixed with ground coffee, and then the pressure bar is pressed down. A filter will then separate the coffee from water and will be ready to be taken.
This type works with the thermoblock system. The water is heated up to 85-92 degrees (which is the ideal temperature to boil coffee without burning). Then a high-pressure pump forces the water through the coffee to get the foam and rich aroma.
This type is typically for espresso, cappuccino, and latte. The water is heated in a compartment, and when the pressure and irrigation are strong enough, it is forced to go through the coffee. In addition, it can also be used with milk.
This is a factor that you must take into account when choosing the best coffee maker. To decide on this, the first thing to ask yourself is what your needs are.
Do you have a large family? Do you want a coffee machine to make only espressos or a drip machine that provides you with a lot of coffee instantly? It all really comes down to the amount of coffee you like to brew.
For a family consisting of many members, the good option is to have a drip coffee maker or a plunger. These are easy to use and provide you with multiple cups of coffee at once. Foodies and couples may have more interest in buying a capsule coffee maker.
In the market, there are three models, the coffee machine for one cup, for three cups, and six cups. The 1-liter coffee makers provide 6 cups of coffee. The 1.25-liter types, 10 cups, and those of 1.5-liter, 12 cups.
In any case, opting for a larger capacity device will allow you to make the number of cups you want as long as you calibrate the amount of water and coffee.
Traditional coffee makers are mostly made of aluminum. They help the unit to reach the temperature quickly. But their maintenance is more complicated because they are fragile and less resistant to impact.
Besides, this material tends to peel off, and when it is very hot, there’s the risk of burning coffee.
In the market, there are also stainless steel coffee machines. These are more robust but slower than aluminum, although they keep the coffee hot without risk of altering its flavor and aroma.
Steel and ceramic coffee makers have a steel kettle and ceramic jug and are not only aesthetically beautiful but also produce excellent quality coffee.
Many coffee makers are also made of plastic, although of different qualities. More expensive plastics are better because they repel dust and require less cleaning.
There are mainly two types of coffee machines on the market: the pump-driven and the steam-powered ones.
The difference between these two machines is the way they produce pressure. The steam ones only produce about 2-4 bars of pressure while the pump machines can reach up to 9 bars of pressure, but they are more expensive.
The pressure bar is important, as it is required to make a good espresso. A good coffee machine should have a fine creamy golden layer that stays on top. The cream is an extract of pure coffee, which is rich in flavor.
To get a good cream, high pressure is a must, and you should choose pump-powered coffee makers if you want good quality and professional coffee.
The goal here is to keep the coffee warm. The models with jugs have a heating plate. If left for some time, the coffee acquires a stale taste.
There are also models with thermos jugs, although these thermal insulating jars keep the heat for only 4 hours.
As for the material, the most common design is that the thermos is made of plastic or stainless steel. With the latter, if they fall, they will not break.
Do you want a cup of coffee waiting for you at 6 o’clock every morning? When choosing a coffee maker, check for those with timers. This mechanism starts the device at a preset time.
It offers a relative advantage in the electric type. Without human intervention, the coffee-making process is done in 3, 4, or 5 min.
And thanks to the heating and temperature regulatory system, you wouldn’t have to worry about your caffeinated drinks getting cold. There is nothing like waking up and smelling the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
A durable machine will always be made of resistant and sturdy materials. If the coffee maker has a plastic handle, for example, it may burn or break if it does not have an aluminum core.
Traditional coffee makers certainly have a longer life than electric coffee makers. Those made of steel are also more durable when compared to those made of aluminum or ceramic materials which are more fragile.
A vital element in coffee making is the freshness of your grind. Once ground, your coffee will actually gradually lose its aromas. Manufacturers have worked on solutions to remedy this problem. And now, they offer coffee makers with an integrated grinder. Hence, you have a 2-in-1 coffee system.
This is a criterion to take into account when buying an electric filter coffee maker. This system is indeed the machine’s brewing system, which is neither more nor less than the central element of the coffee maker. It determines the quality of your extractions.
In general, the operation of the infusion system is fairly easy. At first, your coffee maker will start by heating the water that you have poured. Gradually, the heated water will go up until it reaches the infusion system. From there, it will be guided to the grind, on which it will flow over the grind. This is the moment when your coffee brews. The coffee will pass through the filter, and will end up in the jug.
The filter coffee maker is a device that has evolved. This is why there are different technologies and types of onboard brewing systems. These include the drip infusion, hand shower infusion, the Melitta® flavor selector and the Boil & Brew system.
Asides from the features mentioned above that a coffee maker must-have, these are also worth looking for:
The 10 products reviewed in this listicle are quality coffee makers that are perfect for normal filtered coffee fans, espresso lovers, lovers of latte art, and even cappuccino connoisseurs.
Those who want a filtered coffee maker and are Keurig fans will like the Keurig K-Duo. Those who like coffee art can make do with the Jura S8. The Breville BREBES920XL Dual Broiler is ideal for professionals. Meanwhile, our Editor’s Choice, the Breville Café Roma, is the most complete coffee system and stands out for its very good value for money.
The range of coffee makers on the market may leave you in limbo on which to choose. To choose the best coffee maker according to your needs and budget, focus on its capacity, the type of carafe, the type of filter, construction, and the functions (programmable, automatic stop, coffee intensity control, etc.).
If you’re looking for a new coffee maker, this guide will help you in selecting the best coffee maker for your tastes, needs, and budget. Happy buying!
This post was last modified on January 5, 2022 3:21 pm