If you are an avid drinker of coffee, there’s a high chance you can’t quite start your day without a steaming hot cup of the good stuff (we write this, quivering from too much caffeine, btw).
Perhaps you’re a fan of a post-lunch espresso, a 6am jump start, a mid-morning mocha or a combination of all three? Either way, a coffee machine could be a worthwhile investment to elevate your domestic coffee game to the next level, saving you time and money in the long run on all those trips to your local Costa (other cafes are also available).
However, the coffee machine market can be a little confusing to say the least, with the different functions, price points and terminology varied and sometimes, let’s face it, impenetrable.
Not all coffee machines were created equal, and your tastes, preferences and budget all go into choosing the right machine to make the perfect cup. With that in mind, here are 6 important things to consider before buying a coffee machine.
COFFEE MAKER TYPE AND PURPOSE
Before searching online or visiting a shop to make your purchase, firstly, you’re going to need a coffee. After that, it’s important to do your due diligence so you’re equipped with the knowledge to make a smart purchase.
Consider whether you need a portable version that can be used on the go, or are you looking for one specifically for use in your home?
There are also different types of coffee makers discernible by their functionality, brewing method, and the type of coffee you can make. These range from drip models to a regular, manual coffee brewer, espresso makers, thermal coffee makers, and speciality machines for making cappuccino (you could, of course, simply use a milk frother).
If you want something to make single-serve drinks quickly and efficiently, pod coffee makers are your best bet. These easy-to-use machines allow you to brew your cup of Joe using coffee pods, just the way you would brew coffee from an espresso maker using packed coffee grounds.
Alternatively, if you prefer to have a coffee kept warm for refills for the entire day – ideally suited to offices, for instance – then a large filter coffee machine could be best. Alternatively, the best thermal coffee maker out there keeps a larger brew of coffee at a consistent temperature for extended periods without the need for reheating. And we all know that reheating equals a ruining of flavour, right?
Or, perhaps you’re into something more niche, such as Vietnamese iced coffee. If so, then something as simple as a specialist ‘phin’ drip coffee filter is all you need.
With an understanding of your coffee needs, tastes, and preferences, choosing the right coffee machine becomes a brisk, caffeine fuelled walk in the park.
CAPACITY – HOW MUCH COFFEE DO NEED TO MAKE PER SERVING/DAY?
Next on the list, you have to think about the size and capacity of the coffee maker you buy depending on your needs. Here, ‘capacity’ basically refers to the amount of coffee you can make using the machine or how many cups you can expect from a single brew. While a single-serve model will suffice for a moderate coffee drinker, it may not work for use at home or in the office, with more than two or three regular consumers.
As far as the capacity is concerned, many coffee machine versions can make between eight and twelve standard cups in one go, give or take. Of course, some machines will be larger than others, so it pays to determine your coffee drinking needs before buying one for your home or office.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Over the years, coffee-making machines have greatly evolved. Many modern versions come with features that increase (or slow down, for maximum flavour) your brewing speed, make the process easier, and add convenience.
For instance, some come with automatic-start settings, so all you need is to set the coffee machine before going to bed and it will automatically start the brewing process at your chosen time. On the other hand, the automatic shut-off feature can help avoid the mess and damage that could result just in case you forget to turn the machine off when dashing out for work. Some of which will be mentioned later in the article, other special features to look out for may include:
- Smart technology
- Removable components
- Cup settings
- Inbuilt milk frother
- Pause and serve
- Timer
- Self-cleaning
Of course, such features come at price, and if all you’re seeking is a humble filter coffee, then they may not be of much use to you.
CARAFE TYPE
The carafe is the flask or pot that holds your coffee, keeping it hot and concealed from exposure to air. Most coffee machines will either have a glass, steel/thermal carafe pot. A glass carafe allows visibility while your coffee is brewing. It also lets the fine aroma of coffee out into the air, so it starts circulating in your kitchen.
However, glass carafes can only keep the coffee hot for as much as 20 minutes. On the other hand, a stainless steel carafe can keep your drink warm for approximately an hour, though you won’t be able to see your drink as it brews. Unlike steel carafes, glass pots are also dishwasher-friendly. This brings us to the next important point – maintenance.
EASE OF USE AND MAINTENANCE
Before getting a new coffee maker, it is crucial to choose one that won’t take longer to clean than it does for the effects of coffee to wear off.
That’s why people often opt for espresso machines, with the Nespresso brand being a popular choice. Setting up these machines couldn’t be easier, either, with a Nespresso coffee machine manual part of parcel of the purchase, helping guide users through the setup, operation, and maintenance of their espresso machine for a satisfying coffee experience.
It should easily fit in your space, and its components should be easy to keep clean. It is supposed to save you time and add convenience to your life – not add more pressure! – after all.
PRICING AND RECURRENT COSTS
Quality coffee makers don’t come cheap, but you can expect to find an affordable, basic model at a minimum of £100. Larger commercial models will likely set you back at least £1000 depending on the type, brand, and model you choose. This means that the considerations discussed earlier should help you choose a unit that is within your budget. At the very least, be sure to check out online reviews before settling for a particular model.
Alternatively, a simple stove top espresso machine (a moka) can be found for around £20 whilst a cafetiere will set you back a similar amount.
Apart from the initial purchase price, however, you will also need to consider the recurrent costs of making coffee at home or in the office with the machine. For instance, a single-serve machine means that you will need a consistent supply of pods or capsules, which aren’t necessarily great for the environment. On the other hand, a drip machine will require new filters occasionally, grounds, and beans.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Coffee makers are available in many different sizes, capacities, capabilities, designs, and functionalities. This means that not every coffee machine out there may suit your needs or fit your lifestyle. Before making the decision to buy a coffee machine, the above few considerations can help you make the right choice.
Regardless of the method you choose for brewing your coffee, let’s luxuriate in the surprising benefits of drinking the stuff for a while.