C
offee. The magic bean that is the favorite pick me up of millions. Essential to kick start the brain in the morning and the perfect ending to a meal. Brewed to perfection in countless variations, it brings people together and keeps a body going through busy days and long sleepless nights. Take what you want from me but mess with my coffee and there will be trouble.
The coffee bean is complex containing a thousand plus compounds that carry its unique flavors and aromas. It demands careful brewing with cautious temperature and time control to get it just right – something around 195 -205 degrees for 6-8 minutes. It is the most intense flavors and aromas that are the first to leave the bean, the milder and smoother follow later.
Every serious coffee drinker is a serious coffee maker and knows that straying from the formula leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. Too slow or with the temperature too high the humble bean lets you know with a brew that is harsh, bitter and hard to swallow. Too cold and the flavor is never extracted and there is no delicious aroma filling the kitchen. Brewing a fresh pot of coffee that hits all the right nerves is an art form that has to be learnt and using a good machine from the start is a must to get even a chance of the perfect brew.
Main benefits of using a coffee machine?
The coffee machine is a blessing for people with high coffee consumption. Some of us are unable to start the day or an important task without a cup of coffee at hand. Other people find their breakfast and snack incomplete without a cup of aromatic coffee. For those coffee lovers and addicts, the coffee machine is essential.
The coffee machine is beneficial in these ways;
Time and Money Saver
A good coffee machine saves time and money. No need to be spending precious time standing in coffee shop queues for your favorite brew when you can prepare it for less cost at home. A good quality machine needs to be viewed as an investment. Brewing at home will always come in cheaper than the coffee shop and the machine will easily pay for itself. Even so, it pays to look out for machines on sales to add to the amount of cash you can save.
Fresher and More Flavorful Coffee
Nothing can beat the flavor and aroma of freshly brewed coffee and you can get it at home only with a quality coffee maker. Instant coffee is an easier choice but its taste and aroma cannot be compared with freshly prepared coffee from the beans. It has a distinct aroma and flavor easily distinguished by a coffee lover. For some though, it’s all too intense. They prefer mild and less aromatic instant coffee to freshly brewed one. It all depends upon your own taste buds.
Healthier Version of Coffee
Brewed coffee is the healthier version of coffee. Coffee beans release greater amounts of the healthy oils into the pot which are beneficial for your health. These oils contain antioxidants and nutrients that are helpful in uplifting mood and increasing brain activity. Brewed coffee deliver these nutrients in their purest form and help protect the body from various cancer types and heart disease. Instant coffee does not carry as much benefit as the nutrients and the antioxidants present are not as effective after it has been commercially prepared. Beware though, even with its health benefits, coffee is still an addictive stimulant and over-consumption can create problems.
Benefits Of Having A Coffee Machine In The Workplace
A cup of coffee can lift your mood and enhance brain activity and if it is freshly brewed its benefit increases multifold. What could be a better way to improve your employees` concentration span and increase their productivity than to offer them a freshly brewed coffee any time they want?
Bringing a coffee machine into your office will win the heart of your employees and make your workplace a more cozy and attractive place for your workers. It says you value your employees but also eliminates the need for frequent coffee breaks. Ready and on tap, fresh coffee can eliminate a lazy and lethargic work attitude to leave your workers more enthusiastic and active.
Your investment in a good coffee machine for your office will go a long way in not only invigorating your employees but also impressing your clients. The social act of presenting an aromatic cup of freshly brewed coffee will lift the mood of your clients, relax them and help you cut a good deal.
Variations of Coffee Machines
Before you decide to make the all important purchase, you need to learn a bit about different types of coffee machines and some of their major benefits and features. For instance:
Drip Coffee Makers
Drip coffee machines are the most popular coffee machines and are widely used for domestic purposes. They are easy to use and can be operated by anyone. These standard machines are also cost effective and are available everywhere.
Here are some of the main features of drip coffee machines:
- It can brew multiple cups of coffee in a single go and is ideal for big families or small events at home. It can brew up to 12 cups of coffee at once.
- It is easy to use and can fill up your coffee pot with freshly brewed coffee in a few minutes. Just fill the reservoir with water and add your ground coffee beans in filter paper and you’re good to go.
- Most of the drip coffee machines are automatic and you can program them in advance to get your coffee ready at your desired time.
