Coffee pod machines are a great choice for those that want an easy coffee maker system. They’re also a good option for those that enjoy speciality and flavoured coffees.
In this system, you simply add the pod you want to use and press a button to begin. The best coffee pod machines offer plenty of variety in terms of taste, flavour and design.
Coffee Machines – A Complete Buying Guide
Is there anything better than the aroma of freshly brewed coffee? A morning essential for many of us, the experience of enjoying an expertly crafted coffee is no longer limited to your local café.
Whether you love a rich espresso or a silky latte, the best home coffee machines prepare your perfect cup whenever you want it.
If you have decided to incorporate a coffee machine into your kitchen, it can be difficult to choose the right machine for your lifestyle. From built-in coffee machines integrated into your kitchen design to easy coffee pod machines, there is a wide range of styles and types to choose from. Whatever your requirements, this guide is designed to help you choose the best coffee machine to suit you and your kitchen.
Comparing the different types of coffee machines
When choosing the best home coffee machine, it’s useful to compare all the different features and functionalities for the types of coffee machines available.
Coffee pod machines
Pros:
- Fast and easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Compact
- Variety of coffees and flavourings available
Cons:
- Limited to coffee pods available
- Can be expensive to buy pods
- One cup of coffee made at a time
- Not all coffee pods can be recycled
Bean-to-cup coffee machines
Perhaps the most superior coffee machine choice, bean-to-cup coffee machines, give you complete control over the preparation process.
These are coffee machines with grinders, meaning your system will grind your chosen beans, pack the grounds and force water through to deliver a professional-tasting espresso. Many of these machines will include a milk frother too, ensuring you can easily create your favourite drinks at home.
It’s worth bearing in mind that you can buy integrated bean-to-cup coffee machines too. These built-in coffee machines are ideal for those that want a seamless design in their kitchen space.
Pros:
- Professional and fresh taste
- Convenient, as you don’t have to grind the beans yourself
- Can make a variety of drinks
- Built-in options available
Cons:
- A little more complicated to use
- More expensive than other pod machines
Espresso Makers
Whether you love the bold taste of a small espresso or want to use expertly brewed espressos in your cappuccino, these coffee machines are a premium choice for coffee lovers.
With this system, water is heated to the optimum temperature and pushed through ground coffee to produce a rich espresso. If you’re looking for a coffee machine with a milk frother, you’ll be pleased to know that a lot of espresso makers have this functionality too.
Pros:
- High-quality taste
- Cost-per-use can be less than other machines
- Flexibility to choose your own coffee
Cons:
- A little more complicated to use
- More expensive than coffee pod machines
- Only makes espresso
Filter coffee machines
Filter coffee machines are a great option for those that enjoy black coffee or those that want the flexibility to add their own flavourings after brewing.
By using a filter system, water is infused by dripping through ground coffee. It is then filtered into a carafe ready for serving. Many filter coffee machines also include a hot plate, which will keep your beverage warm until you’re ready to enjoy it.
Pros:
- Fast and easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Makes a large amount of coffee
Cons:
- Needs to be cleaned regularly
- Only makes black coffee
Other considerations for your coffee machine
As well as thinking about the type of coffee machine you want to incorporate into your kitchen space, it’s important to think about additional functionalities you may want from your coffee system. These will impact on how you use your machine, how your coffee tastes, and how your coffee machine fits in with your overall aesthetics.
Whether you want to make the perfect morning pick-me-up or would love to create barista-style coffees at home, investing in a coffee machine is the ideal way to bring a touch of luxury to your kitchen space. From easy-to-use coffee pod machines to professional bean-to-cup coffee machines, there are plenty of models to choose from to suit every lifestyle. Find yours in our range of exquisite integrated coffee machines.
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