For many people, delicious and aromatic coffee in the morning is a source of vigor for the whole day, guaranteeing productive work. But at home, to make such a drink without an appropriate device is almost impossible. To solve this problem, use a coffee maker. This is a small brewing machine with which you can prepare espresso, lungo, latte and other types of drink.
The main question is how to choose a coffee maker so as not to be disappointed? There are many models on the market and all of them are provided with different characteristics, not to mention the technological functionality. The following recommendations for selection and a description of popular models with reviews will help determine the best option.
Main characteristics
Different types of coffee makers have their own operating parameters, but some of them can be called universal. In particular, this applies to volume and power. The capacity of the average device is 1.5-2 liters. Models with such tanks are more advantageous for their high cooking speed, even at temperatures up to 92-95 ° . The upper level of capacity in the domestic segment rarely reaches 5 liters, but such devices are more convenient when it comes to a large family.
Now another question: how to choose a coffee maker for the house in terms of capacity? What, in principle, is affected by power? This indicator does not determine the taste quality, but the intensity of water heating is quite. The power range extends from 700 to 2000 watts. For one-time cooking, 700-1200 watts is enough. The same indicator will provide an optimal pressure level of 5–9 bar. If you plan to brew a drink with a large tank in several approaches, then you can not do without a powerful electrical filling in 2000 watts, or even higher.
The best type of coffee machine
Before choosing a specific model, you should determine what type of device is suitable in a particular case. So, the most popular type of coffee maker is drip. Such devices have a simple device and an affordable price tag. The principle of action is the slow passage of hot drops of water through the ground mass of grains. The flask with a drink gets already full of ready-made coffee.
Horn models should also be attributed to the popular type of coffee machines. In this design, the pressure testing of the cafe takes place: about 10-15 bar.
Geyser patterns are also common. They are similar to drip, but the water does not fall, but rises - hence the name. What geyser coffee maker to choose? Such models are often criticized for their small volume. It turns out that the design is quite complex, and the output is very modest. Therefore, if the eye has fallen on the geyser apparatus, then preference should be given to modifications with a displacement of at least 1.5 liters and a pressure of 10 bar.
Bosch tassimo
A range of Tassimo capsule coffee makers featuring clear and simple controls. For the discerning lover of a fragrant drink who needs a compact and ergonomic device - the best solution. In addition, the model is not expensive - about 4 thousand rubles.
What is offered for this money? A small capacity of 0.8 l, served by a 1300 W heating element under 3.3 bar pressure. There are more productive modifications in this series.
How to choose a Tassimo coffee machine? In addition to performance, it is worth paying attention to cooking modes and design. Some versions provide automatic and manual operation, while others only mechanical. But in each case, an extensive selection of drinks is offered, including not only espresso, cappuccino and latte with macchiato, but also cream with hot chocolate.
As for the reviews, the users themselves consider the advantages of Tassimo ease of cleaning, functionality with a small size and ease of handling. It is obvious that optimization was manifested in negative qualities. Owners note a lack of pressure level, and a small volume - for a large family, of course, 0.8 liters may not be enough.
Panasonic NC-ZF1HTQ
The representative of the line of drip machines of medium power, designed to load ground coffee. It should be noted right away that the modest volume of the tank is about 1 liter, but the model is provided with a wide range of modern control systems. It also provides a drink strength regulator, and water level control, as well as an auto-shutdown system. But, are these qualities so important for a drip coffee maker? Which one to choose - functional or productive?
Panasonic has relied on functionality, but also has not forgotten about maintaining a level of reliability. This is evidenced by the robust stainless steel case and the presence of an anti-drip system. But those who focus on performance, this option will not disappoint.
According to the owners, the device quickly prepares 8 cups of hot coffee in one go, while maintaining its temperature for a long time. But when the drink remains at the bottom, problems arise with cleaning. In terms of care, the previous version from Bosch is still more attractive.
