Modern coffee machines have come a long way from simple brewing. The latest coffee makers now include intuitive touchscreens, wireless connectivity, and pre-loaded recipes. This improves the brewing process, making it faster and providing an overall better user experience. As a result, brewing coffee at home is no longer a challenge for young baristas, as modern coffee machines are now well-equipped to produce barista-grade coffee with uncompromising quality.
Why You Need a Coffee Machine
The benefits of buying a coffee machine for home use include.
- Cost savings in the long run! Let’s say you buy coffee every morning at an average price of $2-$5 per cup. This could translate to savings of over $800 per year when you brew coffee at home. Coffee tends to remain fresh for weeks, therefore one round of brew can last for a while.
- Coffee tastes better at home. At home, you have the luxury of trying new things or recipes, which is impossible in commercial outlets or coffee shops.
- The option for fresh grounds. Fresh-ground coffee tastes better. At home, you have the option to choose, unlike in retail outlets.
Coffee Maker Buying Guide
Before purchasing a coffee machine, it is important to consider several factors. This guide aims to simplify your decision-making process.
- Quantity. When picking a coffee maker, consider your household size and coffee needs. Some machines have larger tanks for high demand, while others only brew a single cup at a time.
- Type of coffee. Choose your coffee machine based on the coffee you like. Some prefer simple black coffee, while others like more elaborate varieties.
- Cost. Consider your budget when buying a coffee machine. Cheaper models may lack important features, but the most expensive option doesn’t always guarantee the best user experience. Look for the product that offers the best value for your money.
- Kitchen space. Before choosing a coffee maker, carefully consider the size of your kitchen space or countertop where it will be placed.
- Programmable power button. Most recent models have a programmable switch/on/off button that may come in handy at some point in time.
- Coffee grinder. For fresh coffee, get a coffee maker with a built-in grinder or buy one separately. Check out our “coffee grinder” section. Built-in grinders are faster but pricier.
- Water filter. Filtered water enriches the flavor of the coffee. Most coffee models filter the water first before brewing.
- Temperature control function. The quality of brewed coffee depends heavily on temperature. If the temperature is too high, the flavor will evaporate, resulting in a bitter taste. Modern coffee machines come with built-in measures to check the temperature.
- Steamer. This feature may not be needed when making a simple cup of dry coffee but is important for other coffee varieties like the espresso
The 5 Best Coffee Machines
1. Cuisinart DCC 3200 Coffee Maker
Cuisinart’s DCC 3200 Coffee Maker is an exceptional coffee machine that delivers consistent performance. With a 14-cup stainless steel capacity, this fully programmable brewer allows you to choose between regular or bold flavor profiles and features a BPA-free construction, auto-shutoff function, and a self-cleaning mechanism. You can also control the brew strength and benefit from the gold-tone commercial-style filter. An easy-to-view water window ensures precise filling, while the brew-pause feature lets you enjoy a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle ends. The machine has a 60-second reset setting in the event of a power outage, and it comes with a limited 3-year warranty.
2. Hamilton Beach Single-Serve Coffee Brewer
The Hamilton Beach Single Serve Coffee Brewer is a versatile coffee machine that can be programmed in two ways. It comes with an extra-large carafe that has measurement markings, auto-shutoff, and brew-strength control. This coffee maker can brew directly into a travel mug, carafe, or a short cup. It is affordable, low-maintenance, and can brew premium roast or basic coffee in a short amount of time. Additionally, you can set it to brew in advance and wake up to a hot cup of coffee.
3. Ninja Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Brewer
The Ninja Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Brewer is a powerful and compact coffee machine that delivers rich and full coffee flavors from cup to carafe. It has a classic and rich strength setting that ensures the coffee is hot, flavorful, and never bitter. The coffee machine comes with several features such as a removable water reservoir, mid-brew pause, 24-hour delay brew, advanced boiler, adjustable warming plate, and flavor straw. It can brew up to 12 cups of coffee, making it ideal for small gatherings and households.
4. Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System
The Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System is an advanced coffee maker that uses an IQ thermal extraction system to brew a variety of beverages. It can brew hot and cold coffee, tea, and specialty drinks like cappuccinos, chai lattes, macchiatos, and more. With its powerful brewing capabilities, this machine can make rich, smooth, and sweet cold-brew coffee in just 10 minutes.
5. Keurig K-Cafe Single Serve Coffee, Latte, and Cappuccino Maker
The Keurig K-Cafe Single Serve Coffee, Latte, and Cappuccino Maker is a smart and elegant machine that produces high-quality coffee, cappuccinos, and lattes. It features four different cup sizes and is dishwasher-safe, making it easy to use and maintain. The machine boasts a premium finish that adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen. It is an energy-efficient and reliable coffee maker that is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a premium coffee experience without leaving the comfort of their home.
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Verdict
Investing in a coffee maker requires proper care to keep it running. We recommend regular maintenance, such as cleaning and occasional descaling, to remove mold from the machine. Cleaning will help to remove any residue and prevent aftertaste and rust build-up in the machine.
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