Home coffee machines: how to choose the one that suits you
'22.03.2021'
ForumDaily Woman
On the coffee market regularly new coffee machines appear... For those who have no experience with them, the choice is difficult. In the shops you can find professional models with fully controlled operation and easy-to-operate automatic ones. We will tell you how home devices differ from each other and how different types of machines work.
Espresso machines
This is an indispensable equipment in a coffee shop, but apart from professional models, there are some adapted for home use. This coffee machine is suitable for making not only espresso. You can make lungo, americano, cappuccino and latte.
The operation of the espresso machine is controlled by the user. Many settings allow you to experiment, giving the drink different taste and strength. A great option if you are deeply interested in coffee culture.
The devices are large in size, some require a water connection. The machines are divided into three groups - manual, semi-automatic and automatic. For home use, the last two options are suitable:
Semi-automatic - coffee is ground, poured into the portafilter and tempered. After that, the power button is pressed and the drink is prepared. At the end, you need to press the button again to stop the flow of water.
Automatic - the operation scheme is identical, but you do not need to press the button again. The machine stops automatically.
The devices make it possible to prepare espresso, and then make a drink based on it - latte, cappuccino or Americano.
If you want to work with an espresso machine, we recommend buying a scale for weighing coffee and water. This will help you find the optimal balance and obtain a richer coffee flavor.
Capsule
The most popular home coffee machines are capsule ones. They require a minimum of effort on the part of the user. The devices are easy to operate and maintain. The list of drinks prepared by the machine depends on the model. Some are designed only for making espresso, others are versatile and can make drinks with added milk.
The process of making coffee is simple: a capsule is inserted into the machine, the user presses the power button and the drink is automatically prepared. For preparation, special capsules are used that differ in taste. Most often, owners of capsule coffee machines buy Nespresso capsules.
Most devices allow you to adjust the brewing settings. For example, choose the amount of water. The models are compact, with a clear interface, but the taste of coffee will still be very different from that prepared in a coffee shop or a home espresso machine.
Automatic
Ultra-comfortable and simple models. They grind the grain themselves and then prepare the drink of their choice. Equipped with a built-in coffee grinder, into which the grain is poured. For comparison, in order to use an espresso machine, you will have to buy a coffee grinder and grind the beans first.
The device selects the grind settings automatically, taking into account the selected brewing method. Not all automatic coffee machines can prepare complex drinks like cappuccino, latte or macchiato. To do this, select a model that supports the frothing milk option.
It takes up to a minute to brew. For cleaning, a special system is provided that allows you to quickly get rid of dirt without knocking down the settings.
Cleaning should be done regularly. Parts that are in constant contact with ground coffee accumulate sediment and coffee oils. This is reflected in the taste.
