The modern world does not stand still and, probably, not a single person on earth can imagine his life without coffee. We drink it everywhere and always: we greet a new day with it, communicate with colleagues, and even in the evening in a cafe with us it is coffee. Nowadays you don’t have to run to a cafe to enjoy a cup of delicious coffee, because you can prepare it at home using a coffee machine.
What is a coffee machine?
A home coffee machine is a type of household appliance that can prepare various types of coffee, from cappuccino to espresso, at home with full automation.
Before making a choice, you need to find out what functions the coffee machine should perform. Her main responsibilities include:
- grinding coffee beans;
- correctly set the proportions of water and beans relative to the selected coffee drink;
- change grind sizes;
- form ground coffee into ready-made briquettes;
- bring water to the desired temperature;
- modify milk into foam;
- remove “garbage” into a special container;
- provides automatic cleaning;
- independently completes the process of preparing the drink;
- automatically prepare different types of coffee.
Main types of machines
To the surprise of many consumers, these machines come in several types, radically different from each other, both in design and in operation.
Carobaceae.
This type of machine cannot be classified as automatic, since it does not grind grain.Ready-made ground coffee is placed in a container - a holder, it is attached directly to the coffee machine. Hot water is passed through the holder and thereby the coffee is brewed. After use, the holder is washed and cleared of any remaining coffee powder. In such a coffee machine it is impossible to regulate the strength of the drink. It can hardly be classified as automatic, since coffee cannot be brewed with it without manual labor. But it certainly wins in price.
This type of machine is not very functional, but has several advantages, such as minimal price and occupied space.
Capsule.
These coffee machines use special capsules to prepare all types of coffee drinks. The capsule is separately packaged in a foil bag, which automatically opens immediately in the coffee machine. A stream of hot liquid passes through it and the finished coffee is obtained. To prepare 1 cup of coffee you will need 1 capsule.
At this stage, these machines are becoming increasingly popular, because they have several priorities: they are automatic, convenient, prepare quickly and, most importantly, allow you to choose the type of coffee.
The only disadvantage of such machines is the high cost of the capsules. And not always an ordinary worker can afford them.
Pods.
Their meaning is similar to capsule medications. Coffee is packaged in special pods. When water passes through them, coffee is formed - very easily and simply. The strength of the coffee can be adjusted by the amount of water.
Espresso combine.
This method of making coffee involves a carob machine and a coffee grinder.With its help you can prepare a drink from beans and ground coffee.
Automatic.
This type of machine prepares coffee completely automatically. All that is required of a person is to occasionally add water, replenish coffee beans, clean and adjust settings. To prepare delicious and aromatic coffee, just one press of a button is enough.
If you are still hesitating which coffee machine to choose in order to capture as many useful functions in the household as possible, then it is better to opt for an automatic machine. After all, only it fully lives up to its name - a coffee machine.
Adviсe
Most often, a coffee machine is a serious purchase and is purchased for a long time. Therefore, first of all, you need to determine which functions are important and which can be omitted during the selection process.
Availability of a cappuccino maker.
What is it and what is it for? A cappuccino machine is a special device that allows you to froth milk. It is necessary for making cappuccino, latte or espresso. There can be two types:
- automatic (it whips the milk into foam and delivers it directly into the container with coffee);
- mechanical (allows you to independently whip milk into foam in a separate container using steam).
Type of control.
- Mechanical. Finding one or more switches on the machine.
- Electronic. The presence of a touch panel and 2-3 buttons.
How to make your choice based only on the type of management? Everything here is individual. Many users recommend opting for the mechanical option; they are easier to operate, do not freeze and do not lose their previous settings. They are modern and stylish, their functions are more diverse.In the household appliances market, you can also find a third type of control, with a combination of mechanical buttons and switches.
Steam function.
If this function exists, then coffee preparation will go much faster. More steam is used to make foam from milk.
Ability to adjust grinding.
As gourmets know, the taste of coffee is influenced by the size of the coffee beans. The finer the grind, the faster the coffee brews. To brew espresso, it is better to use finely ground beans, which will give the drink greater strength due to rapid brewing. For Americano, on the contrary, it is better to choose coarsely ground grains.
Varieties of brewing mechanisms.
- Removable mechanism. Requires manual cleaning using a range of cleaning products.
- Fixed mechanism. Cleaning occurs by pressing a key using a special tablet.
Power.
The coffee preparation time also depends on the power. But do not forget that when brewing quickly, the coffee does not always have time to fully absorb the aroma of the coffee beans. Therefore, you need to choose: brewing speed or drink strength. For household use, machines with a power of 800-1500 W are often used.
Type of processing millstones.
Coffee machines that grind beans independently are equipped with millstones. They come in two types:
- ceramic (they sound much quieter, the elements do not oxidize, but they are not durable);
- metal (last longer, but are also louder).
Warming cups.
This function will be appreciated by true gourmets, because it is correct to serve espresso in a preheated cup.
Dosage of coffee strength.
Using this function you can control the strength of the drink.
Brand.
As global statistics show, the population is less and less repulsed by people’s reviews, and is increasingly giving preference to global brands. They believe that such coffee machines are of better quality and more durable. The most practical coffee machines are those made in Switzerland.
Criteria for choosing machines for the home
So which car is better to choose for your home? First of all, you need to clearly formulate your financial capabilities. After all, automatic coffee machines are always expensive and are less often chosen for home use. Experts believe that capsule machines will be the right choice.
Don’t forget about such a parameter as performance. In this case, all machines are divided into three subgroups:
- up to 10 cups per day;
- up to 30 cups per day;
- more than 30 cups.
Based on this point, it is necessary to determine the power of the machine.
These are the main criteria that you should pay attention to when choosing a coffee machine. All other additional functions are an individual matter.
Before you go to the store to buy a coffee machine, you need to clearly define the necessary functions and the possible price category. After all, people often buy a coffee machine with a large selection of functions and never use them the entire time. If you are an amateur, then you can get by with a machine that is easier to use, where coffee is prepared using capsules and tablets. But if you are a real coffee gourmet, then yes, the right solution would be a coffee machine for the home of more professional models.