Espresso Coffee Machines
An espresso coffee machine is your ideal choice if you are a lover of concentrated more intense espresso coffee. This coffee is the base of many high-end coffees served at the cafes around the world. You can easily get your tricky espresso coffee right from the comfort of your home with this machine.
Some of the prominent aspects of espresso coffee machine are:
- You can use any variety of coffee, either rich or mild, to make your espresso coffee with this machine.
- Some models allow you to make multiple cups of coffee at once.
- Some models have two options. Either to make a single cup or opt for double cups in one go.
- You can adjust the quantity of your extracted coffee according to your needs.
- Some models also allow you to program time and quantity of your espresso in advance.
French Presses
The French press is a classic model of coffee machine and popular around the world. It is unique with zero electric consumption and a simple mechanism. They are the cheapest type of coffee makers available in the market and require the least maintenance.
Some of the key features of the French press are:
- It has a simple body with only a glass cylinder along with a plunger.
- You need boiled water and grounded coffee for brewing your fresh cup of coffee.
- You can adjust the brewing time to taste by leaving it to infuse until it is just how you prefer it.
Single Cup Makers
Single cup makers are ideal for individual use or in the situation where everyone prefers different flavors and wants to brew at their own convenient timings. These machines work with a single cup coffee pod and have both filter and grounder attach to it.
Some of the important attributes of single cup makers are:
- They are mess free machines and are easier to handle.
- They are portable.
- They are perfect for small families.
- They are quick and time efficient.
- They give freedom to each coffee maker to brew according to his own preferences.
- It’s easy to experiment with new flavors at minimal cost
Bean-to-Cup Coffee Makers
If you are a true coffee maniac than the bean to cup coffee machine is your ideal choice. It grounds whole coffee beans right at the moment you begin to brew to ensure there are no flavors lost and the essential oils released are at their optimal best for a rich aroma and full bodied taste.
Some of the key aspects of bean to cup coffee makers are:
- These are the most expensive coffee machines.
- They brew the most intense and flavorful coffee.
- No machine can beat the freshness and intensity of the flavor of its freshly ground and brewed coffee.
What to consider when buying a coffee machine?
Considering the benefits, you may already be feeling tempted to buy yourself a new shiny piece of coffee maker. You should certainly go ahead, but be sure to remember a few important points before taking the plunge. Here is what you should consider when buying a coffee machine.
Bar Pressure
Good bar pressure is essential for getting creamy frothy coffee from your coffee maker. Check out the bar pressure before buying any coffee maker. Ideal bar pressure is between 15 to 19 bar and is crucial for brewing perfect frothy coffee. Optimum bar pressure is even more essential for espresso coffee making machines.
Thermo Block
The temperature of water at the time of coffee brewing plays an important role in getting perfectly flavored coffee. Thermo block is a boiler in your coffee machine that ensures perfect water temperature for brewing. Your water temperature should ideally be maintained at 90-degree centigrade for a perfect cup or else it will ruin the flavor and aroma balance of your coffee.
Filter Holder
The filter holder maintains the temperature of grounded coffee. A brass filter holder is better than aluminum filter holder as it retains heat more precisely.
Wattage
Wattage helps in brewing the coffee quickly by boiling water in comparatively lesser time. Higher wattage indicates the efficiency of the machine to boil water swiftly.
Maintenance
Your coffee maker demands your attention and regular maintenance to keep working efficiently. If you want to make the most of your coffee maker and want it to stay fault free for a longer than you must descale them regularly. Some high-end machines have indicators that alert you to descale when needed. Besides descaling, check the filters regularly for any blockage and wash your water reservoir, spout and pot after every use.
Features to Check in Different Types of Coffee Makers
There are different coffee makers to suit different tastes and needs, so it is important to consider certain features when you want to put your money on a specific type of machine. Here are a few things to consider.
Multi-Cup Coffee Makers
Popular among most American households, the drip coffee makers can easily make at least 8-10 cups per carafe, which is why they are perfect for small dinner parties and homes with multiple coffee drinkers. To make your perfect purchase it pays to think about a few things.
- Opt for a multi-function drip coffee maker. With these coffee machines, you can get a cup of hot water to make your own cup of tea or you can get a cup of coffee directly into your travel mug.
