How to choose a coffee machine for home and office - expert reviews

When choosing a coffee machine for home or office should pay attention to the type, characteristics and functionality of the device.

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1. Characteristics that are worth paying attention to
2. Types of coffee machines
3. What kind of coffee machine to choose
4. Main selection criteria
5. Additional functions of coffee machines
6. How much is a coffee machine
7. The best manufacturers of coffee machines - which company to choose
8. Video on the choice of coffee machines

How to choose a coffee machine for home and office: characteristics that are worth paying attention to

When choosing a coffee machine for use in your home or office, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. View;

2. Power;

3. Pressure;

4. The main functionality of the device (cappuccinator, the presence of filters, fortress regulator, etc.);

5. Additional functionality of the device (temperature, constant heating function, stand, water level indicator, etc.).

6. Also important is the manufacturer.

Types of coffee machines

The most common types of coffee machines:

1. Carob;

2. Chaldovye (they are also portioned);

3. Capsule;

4. Espresso combines;

5. Automatic.

Rozhkovye coffee machines (they are also "espresso coffee makers")

Rozhkovye coffee machines - one of the most simple varieties of such devices. Therefore, they have a low price, but their functionality is not too wide. Rozhkovye machines are designed for the preparation of espresso - and no more. Only bar models are equipped with a cappuccino maker or similar “functional extensions”.

The principle of operation of such machines is quite simple. Coffee powder is compacted into a special pill. Then hot water passes through it. The finished drink is additionally filtered and falls into the cup.

This technology of preparation allows you to get a delicious coffee with a rich aroma and a pleasant texture.

Features rozhkovy coffee machines:

1. The strength of the drink is regulated by grinding the powder. The thinner it is, the more bitter is the espresso;

2. A quantity of coffee for 1-2 cups is put into the powder tray;

3. Coffee powder should be compacted tightly enough. It is much easier to do this with a special accessory - a tamper;

4. After making coffee, the remaining powder should be immediately discarded from the tray (holder) and rinsed thoroughly.

The holder of rozhkovy coffee machines can be made of metal or plastic. Metal holders are somewhat more expensive and more difficult to maintain, but they provide a pleasant foam, thick texture and a light creamy taste of the drink. Plastic - cheaper, but make coffee watery. Moreover, because of them, the taste of the drink becomes unpleasantly sour.

Chaldovy (portion) coffee machines

Pod coffee machines are structurally similar to rozhkovy, except for one small change. In the holder, instead of powder, a pod is installed - a compressed coffee tablet. Subsequently, hot water passes through it, and the finished drink enters the cup.

Therefore, to obtain a tasty drink, neither effort is needed, nor the intricacies of cooking are understood. Chald manufacturers independently control the blend and degree of grinding. In addition, coffee is sealed to preserve the essential oils, which provide a rich taste and aroma. True, independently adjust the saturation and other organoleptic qualities of the drink will not work.

In addition, some models of coffee machine pods are equipped with a carob adapter, so that they can be used with ordinary ground coffee. This coffee machine is suitable for a person who does not want to spend a lot of time preparing a drink or is not sure about his abilities as a barista.

Capsule Coffee Machines

Structurally, capsule coffee machines are similar to both rozhkovy and chaldovye. The difference lies in the fact that the ground coffee itself is packaged in a special plastic capsule, sealed with foil. When preparing a drink, the machine pierces it from two sides, then passes hot water through it.

As in the case of pod coffee machines, the taste and aroma of the drink depends on the manufacturer. It is the manufacturer of the capsules that controls the blend and grinding, as well as the strength and other organoleptic parameters.

The main disadvantage of capsular coffee machines is the lack of cross-compatibility. That is, if the device is designed to work with Nescafe capsules, installing Jacobs Tassimo capsules in it will not work. Only a limited number of coffee machine models support containers from different manufacturers (such as, for example, Xiaomi Scishare).

But there is a virtue, which lies in the diversity of blends. There are capsules with which you can make coffee with milk, a drink with different intensity or aroma (for example, fruit), etc. In addition, many capsule coffee machines allow you to adjust the serving size - ristretto, espresso or lungo. Due to the fact that there are no traces of use on the inner tubes or other elements, the blend taste ranges will not mix.

In addition, some models of capsule coffee machines are equipped with a cappuccinator, which allows you to prepare an aromatic and tasty drink at home without any difficulty.

Capsule coffee machines are suitable for people who are not willing to spend a lot of time preparing a drink. But when buying such a device is worth considering the range of available coffee, especially if you want to experiment with blends.

Espresso harvesters

One more kind of rozhkovy cars, but this time with the built-in coffee grinder. Therefore, to prepare a drink, you can “fill” it with coffee beans.

