Coffee Makers – how do I choose the right machine?

What type of coffee should I use?

There is now so much choice – your coffee can now come in many forms as well as a massive range of flavours and intensities. You can still grind your own beans – however with excellent quality ground coffee and now the new ‘Pods’ system such as the Nespresso capsule system or the Philips Senseo you can make life a little easier for yourself when you are desperate for your caffeine fix in the morning!

What type of machine should I choose?

Filter Coffee Makers

Filter Coffee makers consist of a water reservoir to put the cold water in, filter and coffee holder, a coffee jug for the filter coffee to drip in to and stand or warming plate for the jug to stand on while the coffee is being made and kept warm if necessary. There are two types of filter coffee maker available. Thermostatic hot plates keep your coffee warm after brewing for as long as required. Thermal filter coffee makers use the heat of your coffee to maintain its temperature for up to 4 hours without stewing. To see a selection of filter coffee makers click here

Espresso machines

If you are really serious about coffee this is type of machine you need! The classic espresso is the base of every coffee style. Water is forced through finely ground coffee to give an amazing, intense flavour and deep dark colour. Drink the coffee black (an espresso), or use it as a base to make cappucinos, lattes, mochas and many other variations (just look at a Starbucks menu!)

Bar pressure is an important consideration as the higher the bar pressure the better the coffee – as you need to force the water through to extract the flavour and aroma. Pump machines tend to be around 15 bar and pod/capsule 19 bar (to break through the capsule).

A pump machine heats the water to the correct temperature then forces it through the coffee using an internal pump. This force is very intense than a steam machine and results in a higher quality and better tasting drink. The water tank can also be refilled at any time for unlimited coffee. Only a pump machine produces Crema, which is creamy foam that contains the full flavour of the coffee bean.

For an excellent range of expresso pump machines click here

For pod and capsule coffee machines click here