- Consider the carafe size if you have a large family of coffee lovers. While most can manage 8-10 cups with ease, you can find commercial ones with capability to handle multiple pots. Opt for the right type as well, as glass carafes are easily available but thermal carafes are more durable.
- Check the programmability. It would allow you to change the settings in a way that you can have your coffee brewed while you sleep and get it brewed perfectly by the time you wake up in the morning.
- Select machines that give you full control over temperature and strength settings. It will allow you to create a subtler or stronger flavor.
There are other features to check out, such as a built-in coffee grinder, pause function, automatic shut-off and the availability of filter basket.
Single Serve Coffee Makers
These coffee makers help you brew a single cup of coffee at a time and are quite popular these days. By going for these machines, you will be able to enjoy the luxury of drinking perfect coffee with very little cleanup. These makers use pre-packaged pods that you can find a variety of flavors. With these pods, it is easy to change your routine with a cup of hot chocolate, tea, or even hot cider. Here’s what to consider when buying these coffee makers:
- Check the reservoir size, especially if you’d be making multiple cups in quick succession. A machine with a larger reservoir serves you well when you have a large family of coffee lovers.
- Pay attention to the cup height if you’d love to keep your travel mug there and pick it up whenever you need the caffeine hit.
- Opt for a single-serve coffee maker with multiple temperature and strength selections. With these machines, you will be able to control how long it takes to saturate the grounds and create a perfectly flavored coffee.
Espresso Machines
It is easy to use espresso machines and create a perfect shot of espresso that can be used as the base for cappuccino, caffe latte, Americano, mocha, macchiato, and so many more variations. Considering these features will help you buy the right espresso machine for you.
- Opt for a durable espresso machine, which usually means buying one with metal construction. These machines can be quite expensive, which is why people to switch to a plastic model. Know your budget before you start your search and buy the best you can afford.
- Put your money on an espresso machine with rubber feet. Irrespective of which model you choose, these espresso machines cause vibrations and noise, which can be reduced with those rubber feet added to the bottom.
- Pick an espresso machine that is easy to use. Machines with indicator lights not directly visible to the eye can cause problems when brewing. Similarly, you need to consider the location of the water reservoir. Insufficient clearance if you need to place your machine under the kitchen cupboards means having to move it every time you want to add water.
Invest in an espresso machine with a built-in frothing wand. These wands produce a stream of hot air to help aerate milk and give you that lovely foamy topping on your morning cappuccino.
What are the main brands of coffee machines?
When you know what to consider at the time of buying a coffee machine, you usually don’t need to worry too much about brands. Nevertheless, knowing about popular brands will make it easier to select a coffee machine that is capable of delivering the best performance in your home or office setting.
Hamilton Beach is a nice choice with a variety of coffee machines available to choose from, but if you’re looking for coffee machines that last, you may want to buy something from Krups. Similarly, Keurig offers excellent machines, but they may be a bit expensive to buy for some. To find a rater affordable model, you can check the range of coffee makers Mr. Coffee has available.
Other than these, there are many other popular brands of coffee machine, including De’ Longhi, Nespresso, Melitta, Presto, Kenmore, Black & Decker, NESCO, and the list goes on. Just be sure to know your exact coffee needs and remember the points mentioned earlier to get the best machine.
1) Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker
This single serve coffee maker from Hamilton Beach allows you to brew your coffee in two ways. It comes equipped with a 12-cup glass carafe but you can also brew your coffee directly into your travel mug. By the way, you’re not going to find the travel mug included in the package.
This 950W machine works flawlessly. The pod holder works efficiently with the brew basket to hold soft pods, which is nice. Another good thing is that you can easily select different brew strengths to brew bold or regular strength coffee. The availability of a control panel and display means you can automate the process and even set the brewing time 24 hours in advance.
Keep in mind that the single serve feature works when you use loosely ground coffee or opt for disk-shaped soft pods. It does not work with K-Cup packs, which may be a drawback of buying this machine. Another issue is that it lacks a permanent mesh filter, which is usually available on the carafe side.
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2) Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker
This 12-cup coffee maker from Mr. Coffee is available in black and looks good in every kitchen setting. You will notice that the machine brews at a reasonably fast speed, and you can use it to brew your coffee at a rather hot temperature. When pouring out of the pot, you don’t have to deal with a dribbling carafe, which is a common complaint of many coffee lovers.
