Choosing your next coffee maker
These pages aim to provide you with all the information you need to choose your next coffee machine. The choice of coffee machines is wide. You will find some popular and freely available models described with helpful links to retailers where you may purchase them.The site is categorised into the main types of coffee maker; Filter, Traditional Espresso, Pod or Capsule and Bean to Cup.
Each page will guide you through the features of each variety of machine and the different options within the category you need to consider.
Filter Coffee Machine
Filter coffee is prepared by passing hot water through ground coffee and then a filter in order to stop the grind ending up in your coffee. The machines usually have a jug to collect the coffee which sits on a hot plate to keep it warm. Filters are either disposable or permanent. Prices range from £10 upwards.
Traditional Espresso Machine
An espresso is a strong coffee usually served in a short measure (a ‘shot’) or mixed with milk to produce cappuccino or latte drinks. The traditional espresso machine has a boiler which generates steam pressure. The coffee grind is packed into the holder which is then attached to the machine. The pressure is then released which forces water through the coffee grind at high pressure. These machines will usually generate the best tasting coffee but requires a skilled operator to get the best out of them. Ideal for the enthusiast who is prepared to put the work in to get the best cup. The machines usually have a milk wand for heating and/or frothing milk using the steam from the boiler. Prices range from £50 upwards.
Pod or Capsule Machine
Pod or capsule machines use the same principles and technology as traditional espresso machines but use pre packed pods or capsules of coffee grind which are placed in the machine rather than packing the loose coffee yourself. Use of the machines tends to be a cleaner experience. The primary brands of pods and capsules are Nespresso, Modo Mio, Tassimo, Doce Gusto and Senseo. Operation is usually a case of inserting the pod and pushing a button. An additional option which will appeal to many in this range is the ability to make milk drinks automatically, a detachable milk container is used to provide milk which is heated and/or frothed by the machine to produce Latte or Cappuccino drinks. Prices range from £60 upwards.
Bean to Cup Coffee Machine
Bean to cup machines, again, use the same principles as the other espresso machines, but here, whole coffee beans are placed in a hopper in the machine, the machine then grinds the coffee and makes the espresso, usually at the touch of one button. Again, this is a clean and easy experience. These machine also occasionally have the exciting automated milk options to produce Latte or Cappuccino drinks. Prices range from £300 upwards.
Comparison Table
Filter Traditional Pod Bean to cup Coffee Ground Ground Pod Bean Coffee Choice Good Good Limited Huge Ease of Use Easy Hard Easy Easy Price Low Medium Medium High