When choosing an espresso combine, it is worth considering the material from which the millstones of the built-in coffee grinder are made. Ceramics are recommended, as it is distinguished by maximum durability and is not impregnated with odor, so that the variety and blend of grains can be changed without the risk of “parasitic” tastes. In addition, there are no particles of coffee powder on such millstones.

An alternative are millstone stainless steel with a titanium coating. They are also distinguished by durability and practicality. But over time, steel millstones abrade. This not only leads to the enlargement of grinding, but also spoils the taste of coffee - “metallic” shades appear in it.

Automatic coffee machines

Household automatic coffee machines - the most versatile solution, which has the broadest functionality. Of course, on the principle of operation, they are similar to the carob, but they offer much more opportunities for preparing various drinks.

So, among the additional functionality of household automatic coffee machines can be identified:

1. Built-in cappuccinator. This device is designed for foaming milk. It is best implemented in DeLonghi coffee machines - there is no need to rearrange the cup for making cappuccino, the delivery of espresso and milk foam takes place in one tube;

2. Panarallo. A functional analogue of a cappuccinator, as it is intended for whipping milk foam. However, it is a special nozzle on the steam supply pipe, which is lowered into a container with milk;

3. The possibility of making two cups of coffee of different varieties - espresso and cappuccino;

4. Adjust the temperature of brewing coffee;

5. Built-in milk container that keeps it cold for 8 hours;

6. Automatic cleaning mode of hydraulic systems;

7. Built-in coffee grinder;

8. Automatic cleaning of the holder;

9. Adjustable height for cups;

10. Adjustable distance between nozzles (for installing two wide cups).

It is worth remembering that the above functionality is not mandatory, but optional. That is, it is not found in all automatic coffee machines. Some models offer more features, some less.

Automatic coffee machines are suitable for people who often and often drink coffee. In addition, it is advisable to use them in offices, coffee shops, etc.

What kind of coffee machine to choose

When choosing a coffee machine it is worth starting from how often you plan to drink coffee and which varieties are preferred.

Like to experiment with varieties and blends, as well as independently control the taste of the drink? The ideal choice would be the usual rozhkovy coffee machine. For lovers of cappuccino, a model with a cappuccinator is suitable. An espresso combine is also a good option.

Do not want to bother with the preparation of coffee? For fans of one particular sort of suitable pod coffee machine. For lovers of experiments - capsular. And it is desirable that it be compatible with capsules from different manufacturers (or at least Nescafe, they have a lot of brands).

Do you like drinks based on espresso, for example, cappuccino, and do not want to bother with their preparation? The ideal choice is an automatic coffee machine. In addition, it is very easy to maintain, even the holder cleans itself.

Main selection criteria

When choosing a coffee machine, you should pay attention not only to the principle of operation, but also to several parameters. Among the most important are:

1. Power;

2. Pressure;

3. The volume of the holder;

4. Portion volume;

5. Boiler volume for water;

6. Filters;

7. Coffee strength regulator;

8. Cappuccinator;

9. The presence of the display;

10. The presence of heated cups;

11. Water level indicator.

Power - The parameter that determines the performance of the coffee machine. The higher it is, the faster the water is heated. This option applies to all types of coffee machines. For home use are suitable models with a capacity of 700-2000 watts. More - for large offices, coffee shops and bars.

Pressure - a parameter that determines not only the performance of the coffee machine, but also the taste of the finished drink, as well as its strength. The ideal solution would be to buy a device in which this characteristic can be adjusted in the range from 3 to 20 bar. This will allow to fully reveal the taste of different varieties of coffee.

ABOUTHolder Hold determines the consumption of coffee. The standard is 5-7 grams per espresso. With a larger holder, the flow rate significantly increases, while there is no particular effect on the taste. But a smaller amount may well reduce the strength of coffee.

Portion volume - a parameter that determines the amount of water flowing through the holder. Accordingly, the strength of the drink varies. Standard serving volumes are 20 ml for ristretto, 30 ml for espresso and 50 ml for lungo. For lovers of a variety of coffee, it is recommended to choose the machines in which you can configure this parameter.

Boiler volume for water matters if we are talking about automatic coffee machines. The larger it is, the less often the device needs to be “refilled”. However, with most coffee machines, heating takes place directly in the tank, therefore, with its very high volume, the capacity decreases. The optimal value of this parameter is 1 l.

Filters for coffee makers are different. First, it is paper filter bags. They are used in "almost carob" coffee makers, which are now practically not sold or used. Coffee is poured into such filter bags, through which hot water is then supplied.

In no case should you buy a coffee maker of this type. This is due to both the high cost of filter packages and the low quality of the finished beverage. It is better to buy a rozhkovuyu coffee machine for the same money.

The second type of filter is a water filter. It is recommended for use in coffee makers of various kinds, as it effectively protects against scale on the inner tubes. But more often automatic machines are equipped with replaceable filter cartridges.

Coffee strength regulator usually found in machines with built-in coffee grinder (espresso combines). When setting the selector, the grind size is selected. So, with a very thin coffee it turns out strong, with an average - similarly, medium in strength. This regulator in coffee machines of a different type is very rare.

Coffee strength regulator - A useful feature for those people who prefer to drink this drink not only in the mornings, but also during the day.

Cappuccinator - a device for foaming milk. Can be built into any type of coffee machines. A useful feature for cappuccino lovers.

Display simplifies the management of the coffee machine, especially if it is multifunctional. For simple models (for example, rozhkovy budget class), it is simply not needed - all the necessary work parameters are set on the panel with regulators. But on the machines its presence is crucial - including to indicate the process of making coffee.

Presence of heated cups - rather a matter of convenience. This function can be used in different cases. First, to maintain the optimum temperature of the drink after it is prepared. Secondly, in order that touches to cups were pleasant. And finally, to reduce the risk of splitting dishes due to contact with boiling water.

Water level indicator - a very useful feature. It is very desirable that the coffee maker be equipped with it, and in any form - both digital for top-end models of machines, and analog for budgetary options.

Additional functions of coffee machines

Among the additional functions of coffee machines that make the use of such devices the most enjoyable, we can distinguish:

1. Automatic inclusion on the timer;

2. Setting the coffee temperature "at the exit";

3. Automatic shutdown;

4. The mode of constant heating of coffee;

5. Non-heating base unit;

6. Anti-drip system;

7. Highlighting cooking area;

8. Pre-wetting.

Automatic inclusion on the timer

Automatic inclusion on the timer - rather useful function. It allows you to set the brewing time of coffee. For example, in the morning, to wake up, immediately drink a cup of fresh, freshly brewed cappuccino.

Setting the coffee temperature "at the exit"

Setting the coffee temperature "at the exit" is a convenient feature for those who do not like hot drinks. Unfortunately, the range of choice is not too large, and when brewing with water colder than 70-80 degrees, the taste of the drink decreases.

Auto power off

Automatic shutdown is a function that determines the safety and energy efficiency of a coffee maker rather than practical qualities. For maximum protection, you should choose models equipped with this feature. But it is worth remembering that then after a long downtime it will be necessary to turn it on again.

Continuous coffee heating mode

The mode of constant heating of coffee is usually found in the already outdated filtration coffee makers (the ones that use paper filter bags). In other models for connoisseurs of this invigorating drink, it will be rather useless. The most delicious espresso - just cooked.

Non-heating base

The non-heating base of the appliance makes the coffee maker safe. A useful feature, but with careful use it is not really needed. However, if there are children in the house, it is obligatory.

Anti-drip system

The anti-drip system prevents splashing of the drink, as well as its leakage into the stand, if a cup is not installed. The function is useful. It is desirable that the coffee maker was equipped with it.

Highlight cooking area - rather decorative than practical function.

Pre-wetting coffee

Pre-wetting coffee is a feature that lovers of the rich taste and aroma of this drink will enjoy. Machines equipped with it, shortly before processing coffee (pressed in a holder, in a pod or capsule), “pour” hot water on it with cold water. This pushes carbon dioxide out of the pill, which leads to the oxidation of coffee and the deterioration of its taste. Thus, the flavor will be rich.

Additional features should be chosen based on their needs.

How much is a coffee machine

The cost of the coffee machine is determined based on its type and functionality.

The best manufacturers of coffee machines - which company to choose

Among the manufacturers of coffee machines, there are several companies whose products are distinguished by high functionality and reliability:

1. Bosch - produces kitchen appliances. It is highly reliable, but quite expensive to repair;

2. Krups is another manufacturer of kitchen appliances. Coffee makers of this company are distinguished by wide functionality

3. Kenwood also produces various kitchen appliances. It is recommended rozhkovy coffee makers of this company;

4. Gaggia, Rommelsbacher - specialize in the production of technology for making coffee. Models from these companies are expensive, but they provide a truly perfect drink;

5. Saeco - manufacturer of automatic coffee machines. Models have a high price, which, however, is fully justified.

6. In addition, in the budget segment, you can pay attention to the model from Philips, and for brewing coffee in capsules, the device from Xiaomi is perfect.

Video on the choice of coffee machines

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.