15 Gifts For The Coffee Machine Lover In Your Life

How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine

The best home espresso machine can be a perfect fit for your kitchen and complement your brewing preferences. The most important factors include size capacity design, and price.

This espresso maker for prosumers impressed us with its speed, precision and user-friendliness. The Sage Bambino heats quickly and efficiently. It steams milk powerfully and produces excellent extractions at 19 bars.

Pod (or Capsule) Machines

A pod machine is the best option if you wish to make coffee quickly and easily by using pre-ground pods. These machines remove the mess of making coffee by removing the need for portafilters as well as complicated burr grinders that must be cleaned regularly to eliminate coffee oils. These machines require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling of water reservoirs is a good idea.

These brewers come with their limitations, however. They typically only work with a specific type of coffee pods, which are typically in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't an issue if your coffee is of the same brand, but it can be a problem if you want to test a different variety.

Pod machines are also less durable and have smaller water tanks. They can also take longer to brew. This isn't an issue if you're working in a hurry in the morning, but it can be a problem if you have a long workday ahead.

We recommend that you think about the size of your coffee bar prior to buying a pod machine, since some are more compact than others and can be tucked between other appliances on your counter. Think about how much you're willing to spend, and what beverages you would like to be able make. Our former editor for ecommerce Louise keeps her caffeine intake on a budget using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to dispense espresso shots that are either long or short and comes with an efficient milk frother for lattes.

This elegantly sleek pod-machine by Sage offers the best coffee espresso machine of both worlds - high-end and low-maintenance. It's not cheap, but it's a elegant appliance for your kitchen and its slick stainless steel design will be noticed on your worktop. It's capable of making five different drinks simply by pressing a button and each capsule is marked with an unique barcode on its underside that the machine reads to decide which beverage to dispense. It's a great option for eco-conscious people, since the capsules break down and decompose rapidly. The reusable mug makes it a good option.

Manual Espresso Machines

If you are a fan of the craft of brewing espresso, manual machines can provide an enjoyable, hands-on experience. Manual espresso machines take longer, but they can produce drinks of high quality. They are also more durable than other types of coffee brewers, with designs that can withstand heavy use.

Manual espresso machines however, aren't as easy-to-use as automatic espresso machines, and often do not have precise temperature controls. This can make it difficult to produce consistent, good-quality espresso shots. The best bean to cup coffee machine manual espresso machine comes with steep learning curve and is costly to purchase and maintain.

If you're a coffee lover who wants to explore the world of manual Espresso, you should try a machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Some models come with an integrated grinder and steamer for milk, which makes them relatively easy to operate for those who are new to coffee. Some models have an adjustable reservoir for water which makes it easier to clean and refill. Some are also programmable and allow you to choose the time to start the brew cycle prior to when you wake up.

Some manual espresso machines can be quite big and could be an ideal option for larger families or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. When deciding on the size of your machine you should think about how many people are going to be using it at any one time. Consider a larger model in the event that you have more than one roommate or family member who enjoys brewing espresso.

A few of the cheapest manual espresso machines include an adjustable milk frother, that can be set to automatically heat and frother milk to your preferred consistency. This type of machine is ideal for making cappuccinos and lattes as well as for those with sensitive teeth. This type of machine is not suitable for those who like more of a thicker espresso. It makes less foam.

Automatic Espresso Machines

This category includes fully automated espresso machines, which manage the entire brewing procedure from grinding to extracting. They feature user-friendly interfaces and require minimal maintenance other than regular cleaning and descaling. They are ideal for those who don't want to get their hands too filthy or have limited countertop space to accommodate a large espresso maker and coffee maker.

The top models can be programmed and have settings for different drinks that you can save into "user profiles." They're also more likely to have Wi-Fi connectivity which means you can control them using your smartphone. However, all this automation and programmability is at cost: Expect to spend more money on these machines than semi-automatic or manual options.

One of our top espresso makers that is automatic is the stylish Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek and aesthetically appealing machine that occupies the smallest amount of space on your counter, plus it gets 5 out of 5 on our ratings for ease of use, second only to the Miele. It is a high-output machine that comes with three different grinds and hoppers. You can pick which one you want to use using the touchscreen display. It's not only easy to use, it's also self-monitoring and self-calibrating, meaning you can forget the hassle of turning the knob or pressing buttons.

Another option is the Cuisinart Spinn. This little pill-shaped machine uses centrifugal force to make espresso, which is distinct from the traditional method of forcing water down through the grounds. With a little practice, it's able to make various drinks, such as cappuccino or latte. This machine was tested at the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and got a perfect score of 5 in our test for ease-of-use. It's also small according to espresso maker standards, which means it won't take up much room on your counter.

It's worth trying several different kinds to find one that matches your taste, budget and space. Consider aesthetics, too--you'll want one that blends seamlessly with your home decor and coffee cart. Don't forget to measure your countertop to ensure the machine you choose will fit.

Pour-Over Machines

If you're looking to make your coffee with total control, a pour-over machine is an ideal option. Pour-over machines such as the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex permit you to alter a variety of variables (coffee to water ratio and filter time, brewing duration) and allow the brewing process to be customized. They tend to produce more vibrant flavors and aromas than drip machines.

The top pour-over brewers make it easy to produce high-quality results. They have a thermometer which determines the temperature of water to the nearest degree, and an accurate pressure gauge that lets you know when the required amount of water has been pour. They also have a big enough portafilter to accommodate the standard coffee mug and they provide enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray to allow you to pour directly into your coffee mug.

The coffee makers also come with charcoal filters which can be removed to remove impurities in the water. This is vital, as the coffee maker with poor quality filters will leave a bitter flavor in your cup. In addition, the best coffee machines pour-over brewers are made of materials that are safe to use in the dishwasher and that don't leak or hold onto coffee odors.

A good pour-over is simple to clean and should be enjoyable to use. We found that all the models we tested were comfortable to hold in one hand, and were the perfect size and shape for a kitchen counter. Some of the simpler models models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto, even has tiny footprints, making it ideal for small spaces. Others, like the Melitta Cafe filter have a removable handle that makes it easier to lift and change the filter.

Philips 3200 Series is another model we like, since it has a simple display and a built-in grinder. The Philips 3200 Series can brew black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the push of a single button. It also has a steam wand attached for lattes and cappuccinos. This model has a variety of customizable settings including different sizes and strengths of the beverage. It can also start making coffee up to 24 hours in advance.