Thanks to the on/0ff indicator light, it is easy to check whether your coffee maker is working or not. Interestingly, it is possible to pause the brewing process before it is done using Grab-A-Cup Auto Pause feature. Similarly, you will love the fact that it comes with a dual water window, which offers enough visibility to ensure you don’t have to deal with overflows.
Moreover, the machine allows for easy cleanups because all you have to do is lift the filter basket and clean it. It works great, but the only issue is that it may be a bit expensive, especially for someone who’s coming from a basic coffee maker.
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3) Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Machine
So many things make Keurig K-Café a good choice for anyone interested in buying a single serve coffee maker. One of the best things is that you can use it with any K-cup pod, which means it is possible to make cappuccinos and brew coffee with utmost ease. All you have to do is press the “SHOT” button and it will brew coffee using your favorite K-Cup pod. With its large 60oz water reservoir, you can easily brew up to 6 cups.
The build quality of this machine is impressive, and it is easy to set it up after you receive the package. The use of simple button controls means it is easy to operate right out of the box. Interestingly, there is no need to worry about serious maintenance because it comes equipped with dishwasher safe frother. A really nice single-serve machine, but the price may be a bit on the higher side.
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4) Technivorm Moccamaster Coffee Brewer
Available in 17 amazing colors, the KBG coffee brewer is a simple to use and reasonably quiet machine you can own. The build quality is impressive, as the machine is encased in a highly durable metal housing.
You don’t have to worry about any dripping issues, as it features an auto drip-stop brew-basket coupled with a high quality glass carafe, which ensures coffee quality, taste, and integrity. Interestingly, it is a powerful coffee brewer with a capacity to brew a full carafe in no more than 6 minutes.
With its 9-hole outlet arm, it is capable of pulsing water at up to 205F, which in turn will ensure a smooth and evenly extracted cup of coffee. While most of the features are super impressive, the price may be a deal-breaker for some, as this brewer does come with a hefty price tag.
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5) Keurig K575 Coffee Maker
The K575 from Keurig is a reasonably good single serve coffee maker that is strong enough to handle a K-cup pod brew up to 12oz. The availability of a large 80oz water reservoir means you can brew up to 10 cups before even thinking of going for a refill. You can easily change the strength setting to brew a cup of coffee as per your unique needs and taste. “Hot Water On Demand” is a nice feature too, making it easier to brew your coffee with a touch of the button.
Another good thing about this coffee maker is that you can easily adjust the size of your beverage. Interestingly, the brewer works automatically and switches to the optimized brew setting after sensing the type of pack you have inserted into it. You can also change the settings using the color touchscreen, which, by the way, is larger than what you usually find on other coffee makers in the market. The price may be the only issue making you think twice before buying it.
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6) Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
Keurig seems to have designed some of the nicest coffee makers available in the market, and the K-Elite Single Serve is no different. One of its important selling points is the use of quite brew technology, which means the machine will not make any noise while in use, so you can use it late at night or very early in the morning without disturbing others around you.
The coffee maker is quite powerful and gives you the chance to change its strength settings with ease. You can also switch to iced setting to brew a cup of iced coffee in no time. With ‘hot water on demand’ feature, you can get the amount of water you need to prepare instant oatmeal, soups, and more. And, it will take some time until your water supply runs dry, as the machine comes with a large 75oz water reservoir.
Everything about the K-Elite is good, but you’ll be disappointed to know that it does not come with a touchscreen. Moreover, the reservoir lid is no longer hinged, which means you cannot lift the front half only to refill. It is certainly a simpler product, but it does increase the reliability to a certain extent.
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7) Nespresso Vertuo Coffee & Espresso Machine
With two capsules that let you prepare Coffee, Alto, and Espresso, this coffee machine bundle really looks like a good buy. There is a large capsule for coffee and alto, with cup sizes of 8oz and 14oz respectively, and a small capsule for espresso. Coffee lovers will love it for producing multiple cups of coffee with optimal freshness.
The real upside of buying this machine is that it uses the Centrifusion extraction technology that spins the capsules up to 7,000 RPM for a perfect blend of water and coffee. You will love the crema it produces. It also works amazingly well to produce authentic espresso, and does it quickly too.
