Automatic or super-automatic coffee machine
Among the most loved by coffee lovers, these machines grind the beans on the spot: just insert them in the special compartment and program it to enjoy always fresh drinks. Many models also have accessories that allow you to prepare creams and foams, and thus serve cappuccinos or creamy coffees of the highest quality, just like at the bar.More info on migliori macchine da caffè.
Coffee is always fresh and tasty, and you can use any blend to prepare your favorite flavor. They are also simple to use and virtually automated. The coffee beans that feed them are inexpensive and, over time, allow you to amortize the high price of the purchase.
They are rather expensive and sometimes bulky machines, so they are not suitable for everyone. It is also necessary to have a lot of patience when setting them up, as the first coffees brewed may not be very tasty and it is necessary to make many attempts before getting to the perfect blend.
Manual coffee machine
Very classic in its functioning, in this machine it is enough to insert the ground coffee directly into the arm with which it is equipped: once pressed, it will be necessary only to hook the arm to the machine and turn it on. Almost all of these machines also provide a filter holder to use E.S.E. pods, thus making them very versatile.
Thanks to these machines, it is possible to choose the grain of the coffee blend and its pressing, features that help make them the best choice for enthusiasts. Moreover, they can be used with practically any type of beans.
They are not exactly the easiest model to use, and they require thorough and constant cleaning so that they don't get ruined, as well as getting dirtier than other models.
E.S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso) coffee pod machine
A machine of this kind is a normal manual model, but it has a special filter to use E.S.E., or paper pods: wrappers that contain a small amount of coffee already pressed and single-serving.
The coffee containers used by the machine guarantee a low environmental impact and can also contain portions of other beverages, such as tea, chocolate or barley. Like capsules, they are single-serving and prevent waste.
The coffee dispensed is considered of inferior quality compared to that obtained from grinding or from encapsulated blends. Moreover, E.S.E. tend to get much dirtier than blends in aluminum containers.
Capsule coffee machine
The machine of this type represents the most sold model for its simplicity and yield: the coffee blend is enclosed in small aluminum single-dose containers that keep it fresh, and it is enough to insert them in the machine and press the brew button to get a perfect coffee, like the one in the bar.
The amount of coffee enclosed in the capsule is carefully dosed and allows to reduce waste, as well as dirtying much less than the classic mocha. The coffee, then, is similar in aroma and consistency to that prepared in the bar, then much better than that obtainable with other machines.
In the long run, the wrappers of the blends impact the environment and are slightly more expensive than powdered coffee. Some machines, then, work only with original blends of the same brand and not with compatible ones.
American Coffee Machine
This type of coffee machine is among the easiest to use: the water flows through the coffee directly into the glass jug that comes with the package, or into the cup. It uses ground blends, and is suitable for virtually any variety.
These machines are generally large and capable of preparing many coffees at the same time: characteristics that, combined with the rather convenient cost, make them very popular for workplaces such as offices or for large families.
However, they can only prepare black coffee: coffee purists do not particularly appreciate them, also because it is not possible to load them with fresh beans but only with ground coffee, so the drink is always not very fragrant.
- Capacity
The size of the water tank is particularly important if you plan to make a lot of coffee with your machine: if you plan to buy one for your family (especially a large one) or for use at work, a larger tank will prevent continuous refilling and ensure a much higher coffee production.
The transparent canister is very useful for monitoring the water level, and the ease of assembling and disassembling it ensures better and more immediate use.
- Ease of use
If you're not interested in spending too much time brewing a simple coffee, then you should buy a machine that is quick and easy to use, like the small and inexpensive ones.
Those with capsules are specially designed to ensure excellent quality and very intuitive use in a short time, while real experts prefer more complicated machines but with better results, such as automatic ones.
- Wattage
The higher this factor is, the less time the water in the machine will take to boil and the less time you will have to wait to drink your coffee.
If you need to prepare large quantities of drink in a short time, or if you want to drink a coffee quickly before engaging in other activities, then a coffee machine with a fairly high wattage is the best choice for you.
- Pressure
High-pressure models - between 9 and 15 bars - allow you to get a coffee with a smooth and intense cream, like the one at the bar.
High-pressure coffee machines are particularly suitable for those who want to extract the maximum aroma from coffee blends, both connoisseurs and simple lovers of this beverage.
- Thermoblock
The water heating system called Thermoblock allows some models of machine to reach the ideal temperature for an excellent coffee - about 90° - and then to stop, to always guarantee the best possible taste to the drinks.
If you don't want your coffee to taste rather bitter due to too high a temperature, a machine equipped with the Thermoblock system is definitely for you.
- Autonomous switch-off
In order to save on electricity bills and help the environment, the best quality coffee machines are equipped with a self-setting shut-off system, thanks to which they turn off after a period of prolonged inactivity.
Such a device also helps the machine to stay fully functional at all times, so it's really useful from all points of view!
- Foam machine
If you want to enjoy other delicious bar beverages besides coffee, the best machines on the market have a steam arm or a special accessory that allows you to prepare foams and creams for cappuccinos, hot milk, latte macchiato or other drinks of this kind.
This is an accessory that absolutely cannot be missing in the coffee machine of true coffee lovers!