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 You stumble out of bed in the morning, blurry headed and not really looking forward to the day ahead. Everything changes, though, after you take that first sip of piping hot coffee. Suddenly you are ready to take on the world. Coffee has been the world's favourite beverage since at least ancient Egyptian times, when there were already coffee connoisseurs, if not coffee machines.
Today, you can make barista quality coffee in your own home with a machine that automatically grinds your beans, makes perfect espresso and then even cleans itself. Is that what you're looking for or do you just want a quick mug to get you through till lunchtime? Whatever you want, it's available. Our guide to coffee machines will help you find what you need.
Types of Coffee Machines
Basically, all coffee machines do the same thing: they pass hot water through ground coffee beans, extracting the beans' flavour as they do so. The trick to it is in getting the richest flavour out of the beans. Manually, this is done simply by pouring hot water over ground coffee and either filtering out the coffee grounds or just letting them settle, as is still done in some cultures. Coffee machines do it a little differently. These are the three main types of coffee machines:
Percolators
Percolators work by recycling "percolating" coffee through coffee grounds until it has reached the desired consistency. Critics deride percolators, saying they make bitter coffee, but they are coming back into fashion, thanks to improvements in design and the greater varieties coffee roasts and blends available today.
Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee machines, as the name implies, drip coffee slowly through a filter. Critics say that they produce a weak cup of coffee, but their defenders argue that it depends on the grind of coffee, the coffee roast and the drip speed.
Espresso Machines
Another Frenchman by the name of Rabaut invented the espresso machine in 1822; just four years after Laurens invented the percolator. In 1901, an Italian engineer named Luigi Bezzera improved on the design and Italy claimed the crown of the ultimate coffee culture. All espresso coffee machines work by creating water pressure and forcing the water through a tightly packed container of finely ground coffee. This extracts more of the coffee goodness, giving you a richer, fuller, stronger cup of coffee.
Coffee Capsules
Coffee capsule (or pod) machines are the new kids on the coffee block. The secret to these devices is in the capsule. This is a small sealed container with a pre-measured amount of coffee in it. Simply drop it in and make a perfect espresso every time. The downside to these is that your choices of coffee are limited to those offered by the manufacturers. You will often find these categorized along with espresso machines, because this is basically the kind of coffee they produce.
The World of Espresso Coffee Machines
Today, there are more types of espresso coffee machines available, in more price ranges, than any other type of coffee machine. Less expensive models work a little bit like steam engines: water is heated until the steam creates pressure. Then it is released through a pipe and into the coffee. This is not as efficient a way to do the job as with a water pumping system, which is how the more expensive models operate.
Espresso makers basically fall into three categories:
Manual
Espresso aficionados like manual machines because they control the process using a hand lever. The rate at which water is forced through the coffee is crucial to making a great shot of espresso, so expect a learning curve with a manual machine. While there are inexpensive models, manual does not mean cheap with espresso coffee machines. Many professional models cost thousands of dollars.
Semi Automatic
If you want the machine to pump the water for you, then look for a semi-automatic model. You will still have to start and stop the pumping process yourself, as well as add the ground coffee and make the froth for cappuccinos. Because they are relatively inexpensive, semi automatic espresso makers are the best sellers.
Automatic
If you don't want to do anything except enjoy your espresso coffee, then get an automatic model. These start and stop the pumping automatically. For the ultimate in convenience, there are automatic models that do everything for you. Sometimes called "super-automatic" coffee machines, they grind the beans, tamp them down into the filter, make the coffee, dump the used grounds into a built-in waste receptacle and even clean themselves. About the only thing they can't do is drink the coffee for you!
Because milky coffee beverages such as cappuccinos and macchiatos are so popular, most espresso machines come with a milk warming and frothing device. Not all of them do, though, so if cappuccinos are your cup of tea, so to speak, then be sure the machine you buy does include this feature.
What Should You Choose?
Drip and percolator coffee machines have these advantages over espresso machines:
- They are cheaper
- They are easier
- They make more coffee
You can buy a decent drip coffee machine for under $50 and a good percolator for under $100. These have anywhere from a six to twelve cup capacity, with heating elements to keep your coffee piping hot. They are quick and easy to use and some work like an alarm clock. You set everything up the night before, set the clock to a pre-determined time and wake up to freshly brewed coffee. For these easons alone, many households that boast an espresso maker also have a drip or percolator machine on hand. Others simply like the taste of coffee made by one or the other of these methods.
In spite of the fact that they make limited amounts of coffee at a time, are relatively expensive and require a degree of skill in order to create barista quality coffee, the fact that there are so many different espresso coffee machines on the market says something about their popularity. Why are they so popular? There are two reasons:
- They make great coffee
- They are easier to use than ever before
Whether you like a thick, rich, black espresso, a frothy cappuccino or a milky macchiato, an espresso maker will make it for you. While there used to be a steep learning curve to espresso making, semi-automatic and automatic espresso makers make it possible for novices to make a decent shot of espresso quickly. Many models also come with detailed instruction booklets or even DVDs, so you don't need to attend Barista University to learn how to make barista quality espresso!
Ultimately, coffee is a matter of personal taste. Make your decision based on the kind of coffee you like to drink, the level of convenience you desire and your budget. With all the coffee machines you have to choose between, you've got your work cut out for you, so grab a mug of coffee and start browsing!
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