Which coffee machine to choose?

Capsule coffee machines

Capsule coffee machines are most suitable for “light consumers” (around 3 cups per day). They’re not too expensive and very easy to use, generally being simple machines with few adjustable settings (if any). The principle of the capsule allows you to change the type of coffee with each cup, or even (with systems like Tassimo or Dolce Gusto) to choose between an espresso, a latte, a cappuccino, a cup of tea, hot chocolate, and more. The most well-known brand is obviously Nespresso. With all the Nespresso-compatible capsules now available on the market, you could spend the rest of your days trying new coffees! However, freshness is not their strong point: the coffee contained in each capsule has been ground days, if not months before you drink it (depending on the brand, and whether it is a craft product). Countless brands have now developed their own capsule machines: Nespresso, Delta, Cafés Richard, Bialetti, Vergnano, Illy Lavazza, Caffitaly… When purchasing your capsules, just make sure they are compatible with your machine!

Drip filter coffee makers

Despite the surge in popularity behind espresso in recent years, electric drip filter coffee machines remain the best-selling cafetières around, with over a 50% market share. Nevertheless, these machines are often thought of as low-end and their coffee has a terrible reputation… IT’S ALL LIES!!! Electric or Manual drip filter coffee makers allow users to make coffee from freshly ground beans, thereby capturing all the flavours. It’s all about choosing the right model for you. However, you like a nice crema – it’s impossible to obtain with this method.

Manual espresso machine

Manual espresso machines are synonymous with Italian-style coffee: nice, strong and topped with a nice crema! The espresso is made by heating water in the machine, which then passes through the ground coffee at a pressure of 9 bars or more. A whole array of functions, materials and components are available, to suit all techniques and all budgets. Manual espresso machines require more technical know-how and patience. A top of the range machine will also need to be paired up with a quality coffee grinder or you won’t be able to get the right grind for your espresso.  But what a feeling it is to place your freshly ground coffee in the portafilter, attach it and watch the coffee drip out in front of your very own eyes! There is a wide price range depending on your needs and skills: from machines without adjustable settings to Barista machines that, in the right hands, are capable of producing the perfect espresso!

Automatic coffee machine with integrated grinder

Automatic coffee machines (also known as bean-to-cup coffee machines or coffee machines with integrated grinders) let you make different types of coffees from freshly-ground beans at the touch of a button and get a good espresso extracted at a minimum pressure of 9 bars. Used daily, it can end up being much cheaper and more environmentally friendly than its competitors! Depending on the model you choose, automatic coffee machines can offer great versatility: espresso, long coffee, cappuccino, latte macchiato, tea, hot chocolate…

We hope that this blog post has helped you find the perfect coffee machine for you. There’s no right or wrong answer, as it all boils down to you and your lifestyle. When selecting a coffee machine, make sure to consider your coffee needs, lifestyle, and budget. Whatever coffee machine you choose, make sure to enjoy a great cup of coffee every day!