Gaggia gran style
The horn is a semi-automatic coffee brewing machine, the cost of which is 11-12 thousand. The model has an original design in the corporate Italian style, and the case is made of high-strength ABS plastic. But since the apparatus has a considerable price, you should first understand what the functional purpose of the carob coffee machine is, and which one to choose?
For such models, power and high pressure are important. If these indicators are at the proper level, then the user will be able to count on making a good drink. And the model Gaggia Gran Style may well be considered as a good-quality apparatus for making cappuccino, since the pressure reaches 15 bar.
Plus, it’s worth adding a few filters to load ground and portioned coffee. The owners of this machine praise it for its attractive design, and for the pleasant taste of the finished drinks.
Philips HD7762
Not quite a standard version of the coffee machine, which is a mini-complex for grinding and direct brewing of the drink. According to the basic principle of operation, this is a drip model that is optimal for lovers of American coffee. If we talk about the function of grinding grains, then a small container with two divisions is provided for it. The degree of grinding can be controlled, also creating a variety of mixes of the solution using the selector. Of course, you can do without grinding, using ready-made raw materials.
In general, this option is worth considering for those who focus on a universal coffee machine for the home. Which one to choose? Reviews about this model are more likely to be recommended on the positive side, paying attention to the wide range of programming options, fortress control and structural reliability. But this is far from a professional coffee grinder, so for such a function it is still worth turning to more specialized versions.
Melitta Caffeo Solo & Milk
A device close to the professional class from German developers, which can be used only for grain coffee. A 1.2 liter water tank is served by a 1,400-watt thermal block at a pressure of 15 bar. The user can adjust portions (up to 125 g), and also choose one of three options for the fortress.
Management is carried out through the display, which indicates the manufacturability of the model. As noted in the reviews, it is quite possible to choose a coffee machine from Melitta for both connoisseurs of espresso and lovers of cappuccino - in particular, classic panarello, which, however, requires skill in the preparation. The cost of 32 thousand may seem overpriced, but users are happy with their investment. Nevertheless, the model is provided with an automatic cleaning program with filtration, which in itself is a significant plus.
Saeco GranBaristo Avanti
A premium model from one of the best manufacturers of coffee makers - the Italian company Saeco. The device successfully works with both grain and ground coffee, connecting a powerful heating mechanism of 1900 watts to the process. The capacity is 1.7 l and the pressure is 15 bar.
18 recipes, 5 degrees of grinding and 6 levels of fortress are available for cooking. If there is a question about how to choose a coffee maker with extensive control capabilities, this version is optimal. The creators provided the device with a remote module that allows you to control the process remotely - for example, through a PC or tablet. The disadvantages of this proposal, users include the lack of active heating function and a high price tag - about 25 thousand.
What other nuances to consider in choosing?
If we are talking about budget models, then the main thing is not to lose in quality of materials. Typically, manufacturers save on them, which ultimately affects the work resource. The model should have a solid sealed housing based on stainless steel alloy or modern heat-resistant plastic. In terms of functionality, this segment does not have special expectations due to its low cost.
By the way, low performance should not be regarded as a drawback. So, for traditional bitter coffee, models with power up to 800 W are optimally suited, which is often confirmed by reviews. Which coffee maker to choose from the premium segment? Firstly, in addition to the brands listed above, you can safely turn to the products of De'Longhi, Krups, Siemens and NIVONA. These companies have proven themselves in terms of design quality and ergonomics. Secondly, here you can choose by function. At a minimum, for convenience, it is worthwhile to provide regulators of strength, temperature and cooking time. More substantial modifications have options for light and sound indication, auto power off, wireless communication with a control device, etc.
Conclusion
In addition to technical and functional parameters, of course, one should not ignore personal preferences. And this applies not only to the design with colors, but also the variety of the drink. How to choose a coffee maker by type of coffee? For cappuccino and espresso, experts recommend carob models, as well as combination machines.
If the bet is on latte or americano, then you should choose a drip machine. Capsule and steam coffee makers can be considered if you plan to experiment with the taste of the drink, aromatic properties and strength.