Investing in a coffee machine can transform your morning routine. Craft the perfect cup, just how you like it as the sun rises, and save yourself money on take-out coffee! The good news is there are tons of coffee machines on the market. But it can be challenging to choose the right unit for your coffee preferences and budget.
Remember to always compare coffee machines using PriceMe to make sure you are finding the right unit for your needs, and at the cheapest price. Don’t pay for more than you need to!
Things to Consider When Choosing a Coffee Machine
The Type of Coffee Machine
- Drip/ filter coffee maker: Great for a simple brewing process and multiple cups of coffee at the same time.
- Capsule or pod coffee machine: A convenient way to grab a coffee and comes with minimal maintenance.
- Manual Espresso Machine: If you want to control the process of tamping and pulling the espresso shot, along with the job of strong and concentrated coffee, this one is for you!
- Automatic Espresso Machine: Still great for strong and concentrated espresso, but with the process automated for your convenience.
How Many Brews at Once?
How many people are likely going to be using the coffee machine regularly? Machines like the drip coffee maker would be a great choice for a busy household who needs multiple cups brewed at once. But if you have more patience, and there are pauses between brews, perhaps an espresso machine would work just fine!
The Types of Grinding
How do you like your coffee grinding? If you prefer fresh coffee, use whole beans and consider choosing a machine with a built-in grinder. Some espresso machines don’t come with one, so you may need to grab a separate grinder, especially if you are looking for a completely manual machine.
Pressure and Temperature
If you are an espresso lover, you should consider the pressure capabilities of the unit. You also want to make sure that the machine can control water temperature. The ideal temperature should sit at around 93 degrees C.
To extract the best depth of flavour, your machine should be capable of consistent pressure and temperature. In espresso machines, the pressure is measured in units of BAR. The espresso should pass through your coffee grounds at around 7-11 BARs of pressure. If your machine can reach 9 BARs of pressure, you will get to enjoy a rich and concentrated espresso, perfect for your favourite iced latte or cappuccino.
Milk Frothing
Consider how you like your coffee. Do you like lattes or cappuccinos? If so, you’ll want to think about the milk frothing capabilities of your machine. Most espresso machines come with a frother wand. But if you choose a drip-style coffee machine, or a basic pod machine, you will need to grab a separate milk frother.
Cleaning and Maintenance
It’s important to clean your machine regularly to maintain the integrity of your coffee and preserve the unit’s lifetime. If a machine has removable parts, it will be easy to clean. Most espresso machines come with clear cleaning instructions. Drip-machines and pod machines are typically quite simple to clean.
Ongoing Costs
Be sure to consider the items you’ll need to buy to keep the coffee machine functioning such as filters, espresso grind, whole beans, and pods or capsules.
Compare Coffee Machines
Jump on PriceMe to compare different coffee machines and their prices. Compare espresso machines, pod machines, drip machines within just a few minutes to find the coffee machine of your dreams to elevate your morning. Save money in the long run on takeout coffee and enjoy the art of crafting your own cup!
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