Time was when the making of coffee involved the kettle on and unscrewing a jar of Red Mountain. However, times have changed and there are many outlets selling ground brews which have made us a bit more particular.
According to Mintel, there has been an increase in the sales of coffee machines with about a 1/5 of homes now owning a machine. Whether you are about to be among these homes or you want to replace your existing machine, this article is meant for you. Below are some options and how much you should pay.
The Choices of Coffee Machine
There are many ways of making coffee than you may have ever thought. Below are some of the main options.
Filter coffee machines
Put cold water on top of the machine where you warm it using a heating element before it drips down into the jug below through a basket of coffee. A hot plate is used to keep it warm. You can use any ground coffee.
Pod or capsule coffee machines
The coffee is a pre-packaged capsule put into the coffee machine. Press a button in which the pod is pierced if you want to put hot water into a mug. They are easy to clean but your machine manufacturer limits the type of pod or capsule you can use.
Percolators Ground coffee is usually inserted above the water chamber. Once the water boils, it is forced up and down a tube through the coffee back into the compartment below. You can either get electric versions or stop-top versions which contain a heating element. Check these pod machines out.
Pump Espresso Maker
This is a boiler which is thermostatically controlled and used to heat water to an optimum temperature for coffee. The temperature ranges between 85 degrees and 92 degrees.
When the water reaches this temperature, it passes through the ground coffee at the right bar pressure. A tool for steaming milk is usually included so that it can be used for cappuccinos and lattes.
Drip Coffee
A drip coffee machine is one of the more traditional forms of machine. It’s essentially a take on the filter method or pour over method. This form of coffee brewing became very popular in the 1970s, replacing percolators as the way of making coffee. The best drip coffee maker machines result in a smooth blend and is one to consider.
Bean-to-cup
This type of machine grinds the coffee beans then runs hot water through the beans before dispensing the drink. It is basically a pump espresso maker with a built-in grinder.
Other Considerations
There is a major consideration for those who want a machine without an integrated grinder yet they want to use beans. Making good quality coffee is all about getting the grind right.
If there is any piece of equipment you need to spend more, it is the grinder as an accurate and consistent grind will help you get the best extraction of the liquid.”
There are very many types of grinders in the market but Dualit 75015 which costs 61.99 sterling pounds with O’Gormans and the KitchenAid Artisan Burr with Hards of Stur which goes for 149.95 sterling pounds have good customer reviews.
Crema which is the foam on your espresso is one of the main indicators of a good cup. Freshly roasted coffee produces the best crema. In order to do this, you need a high-quality blend of coffee.
Make sure that the machine is set to the correct pour time which is about 18 to 24 seconds and correct water pressure. Here are more details on how you can make the perfect Espresso.