It supports one-touch brewing, so you will love the ease of use. The only downside is that the pods are quite expensive, much more than what you pay when you use another brand. You won’t find a glitch in the performance though.
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8) Mr. Coffee Thermal Coffeemaker System
You will love the Optimal Brew coffee maker for its design, performance, and build quality. The combination of a fast brew speed and a high brew temperature that goes as high as 205 degrees means you get great tasting coffee cup after cup.
With the Optimal Brew coffee maker, you don’t have to wait for the brewing cycle to complete to pour a cup. Simply use its Pause ‘N Serve function to pour a cup as you like. It uses a special cleaning cycle along with impressive water filtration system to provide you with better tasting coffee. Its removal water reservoir is another nice feature.
You will find it quite easy and safe to use, especially because it has a stainless steel thermal carafe. Moreover, you can take advantage of its built-in timer to get fresh coffee whenever you want. It means that if you can afford it, you should certainly consider buying it.
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9) Braun Brew Sense Drip Coffee Maker
The BrewSense Drip Coffee Maker from Braun is a good choice for making rich, reliable coffee in no time. Yes, your brewing knowledge matters, but this feature-rich machine will simplify the task with its PureFlavor system that works flawlessly to extract the finest coffee flavor.
It makes no compromises over flavor and its unique carafe lid plays a role in it. It kind of seals the flavor inside your coffee by limiting the air exposure. Moreover, you can change the settings using the strength function to make bold or regular coffee.
Thanks to its anti-drip system, you will not find it difficult to pour your coffee with precision, even when you want to do it right in the middle of the brewing cycle. It serves you well as a whole, but some people have complained about a black coating building on the heating plate.
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10) Kenmore Aroma Control Coffee Maker
The Kenmore 40706 is a popular coffee maker that comes with a 12-cup glass carafe making it easier to get the right amount of water as per your brewing needs. It is an extremely easy-t0-use coffee maker with a programmable timer. You can also use its Pause and Serve function to get a cup during the brew cycle.
Unlike many other coffee makers, this one from Kenmore will not have issues related to the heating plate. It comes equipped with a non-stick coated plate, so you will have your coffee warm longer. The brewing mechanism works efficiently, thanks to the use of an improved brewing technology that lets the grounds steep thoroughly before making it available in the carafe.
It is worth mentioning that though the overall build quality of the Kenmore 40706 is reasonably good, the design is not as user-friendly as some other models from Kenwood are. For instance, it is hard to empty the pot because of its inner rim and it is not possible to open up the reservoir cover completely. If you can ignore these seemingly minor issues, this coffee maker may prove to be a good buy.
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11) BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker
Black + Decker has a good range of coffee makers and the DCM600B is one of their popular models. With its Duralife glass carafe, it is extremely easy to fill it up and pour once your coffee is ready. You will really like the fact that the carafe comes with clear measurement markings making life a lot easier if you have multiple coffee drinkers who like different flavor strengths.
The presence of a removal filter basket means that you don’t have to go through much hassle to clean it up. It is dishwasher safe, so you don’t have to worry about anything. It is worth mentioning that the basket is quite compatible with different basket-style paper filters. Other features include a nonstick carafe plate, an easy-view water window, a lighted on/off switch, and more. The only issue is that you may have to deal with some dripping, and therefore, it is better to have something to catch that dripping coffee.
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12) Mueller Ultima Coffee Maker
This coffee maker with five brew sizes is quite compatible with 1.0 and 2.0 K-cups as well as number of other pods, which means that you can make a cup of coffee in any way you like. You will also notice the same versatility in brew sizes, as you can choose different strengths and brew up to 12oz cups.
It comes with a 45oz water tank, which is removable by the way, but you may find it a bit on the smaller side as many other modes offer water tanks up to 80oz. Still, the size is reasonably good and you will appreciate the fact that it has a large opening that makes it easier to fill it up.
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CONCLUSION
When you’re a coffee lover, it makes great sense to own a coffee maker, as it helps you prepare coffee in an affordable way and allows you to find the perfect settings to have a cup of foamy coffee. Many top brands are now selling some amazingly designed coffee makers, but you should consider your budget and the number of cups you’d be brewing a day. So, be ready to do your research to bring home a coffee maker perfectly designed to suit your unique needs!
