When it comes to choosing a coffee machine, there's lots of different options to go with, this article should make it easy for beginners and also those who already have some experience with brewing coffee at home.
How often will you make coffee at home?
For those who have longed to have a coffee machine at home but have never taken the plunge yet, one of the key questions is how often you will use the coffee machine, in addition how many people in your household consume coffee.
When it comes to coffee machines, there are two main options most people will go with, here they are with their attributes noted for you:
Manual coffee machine
Manual coffee machines can come with or without a separate grinder. Machines like Breville, Sunbeam and some other makes. Some come with an inbuilt grinder and auto tamp function too. Others that are italian built or are dedicated espresso machines won't come with an inbuilt grinder, rather you'll require a separate grinder.
Manual coffee machines:
Deliver the best tasting espresso coffee
Usually have a steam function for steaming milk
Take about 5-8mins to heat up
Give you the full barista experience at home
Requires a skill level, which you will get better at over time
Can create latte art
Will need to acquire speed to produce multiple beverages - again this is a learnt skill
Sometimes you will need a Tamper and Knock Box for old coffee pucks
Most have their own water tanks, some can be plumbed in to water mains
Manual cleaning required after every use
Maintenance required at intervals (every six months) e.g. descaling of machine
Fully Automatic coffee machine
Fully Automatic coffee machines come with an inbuilt grinder, water tank, Knock Box and have a smart tamping function. Some brands like Delonghi & Jura come with Bluetooth technology so you could make a coffee on demand. Surprisingly fully automatic machines can make you a coffee just as good as a manual coffee machine.
Fully Automatic coffee machines:
Deliver almost as good espresso coffee
Produce the espresso + steamed milk into your cup at a touch of a button
Take 3-5 mins to heat up
Use standardised brew recipes, which means you can customise within reason
Won't produce any latte art
No skills required
Have their own water tanks
Are self cleaning
Maintenance required at intervals (every six months) e.g. descaling of machine
So ... what do i choose, Manual or a Fully Automatic coffee machine?
If you want the full barista experience, want to be able to customise and use a variety of beans, blends, single origins and also want to be able to play around with different dosages, grind settings to get the absolute best tasting coffees then go for a manual coffee machine
If you want to just make really good coffees and don't have a lot of time or patience for learning then go for a Fully Automatic coffee machine.
Yes - they both need coffee to function, just like you and I
We roast four amazing blends which are suitable for both Manual and Fully Automatic machines.
Plus if you don't have a machine already, we can grind your order for you. Most people though order wholebean , choice is yours depending on what you already have.
Have a look at our coffee blends HERE
Thanks so much for reading this post, please like and share it so we can help as many people make good decisions on which coffee machine best suits them!
Shafeen Mussa
Order Coffee Beans
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