How to choose the right coffee machine for you

Coffee has long ceased to be just a way to keep sleep at bay or to energize us in the morning. For lovers of this drink, coffee time is a special moment, whether it happens at home in pajamas at an hour when many are still asleep, or in a social setting with friends or colleagues.

We at KitchenShop love coffee too, which is why today we’re delighted to tell you how to choose a coffee machine that suits your kitchen and your needs.

Types of coffee machines

First of all, we’d like to clarify a topic that grinds on us like coffee beans: espresso or expresso?

The Italian coffee is called caffè espresso, which translates as “pressed coffee.” Because it is very similar to the word “express” and suggests a quickly prepared coffee, people began using the word “expresso.” The French even prefer this term, while Americans consider only the original Italian version to be correct.

So there is no rule forcing you to pronounce it one way or another, but if we were to recommend one, we’d go with the version also found in dictionaries: espresso.

Here are the most common types of coffee makers and electric espresso machines!

Manual espresso machine

Suitable for true coffee lovers and those who enjoy black coffee. It gives you full control over preparation, so you should enjoy being part of the process. You place the coffee in the metal filter and press it by pulling the lever. Hot water is forced through finely ground coffee, creating a rich shot of espresso. To prepare cappuccino or latte, you need a milk frother or a machine with one built in.

Automatic espresso machine

This coffee machine does everything for you - except buy the coffee. It measures, grinds, presses, and extracts the coffee at the push of a button. Preparation is quick and convenient. For cappuccino and other creamy drinks, the best choice is an automatic machine with a built-in milk frother.

Semi-automatic espresso machine

It is quite similar to an automatic espresso machine. However, unlike it, the semi-automatic espresso machine doesn’t do everything for you. You still have to grind the coffee, load the filter, and tamp it. The rest is just a button press away.

Super-automatic espresso machine

This all-inclusive coffee machine gives you 100% comfort. It knows how to do everything, from grinding the coffee to frothing the milk. But that does not mean it is the best option. The major drawback is that it offers you limited options for customizing the beverage. This means that you can hardly select the grind level, the strength of the coffee, or even the creaminess of the milk foam. You can compensate with a coffee grinder and milk frothing devices.

Automatic drip coffee maker

The filter coffee maker with paper filters and drip system is a classic in many kitchens. It’s ideal for making larger quantities of coffee without advanced techniques or hassle. Hot water passes through ground coffee and drips into the cofee pot, filtering the grounds at the same time. Simple and flavorful.

How to choose the best coffee machine for you?

If you don’t know which coffee espresso machine to buy, we explain below what the details you find on the product page or even in the product name actually mean.

Power and pressure

You will see that all coffee machines from KitchenShop have the power (W) mentioned directly in the product name. Look for coffee machines with at least 1000 watts for efficient heating and fast preparation. Higher power often means better performance, especially for espresso machines.

Regarding pressure, the ideal espresso machine should provide you with at least 9 bars in order to extract rich and aromatic coffees. Higher pressure can improve the quality of the brew.

Capacity

Take into account the size of the water tank, especially if you like inviting friends over for coffee or plan to prepare multiple coffee cups at once. Some espresso machines and coffee makers also have options to brew two cups of coffee at the same time.

Features and functions

Even if you are not a fan of latte macchiato or cappuccino, it would not hurt to choose a coffee machine with milk frothing technology, for moments when you have guests. Connoisseurs and those who appreciate the nuances of coffee flavor need an espresso machine that allows adjustment of coffee grind size, water temperature, and brewing time, for a personalized experience.

Design and size

In general, coffee machines are very aesthetically pleasing and manage to enhance the charm of any kitchen. The manual espresso machine has a more retro vibe, which we attribute to the filter handle. Unlike other household appliances, espresso machines are available in multiple colors beyond the classic black and stainless steel gray, which adds a fresh touch and a note of personality to your kitchen.

Budget

As with any other household appliance, coffee machines vary from affordable prices of (compact capsule coffee machines) up to high prices. In the case of renowned manufacturers such as KitchenAid or DeLonghi, the higher price reflects increased durability and innovative features of the appliances. If you want exceptional coffee with multiple customization options, the investment will prove worthwhile.

How to properly maintain a coffee machine?

Each coffee machine comes with its own cleaning and maintenance instructions. However, there are a few small things you can do to ensure the proper and hygienic functioning of the espresso machine every day.

After each use, wipe the coffee and milk dispensers with a damp cloth to remove oils and residues. In the case of manual espresso machines, discard the coffee grounds and rinse the basket to prevent clogging.

Descale the machine every 1-3 months, according to the instructions in the user manual. The period varies depending on how often you use the espresso machine and the hardness of the water. To obtain optimal and less hard water, use water filters from BRITA, designed to prevent limescale deposits.

Tips for perfect coffee and a long-lasting machine

Don’t forget that no machine can work miracles with mediocre coffee, so always choose the best whole coffee beans for your espresso machine.
If your coffee machine does not have a built-in grinder, that does not mean you should settle for pre-ground coffee. Buy coffee beans and grind them yourself with an electric coffee grinder to achieve the correct grind size depending on the desired drink (coarse for French press, fine for espresso, etc.).
Preheat your coffee cups by rinsing them with hot water to prevent the espresso from cooling too quickly.
Use filtered water. The minerals in tap water can negatively affect the taste and appearance of the coffee and can lead to limescale buildup in the coffee machine.
It is an interesting experiment to try coffee beans from different regions to notice the differences in aroma. For example, African coffee may have fruity notes, while beans from Latin America have subtle nutty or chocolate-like flavors.
Do not leave the machine turned on for long periods to prevent overheating, which leads to wear of heating elements and electrical components.
Invest in durability: opt for well-built, high-quality machines with robust components instead of cheaper plastic models.
Choose reputable brands known for longevity, quality, and easily available spare parts.

We hope we have helped you shed some light on this vast universe of coffee machines. All that remains is for you to decide which reliable household appliance will make your life more beautiful for many mornings to come. At KitchenShop, you will find a carefully selected range of manual and automatic coffee machines, as well as filters and accessories designed to fully reveal the potential of every coffee bean.

Other recommended products: