The ever-faster pace of life even in daily tasks forces us to look for time-saving solutions. Not surprisingly, many coffee lovers are switching from regular brewed coffee to a coffee machine and its benefits. Properly chosen appliance not only allows you to enjoy a professionally prepared drink for longer, but also gives you the opportunity to feel like a real barista at home. Let‘s discuss in more detail – which coffee machine to choose and what criteria to follow when searching for the most suitable one.
Time saving – automatic coffee machines
The choice of coffee machine depends
on personal needs and habits. So, before you go shopping, consider how much time you
can spend not only on the coffee break, but also on the process of preparation
and appliance maintenance. Today, coffee machines stand out not only for their
stylish design, but also for maximum functionality.
Automatic coffee machines are one of
the most popular and frequently chosen coffee machines to use at home. Perhaps
the biggest advantage of this type of appliance is the ability to enjoy fresh,
expertly prepared coffee every day at the touch of a button. Here are some
noteworthy features of automatic coffee machines:
●
Beans are ground separately for each cup of
coffee. It helps to ensure freshness and aroma of the drink. Especially
relevant for those who like espresso or black coffee.
●
Possibility to select the desired coffee bean
grinding level. It is important to emphasize that the taste of coffee strongly
depends on the grind. The machine allows you to experiment and discover the
most delicious way to make coffee, from fine to coarse grinding.
●
Automatic cleaning program. This feature is
usually available on the latest models, but for time savers, it is one of the
most important features. On mornings where every minute counts, the automatic
cleaning function becomes the biggest advantage.
Another unique feature is the pre-set
recipes and the possibility to save them for the future. This feature is most
appreciated in homes where everyone has their own favourite way of drinking
coffee, from espresso to cappuccino with stiff foam. It‘s true that some
automatic coffee machines have an integrated milk frothing system, others only
have a hot steam milk nozzle. The latter is useful for those who like to get
involved in the coffee making process, but those who save time should opt for
an already integrated milk system.
Maintenance features: In order to
enjoy delicious, fragrant coffee every day, you should pay attention to your
automatic coffee machine. Once a week, the coffee brewing unit needs to be
cleaned, and after each coffee with milk, the milk system also needs to be
cleaned, especially if the machine is left unused for the whole day after
morning coffee. The filling or descaling symbols indicated on the panel or
display will inform about the needed refills or descaling. If you want to save
every minute, pick a coffee machine with an integrated milk system and an
automatic cleaning program.
Barista's choice for home - semi-automatic coffee machines
For many coffee professionals, coffee
is more than just a drink. It’s an engaging process that brings you closer,
it’s an opportunity to show attention or just enjoy the preparation process.
For those who like to develop their coffee making skills or want to learn how to make coffee like
real professionals, semi-automatic coffee machines are a great choice. They not
only become an eye-catching detail in the kitchen interior, but are also a
great tool to practice.
Semi-automatic coffee machines are
more complex and sophisticated than automatic ones. They require already ground
coffee and a little more effort than pressing a single button. The first step
is to add the appropriate amount of coffee into the portafilter handle of the
machine, tamp it well with a special tamper and add it to the coffee machine.
The taste and quality of the drink depends on how you compress the coffee.
However, for those already skilled in preparing drinks with a semi-automatic
machine, preparing morning coffee will be like a joke.
Semi-automatic machines are most
valued for their uniqueness. These coffee machines often become the main focus
of the kitchen. In addition, many domestic appliances of this type are
extremely compact, so you will not need much extra space for it.
Maintenance features: The most important rule here is to not
to forget to clean the portafilter handle where you add ground coffee. It
usually needs to be cleaned really well after a full day of use. If you drink
just a few cups of coffee a day, it‘s much easier to wash off and not much
effort is required. Also, be sure to descale the appliance regularly and rinse
the hot steam nozzle. With proper care coffee will be delicious every morning.
For busy city people – capsule coffee machines
Capsule coffee machines are small,
light, quiet enough and almost maintenance-free. Unlike the automatic and
semi-automatic coffee machines mentioned above, these require special coffee
capsules to prepare the drink - small plastic packages with an aluminium foil
lid. They are filled with the appropriate amount of coffee blend. The selection
of types and flavours is extremely wide, and the capsule coffee machine can
prepare not only espresso or black coffee, but also late, cappuccino or other
dessert-type coffees with perfect milk foam. No milk frothing, nozzles or
cleaning. It is enough to discard and recycle the used capsule: throw the
aluminium foil lid into a metal container, the plastic part into a plastic
container. Here are some more features of capsule coffee machines:
●
Extremely easy to use. Even on the busiest
mornings there will be time for a cup of delicious coffee.
●
Easy transportation. The appliance is convenient
to take for holidays or weekends outside the home. However, make sure that the
coffee capsules are placed next to the appliance. Without them, capsule coffee
machines will not be able to perform their function, and ground coffee is not
suitable here.
●
Variety of flavours and
coffee types - easy to choose for everyone. Late, cappuccino, black
coffee, espresso, ristretto, macchiato - capsule coffee makers will prepare
whatever drink you want.
Maintenance features: To enjoy good
coffee every day, do not forget to clean it and descale it regularly. Descaling
is required approximately every 3 months or every 400 cups. Also, be sure to
discard and recycle the empty capsule after use.
Small, but functional and convenient
capsule coffee machines are the best friends for those who rush out of the
house every morning. Recommended for those who spend less time at home, but
have a free minute and enjoy good coffee.
